Chapter 72. Talking with Mother Vivian, and the Diligent Training of Everyone
William took out a bottle of High-Grade Healing Potion from his Spatial Ring, pulled out the stopper, and drank it in one gulp.
The potion turned into a warm current the moment it entered his throat, quickly flowing through his limbs and bones. The final trace of exhaustion was swept away, and even his spirit was refreshed.
He looked at Vivian and asked softly, “Mother, nothing serious happened during this time, right?”
Vivian shook her head, her tone sounding much more relaxed.
“There were a few minor frictions, but they were all suppressed in time. Nothing turned into real trouble.”
She paused, as if remembering something, and added, “It was mainly the Queen’s side. When she saw your father placing such trust in Duke Tuso, she complained a few times in private.”
William looked at Vivian. From the emphasis in his mother’s tone, he knew the Queen had done far more than merely “complain a few times.”
His gaze darkened slightly, and his voice carried a hint of coldness.
“I hope she behaves herself and does not play dirty tricks. If she really crosses the line, even if Father is present, I will still settle accounts with her.”
Vivian was momentarily stunned, then gently patted William’s arm.
“Matters within the royal family are not that simple. For now, you only need to take care of yourself. Your father will handle the rest.”
William did not respond.
“About when will Father return to the Royal Capital?”
Vivian thought for a moment.
“Probably another month.”
“Your maternal grandfather, Marquis Peter, sent word that the ten legions your father recently established in the Royal Capital suffered heavy losses this time—about three-fifths of their forces were lost. But fortunately, the overall structure remains intact.”
“On the way back, they will recruit soldiers along the route. Once the ranks are filled again, they will likely return to the Royal Capital and formally receive the title of Royal Legions.”
William nodded. His gaze fell upon Vivian’s slightly tired face, and he said gently, “Mother, you should go back and rest as well. Otherwise, wrinkles might secretly creep onto your face.”
Vivian glared at him in mock annoyance, though the corners of her lips lifted in a smile.
“You child, always teasing me.”
She stood up, and William immediately followed.
The maids at the side stepped forward and skillfully helped William dress.
“Mother, I will escort you.”
William supported Vivian’s arm.
“You have worked hard during this time. Please make sure you get proper rest when you return.”
As he spoke, he took out another small ring from his Spatial Ring and handed it to her.
“This is a small token from your son. Inside are various High-Grade Beauty-Preserving Potions. You can try them.”
Vivian smiled as she accepted it, gently rubbing the ring with her fingertips.
“You rascal, always flattering me.”
Yet she did not hesitate at all and immediately placed the ring on her finger.
“No need to escort me further. I am leaving.”
She waved her hand and slowly departed with her maids. Though her back carried a hint of fatigue, there was also a sense of relaxed reassurance.
William stood at the doorway and watched his mother’s figure disappear at the end of the corridor before turning back into his room.
Sunlight filtered through the window lattice and fell onto the carpet, filling the room with warmth.
William walked straight toward the Western Side Hall.
During this time, he wondered if their training had slackened.
He quickly arrived at the Western Side Hall. The moment he stepped through the entrance, he saw a soft silver radiance flowing throughout the hall.
It was the Dou Qi aura unique to the Silver Rank.
A smile immediately appeared on William’s face. He had not expected that all nine of them had already broken through to Silver-level strength. Their progress was quite fast—talent truly made a difference.
His arrival startled the nine people who were cultivating. They quickly withdrew their energy, hurried forward, bowed deeply, and greeted him with genuine joy.
“Your Highness, you have returned! That is wonderful!”
“Your Highness, we have been thinking about you the whole time.”
“Your Highness, are you unharmed?”
William raised a hand to signal them.
The nine people immediately fell silent, their gazes focusing on him in unison, their eyes filled with both respect and closeness.
“Not bad,” William said as he observed their steady auras, his tone filled with approval. “I did not expect all of you to break through to Silver Rank. It seems none of you have been slacking.”
