A week had passed since the King's banquet.
And little by little, Kaiden began drawing closer to his family again.
He started eating with them, laughing with them, even joining in their small, simple joys.
But he had not stepped outside even once since that night at the royal celebration.
Until today…
"Sir," Margaret said gently, "a letter arrived for you from the royal palace."
Kaiden extended his hand calmly. "Alright. Give it to me."
He opened the envelope, the paper unfolding with a soft sound, and began to read:
Dear Kaiden Bryan, son of Count Albert,
It has been a long time since I last sent you a letter, and longer still since we last met. So today, I invite you to the royal palace. Let us share a meal and talk for a while, just like we used to.
Your friend,
Fiona Mars ❣
Kaiden smiled, as if he had been waiting for this very letter. "This brings back so many memories," he murmured.
"Very well, then," he said. "Margaret, have them ready a carriage for the royal palace."
"At once, sir," Margaret replied.
As the carriage was being prepared, Kaiden placed the book William had given him into his secret room and locked it carefully with the key.
"The carriage is ready, sir," Margaret announced.
"I shall go, then. Farewell," Kaiden said, stepping in.
The carriage rolled toward the royal palace, which was not far from Count Albert's residence. When they arrived, Kaiden told the guards they need not wait long, for the journey had been short. All the guards did was obey the commands of their young master.
Now Kaiden stood before the royal palace, surrounded by gardens full of flowers, stunning trees, and statues that seemed almost alive. He entered the palace, the guards having informed the palace staff that he was the Count's son, and strolled, eyes lingering on the beauty around him.
At that moment, he saw her—a girl with white hair and deep blue eyes, like a fairy from a storybook—walking gracefully through the garden in a delicate gown. Her voice, soft and soothing, greeted him: "Welcome, Kaiden."
Kaiden froze for a moment, then managed a gentle smile. "Kaiden Bryan, at your service, Princess Fiona."
Fiona laughed softly, "You know there's no need for such formalities between us."
"But we should speak inside," she added.
Kaiden shook his head, insisting, "No… let's talk here, in the garden."
"Just like old times, in the same place," Fiona said.
"It brings back the nostalgia of those days," Kaiden replied.
"You brought that sword again… and the emblem, the dragon crest," she noticed.
"Yes," he said, "it is now my most treasured possession."
"And you still roam the poor districts?" she asked.
"No… I could not continue," he admitted.
"Why not?"
"I have seen the grand palaces and lush gardens, yet my heart grows heavy when I see the poor, homeless in the streets," Kaiden said quietly.
"It is a painful truth, Kaiden. Our world is divided between wealth and need. How can we find balance?" Fiona asked.
"Perhaps the answer lies in mercy and justice," he answered. "Nobles must remember that their wealth means nothing without a happy, healthy people."
"I hope one day my father sees that. Luxury is not true happiness if it comes at the cost of others," Fiona said softly.
"And I vow to use my position to make a difference," Kaiden promised.
"And I will stand by you, always, Kaiden. I know you can build a better world for everyone, not just the nobles," she said with confidence.
They continued to talk, sharing memories, losing track of time. By seven-thirty, Kaiden realized he had not yet returned home. With a reluctant sigh, he told Fiona he must leave now.
Kaiden bid farewell to Fiona, walking swiftly back toward his home along a wide path bathed in moonlight, flanked by tall, whispering trees. His heart was light, still warmed by the conversation he had just shared with her.
As he strolled, lost in the soft glow of the moon, a rustling in the grass caught his attention. Before he could react, a figure in a black cloak, fastened at the neck with a clasp bearing a white dragon emblem, lunged at him.
Kaiden barely had time to understand what was happening. The attacker moved with incredible speed and strength. When their swords clashed for the first time, Kaiden was taken aback—it was a young man, strikingly handsome, and Kaiden had been certain no one among his peers could match him, having been trained to never lose in the art of the blade.
The clash of swords sent the young man stumbling back, a slice tearing part of his cloak and revealing his hair. Kaiden's eyes widened in shock. "That hair… and those eyes… it can't be…"
"You're Eugene, son of William Ted," Kaiden said, disbelief heavy in his voice.
"How did you know it was me?" Kaiden asked, equally surprised. "You've never seen me before, and my family all share the same features."
Eugene lifted his cloak, smiling. "You're cleverer than I thought, just as my father said. I suppose the sword in your hand answers that question. Now… let me see if you are truly worthy of it."
"I have no problem with that," Kaiden replied.
The duel that followed was fierce and skillful, a breathtaking display of swordsmanship—two of William Tied's finest students, each strike full of power and precision.
When the fight ended, exhaustion weighed on both of them. Silence lingered in the air until Eugene finally spoke, catching his breath: "Remarkable… you are strong, your skills are… comparable to his."
Kaiden, astonished, asked, "Comparable to who?"
"Aron… my father's first student," Eugene said.
Kaiden nodded knowingly. "Yes, William mentioned him in the book."
