The morning over the Kingdom of Savina was unusually calm, yet inside the royal palace lingered a tension — the kind that settles in the air just before a storm breaks.
In the grand hall, where white marble pillars streaked with veins of sapphire light rose toward a painted ceiling, King Savenious III sat upon his throne.At his side stood his two sons: Prince Kyle, the elder — his eyes sharp and cutting like forged steel — and Prince Rein, the younger, quieter one, whose calm composure hinted at an intelligence that ran deep.
Before them stood one of the royal advisors, holding a long parchment sealed with the twin crests of both kingdoms — Savina and Orvalis. His voice was steady, ceremonial, as he began to read aloud the treaty that would soon reshape the continent.
"Clause Five — Each kingdom shall be granted the right to establish a permanent trade center within the other's borders, to facilitate the exchange of resources and goods under dual supervision."
He paused briefly, glancing at the royals, then continued:
"Clause Six — A formal overland route shall be constructed, beginning from the Port of Valdo in Savina, passing through the border cities, and reaching the capital of Orvallis. This route will be jointly protected by royal guards from both nations."
Another breath, another turn of the parchment.
"Clause Seven — An annual exchange of ten knights from each kingdom shall take place, for the purpose of sharing combat techniques and traditional military practices."
"Clause Eight — A reduction of customs duties by twenty-five percent for citizens, and thirty percent for merchants, as part of a one-year economic and cultural trial."
"Clause Nine — The creation of a joint academic program between both kingdoms' academies. Outstanding students from each realm will be allowed to study abroad in the other, to encourage broader cultural understanding."
Then, with a slow turn to the final page, he declared:
"Clause Ten — After one year, the treaty shall be reviewed and revised according to the tangible results in both economic and political fields."
Lowering his arm, the advisor fell silent. The vast hall followed suit — nothing but the faint rustle of parchment as it was placed inside a gilded chest.
King Savenious clasped his hands before him and spoke with a voice that carried the weight of his crown:
"With these terms, we lay the foundation for the first true peace between East and West in fifty years.I do not wish for these words to remain ink upon parchment — but to become a living reality felt by every citizen."
The advisor bowed deeply and stepped aside as the murmurs of ministers and nobles rippled through the hall.
In one quiet corner, the two princes exchanged glances.
Rein spoke first, his voice low but filled with curiosity.
"Imagine it, Kyle… we'll finally see Orvalis. The stories I've read — their gleaming white walls, their temples of gold, their legendary swords — I'll see them with my own eyes this time."
Kyle chuckled softly, running a hand along the golden hilt of his sword.
"You think of the walls… while I think of the men who guard them."
He raised his head, his tone shifting to something far more serious.
"I've reached the rank of Golden Sword, but I want to go beyond it.They say the First Prince of Orvalis surpassed both the Golden and the Great Sword ranks — and became a Sword Master in just four years.If that's true… I want to see him for myself."
Rein smiled faintly.
"You always think of swords. I think of people — of the history that forged them."
Kyle smirked back.
"Both shape the other, little brother. But history is only written… once the sword stops moving."
At that very moment, their father's voice echoed from the throne.
"Kyle. Rein. Step forward."
Both princes obeyed immediately, standing before him in perfect discipline. They bowed in unison.
The king studied them carefully, his expression firm but proud.
"What awaits us in Orvalis is not merely a celebration — it's a test. A test of our dignity, of our image before the world.You will stand as true sons of Savina, not as guests in another's palace.Every eye will be upon you. The first impression you give… may forge your legacy — or shatter it."
Kyle responded without hesitation, his tone filled with quiet conviction.
"We will rise to the occasion, Your Majesty."
Rein only nodded, calm and composed.
Within minutes, the court was dismissed, and the palace came alive like a giant machine stirring from slumber.
In the royal stables, blacksmiths hammered the final touches onto gleaming saddles and armor.In the side halls, handmaidens prepared lavish gifts to present to Orvalis — rolls of deep-blue silk, crystal figurines, and a glass chest holding the Heavenly Lapis — Savina's sacred gem of peace since the age of the early kings.
Outside, rows of royal knights assembled in formation, their armor shining under the midday sun. Trumpets blared across the city squares, carrying the official proclamation:
"In seven days' time, the royal envoy of the Kingdom of Savina shall depart for Orvalis — to seal the Great Alliance!"
From his balcony, Prince Kyle gazed at his golden sword, deep in thought.Across the hall, Rein sat by the window, quietly turning the final pages of a thick book on Orvalis' history.
The sun sank low, painting the palace walls with hues of amber and crimson.A cool breeze swept through the open corridors, carrying with it a whisper — a promise that the coming journey would change the fate of both kingdoms forever.