Regalus came back to reality, but the answer remained the same. Nothing will get between him and his well-earned retirement.

"What do you mean father?" Regalus pretended to be surprised by their response, "Personal strength is fine and all, but aren't allies, intelligence, and even wealth also considered strength. By this measure, I have no need to be personally strong, as my strength is the same as the country I, as you say, would possibly rule. If that is so, I only need to ensure the prosperity and strength of this [Arendale Country], all of which could easily be done with pen- I mean brush and paper"

'...and keep my retirement. I believe I can run a kingdom or two easily.'

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Lent became flabbergasted at his opinion, "B-But flying swords my son," Lent grabbed Regalus by the shoulders and shook him, "Swords... that F L I E S! Are you not a man? You couldn't possibly swing that way could yo-"

Aria pushed him away before he could finish. A sigh came from her as she palmed her face from Lent's words before turning to Regalus.

"..."

"Son, I know you are proud of your intelligence," Aria looked at Regalus with pride, "Even those tutors we sent you were no match for your astuteness. However, the world doesn't always work the way it does on paper. You need to be powerful. Only when you can shoulder the skies would people trust in you."

"Indeed I agree with your mother. And how else to show power by being a mortal! I've seen stories of cultivators doing miracles, defeating G.o.ds and demons, looking down from the Heavens. But I have yet seen a story of a mortal that has done so!" Regalus still pressed on. His retirement was on the line, not mentioning that bad premonition he had ever since this conversation started.

Lent stood up, dusting off his s.h.i.+rt.

"If you really do not want to cultivate that much, I will have no choice but to use that..."

"...I'm using... the 'Honor thy Father' card!"

"I'm sorry, what?"

'I've heard of the 'Nice Guy' card but what the h.e.l.l is an 'Honor thy Father' card,' Regalus thought. He looked over at his mother and saw her palming her face one more.

---

A small moment pa.s.sed and Lent blushed from embarra.s.sment before Aria broke the silence.

"I'm the sorry son, but you never had a choice, to begin with. You may ask of us, your parents, anything. However, this must be done," Aria said afterward.

Regalus knew it was a done deal, to begin with, but he couldn't be blamed for trying. He knew where this conversation was gonna end.

Lent coughed and regained the majestic aura he threw away, his eyes stopped being silly and became serious, and even saddened. "The day of your birthday and debut... will be the night you leave us. You will be going to a renowned school far away from our country, the Vyra Royal Academy! You will learn to forge your path and brighten your horizons there. Every generation of Arendale has left a mark there and soon, it will be your turn. It is your responsibility as an Arendale... and as my son!"

Regalus saw it coming but that didn't stop him from widening his eyes. His eyes welled up but that was all it did. In truth, he felt wronged. He just wanted to spend a normal, mortal life, living no longer than 100. Live and grow happily with his parents, take the mantle, take the kingdom up a level or two, see the pride in his parent's eyes and die peacefully, that is what Regalus wants. None of that kingdom destroying, heaven-defying actions, he's already done that enough and retired from that.

'Two months. Two months until my birthday. That is all I have left. Three thousand years of war and loneliness and an only a mere 7 years is meant to be my reprieve? No, that's not gonna happen, I won't allow it. I shall finish that Academy thing as soon as possible and return here to my parents peacefully. I shouldn't do anything that should lengthen my stay at the Academy, nor tie any knots there. I promise I shall be... low-key.'

It was at that tearful moment that Regalus made an ill-fated promise.