Seeing the faint satisfaction settle into Razeal's expression as Arthur finished speaking, the prince couldn't help but smile as well. He threw his head back slightly and laughed, the sound light and unguarded.
"Hahaha," Arthur laughed, clearly pleased. "It's rare to meet someone who actually understands what I'm saying instead of calling it nonsense."
Outwardly, he looked relaxed, even jovial. But deep inside, his eyes sharpened, his thoughts moving far faster than his words.
This boy… Arthur studied Razeal from the corner of his vision. He's absurdly strong for his age. Human or not, this isn't normal. Not even close.
Arthur had fought geniuses. He had trained under monsters. He had seen prodigies who shattered expectations.. but Razeal was different. There was no polished arrogance in him, no cultivated confidence born from being praised since birth. His strength felt… earned. Tempered. Like something carved out through pain rather than gifted by fate.
