The Commoner King: Rebirth of the Administrative Prince

The Royal Academy's annual exhibition was a spectacle unlike any other. The grand hall was transformed into a dazzling showcase of innovation and artistry, with banners hanging from the rafters and tables laden with intricate models, glowing crystals, and mechanical marvels. Nobles, merchants, and scholars from across the kingdom mingled beneath the glow of enchanted lanterns, their voices a low hum of excitement and intrigue.

Cedric stood at the center of it all, his heart pounding as he prepared to unveil his mother's blueprints. The weight of the moment was not lost on him—this was his chance to prove himself, to show the world what he was capable of. But it was also a trap, carefully laid to draw out the Shadow Council.

His allies were stationed throughout the hall, their roles clear. Lysandra mingled with the merchants, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd for signs of trouble. Tristan stood near the entrance, his hand resting on the hilt of his dagger, while Garrett and Finn worked behind the scenes to ensure the models and displays were flawless. Seraphina, ever the enigma, drifted through the crowd like a shadow, her gaze sharp and calculating.

Cedric took a deep breath, his fingers brushing against the folded blueprints in his pocket. *This is it,* he thought. *The moment everything changes.*

---

The headmistress stepped onto the stage, her presence commanding silence. "Welcome, honored guests, to the Royal Academy's annual exhibition. Tonight, we celebrate the brilliance and ingenuity of our students—the future leaders of our kingdom."

The crowd applauded, their attention focused on the stage. Cedric's pulse quickened as Elara continued.

"And now, I am pleased to introduce a young man whose vision and determination have already begun to shape our future. Please welcome Prince Cedric Valerian."

The applause was polite but restrained, the nobles' curiosity tempered by their skepticism. Cedric stepped onto the stage, his nerves steadying as he met the crowd's gaze.

"Thank you," he began, his voice clear and confident. "Tonight, I am honored to share with you a vision for our kingdom—a vision born not of privilege, but of possibility."

He unfolded the blueprints, holding them up for all to see. The crowd leaned forward, their murmurs growing louder as they took in the intricate designs.

"These are the inventions of Lady Eleanora Duskthorn, my mother. They are not just tools or machines—they are the foundation of a better future. A future where no one goes hungry, where every child has access to education, and where innovation drives progress."

The murmurs turned to gasps as Cedric explained the designs—a steam-powered loom that could revolutionize textile production, an irrigation system that could turn barren land into fertile fields, and a printing press that could spread knowledge to the masses.

But as he spoke, he noticed a shift in the crowd. Some were inspired, their eyes alight with curiosity and hope. Others were uneasy, their expressions darkening with suspicion.

And then there were those who watched in silence, their faces unreadable but their eyes sharp with calculation.

---

As Cedric concluded his presentation, the crowd erupted into applause—some genuine, others perfunctory. He stepped down from the stage, his heart racing as he rejoined his allies.

"Well done," Lysandra said, her voice low. "But keep your guard up. The Council won't let this slide."

Cedric nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Where's Tristan?"

"By the entrance," Garrett replied. "He's keeping an eye on things."

Seraphina appeared at Cedric's side, her expression grim. "We have a problem."

"What is it?" Cedric asked, his stomach tightening.

"I just overheard a conversation," Seraphina said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Council plans to sabotage the exhibition. They're going to destroy the models and discredit you."

Cedric's jaw tightened. "We need to stop them."

"We will," Seraphina said, her gaze steady. "But we need to be smart. If we act too soon, they'll know we're onto them."

Cedric nodded, his mind racing. "Then we'll let them make their move—and be ready when they do."

---

The exhibition continued, the crowd marveling at the displays and engaging in lively debates. But beneath the surface, tension simmered.

Cedric and his allies moved through the hall, their every step calculated. They kept a close eye on the models, their senses heightened for any sign of trouble.

Then, just as the evening reached its peak, it happened.

A loud crash echoed through the hall, followed by screams. Cedric turned to see one of the models—a detailed replica of the steam-powered loom—engulfed in flames.

Chaos erupted as the crowd panicked, their voices rising in fear and confusion. Cedric's heart sank as he realized what was happening.

The Council had struck.