Challenge
2506 Words
All of the major plans have been listed in his personal book or rather a diary. He stretched his arms in relief. He knew that if this thing went according to plan. He will succeed. There are so many things that he doesn’t know about the kingdom. That is because he mainly focuses on screwing around rather than working as a royal prince.
It’s been a week since he was left alone in his room as he starts reminiscing about the previous life. In the modern world. He had a lot of freedom than here. Working as a royal prince is a pain in the ass as you need to make an appearance anywhere within the kingdom. Not only that his security detail is on watch 24/7. His actions are being monitored and watched all the time. Except in the modern world where he can go to the national library to read books, meet with a handful of scientists and engineers, join conferences, and attend research presentations all around the world.
But his life there was lonely, he has never had a chance to meet a girl in his life. He has been single for 43 years in the modern world. That’s because Gerald is indulging himself in the wonder of science. Even though he has some female colleagues, he doesn’t interact with them. In his previous life as Gerald. He’s been popular with the ladies thanks for his handsome looks but all of that changed when he died.
He wants to become a king, take revenge on his brother, and live a happy normal life. Like having a wife and kids. Those are one of his dreams. He’s been thirty for romance since being lonely or without a girl in 43 years has had a great impact on his mental behavior. He considered the modern world as a mission specifically information gathering in case he died he may return to his original world.
Now, nine days have passed and the injury is now healed. He’s been wanting to explore the royal palace once again. To make preparation he called his personal maid and ordered her to prepare his bath and clothes.
“Will do your Highness, also the King wishes for your appearance in the royal palace backyard. Your family is waiting for you there.”
Perfect timing Gerald thought. He had never seen his family since he was executed by his brother. Though his father, mother, and his sister will die of some disease. But, he will save them no matter what. Not only that, he will have a chance to prove that the timeline can be changed. He is the only one who can prove that because a physicist in the modern world had never traveled back in time to prove the theory.
Speaking of his family dying at some point in time. Specifically 10 years from now. He can’t wait to be once reunited with them.
He finished his bath, wore his white suits and a red cape, and went towards the royal palace backyard where everyone is waiting.
Anne escorted him to the royal palace backyard. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the backyard where his family was waiting for him. They were seated around the round table where a variety of foods are elegantly presented on the table. It looks like a celebration.
There he saw four people seated around the table. Those are his father, mother, younger sister, and his elder brother. Just by seeing his elder brother who executed him ten years later is smiling at him. Gerald sneered. His brother’s smile is infuriating enough to make Gerald punch his smiling face.
“Are you okay Gerald?”
His father asked him with a slightly worried tone. He seems to have noticed his facial expression towards his brother.
“I’m fine, anyway why did you call me here father?” He replied.
“We’re here to celebrate your recovery. Jeez Gerald you should watch your steps...I don’t know what will happen to me if you…Never mind. The important thing is that you are fine now. Hurry, have a seat.”
The king beckoned Gerald to sit beside him and Gerald complied. Now seating beside him the tense atmosphere seems to gradually diminish. He doesn’t know what to do since he had never expected to meet his family this early. Just by looking around it feels like they were having a family reunion.
The king has always been busy in governmental affairs while his mother is occasionally doing some photo-ops throughout the kingdom and enforcing the king’s policy. His brother is always studying in the royal library while his sister is enjoying her childhood ignorant of how the world works.
“Now, that we are all here please dig in.”
It’s a signal of attack. Gerald began to devour his food in an instant. He’s been longing for good food since. In the modern world. He rarely eats luxurious foods. The only chance that he can visit expensive restaurants is by having a meeting with his friends.
Everyone was surprised at Gerald's eating style but he ignored them. It may affect his status as a royal. The royal family has a strict rule in dining etiquette but it was Gerald they were talking about. The troublemaker child, naughty, and loud. They will slip it for now since this dinner is a celebration of Gerald’s recovery.
The Empire of Brittia, the world’s superpower in terms of economics, military, territory, and population. They have lands that extend beyond the isles and the mainland continent to five oceans influencing all six continents. His father, the king, is the 11th king of the Empire of Brittia and the famous world’s wonder that leads the Imperial industrialization, Victor del Stuart! Following with his wife, Cecile del Stuart!
They have three children which are Roland del Stuart, Gerald del Stuart, and Alice del Stuart.
Even though their parents are in their late thirties, their beautiful faces are still blooming like a flower. Meanwhile, their children, who are also handsome and beautiful.
I digress.
“Roland and Gerald, next year you’ll be attending the royal academy where you can sharpen your skills, enhance your knowledge, and learn technical skills.” The king said in a gentle soft voice, “In the future, one of you can become the king of this country where you will lead the country and our people. But, I am worried about Gerald for having a lower chance in the fight for the throne. You’d been a troublemaker since then but I believe that you have something within you.”
“Father are you sure about that?” Roland protested, “I mean Gerald has not been able to mark 50 points in the mathematical fundamental test. It is 50 out of 100 and yet he only scored 10?”
“So, are you saying that you’re the only one fit for the throne?” Gerald asked straightly.
“It's not even a question. I’m the only one who’s fit enough to inherit father’s throne.”
“Arrogant as ever...you’d never change Roland, always acting high and mighty.”
