The Extra System: Summoner of Shadows

Cedric had prepared additional precautions in case the court didn't believe his claim of not being a summoner. However, the matter was concluded quickly because humans could never be truly objective. Caroline lost her credibility since she had been proven a liar more than once.

In the end, the king sentenced her to execution—a harsh punishment that Cedric hadn't thought possible. Yet it made sense; if the court had believed her, Cedric would have lost his life.

Duke Ravenswood made a scene in the courtroom as the guards held him back while escorting his daughter away. He cried out about his contributions to the kingdom, pleading to save his daughter's life, but it was meaningless since he was no longer a duke.

For safety reasons, Cedric and Ember were escorted away, and the king relocated their residence to within the palace—a gesture of goodwill for the troubles they had encountered in Valoria.

News and rumors spread like wildfire throughout the seven kingdoms. The fallout between Morvask, Ravenswood, and Cedric Everhart came as a shock, reshaping the political landscape of Valoria.

With the whole matter concluded, Cedric breathed a sigh of relief once he was inside the luxurious room offered by the king. It was even close to the royal chambers, providing the utmost level of security.

"I can't believe all of that happened in just a few days," muttered Ember, looking out the window. "It now seems like a bad nightmare, but I got to see this side of you."

"What side?" asked Cedric with a smile as he closed his eyes. The couch felt heavenly, and although he had been confident he would win, dealing with such bastards had taken a toll on him.

"A competent, proud prince who refuses to back down once insulted," said Ember without thinking, then quickly closed her mouth as it implied Cedric was usually anything but that. Cedric laughed in response to her blushing face.

"I understand what you mean. No need to hold back about how I was in the past," Cedric said as he sat up, stretching his neck. "I've wasted eighteen years of my life without doing anything. I missed out on a lot of time and opportunities."

"You've changed a lot, Your Highness," Ember said as she lowered her hands and walked to sit across from him. "I'm a little scared if you keep changing this quickly. You haven't even joked about marrying me."

Cedric blinked at her, tilting his head before a memory surfaced. The previous prince had indeed always joked about marrying Ember whenever another woman broke his heart, and she would appear to collect the pieces.

"I feel like those jokes might have made you uncomfortable. For that, I apologize," Cedric said, bowing his head slightly. Ember was caught off guard and raised her hand in fluster.

A knock came on the door, and a butler entered the room after being allowed inside. After a short bow, he invited them to have lunch with the king to discuss the ramifications of the day's trial.

Cedric accepted, although he was itching to see the summary The Extra System had prepared for him. He had completed the quest it proposed in a rather exceptional manner, so he hoped it would grant him some cool skills.

"Let's go, Ember," Cedric called to her, but the butler coughed. "She isn't invited?"

"His Majesty wishes to speak with Your Highness alone," the butler replied. "Rest assured, there is no reason to fear for your safety while inside the palace. His Majesty guarantees your protection."

"Anything His Majesty wishes to discuss with me can be discussed with her," Cedric said with a frown. "And as for safety, His Majesty should understand how I feel about that in his kingdom after everything that happened. Am I still invited?"

"…of course, Your Highness," the butler said, bowing again. "You can find me outside to guide you once you're ready."

After the butler left, Ember stood up nervously while Cedric huffed in anger.

"You might offend the king if you act this way, Your Highness," Ember said with a wary expression. "There are matters that even retainers aren't allowed to know. If the king guarantees your safety, then it should be—"

"Ember," Cedric interrupted as he turned to her. "Would you do anything I ask?"

"Of course, Your Highness."

"Then stop calling me that. Call me Cedric. You've been with me the longest, and I've done very little to acknowledge how much you've helped me. Thank you for protecting me in court earlier."

"There's no need to thank me, Your—"

"Cedric."

"But—"

"Cedric."

Ember stood there silently, looking lost. Cedric furrowed his brows in displeasure, realizing how much effort it took just to make her call him by his name. It felt strange whenever someone addressed him as a prince.

"All right, Cedric," Ember finally said, as if she had to swallow nails. "You're welcome."

"That's better," Cedric said with a smile. "Never leave my side from now on."

"As you command."

"…still weird," Cedric muttered before walking toward the door. "Let's meet the king, then."

Cedric and Ember followed the butler until they reached a dining hall where a long table was set with all sorts of food. Sitting at the table was King Thalric, along with a beautiful woman and three other young people whom Cedric assumed were his children.

"Prince Cedric!" the king called as he rose from his seat. "Welcome, please have a seat! I'm glad you accepted my invitation."

"It's an honor that you invite this junior," Cedric said, bowing. "Please excuse me for bringing my retainer along. I tend to get anxious without her presence. A wise king can understand how I feel, right?"

"It's only natural that you would need her after what happened," the king replied, still standing. "Before I introduce my family and we dine, I'd like to apologize for everything that happened in Valoria. We are happy to compensate you in any way you like."

"Your apology is more than enough, Your Majesty. Meeting your lovely family is already a great honor."

"Let me introduce them, then," said King Thalric with a grin. "This is my wife, Elina."

Cedric turned to the woman for the first time. For a moment, he was awestruck by her beauty. She had long, silky black hair, a fair complexion, and emerald green eyes. Her beauty was complemented by the warm smile she gave him as she nodded.

"Greetings, Queen Elina."

"I must admit that rumors cannot be relied upon," Queen Elina said with a smile. "From our limited interaction, I can tell that the Ninth Prince is an insightful and kind person."

"You flatter me, Your Grace," Cedric said with a small bow. King Thalric grinned as he gestured to the oldest of his children, a young man with short black hair and a stern expression.

"This is my oldest son, Valen Ardenthal, and the captain of the Royal Guards inside the palace. He's also an instructor at Arcane Academy."

"Greetings, Prince Cedric. I apologize for the behavior of my men in the courtroom. I'll make sure to discipline them," Valen said, bowing as well.

Cedric returned the greeting and assured the prince that no harm was done. King Thalric was pleased with Cedric's understanding and forgiveness.

The second oldest was a daughter, Seraphina Ardenthal, who was Cedric's age and a replica of her mother. Cedric tried hard not to stare, as she was even prettier than her mother.

The youngest was an introverted youth with curly hair that hid most of his eyes. Even his greeting was timid, and Cedric barely heard his voice. However, when he revealed his name, Cedric was shocked.

Darius Ardenthal was another prominent character in the *Records of Elaris*. Although the entire royal family could be considered prominent, Darius was the one who would play a significant role in the novel.