Six years had passed…
Tars, the capital of Crichton.
Gentle noblemen congregated amidst a garden adorned with fallen leaves. Their attire exuded elegance, yet they were wrapped in warm, woolen garments, a subtle nod to the crisp autumn air. Tension marred their faces as they clutched long wooden sticks—objects incongruous with their refined appearance.
A white ball rested above the vibrant maple leaves, slumbering peacefully on the ground. Suddenly, a woman’s voice pierced the air, capturing the breathless attention of the gentlemen.
“And… commence!”
At the woman’s battle cry, the ball ascended, soaring through the air.
The gentlemen swiftly sprang into action, chasing after the elusive ball, the spectacle imbued with a touch of amusement. One gentleman hurled his stick, successfully seizing the ball, only to have it snatched away by another contender. The thief swiftly changed course and dashed towards the opposite end at a staggering speed.
“Oh, no!”
The thief, sprinting along the narrow path hemmed by trees, emitted a horrid yelp. He found himself intercepted by two other men, their combined force causing him to groan and tumble to the ground.
Then ensued a scuffle.
One gentleman cleverly feigned striking the ball, yet his kick landed a blow to someone’s stomach.
Meanwhile, a gentleman concealed in the bushes leaped out and lunged towards the ball, only to lose his footing and plunge into the mud. Another gentleman promptly seized the opportunity, wresting the ball from the fallen man before darting off in the opposite direction, only to be apprehended by members of the opposing team.
The game raged on, with neither side managing to score a goal. Their once pristine attire now bore the stains of mud.
The woman found herself surrounded by a gathering of exquisite ladies.
With a radiant smile, the woman addressed them. “Perhaps it is time for all of you to take a plunge into the lake? If scoring proves elusive, we might as well unite as one large group, don’t you agree?”
The gentlemen expressed deep sighs of regret. They had exerted themselves fervently, dashing back and forth, driven by the fear of ending up on the losing side—a fate that would condemn them to leap into the frigid waters of the lake.
Meanwhile, the noble ladies regarded the woman, no, the princess, with a mixture of emotions, realizing her true intention behind proposing the match.
A while ago, they had engaged in a heated debate at the salon, discussing the latest issues and scandals. It was during this discourse that the man who was currently rolling in the mud uttered something that stirred the princess’s agitation, ultimately leading to the present moment.
With her agitation mounting, the princess suggested they play Kiritte, a game originating in Crichton. The penalty for the losing team would be to plunge into the icy depths of the lake.
Observing the misery of the young men, the young noble ladies turned their attention to the silver-haired woman seated comfortably beside them. She alone possessed the power to halt the princess’s whims.
The silver-haired woman cast a solemn glance over her shoulder. “Cease this, princess.”
“Why? It has been enjoyable,” the princess retorted.
“You have caused enough commotion already. If any harm befalls you or the men, we shall only face further troubles. Let us conclude it here.”
“Hmm…” The princess displayed signs of contemplation, her palm resting against her chin.
And then, the voices of the noblemen and women resounded.
“Yes, you are right, princess. What if you were to sustain an injury?”
“Yes, this is becoming too perilous.”
“Let us cease this…”
Helena, the princess, regarded them with a cold stare, causing the others to immediately fall silent.
How dare they presume to dictate her actions? Helena scoffed inwardly, yet eventually, she raised her hand, and the whistle blew, signifying the end of the match.
The men released a collective sigh of relief.
The game had concluded long before a victor was declared. They hoped the princess had satisfied her appetite for amusement and would return to the palace.
However, defying their fervent hopes, Helena’s voice ruthlessly shattered their expectations. Bathed in the sun’s golden rays, her curls of platinum hair and light green eyes shimmering, she raised her head and proclaimed, “I have given you ample opportunity, yet no one has managed to score. It would be unfair for all of you to jump into the lake, so why not choose someone to do it on your behalf, Rhia?”
All eyes turned to the silver-haired woman.
The silver-haired woman shook her head, her gaze unwavering. “No, I refuse.”
“Why? Come on, make a choice,” the princess urged.
“Do it yourself.” The silver-haired woman turned away, adamantly rejecting the princess’s request.
Being the king’s beloved daughter, the princess possessed the authority and power to issue commands akin to royal decrees. Her notorious fiery temper was unrivaled, and only the royal family, her relatives, and the nanny could pacify her. Thus, no one dared to speak to the princess in a manner that did not align with their own image.
Helena burst into laughter, rising from her chair. “I was merely jesting. Surely you didn’t believe I would make all of you jump into the freezing lake.”
The young nobles awkwardly chuckled, thinking to themselves, You’re the type who would.
Helena crossed her arms. “Of course I wouldn’t. Since Rhia has spoken, we shall halt here.”
One gentleman blushed at her words. He knew his veiled sarcastic remark earlier, questioning if Rihannan was truly an Arundell spy, had caused their current predicament. He couldn’t fathom what the princess would do to him or what the future held if Rihannan decided to upend his life.
“Oh, dear Lord, what is all this commotion?” A shrill voice pierced through the air, drawing everyone’s attention. They turned simultaneously and beheld the astonished gaze of the princess’s nanny.
