With the first light of dawn, the royal palace of Orvallis stirred like a restless beehive.Servants hurried through the ornate corridors, carrying white lilies and tall candles, while crimson carpets were rolled out from the grand hall all the way to the throne dais.Outside, the clang of hammers echoed as soldiers fixed the royal banners along the high stone walls.Horses were being groomed and adorned with silver crests — all in preparation for the long-awaited arrival of the Savina delegation.
In the main hall, the Chief of Protocol stood clutching a long scroll of parchment, sweat glistening on his brow as he barked orders in a trembling voice:"Gentlemen… we must reorganize the procession once more!His Majesty leads first, followed by the four princes, then the royal advisors, and finally the knights of the royal guard!Remember — every step is measured, every glance carries meaning!"
Among the lined-up figures stood the four princes — Adrian, Leon, Darius, and Ken — each wearing a different expression.Adrian, calm and composed, stood motionless like a statue.Leon, restless as ever, exchanged sarcastic glances with Darius, whose patience was clearly running thin.And in the back, Ken stood with arms crossed and a faint, amused smile that dared the solemn mood to challenge him.
The protocol instructor snapped, voice sharp enough to echo through the marble hall:"Deeper bow, Prince Leon! Prince Darius, no smiling during the formal salute!And you, Prince Ken… please focus — this is not a dance rehearsal!"
Ken chuckled lightly."Then perhaps you should make it less boring," he replied, tone dripping with calm defiance.
Leon raised an eyebrow, muttering under his breath, "Still the same… you never take anything seriously. It's as if you're here to play, not to represent a kingdom."Ken's smirk widened. "Representation doesn't need effort… just confidence."
The instructor sighed in defeat and waved his hand, dismissing the session.The princes departed one by one — each lost in his own thoughts, each carrying a different vision of what awaited in the coming days.
Darius – A Fire Behind Closed Doors
In one of the darker wings of the palace, Darius sat at his vast desk surrounded by scattered parchments and half-rolled maps.Candlelight danced across his sharp features, emphasizing the tension burning in his eyes.Before him lay four thick folders — one stamped in red with a single word: "Mount Taibo."
Two men entered — a noble and a wealthy merchant — their steps hesitant.Darius spoke first, his voice low but razor-sharp:"Tell me… how did we lose it?"
The noble glanced at his partner nervously before stammering,"M-My lord, we tried every diplomatic channel, but the villagers of the Pyaro Temple refused to sell the land—"
Darius slammed his fist on the desk, scattering papers across the room."Diplomatic?! Are you cowards or incompetent?!"
The merchant stepped forward quickly, voice trembling."We even hired mercenaries from the southern provinces, but they were defeated.The locals know every stone and path in those mountains — they ambushed us, wiped out our men.We couldn't risk sending royal troops without exposing your involvement, Your Grace."
A heavy silence followed.Darius's jaw tightened, fury simmering beneath his breath.Finally, he hurled one of the folders at their feet."Get out of my sight! Both of you! You're a disgrace to everyone who bears my name!"
The two men fled as the door slammed behind them.For a long moment, Darius sat still — then leaned forward, pressing a hand to his temple.His voice dropped to a whisper of bitter frustration:"One of the most profitable ventures… gone.And soon that mountain will belong to them — under that cursed alliance."
Ken – Between Duty and Distance
Meanwhile, Ken strolled through the long corridor, Marvin following at his side, reading notes aloud about the ceremony's arrangements.Suddenly, Ken caught a glimpse of Eliana — the fifth princess — hurrying past them.Her face was pale, eyes red-rimmed, a storm of emotion barely held together.
Ken reached out instinctively, offering a gentle smile."Eliana… it's been a while."
But she swept past him without a glance, as if the sound of his voice never reached her.He stood there silently, watching her disappear down the corridor.A guard approached and whispered something to her that Ken couldn't catch.He exhaled quietly, murmuring to himself,"Four years gone… and the distance between us hasn't closed an inch."
Eliana and the King
Inside the royal chamber, Eliana stood before her father, King Orvallis IV, her expression weary.The King's tone carried both command and concern."Are you prepared? You understand what's coming — this event matters greatly… especially for you."
She nodded faintly. "Yes, Father."
A rare, fleeting smile crossed the King's lips."If you need anything, speak without hesitation. I will tolerate no mistakes this time."She bowed and withdrew, her footsteps slow — as though she were walking away from words left unspoken.
The Calm Before the Arrival
Outside, the palace courtyard was alive with motion.Soldiers formed crisp lines in gleaming armor; carriages were polished until they shone; servants carried ornate chests filled with gifts — silken tapestries, jeweled cups, and silver statues — all meant for the visiting Savina delegation.
Far beyond the city walls, that same delegation moved steadily along the trade road.The line of carriages stretched like a golden serpent across the plains, escorted by a cavalry unit bearing banners of the white sun — the emblem of Savina.
One of the guards rode alongside the royal carriage, calling out,"Your Majesty, two days remain before we reach the capital of Orvallis!"Inside, King Savinius III smiled faintly — a politician's smile that hid a dozen ambitions."Then let history begin its countdown," he murmured.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the white palace of Orvallis shimmered on the far edge of the valley — a radiant gem waiting to meet its reflection.Inside one of the Savinan carriages, Kyle polished his golden sword in silence, while Rein flipped through the final pages of a history book about Orvallis, whispering with a quiet grin:"So this is it… the kingdom that changes history every time it moves."
And so, between anxious preparations and the steady march of destiny, the road stretched onward —toward the meeting that would bring fire and silk together,strength and diplomacy entwined —in a single day that would reshape the fate of both kingdoms forever.