I'm Trapped Inside a Prince as the Most Powerful Entity-Chapter 106: Stung by Pride

The moment Monica’s condescending words her insulting remark about him being her subordinate reached Eric his gaze snapped up.

He had been looking down at the broken pieces of his wooden sword.

They were scattered on the grass. Now he looked directly at her.

His eyes widened first in surprise that she would say such a thing.

And then for the first time in a very long while a genuine sting of hurt of real offense pricked at him.

Her words had a sharp edge.

Ordinarily Eric was somewhat used to criticism. He was inured to it. He had spent most of his lifetime being underestimated by others.

He was often the subject of quiet scorn or pity from those who thought he was weak or unimportant.

Such comments usually washed over him like water.

They left little lasting impact. He didn’t let them bother him too much.

But this time it was different.

Monica’s words delivered with such casual arrogant disdain such a lack of respect struck a raw nerve inside him.

A slow burn of anger a feeling he was not very familiar with yet it was potent and strong began to rise within him. It felt like a hot coal in his chest.

He looked down at the hilt of his broken sword again. His fingers tightened around the rough splintered wood.

He wanted to say something back to her but the words wouldn’t come.

Monica however didn’t wait for a response from him.

She didn’t even bother to introduce herself to tell them her name or which kingdom she was from.

With another dismissive glance another look that said he wasn’t worth her time she turned and walked away. Her silver armor glinted brightly in the sunlight as she moved.

Her retinue of Imperial soldiers her personal guards fell in silently behind her following her out of the garden.

Alina had witnessed and heard the entire exchange between Eric and Monica.

She felt a surge of indignation a strong feeling of anger on Eric’s behalf.

She also felt a pang of sympathy for him. She knew how much words like that could hurt.

As Monica disappeared from view Alina walked over to where Eric was still sitting on the ground. He was nursing his bruised head where Monica’s sword had hit him.

And he was also nursing his equally bruised pride.

She sat down beside him on the grass.

"Eric," she said softly her voice gentle and kind

"you shouldn’t pay too much attention to what that girl said. Don’t let her words bother you. All these princes and princesses from the big powerful kingdoms... they can be incredibly arrogant. They think they are better than everyone else. They have so much attitude so much pride it’s insufferable sometimes. It’s hard to be around them."

Eric hearing Alina’s attempt at comfort at making him feel better looked at her. A wry almost pained expression was on his face.

"I’m a prince too you know Alina," he reminded her quietly. His voice was soft but there was a hint of sadness in it.

Alina offered a small reassuring smile.

"Yes I know Eric but... you’re different," she said. She meant it as a compliment. She meant he was not arrogant and rude like Monica.

Her words however didn’t soothe Eric. They didn’t make him feel better.

In fact they had the opposite effect. I didn’t want to be different, he thought.

A familiar ache a known sadness started in his chest. I just wanted to be like everyone else. I just wanted to be a normal prince not too strong not too weak just... average.

He didn’t want to be the weak one the one everyone pitied. Nor did he want to be the one who suddenly manifested terrifying uncontrollable power like when Adam took over. He just wanted to be... ordinary.

He wanted a simple life.

With a sudden resolve a new determination Eric pushed himself to his feet. He stood up a little unsteadily at first. He looked at Alina his jaw set his expression serious.

"Let’s start practicing again Alina," he declared. His voice was firm despite the lingering sting of Monica’s insulting words.

He was deeply troubled. He was not just troubled by the encounter with Monica.

He was also troubled by the dawning realization the slow understanding of the many challenges that lay ahead of him. He knew he would have to face many such trials.

He would meet many such arrogant and powerful individuals during his next four years at the United Academy.

He needed to prepare himself. He needed to become stronger not just physically in his sword skills but mentally as well.

He needed to be tougher.

The children of other kings and nobles from all over the continent were also undoubtedly practicing hard. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

They were honing their skills.

They were preparing for the rigorous demanding entrance examinations of the United Academy.

Everyone wanted to get in.

The days passed by in a blur of intense study for Alina and strained often frustrating practice sessions for Eric and Alina in the garden.

Eric tried to use his blue line vision but it was still new and sometimes confusing.

Finally the much-anticipated day arrived. For some it was a day of excitement. For others like Eric and Alina it was a much-dreaded day.

The entrance examinations for the famous United Academy were about to begin.

Eric and Alina emerged from their respective rooms within the Imperial Palace dormitory. They met in the common area. Their expressions were a mixture of nervousness deep anxiety and a forced fragile composure.

They were trying to look brave but inside they were scared. They were ready to head towards the examination grounds the place where their future would be decided.

In the intervening days the days between Monica’s challenge and the exam Eric had diligently shared all the knowledge he possessed with Alina.

He told her everything he knew about magic about history about strategy and any other subject he thought would be essential for the entrance exams. He had explained complex magical theories to her.

He had quizzed her on important historical events. He had tried to impart whatever practical wisdom he had gleaned from his own limited studies and from the books his father had given him.

Alina in turn had absorbed the information like a dry sponge soaking up water. Her quick mind and her diligent hard work allowed her to grasp even the most difficult concepts with surprising speed.

She was a very good student.

Eric looked at Alina. A silent question was in his eyes. He didn’t need to say the words. "Are you ready for this?" he asked finally his voice a little hoarse from nervousness.

Alina nodded her head. But her face was pale. And the nervousness the sheer unadulterated fear of the unknown the fear of failure was clearly visible in her eyes.

This was it. This was the most important day of her life so far.

The dream she had never dared to truly believe in the dream of going to the United Academy was now within her grasp.

And the thought was both incredibly exhilarating and absolutely terrifying at the same time. Her future depended on what happened next.