Continuing Cambyses's diplomatic agenda, a journey was arranged for him and his family to meet with the elders of the other branch of the Achaemenid dynasty, the Ariaramnes branch. Young Cyrus accompanied his parents, Cambyses and Mandane, on this trip. His mind was eager for this encounter, as he knew that these relatives would play a significant role in the empire's future, and their destiny was intricately linked with his own.
In the midst of Parsa's green plains, at the magnificent residence belonging to the Ariaramnes branch, they met with Pharnaspes, an influential and experienced nobleman from this lineage. Pharnaspes, a shrewd and far-sighted man, welcomed his guests with particular dignity. Cyrus observed Pharnaspes carefully; he knew that this man would be the father of his future wife, Cassandane, and his influence among the Persian tribes would be vital for the empire's future unity. Pharnaspes initially seemed a little cautious but was delighted by young Cyrus's intelligence and curiosity.
During this meeting, Cyrus also met Hutan, Cassandane's brother and Pharnaspes's son. Hutan was an ambitious, brave young man with his own special charisma, appearing almost a year older than Cyrus. Hutan, holding a small wooden sword, a symbol of aristocratic children's war games, approached Cyrus and asked with a friendly smile: "Will you also learn swordsmanship one day, little one?" Cyrus, looking at the wooden sword in Hutan's hand and then at his sturdy figure, replied in a calm and thoughtful voice: "A sword strengthens your arm, but wisdom strengthens your kingdom. I will have a sword one day, but before that, I must know why I should draw it from its sheath."
Hutan, a little surprised by this unexpected and profound answer, looked at Cyrus with more curiosity: "Wisdom? Why should you wait?" Cyrus, with a serious and intelligent gaze, brought his small finger to his head and said: "Because a sword, without reason, is merely a blade for blood. But if you know why you should draw it, it can become a path to justice. And I want my kingdom to be based on justice, not on fear." Pharnaspes, who was standing nearby and listening to the conversation, was deeply impressed by the intelligence and understanding of this four-year-old child. He turned to Cambyses and said admiringly: "Your son, my king, has a great spirit and ancient wisdom. Truly, he is a gift from Ahura Mazda. At such a young age, he speaks words that come from wise men."
Cambyses, with pride and a hidden smile, affirmed: "Yes, he has always been this way. Calm and thoughtful, as if he ponders the secrets of the world." This affirmation from Pharnaspes confirmed Cyrus's special status within the family and strengthened the relations between the two Achaemenid branches. Throughout this meeting, Cyrus not only became acquainted with Hutan and Pharnaspes but also learned about the dynamics and differences between the two branches of the Achaemenid dynasty. He saw that the Ariaramnes branch, although currently under the rule of Anshan, possessed great potential and influence and could be powerful rivals or allies in the future. This understanding of the family's internal structure was invaluable for Cyrus's future plans regarding succession and consolidating power.
But deep within Cyrus's mind lay another curiosity that transcended politics and power: Cassandane. He remembered that in his previous life, the love between him and Cassandane, his future wife, was legendary in history. During this very meeting, his eyes fell upon a small infant nestled in the arms of a handmaiden; an infant with an innocent face and eyes that had just opened to the world. This was Cassandane, who had just been born.
Despite Cassandane being only an infant at the time, and no memory of her at this age existing in Cyrus's modern memory, a strange sense of connection and destiny enveloped him. He remembered how their love became legendary and how Cassandane's death led to widespread public mourning throughout the empire. This early encounter with his future love, while she was just a defenseless child, deepened Cyrus's sense of responsibility to build a secure and stable future for this family and nation. This diplomatic meeting, though childlike, not only helped Cambyses and Mandane strengthen their ties with the Ariaramnes branch but also provided young Cyrus with a unique opportunity for observation and planning.