“What is happening here? Explain yourselves!”
The sons and daughters of nobility appeared disheveled, their faces smeared with mud, clothes torn and tattered. They resembled common laborers toiling in the fields all day. The nanny assumed the princess was responsible and immediately seized hold of her.
Suppressing her irritation, the nanny scolded, “What on earth are you all doing here? Disperse!”
“Yes!” they exclaimed in unison, quickly scattering in all directions.
Helena regarded the nobles without a trace of emotion, her only complaint being the emotional distress she had endured.
“Princess, you must follow me this instant. Rihannan, you as well!”
As they made their way, the nanny unleashed a barrage of nagging, a discourse that Helena abhorred.
“Why must you behave this way, princess?” the nanny chastised Helena. Turning her attention to Rihannan, she reproached, “And you, why did you aid the princess instead of stopping her?”
As the nanny grew bolder, shifting the blame onto Rihannan, Helena erupted in a fit of anger.
“I planned this from the very beginning! If Rihannan hadn’t been present, who knows what would have transpired.”
“For heaven’s sake, princess, you cannot continue acting in this manner.”
The nagging persisted, but eventually, the nanny had to relent. Rihannan and the princess were granted a respite under the pretense of tea time.
“Rhia, you know that I played Kiritte intentionally to make Ashton suffer. Why didn’t you choose him when you had the chance?” Helena remarked between bites of sweet cookies.
“Because I simply didn’t want to.”
“Why? You’ve been provoked all this time. They keep questioning your allegiance between Chrichton and Arundell for the naval battle. I’m sure it’s a lingering shadow,” Helena pressed.
Rihannan smiled softly. “It’s true that I am of mixed heritage, but it holds no significance for me. I care little for Ashton’s opinions. Regardless of what they think, I am a Crichton. Arundell has long faded from my thoughts.”
There was a resolute determination in Rihannan’s light sky-blue eyes, prompting Helena to sigh as she gazed upon her.
“Yes, I know. You despise Arundell more than anyone.”
“Yes, so don’t worry. Ashton will continue to talk as always, but I’m certain he will grow quieter, especially once the naval battle concludes,” Rihannan replied.
“Yes, we shall emerge victorious once again.” Helena lifted her teacup, a smile brimming with arrogance and confidence adorning her face. “Our Crichton fleet will never falter against Arundell.”
Helena’s smile radiated with pride. Crichton had never tasted defeat in naval battles. Not now, not ever.
Rihannan lowered her gaze, attentively listening to Helena’s words imbued with unshakable certainty. Helena was right. Crichton would emerge triumphant in the naval battle. It was an undeniable truth.
Long ago, Crichton had established itself as a maritime powerhouse, while Arundell’s strength lay in its dominance on land. Despite sharing a border, treacherous terrain often separated the two nations, making overland journeys arduous. Therefore, maritime routes were frequently utilized for travel between the two kingdoms.
Arundell boasted vast resources in its surrounding lands, bordered by multiple countries, while Crichton amassed its wealth through maritime trade. Though Crichton and Arundell had maintained an alliance with minimal military clashes, local conflicts were not uncommon. One notable example was Arundell’s bitter defeat at the hands of Crichton in a naval battle. Arundell’s prowess proved insufficient against the seasoned sailors of Crichton, the uncontested masters of the sea.
Six years had passed…
Tars, the capital of Crichton.
Gentle noblemen congregated amidst a garden adorned with fallen leaves. Their attire exuded elegance, yet they were wrapped in warm, woolen garments, a subtle nod to the crisp autumn air. Tension marred their faces as they clutched long wooden sticks—objects incongruous with their refined appearance.
A white ball rested above the vibrant maple leaves, slumbering peacefully on the ground. Suddenly, a woman’s voice pierced the air, capturing the breathless attention of the gentlemen.
“And… commence!”
At the woman’s battle cry, the ball ascended, soaring through the air.
The gentlemen swiftly sprang into action, chasing after the elusive ball, the spectacle imbued with a touch of amusement. One gentleman hurled his stick, successfully seizing the ball, only to have it snatched away by another contender. The thief swiftly changed course and dashed towards the opposite end at a staggering speed.
“Oh, no!”
The thief, sprinting along the narrow path hemmed by trees, emitted a horrid yelp. He found himself intercepted by two other men, their combined force causing him to groan and tumble to the ground.
Then ensued a scuffle.
One gentleman cleverly feigned striking the ball, yet his kick landed a blow to someone’s stomach.
Meanwhile, a gentleman concealed in the bushes leaped out and lunged towards the ball, only to lose his footing and plunge into the mud. Another gentleman promptly seized the opportunity, wresting the ball from the fallen man before darting off in the opposite direction, only to be apprehended by members of the opposing team.
The game raged on, with neither side managing to score a goal. Their once pristine attire now bore the stains of mud.
The woman found herself surrounded by a gathering of exquisite ladies.
With a radiant smile, the woman addressed them. “Perhaps it is time for all of you to take a plunge into the lake? If scoring proves elusive, we might as well unite as one large group, don’t you agree?”
