Chương 2: Eckert

"Eckert!... Eckert!!... Eckert!!!..."

A soft, melodic female voice echoed throughout the massive room, calling out repeatedly.

The sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow across the room. The birds chirped melodiously outside, their songs blending harmoniously with the gentle breeze. It was the perfect morning—an ideal setting for someone enjoying a peaceful retirement.

In the middle of the vast room, a 15-year-old boy lay sprawled across a giant bed. The bed itself was perched atop an enormous bird, which filled nearly half of the chamber. The boy, dressed in a white robe made of the finest cotton, had a bedsheet lazily draped over half his body. He was sleeping soundly, the kind of deep sleep that only the young and carefree can enjoy.

"Yes, Mom," he mumbled as he groggily woke up, his voice thick with sleep.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to sleep so much?" the female voice responded, a mix of affection and exasperation.

"Sorry, Mom," he replied, still half-asleep.

"Now, go get ready for your bath," she instructed firmly.

"Yeah, yeah," he murmured, sitting up slowly.

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I kind of enjoy these mornings, where all I have to do is say "Yes, Mom," "Sorry, Mom," and "Okay." This has become my daily routine now.

Eckert got up from his massive bed and headed towards the large double doors. As he approached, the doors began to swing open, revealing two guards stationed just outside. They bowed their heads respectfully as he walked past them.

"Good morning, young prince," they said in unison, lifting their heads after receiving his nod.

'Yes, you might be wondering why a prince isn't being woken up by a group of beautiful attendants, but instead by his old lady. Well, you see, she took it upon herself to handle this meaningless duty of taking care of her son 24/7. But how could I possibly let her take care of my bath?

No,Never,Not ever.'

Eckert walked down the corridor until he reached the bathing chamber, a grand room adorned with intricate carvings and filled with the scent of fresh herbs. As he entered, he saw his father already there, taking his morning bath.

"Good morning, Your Highness, Dad," Eckert greeted, his tone formal but with a hint of familiarity.

"Morning, son," boomed the deep voice of his father, a man whose very presence commanded respect. This was a man who had slain thousands in battle, and yet here he was, sitting casually in his golden bathtub, as if he were just another noble enjoying his morning routine.

A man in his 40s, his father was the embodiment of power and authority. He was the royal highness, the king of this kingdom. But to Eckert, he was just Dad—someone who seemed overly attached to his son, always trying to spend time with him, something that Eckert found both amusing and irritating.

"Morning, Angel," Eckert greeted his personal maid, Mornica, with a playful grin.

"I've told you to stop calling me that," she huffed, though there was no real annoyance in her voice.

Mornica was the only one allowed to assist him in the bath, a role she took very seriously despite Eckert's teasing. Ignoring his father's presence, Eckert stepped into his own golden bathtub and sank into the warm water, sighing in contentment. This was, without a doubt, his happiest daily routine.

After his bath, Eckert dressed quickly, his mind already wandering. He looked around the chamber, a slight frown on his face as he muttered to himself.

"Where is that weirdo?" he wondered aloud, his eyes scanning the room.

"Maybe he left already..."

And so, Eckert's day began, the morning rituals completed, and the young prince ready to face whatever lay ahead.