Before the morning sun even brushed against his windows, Prince Kin was already awake.He sat at his wide desk, maps folded neatly before him, scattered letters sealed with different crests spread across the surface. His eyes moved between the lines and circles drawn across parchment like threads of a hidden web — his thoughts sharp, deliberate, and far too deep for the quiet hour.
Breaking the silence, his voice came calm and clear:"Marvin… come in."
The aide entered with steady steps, bowing slightly before standing at attention. Kin lifted his gaze from the maps; his tone this time carried an edge of seriousness."Tell me, Marvin… about the upcoming banquet between Orvalis and Savina. I want every detail."
Marvin drew a careful breath before speaking."The royal hall will host the event, Your Highness. Both kings will attend, along with representatives from the most influential noble families of each realm. Prominent knights will be invited as well — and several merchants who control the main arteries of trade and wealth."
He hesitated for a heartbeat, then continued, his tone heavier now:"The banquet isn't just for show. It's the formal announcement of a historic alliance between Orvalis and Savina. This alliance will reshape the balance of power in the north… and likely define the next decades of diplomacy."
Taking a step closer, Marvin added in a low voice,"Your Highness, this is a rare chance. Everyone will be watching. Perhaps this is the perfect moment to show them… that you're no longer the forgotten prince."
Kin slowly raised his head, a faint, cold smile crossing his lips."Reputation, Marvin… is never handed out at a party. It's taken."He paused, interlocking his fingers thoughtfully."But perhaps… it's time they saw another side of me."
In the royal training yard, Prince Leon stood surrounded by knights. The weight of his heavy sword pressed on his shoulder, but his movements remained sharp, deliberate. Sweat rolled down his temple as he swung the blade in a perfect arc.
One knight adjusted his stance and called out,"Your Highness, the sword's weight is straining your arm. Try easing your first step!"
Leon laughed lightly and leveled the blade forward."A man unfit to bear weight doesn't deserve to be called a knight."
He lunged forward, his sword cleaving through the air with such force it kicked up a swirl of dust. A few knights clapped in admiration, others murmured in quiet debate about form and precision.
Elsewhere, in a chamber filled with documents and sealed envelopes, Prince Darius sat before a large table. His sharp eyes moved between lists of names, noble houses, and territories — all neatly recorded.
One envelope read: House Merval – Moderate Influence.Another: Eastern Trade District Expansion Project.
He turned the ring on his finger slowly, an amused smirk creeping across his lips."If I don't keep these files under my hand," he muttered, "some might start thinking Orvalis has no true guardian."
High above, in a sunlit balcony, Prince Adrian — the eldest — sat quietly with a cup of hot tea and an open book.No noise disturbed him; only the rhythmic beat of his heart filled the silence.To him, the world below was distant — like a stage play watched from the back row.
Meanwhile, in a modest chamber across the palace grounds, Gray sat before Marvin, who placed a small pouch on the wooden table between them.
"Listen carefully, boy," Marvin said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Prince Kin has arranged your position for now. You'll train at one of the royal army's camps here in the capital for your initial phase. As for housing, a small apartment has been prepared for you near the barracks."
He nudged the pouch toward him."There are 200 aur inside. Use them as you see fit."
Gray blinked, taken aback. He grasped the pouch with both hands, voice trembling."Please… tell His Highness I'm grateful. I'll never forget this—ever."
Marvin smiled faintly, a glint of confidence in his eyes."Then prove to him that he wasn't wrong about you."
When he left, Gray sat still for a long moment. Through the narrow window, a sliver of sunlight touched his face. He clenched the pouch tightly until the leather wrinkled beneath his fingers — his eyes reflecting both hope and fear in equal measure.
Back in the palace… in the capital… and within the hearts of four princes, preparations began to take shape.
Each of them, in his own way, sharpened his weapon — whether it was steel, words, or silence.
But soon, all paths would converge at one place:the royal banquet that would not be merely a celebration…but the spark before the coming storm.