"What book?" Eugene pressed.
"The one William gave me long ago," Kaiden replied.
Eugene paused, thinking deeply, then spoke in a serious tone, "Incredible… Kaiden, we need to talk. This journey just became far more meaningful."
Though Kaiden didn't yet understand what Eugene meant, he agreed, inviting him to his home. Once inside, Kaiden led him to his secret room.
The room was lined with books and memories, windowless, with only scattered candles casting a warm, contemplative glow. On the wall hung a portrait of a man with white hair and blue eyes—the older version of Eugene. It wasn't merely decoration; it was a window into the past, holding memories, lessons, and shared dreams.
But Eugene's attention was drawn to something else—the table held a book entitled A Noble's Rise. His eyes widened in surprise. "Kaiden, my father left three books for his best three students:
A Great Legacy—given to Aron, revealing the location of William's hidden fortune.
Hidden Secrets—given to me, exposing the secrets of the Emperor.
A Noble's Rise—in your possession, recounting the life of my father in full."
Kaiden listened in stunned silence, absorbing every word.
Eugene added, "Ah! I almost forgot. There's something else you must know."
"Go on," Kaiden urged.
Eugene sat at the table, his voice heavy with gravity. "My father was a criminal, which is why he was sent to the Kingdom of Swords."
Kaiden frowned. "A kingdom where criminals are sent to face punishment… and famous sword tournaments where one must prove themselves to move to the opposite side. Only a few ever make it there."
"Yes," Eugene continued, "and it's where my father became legendary. His skill with the sword set him apart, making him famous beyond measure. After leaving that kingdom, he discovered a distant, unknown land he described as the most beautiful place on Earth. There, people lived in peace. The strong did not oppress the weak, the rich helped the poor—everyone was equal. No discrimination, no injustice. My father, once corrupt, changed when he came there."
As he spoke, Eugene said Kaiden would love that place—it was the world Kaiden had always dreamed of.
"Now," Eugene concluded, "it's time to walk that path."
Kaiden's heart swelled with determination. He felt ready to play a part in shaping a better world. He imagined a land where justice and equality were the foundation, where every person had a fair chance to learn and succeed. He knew change required courage and commitment, and he was ready to dedicate himself to that purpose. Filled with hope, Kaiden believed he could be part of the solution, a force for positive transformation in society.
Kaiden and Eugene exchanged determined, hopeful glances, silently vowing to use the books to build a better future.
"We must leave tomorrow," Eugene said. "First to the Kingdom of Andora, then to the Kingdom of Swords. But first, we'll stop in Genoa, where I live. I know someone there who can help us."
Kaiden met his gaze, eyes burning with resolve. "We'll use these books not just to uncover truths, but to spread hope among the people—a hope for a world where noble and commoner live as brothers, not as master and servant."
Eugene nodded. "Very well… but where will I sleep?"
"Why not here, in this room?" Kaiden suggested.
Eugene went to the bed in the room and soon drifted into sleep.
Kaiden whispered softly, "At least he agreed!"
In the Francis household:
The palace maid announced, "Sir, a letter has arrived from Mr. Adrian Bryan, inviting you to the Bryan Palace tomorrow."
Maxwell replied promptly, "Send back my acceptance."
The next morning:
Count Albert was surprised when his son asked to leave on a journey to another kingdom with a friend. He questioned the reason, and Kaiden simply replied that he had grown tired of staying at home, encouraged by his friend to venture out.
After a moment of thought, the Count agreed, thinking perhaps his son would return a changed person, having met new friends. He handed Kaiden a symbol, ornate and clearly valuable, as a token of importance.
After their conversation concluded, Kaiden wandered through the gardens, touching the flowers and trees he had grown up with. Each plant carried a memory of his childhood. He breathed deeply, imprinting every sight, sound, and scent into his memory.
Soon, it was time for lunch.
The servants served a simple meal, but one full of care and affection. Kaiden shared it with his family, exchanging smiles and knowing glances.
Afterward, as Kaiden prepared for his journey, Maxwell arrived, surprised by the sudden news from Adrian.
Finally, the time to depart arrived. Count Albert embraced his son tightly, whispering prayers for his safety. Adrian and Maxwell also hugged him, wishing him a good journey. The servants and nobles lined up, bowing respectfully as Kaiden mounted his horse.
He cast one last glance at the palace, hope and determination burning in his heart. With the sun setting behind him, he began his journey—a journey that would shape both his fate and the future of the world.
At the royal palace, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Fiona gazed out from the balcony, sipping her tea and admiring the view.
A servant approached, handing her a letter from the Count's palace.
She opened it and read:
Fiona… this may come as a surprise. Some things happened last night, and by the time you read this, I will have already left the kingdom on a journey… a journey to try and change the world.
—Your friend, Kaiden Bryan ❣
Fiona closed the letter, her mind wandering to the question of when he would return. Silently, she prayed for his safety and hoped he would achieve his dream.