“You don’t have the right to speak to me that way. I don’t talk to someone who can’t even ace the basic math question.”
“Then why not ask me some math questions huh? I’ll do you a favor. We can proceed to multiplication and division. It can be two digits and check three digits. But, if I answered it correctly within ten seconds. You’ll recognize my position and my rights for the right of the throne.”
“You’ve got some guts huh? Where did that confidence come from? No one has been able to solve multiplication with three digits within ten seconds.”
“Then, if I answer that correctly does that mean that I’m the first one ever to do that? Go grab some paper and write your question, solve it and cover it so I can’t see it. Do you agree father?”
The king had never since seen Gerald determine expression. He was somewhat happy and concerned about him. By challenging his elder brother in mathematics which is Roland’s forte. Viktor can only assume this as a bluff. But what if Gerald managed to solve it? Does that mean that his second son is a late bloomer genius?
Viktor looks to his wife requesting permission. Their daughter doesn’t seem to care since she’s just five years old. The queen nodded gently and with that assent. The king spoke.
“Okay, in this battle I the king should be the judge. I’ll ask you three math questions with a higher difficulty. The two of you can pick your paper and pens for solving. Whoever got the third mark wins. According to your bets, if Gerald wins, Roland should recognize his right to the throne while Roland is…”
“If Gerald loses, then I wish that you father would strip his right to the throne. The future king should not make arrogant claims that he can’t back with.”
“It’s not arrogance, it's just that I’m confident that I will defeat you in your best subject. To prove that, I will not need paper and a pen. I will just solve it mentally” He said while tapping his right temple.
“I don’t like being underestimated by such fools.”
“With that aside, then let’s start,” The king said, “Ready your papers and mind, the first question is. 357 multiply by 876 is the product of?”
After hearing the question, Roland began to solve the problem quickly. He is writing in the paper at such speed. Solving it as fast as he can. Meanwhile, Gerald seems unfazed. By looking at him, it seems to him he’s not troubled at all. He just crossed his arms and closed his eyes and said.
“Father, can it be a little bit harder?” He said in a haughty tone, “The answer is 312,732.”
When Roland heard his answer. His pen suddenly stopped. It’s just been three-five seconds and he was still writing the equation and yet Gerald was able to solve it quickly that he can imagine. The King and the Queen were shocked as well. The king had the answer already and showed it to the queen.
“Father is that correct?” Roland urges, he wishes that Gerald is wrong. But if he does solve it in a short time then not only his pride will be affected, his position will be too.
The king sighed, “It’s correct. The answer is 312,732”
“Impossible!” Roland slammed the table. “Impossible, how can you do that? What method did you use to solve it? No… maybe my father’s calculation is off. I will confirm it right away and expose the real answer!”
“Do as you please,” Gerald said.
With that, Roland solved the question and the answer surprised him.
“Impossible! It's really 312,732”
His hands began to tremble slightly, No one was able to solve that quickly.
“Are you for another question?” Gerald challenged.
To Gerald, this wasn’t even a fight. What Roland didn’t know is that he is facing one of the most influential scientists in the modern world. Having four Ph. Ds that would have been six since he was planning to. He had never had a chance in the first place.
Roland’s ego cannot let this happen. So he asked for another round since it was best of three after all. The next question is 546 x 982 and 420 x 782. Those questions were answered by Gerald in just five seconds. The king, queen, and his brother cannot believe what was happening. What made Gerald so smart that he defeated his brother? Was it because of a fall? Did something happen to his brain that he suddenly has the power to solve hard mathematical equations?
“The winner is Gerald del Stuart with a score of three out of zero. Therefore, Roland del Stuart shall recognize the right of the throne of Gerald del Stuart as per accordance in both parties’ bets. Also, congratulations Gerald, I never knew that you were such a genius. I can die in peace. Having two genius sons. What gift could I wish for?”
“I understand.” Roland accepted his defeat. “But, it's just a mathematical equation. Everyone can solve it with enough time. Let’s have another challenge. When we graduate from the royal academy whoever becomes the top wins. And if I lose to you then I will surrender my right to the throne.”
“Roland!!!” The king and the queen said exasperatedly.
“Calm down father, mother. If I lose to Gerald means that he is smarter and clever than me. Of course, I will not go down without putting up a fight.”
“No problem, I am expecting that you would challenge me with that.”
For Gerald, this is his chance. To prevent the Empire’s downfall he must win this battle. Because all the misfortunes of the empire began when Roland took the throne. If Gerald successfully won the battle then he will become the king and the downfall will be avoided.
Major doom flags are set to happen ten years from now. He should just focus on transferring his knowledge to the book and magic items. Roland is making Gerald a favor. He feels somewhat relieved that it would be too easy. He will just use his foreknowledge to his advantage.
“Father, perhaps I can attend one of your cabinet meetings if I may? I would love to hear the discussion among the top wits of this country in regards to the Empire's domestic issues.”
“Gerald you are way ahead of yourself. Asking that means you are confident that you will defeat me at the royal academy, is that right?”
“Certainly, just as I did to you earlier.”
“Then father please let me witness the Cabinet’s meeting as well.”
The king seeing their determined face again. He can’t help but sigh in happiness.
“Fine. In the next two weeks, we will be having a cabinet meeting.”
- Writer
