Chapter 1692 - 128: Escape

Thus, he continued forward and finally arrived at the enemy kingdom’s royal capital. He declared in the shadows that he would burn the royal palace down during the enemy princess’s coming-of-age banquet. Overnight, the entire royal capital was on high alert because of this prince, as they searched everywhere hoping to find this ghost-like prince from the enemy nation seeking revenge.

After much toil and trouble, they only found a letter he left in a secret inn, advising the enemy king to govern diligently, while the prince himself had already departed, having abandoned his assassination attempt.

This story has been adapted and discussed multiple times in the literary history of Nali. Writers and politicians endlessly debate the metaphors and viewpoints within the text.

Some say this prince was wise, as he could transcend his own hatred to pursue righteousness; others say the prince merely used righteousness as an excuse for his cowardice.

The text provides multiple clues suggesting that this prince was actually a coward at heart. Even his revenge plan germinated amidst his wife’s cold ridicule, and after meeting his now-settled-down sister’s persuasion, he was extremely conflicted. He continued with the assassination plan only because he feared being ridiculed by his wife if he returned.

In other words, the book portrays that the rule of the enemy kingdom might just be the same, perhaps even indistinguishable from the rule of his homeland. His cowardice and weakness subconsciously drove him to look for excuses to evade, only to beautify everything that was currently underway...

No matter whether the prince in the story was a sage who understood righteousness or a cowardly weakling, Fisher felt that such a text-heavy story might not suit Alicia, a five-year-old child. It might be better to go for something with big, playful scenes.

Although "General Baroan" might be a little later in terms of timing, Fisher still suggested choosing this scene,

"Otherwise, shall we watch ’General Baroan’?"

Renie blinked, looked back at the program above, and said,

"Is there enough time? It might be quite late when we return. Aren’t you worried about being caught by Elizabeth?"

"If we’re quick..."

"How about watching ’Revenge’? It seems to be a newly adapted version, though I don’t know how well it’s performed. What do you think?"

Fisher glanced at Renie. He didn’t really mind. Since Renie wanted to watch that scene, he agreed.

Seeing the arrangement was settled, Renie boldly bought three seats in the front row. They waited there patiently, waiting for the audience to be seated, waiting for the play to start officially.

During the wait, Fisher looked at the expectant Renie by his side, feeling inclined to ask,

"Are you this excited? It’s the first time I’ve seen you so enthusiastic after bringing you so many times."

"Oh, is it that obvious?"

"Yes."

"Well, it’s also about having a point of comparison. Previously, I stayed by your side for a long time, so there were many opportunities like this. And back then, it wasn’t as tense as it is now. The leisure of free time isn’t as perceptible; it’s only during busy times that leisure feels genuinely relaxing... Moreover, I’m stealing you away from Elizabeth now. Extra added challenges making it even more exciting for me~"

It seemed that the latter reason was her main source of joy.

However, mentioning this, Fisher’s expression turned contemplative as he proactively inquired,

"So, what’s the solution you have arranged with the gods to solve the Doomsday Prophecy?"

"Everyone, please take your seats. The play is about to begin. Please avoid making loud noises during the performance and refrain from eating foods with strong odors to ensure other audience members have a pleasant experience. Thank you all for your cooperation!"

At this moment, the announcer had walked out from backstage. As it was an afternoon session, and "Revenge" was originally a rather niche play, there weren’t many people who bought tickets to watch, scattered and seated sparsely, waiting for the play to start.

But regardless of the number of viewers, the actors on stage still needed to perform earnestly and wholeheartedly.

Just after the announcer retreated from the stage, the lights in the entire auditorium suddenly dimmed, making Renie’s profile beside him appear blurred.

Fisher still looked at her, hoping for an answer, but Renie just focused on the stage, watching the grand entrance of the first act’s actors.

Amidst the clashing of swords and rivers of ice, the downtrodden prince threw his farming tools to the ground amidst his wife’s disdainful ridicule, and dramatically sang out,

"Ah, my homeland perished amidst the flames that spread through the night, its master could only skulk away, letting the years ferment like wine in the dim cellar..."

The long, weighty dialogue drama failed to capture interest, but out of the corner of his eye, upon seeing the focused look on Renie’s face, he couldn’t help but direct his attention to the performance unfolding before him.

As the script progressed, Fisher quickly discovered that the version of the play being performed adopted the second interpretation prevalent in the literary world, namely: this prince was indeed a coward. He abandoned the assassination not for any noble cause but entirely out of timidity and cowardice.

He feared the powerful enemy kingdom, feared the near-certain death of the assassination, and repeatedly questioned his struggling heart about what excuse he could find to abandon the assassination.