Jace was on the verge of completing his invention. He had mounted a small automatic turbine onto the waterwheel and connected the energy shaft to it using a series of gears and belts. The copper wires, carefully insulated with cloth and tar, transferred kinetic energy to the light bulb. Jace had crafted a simple light bulb using a glass jar, with a metal wire as the filament, which would glow when heated.
As dawn approached, the sky still dim, Jace cautiously flipped the power switch, a small wooden button. He took a deep breath and pressed it.
The waterwheel began to turn, slowly at first, but gaining speed as the water flow increased. The generator hummed, and the mechanical parts buzzed with energy. Moments later, the makeshift bulb flickered, casting a warm and steady glow throughout the mansion.
"Where does this light come from? It's as bright as the sun," Vanka exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement.
"Your Highness, I've never seen anything like this. It's incredible," Ikam said, her tear-streaked face resembling a little kitten under the new light, with dried tears marking her cheeks.
"But this light is neither from candles nor lanterns. Where is it coming from?" Ikam smiled more as she touched the glowing bulb, only to pull her hand back because it was slightly hot.
As the mansion filled with light, the estate became clearer. In the corner by the rusty iron gate, a few sticks leaned against it, used for guarding against intruders. Jace grabbed a few and hung the bulbs on them.
"Your Highness, with this, we’ll never have to fear those snobbish officials again. Those idiots do nothing but sit behind their towering desks, picking their noses," Vanka declared, striding forward with the bulb on a stick.
"But if Simon finds out about this light, he'll probably try to mess with us again. Last time, he destroyed our candles. Who knows what he’ll do next?" Ikam whined, trailing behind.
"Pah, don't jinx it, Ikam," Vanka turned around, frowning.
Soon, new news arrived. That afternoon, envoys from abroad came to Chance's estate, announcing, "The King summons the Fourth Prince."
In the palace, the foreign King Bors sat on the throne, flanked by several envoys who stood like statues, only this time, unlike statues, their faces bore peaceful expressions. Even the deep lines on Bors’ face had softened.
"Jace, I'm assigning you to military management next. Getting this opportunity marks the beginning of your honor; make sure you perform well."
Jace looked at the old king's face and the statuesque envoys, who all wore satisfied smiles.
This new duty was the Emperor’s way of honing Jace’s skills. After receiving the command, Jace immediately began training his troops. One day, during a routine drill, a messenger hurried in.
"Prince Jace, that legendary thief has been spotted at 48 West City Road. We've been monitoring her."
Hearing this, Jace thought it was the perfect chance to test his army's training. He gathered his commanders and devised a plan to capture the thief. Meanwhile, Simon rushed to the Emperor, vividly describing Jace's misdeeds at the House of Blossoms.
"Father, Jace frequents brothels, tainting our royal bloodline. My men recently went to the House of Blossoms, a place of ill repute," Simon accused.
The Emperor, furious, his face darkening, immediately ordered Jace to be summoned.
"Prince Jace, the foreign king summons you. He seems very angry, so be careful," a soldier ran over, his face full of concern.
"It seems the old king is angry, probably because of me. But I haven’t done anything wrong. It must be Simon stirring up trouble again," Jace muttered, heading toward the palace.
Jace entered the palace and knelt down. Unlike last time, the king's advisors, now stone-faced, stood still like statues.
"Jace, as a noble, how could you visit such places? Do you understand?" King Bors gripped his golden cane, as if ready to strike Jace with it.
"What places?" Jace struggled to recall.
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