Yushiro
The Mythos Empire is a sprawling realm, separated into five key territories, each ruled by a different Royal House. The north is dominated by the Turtle Territory, known for its stoic and steadfast rulers. The south is the Phoenix Territory, where the fiery spirits of rebirth and strength reign. The west belongs to the Ape Territory, a wild and untamed land, while the east is home to the Tiger Territory, fierce and vigilant. And at the very heart of the Empire lies the Drachen Territory—the Dragon Territory—where the Imperial family resides, holding ultimate power.
The governance of Mythos is unlike any other. It's not just a monarchy; it's a system based on power, respect, and tradition. The Emperor rules from the Drachen House, but beneath him are the four Royal Houses: the Turtle, Phoenix, Tiger, and Ape, each commanding their own territories and upholding their distinct traditions and strengths. At first, this seemed confusing to me, but Donovan helped clarify it. Each Royal House governs a direction, just as their territories suggest—north, south, west, and east—while the Drachen House rules the center, the very heart of the Empire. The power structure is strange but logical in its own way.
According to Donovan, the Empire is ancient—over 3000 years old. When it was founded, so were the Division Knights, a legendary group of warriors sworn to protect the realm. These knights were created alongside the Empire itself, bound by the same history and the same powerful bloodlines. But there's something even more fascinating about the Empire that Donovan shared with me. In the Capital, at the very center of Mythos, sits the Castle of Drachen, a towering structure that symbolizes Imperial authority. Surrounding this grand castle are the smaller Castles of the Turtle, Ape, Tiger, and Phoenix Houses. The arrangement is symbolic, showing how each Royal House has its place but is ultimately overshadowed by the power of the Imperial family.
I couldn't help but ask the question that had been on my mind since I first learned of this intricate power structure. "Do both the Imperial and Royal Houses have the same authority, or are there differences?" I asked Donovan, eager for a deeper understanding.
"No, the Imperial House has more authority," he replied, his tone calm, as if the answer were simple.
"How?" I pressed, intrigued.
"Our Empire was built on strength. It was founded by the five Heavenly Beasts—legendary creatures of immense power. The people of Mythos believe that the Heavenly Beasts still watch over the Empire, blessing the people with their strength and wisdom." Donovan paused for a moment, letting that sink in before continuing.
"The Heavenly Beasts were the Heavenly Serpent Dragon, the playful Ape of the Forest, the fearsome Tiger, the undying Phoenix of flames, and the wise Turtle of the Sea."
I felt a sense of awe wash over me as Donovan spoke of these mythical beings. The Empire was more than just an ordinary kingdom—it was built on the legends and the supernatural.
"The Imperial House, Drachen, is considered the strongest because of the power of the Dragon. The Royals, though powerful, are second to them," Donovan explained, his voice taking on a distant, reflective tone. "There's an old saying: 'The nobles protect the Royal, the Royal protect the Imperial, the Imperial and the Dragon Knight protect the Empire, and we—the Knight Order—defend the people.'"
Donovan's eyes glazed over as he spoke, clearly lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing about times long past, stories of glory and honor.
I couldn't help but ask, "Is that your reason for joining the Knight Order?" My voice was gentle, almost playful, but Donovan seemed caught off guard by the question.
He blinked, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I think it is," he admitted, before quickly adding, "But what about you? Why did you join the Division Knights?"
I stared at him for a moment, my expression unreadable. After a long pause, I finally spoke. "This is nothing but a means to an end for me. I want to have fun along the way, too." I allowed my impassive mask to slip just slightly, a small smile playing at my lips.
Donovan's face flushed, and he looked away quickly, as if embarrassed by the honesty of my words. I turned my attention back to the campfire, the crackling of the flames filling the quiet space between us. I reached down and absentmindedly picked up a small stone, tossing it in my hand without him noticing.
Suddenly, distant sounds of beasts echoed from the forest, making Donovan stiffen and glance in their direction. Using my heightened senses, I could tell the creatures were just passing by, nothing to worry about. But Donovan, ever cautious, was on high alert. I couldn't resist the temptation.
With a swift flick of my wrist, I threw the stone at Donovan, hitting him square in the face. He reeled back, his hand instinctively going to the spot where the stone had struck him. His eyes widened in shock and confusion.
I flashed him a mischievous grin. "How disappointing," I teased, my voice dripping with playful mockery.
Donovan blinked, his face reddening with embarrassment. But then, without warning, he grabbed more stones and hurled them in my direction. I dodged nimbly, leaning back and flipping to my feet in one smooth motion. We laughed and teased, the tension of the journey momentarily forgotten in this small moment of lightheartedness.
I couldn't help but think—Donovan Jasper might just be a useful piece to have around.
The voices in the shadows whispered with approval, their excitement palpable.
Yes! Yes! Vengeance.