A’gu, who stood at the front, stepped forward respectfully.
“Your Highness gave us the chance to live as real people again. Naturally, we must cultivate diligently to repay Your Highness.”
William nodded and shifted his gaze to Bach, the Sky Knight standing nearby, and the woman in mage robes beside him.
She was Bach’s wife, the Sky Mage Karin.
Back in Qila City, Tos had already reported Karin’s situation to him.
William felt deep gratitude for Karin’s willingness to remain in the Western Side Hall and sincerely teach Kyle, Ling, and the others magic.
“Knight Bach, Mage Karin, thank you both for your hard work during this time.”
William spoke sincerely and then took out a Spatial Ring, handing it to Karin.
“Please accept this. Consider it a small token of my gratitude.”
Karin instinctively wanted to decline. After all, gifts from the royal family often carried hidden meanings.
She glanced at her husband. Bach gave her a slight nod.
Looking again at William, she saw that his gaze was frank and sincere. There was not the slightest trace of calculation—only appreciation for her genuine efforts.
“No need to refuse,” William said with a firm tone, waving his hand slightly. “You have sincerely taught them. This is what you deserve.”
Karin no longer hesitated. She accepted the ring with both hands and bowed.
“Thank you for Your Highness’s generous reward.”
William smiled.
“I should be the one thanking you. Kyle and the others have rather lively personalities. They must have caused you quite a bit of trouble.”
“Your Highness jests,” Karin replied with a gentle smile. “Kyle and the others possess outstanding talent and learn very quickly. They are rare and excellent seedlings.”
William nodded.
Those without talent would never have entered the Western Side Hall in the first place.
He then took out nine Spatial Rings and handed one to each of the nine people.
“Inside are some Cultivation Resources. Take them and cultivate well. Do not disappoint my trust. Understood?”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The nine people responded in unison. As they received the rings, their eyes shone with excitement.
Only then did William turn and leave the Western Side Hall, heading straight toward Aganzo’s Knight Palace.
He was thinking about Zoe.
That girl possessed excellent talent. He wondered how her cultivation had progressed during this time.
Given her personality, she had probably already broken through to Silver Rank. Perhaps she had even touched the Gold Realm?
When he arrived at the entrance of the Knight Palace, William informed the guards of his identity and was quickly led inside.
Zoe was nowhere to be seen in the hall. Only Aganzo sat by the window, quietly wiping a longsword.
“Little William is here. Sit.”
Aganzo did not even raise his head as he pointed to the chair opposite him.
William sat down, his gaze instinctively scanning the hall.
He was clearly searching for Zoe.
Seeing this, Aganzo put down the sword and laughed.
“Enough. Stop looking. Zoe is currently breaking through to become a Gold Knight.”
There was both satisfaction and helplessness in his tone.
“That child is far too competitive. I have no idea what kind of spell you cast on her to make her train so desperately.”
“As her master, seeing my disciple work this hard, I naturally have to support her. I gave her a bottle of Dragonheart Awakening Potion. She is currently breaking through in the inner hall. With her talent, she should succeed.”
William’s heart filled with delight.
“The people I choose never lack talent.”
Aganzo raised an eyebrow.
“You brat. You certainly know how to praise yourself.”
“But her achievements today are half due to talent and half due to sheer determination. Last time, while practicing swordsmanship, she pushed herself until she collapsed from exhaustion. I had to drag her back by force to make her rest.”
Hearing this, William recalled the promise he had made with Zoe before departing and could not help smiling.
“Then I will not disturb her breakthrough.”
William stood up.
“Once she succeeds, please convey my congratulations to her for me, Grandfather Aganzo.”
“Do not worry about it,” Aganzo waved his hand. “You seem to be in quite a hurry. Do you have other matters to deal with?”
William nodded.
“Yes, there are indeed a few things to handle. I will take my leave first.”
As he left the Knight Palace, William felt much lighter.
Zoe breaking through to Gold Rank was undoubtedly excellent news for him.