Chapter 4
Five years had gone by since I last walked into the Capital, and it almost felt like a lifetime had passed.
The city walls still towered high, and the streets were as lively and crowded as ever.
But the person taking it all in had changed; my heart was nothing like it used to be.
I didn't bother with the inn. Instead, I'd already spent a fortune on a courtyard house before I even arrived.
It was tucked away in a quiet spot—nothing showy, just peaceful and refined.
After settling in with Mallory, I felt at ease. The Merchant Summit wouldn't start for another two weeks, so we had all the time in the world.
I was hoping to keep things quiet, finish up what I needed at the Merchant Summit, and leave as soon as I could.
But out of nowhere, something I never saw coming messed up all my plans.
That day, I took Mallory to stroll through the famous street for rare books and antiques.
Mallory set her sights on a collection of rare ancient texts, so I asked the shopkeeper to wrap them up for us.
But before we could pay, a noble boy dressed in extravagant clothes suddenly stepped in and snatched the books right out of the shopkeeper's hands.
"I'll be taking these," he declared, his voice dripping with arrogance.
He was full of himself, and the servants behind him looked just as overbearing.
I frowned, not really wanting to get into any drama.
"Hey, my son picked out that book before you did," I said, keeping my cool.
The noble boy gave us a lazy, dismissive look, pure contempt in his eyes.
"Your son? Just some merchant's brat? You really think he's worthy of reading those books?" he scoffed.
I shot the noble boy a frosty glare.
But Mallory gently tugged at my sleeve, his face calm and composed as he looked up, saying, "'Education knows no class.' Even the wisest say we should not judge people by their birth. So, pray tell, what makes your rules greater than theirs?"
His voice was clear and confident, every word precise—neither meek nor arrogant.
In that moment, the entire store went dead silent.
All eyes fell on the five-year-old child.
The noble boy's face flushed bright red, so embarrassed he was left speechless.
"You... you little whelp, how dare you lecture me?" he finally sputtered.
Just then, there was a sudden commotion outside the store.
A middle-aged man in royal dress, radiating authority, entered with an imposing presence, escorted by a group of guards.
The shopkeeper and all the customers immediately bowed.
"Your Majesty!" everyone called out.
My heart jumped. I quickly pulled Mallory beside me and lowered my head.
The King? Why would he show up here incognito?
The King waved his hand, signaling for everyone to cut out the ceremony.
His gaze landed on Mallory, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Was that you speaking just now?" he asked.
Mallory stood up straight, cupped his hands in salute, and remained calm and composed.
"Your Majesty, yes, I was the one speaking," he replied.
The King studied him with genuine interest.
"Quite composed for someone so young. What's your name?" he asked.
"Mallory Chasey," Mallory replied.
"Mallory Chasey..." the King repeated, nodding. "You spoke very well just now. 'Education knows no class'—even I feel a bit ashamed of myself after hearing that."
He turned to the arrogant noble boy, his expression darkening.
"You must be the Deputy Minister of Rites, Garth Alvarez's son, right? Using your father's influence to throw your weight around and bully others, and even twisting the words of the sages. You're a disgrace to your father!" the King snapped.
The noble boy was so terrified he nearly lost his soul, lowering his head and pleading like crazy.
"Your Majesty, please have mercy! Your Majesty, please!" he begged, his voice trembling.
The King ignored him and turned to Mallory with a smile.
"Mallory, what books have you read?" he asked.
Mallory replied without missing a beat, "I've already gone through Kingdom's Rising and On Wealth, and right now I'm working on Statecraft and The Art of War."
A flicker of surprise crossed the King's eyes.
He casually quizzed Mallory on a few allusions from Statecraft.
Mallory answered smoothly, even able to elaborate and offer his own perspective.
"Therefore, I believe that while King Merlin's laws may bring immediate benefits, their drawbacks will last for generations. Harsh punishments and strict laws might yield short-term results, but in the long run, they only alienate the people," he said.
His analysis was clear and well-organized, with remarkably mature insights; it was hard to believe such words came from a five-year-old.
The King was overjoyed, bursting out laughing and clapping his hands in delight.
"Excellent! That 'drawbacks that last for generations'—what a remarkable insight. You truly are a child prodigy!" he exclaimed.
The King found himself growing more and more fond of Mallory with every passing moment.
"I'm in need of a young attendant by my side. Would you be willing to enter the palace and accompany the Crown Prince in his studies?" the King asked.
Accompany the Crown Prince in his studies?
My heart clenched at the words.