Though he was well acquainted with the Crown Prince, he absolutely could not speak of such matters. The power of the secret pact also made it impossible for him to say anything. Ace laughed it off and changed the subject a few times. Fortunately, Teacher Peter had no mind to pursue it, and after a few words of criticism, he let it go.
The two hurried to the reception hall. A refined, handsome middle-aged man sat in the seat of honor, dressed in white robes with a red sash and wearing the thorned crown reserved for high-ranking officials.
Ace's senior brother, Morton, stood behind the middle-aged man, holding a bronze scepter.
"This is the greatly respected Grand Regent. Ace, hurry and pay your respects!"
Peter released Ace's hand, gestured ahead, and spoke.
Ace planted his feet, straightened his back, clenched his right hand over his chest, and bowed at a perfect ninety degrees. In a ringing voice, he said, "Greetings, Grand Regent. I am Ace. I have kept you waiting for so long; I am deeply ashamed."
The middle-aged man smiled gently and waved a hand. "It is nothing. To those who do not know, no blame is due."
He immediately rose, helped Ace straighten up, took his hand, and led him to a side seat. "I have read your Intensive Farming. Our city-state is sorely lacking young people like you—knowledgeable, thoughtful, and capable of putting ideas into action. How about serving as my adviser on state affairs first?"
He paused, then continued, "I have heard that in less than two years, you will obtain Formal Citizen status. When the time comes, how about I recommend you for an intermediate public office directly before the Council of Five Hundred? You could personally carry out the New Medicine you wish to