As the first rays of sunlight slipped through the clouds, the capital of Orvallis awakened to the sound of thunderous trumpets — announcing a moment that would be remembered for generations:the arrival of the Savina delegation.
Crowds filled the streets leading to the royal palace.Banners of both kingdoms fluttered in the wind, their colors gleaming against freshly polished roads that seemed to shine in honor of kings.From the horizon, a line of golden carriages advanced steadily, the sunlight glinting off the crests of Savina like fire caught in motion.
Trumpets blared again. The gates of the southern plaza opened wide, and the royal procession entered amid a roaring chorus of cheers — a blend of pride, awe, and curiosity.At the heart of the grand courtyard stood King Orvallis, surrounded by his four sons:
Adrian, regal and unwavering;Leon, his confident smirk hiding sharp calculations;Darius, restless and visibly impatient;and Ken, silent and watchful — his eyes fixed on the procession as if he saw far more than anyone else there.
The carriages stopped.King Savinius III descended, his stride confident, meeting King Orvallis halfway across the marble courtyard.They shook hands beneath a shower of petals as the royal herald's voice carried across the city:
"Today, we witness the dawn of a new age between Orvallis and Savina — an age of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity!"
The crowd erupted in applause. Drums thundered in rhythm, echoing through the palace walls.Moments later, the Chief of Protocol announced that the Falon Palace, adjacent to the royal residence, had been prepared for the Savinan delegation — their home until the official ceremony the following day.
Eliana and Ken – A Distance Untouched by Time
By sunset, the noise of the day had faded.Along the quiet corridor leading to the royal gardens, Princess Eliana walked alone, her blue gown flowing behind her like a soft wave.Her expression was tense, eyes distant, lost in thoughts that weighed heavily on her heart.
From behind a marble pillar, Ken stepped out and followed her with careful, measured steps.He spoke gently as he drew alongside her:
"I heard you'll be attending the cultural exchange tomorrow."
Without turning, she answered coldly,
"I'll attend because Father commanded it… not because I wish to."
Ken paused, a faint smile flickering across his lips.
"I thought such events once fascinated you."
She stopped suddenly and turned to him — her voice low, carrying more than her words revealed:
"Some decisions are made in the name of family… but they take something from the person himself."
Then she walked away, her silhouette fading into the golden light of dusk.Ken stood where she left him, eyes lingering on her retreating figure, whispering to himself:
"Something taken… what was taken from you, Eliana?"
The Savina Delegation – Two Paths in the Shadows
Night fell over the capital, and lanterns lit the balconies of Falon Palace, where the Savinan guests resided.But behind those calm windows, quiet voices stirred restlessly.
Prince Kyle, draped in a gray cloak, adjusted the belt that hid his golden sword. His grin carried a spark of mischief.
"If this alliance is truly real, let's start by learning their strength for ourselves."
Prince Rein, dressed in black, tightened his cloak and smirked.
"And I'll learn about their people, not their blades. You'll find truth in the streets long before the throne rooms."
They exchanged a knowing look — and split into the night.Kyle headed toward the military district, while Rein vanished into the crowded markets where laughter, music, and the scent of spice filled the air.
The Training Yard – Clash Beneath the Moon
Clouds hung heavy over the sky as Kyle approached the stone wall of the capital's military camp.His steps were silent, eyes sharp as he studied the pattern of patrols.He tried to slip closer to a side gate, but a guard raised his hand.
"The grounds are closed by royal order. Even trainees are barred after sundown."
Kyle smiled politely, raising his hands in mock apology.
"My mistake. I thought the night drills were still on."
The guard shook his head. Kyle stepped back — but didn't leave.Instead, he began circling the perimeter, searching for another way in.
Then — he heard it.Raised voices, mocking laughter, and the harsh clash of wood against metal from beyond the back wall.He climbed a low ledge, peering over it.
And what he saw changed his view of Orvallis forever.
In the center of the training yard, Gray stood surrounded by several armored trainees.One of them jeered loudly,
"So you're the fourth prince's new pet knight? Since when do beggars earn titles?"
Gray's face was slick with sweat and fury.
"Learn how to hold your sword before you mock someone else."
The man laughed — then lunged. Two others followed.Gray took the first blows across his shoulder and chest but refused to fall.He steadied his footing — just as Ken had taught him — and struck back, knocking one man to the dirt with a single counter.
"Enough games! Crush him!"another shouted.
The air erupted into chaos. Wooden swords clashed violently.Dust spiraled underfoot. A heavy kick sent Gray sprawling — but he rolled, planting his heel into his attacker's knee, dropping him howling beside the others.
"Let him be!" one of the guards shouted, voice cracking with disbelief."If he falls now, none of you will ever live it down."
When it was over, silence claimed the yard.Gray stood in the center, breath ragged, a thin line of blood on his lip — but still standing.Two of his opponents lay unconscious, and the rest backed away, shaken.
"Enough!" barked the guard."This lunatic wins!"
From the shadows, Kyle watched, adrenaline surging through his veins.A slow, genuine smile spread across his face.
"With that kind of spirit… I don't need a camp to find what I'm looking for."
When the dust settled, Gray sank to the ground, sweat and blood mixing on his skin.Above him, the half-moon shone pale and silent.From the wall's shadow, Kyle disappeared into the night, his mind racing with newfound excitement.
Gray looked up at the same sky, a faint smile tugging at his bruised lips.Something inside him burned brighter than ever.
That night, the eyes of a knight seeking a worthy rival met the eyes of a young man who had no idea —he would soon become the next target.
End of Chapter 36