The Crown Prince continued to look at him for a moment before speaking. "You are very impressive. I've heard a lot about you, but meeting you in person feels very different."
Skymender did not interrupt. The Crown Prince of the Ergen Kingdom was 15 years old. He was naturally arrogant, as was his right given by birth. If nothing went wrong, he would become a king. It was far more than anyone else could say. Besides the Imperial Crown Prince, of course.
If he wanted Skymender dead, then there was hardly anything Skymender could do. Perhaps if his sister got involved, things would change, but unless she became an actual Sword Master, she could not truly stop the intent of a Crown Prince.
"I am very curious. Would you mind satisfying my curiosity?"
Skymender shook his head. "Of course not."
The Crown Prince spoke. "So, your Eldest Sister, as well as your Eldest brother, are extremely exceptional. Even in the entire Empire, they can be considered more or less unmatched in their fields. You seem to be on the path of becoming the third such person. Is there something special about your bloodline?"
Skymender shook his head. He did not understand why the Crown Prince was asking such a thing.
"Not any more special than any other noble family. Perhaps we are indeed a bit older."
The Crown Prince nodded. "Indeed. But if it is not the specialness of your bloodline, then it must simply be luck, right?"
Skymender shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose."
"Then is that luck simply natural and random, or is it favoring your family?"
Skymender did not respond, but looked at the Crown Prince confused.
The Crown Prince's face suddenly changed, and he looked at Skymender with pure seriousness, all of his arrogance vanished.
"The sky doesn't move, but the world still rotates."
Skymender didn't even know how to react. Why was the Crown Prince spouting nonsense?
The Crown Prince looked deeply at Skymender's face before smiling. "Nevermind. Forget about our conversation."
He stood up and left. Skymender saw something in his eyes, but wasn't sure if it was disappointment or relief.
He shook his head, doing as the Crown Prince had said and forgetting.
Few people seemed to notice their brief conversation. The Crown Prince had been quite hidden after all.
Skymender continued to rest and wait. Occasionally, he would greet people or speak to them.
Time passed in this manor until the clock hit 9:30 pm.
At this moment, the Imperial Scholar came out.
SIlence fell and everyone found a seat.
"It is now time to report the results of the intelligence exam."
The Imperial Scholar cleared his throat before speaking.
"As you know, the results are adjusted into points and scored based on age. I will begin from number 10. Duke Vult's daughter, Vultries, number 9…"
The Imperial Scholar began to read names out, many of which were familiar. Each and every single name was of a person at least 15 years old or older. Skymender did not hear his name for the first eight, and the top two came out.
"Number two, Crown Prince of the Ergen Kingdom."
Surprise filled the room. He had taken the test, and had been expected to win, but had not. He was the only one among all of the royal and Imperial families to participate, but had failed to secure first place.
Even some of the kings faces flickered.
"First place… Skymender, of the Sky Barony."
This announcement was far more surprising than any other. Even Skymender had not expected it.
The Imperial Scholar looked at him deeply before continuing to speak.
"All top ten, report to the throne room immediately."
Skymender did not hesitate, moving out under shocked gazes of disbelief.
Before long, everyone had gathered. Coming in with them was the Emperor, as well as the King of the Ergen Kingdom.
The Emperor sat on his throne, while the King stood off to the side and listened.
The Emperor spoke the person in tenth place's name, spoke a score, and gave a prize.
It was said that the exam was based on 100 points. The person in tenth place scored a 50.
This was already extremely high, proving how difficult the test was. In addition, this person had already taken the test before, as had everyone else in the room besides Skymender.
Though the test changed every time, this undoubtedly gave an advantage.
Skymender watched as he moved through the rankings. 3rd place got a 63, rather high.
Finally, two test takers were in the throne room.
"Crown Prince of the Ergen Kingdom. 75 points. It is indeed surprising that you did not win."
The Crown Prince nodded. "I am no less surprised. I had underestimated my opponent."
"To you, I will let your father reward you."
The Crown Prince nodded, having expected this.
The Crown Prince bowed and left the throne room. This left only Skymender, the Imperial Scholar, the King of the Ergen Kingdom, and Sword Master Shang.
Silence reigned over the room for a while, before laughter burst out from the side.
The Imperial Scholar was laughing so loud that the sound nearly exited the thick walls of the throne room.
The King of the Ergen Kingdom rolled his eyes and turned.
The laughter was directed at him.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I tried to hold it in. Haha."
The Imperial Scholar was grabbing his stomach.
The Emperor's face twitched. It was unknown if he was feeling displeased, or holding back laughter.
Skymender found the situation oddly warm. It was as if he was seeing the top of the Empire acting human.
Only Sword Master Shang had no reaction, closing his eyes.
"That's enough." The Emperor said after a while.
The Imperial Scholar stifled his laughter, though his face was still twisted.
"You just won me a lot of money kid." He said before the Emperor spoke.
"First place, Skymender. To you… hmmm…"
The Emperor fell deep into thought.
"I'll let Fei Luzi reward you."
Skymender was surprised. He turned to the Imperial Scholar, who stopped laughing.
"Here." As if prepared, the Imperial Scholar tossed Skymender a card.
"That will be useful in the future. Don't worry about it for now."
Skymender nodded, bowed, and left.
As the doors closed, the amused looks, smirks, twitched faces, and reminiscence of laughter immediately ceased.