The gentlemen expressed deep sighs of regret. They had exerted themselves fervently, dashing back and forth, driven by the fear of ending up on the losing side—a fate that would condemn them to leap into the frigid waters of the lake.
Meanwhile, the noble ladies regarded the woman, no, the princess, with a mixture of emotions, realizing her true intention behind proposing the match.
A while ago, they had engaged in a heated debate at the salon, discussing the latest issues and scandals. It was during this discourse that the man who was currently rolling in the mud uttered something that stirred the princess’s agitation, ultimately leading to the present moment.
With her agitation mounting, the princess suggested they play Kiritte, a game originating in Crichton. The penalty for the losing team would be to plunge into the icy depths of the lake.
Observing the misery of the young men, the young noble ladies turned their attention to the silver-haired woman seated comfortably beside them. She alone possessed the power to halt the princess’s whims.
The silver-haired woman cast a solemn glance over her shoulder. “Cease this, princess.”
“Why? It has been enjoyable,” the princess retorted.
“You have caused enough commotion already. If any harm befalls you or the men, we shall only face further troubles. Let us conclude it here.”
“Hmm…” The princess displayed signs of contemplation, her palm resting against her chin.
And then, the voices of the noblemen and women resounded.
“Yes, you are right, princess. What if you were to sustain an injury?”
“Yes, this is becoming too perilous.”
“Let us cease this…”
Helena, the princess, regarded them with a cold stare, causing the others to immediately fall silent.
How dare they presume to dictate her actions? Helena scoffed inwardly, yet eventually, she raised her hand, and the whistle blew, signifying the end of the match.
The men released a collective sigh of relief.
The game had concluded long before a victor was declared. They hoped the princess had satisfied her appetite for amusement and would return to the palace.
However, defying their fervent hopes, Helena’s voice ruthlessly shattered their expectations. Bathed in the sun’s golden rays, her curls of platinum hair and light green eyes shimmering, she raised her head and proclaimed, “I have given you ample opportunity, yet no one has managed to score. It would be unfair for all of you to jump into the lake, so why not choose someone to do it on your behalf, Rhia?”
All eyes turned to the silver-haired woman.
The silver-haired woman shook her head, her gaze unwavering. “No, I refuse.”
“Why? Come on, make a choice,” the princess urged.
“Do it yourself.” The silver-haired woman turned away, adamantly rejecting the princess’s request.
Being the king’s beloved daughter, the princess possessed the authority and power to issue commands akin to royal decrees. Her notorious fiery temper was unrivaled, and only the royal family, her relatives, and the nanny could pacify her. Thus, no one dared to speak to the princess in a manner that did not align with their own image.
Helena burst into laughter, rising from her chair. “I was merely jesting. Surely you didn’t believe I would make all of you jump into the freezing lake.”
The young nobles awkwardly chuckled, thinking to themselves, You’re the type who would.
Helena crossed her arms. “Of course I wouldn’t. Since Rhia has spoken, we shall halt here.”
One gentleman blushed at her words. He knew his veiled sarcastic remark earlier, questioning if Rihannan was truly an Arundell spy, had caused their current predicament. He couldn’t fathom what the princess would do to him or what the future held if Rihannan decided to upend his life.
“Oh, dear Lord, what is all this commotion?” A shrill voice pierced through the air, drawing everyone’s attention. They turned simultaneously and beheld the astonished gaze of the princess’s nanny.
“What is happening here? Explain yourselves!”
The sons and daughters of nobility appeared disheveled, their faces smeared with mud, clothes torn and tattered. They resembled common laborers toiling in the fields all day. The nanny assumed the princess was responsible and immediately seized hold of her.
Suppressing her irritation, the nanny scolded, “What on earth are you all doing here? Disperse!”
“Yes!” they exclaimed in unison, quickly scattering in all directions.
Helena regarded the nobles without a trace of emotion, her only complaint being the emotional distress she had endured.
“Princess, you must follow me this instant. Rihannan, you as well!”
As they made their way, the nanny unleashed a barrage of nagging, a discourse that Helena abhorred.
“Why must you behave this way, princess?” the nanny chastised Helena. Turning her attention to Rihannan, she reproached, “And you, why did you aid the princess instead of stopping her?”
As the nanny grew bolder, shifting the blame onto Rihannan, Helena erupted in a fit of anger.
“I planned this from the very beginning! If Rihannan hadn’t been present, who knows what would have transpired.”
“For heaven’s sake, princess, you cannot continue acting in this manner.”
The nagging persisted, but eventually, the nanny had to relent. Rihannan and the princess were granted a respite under the pretense of tea time.
“Rhia, you know that I played Kiritte intentionally to make Ashton suffer. Why didn’t you choose him when you had the chance?” Helena remarked between bites of sweet cookies.
“Because I simply didn’t want to.”
“Why? You’ve been provoked all this time. They keep questioning your allegiance between Chrichton and Arundell for the naval battle. I’m sure it’s a lingering shadow,” Helena pressed.
Rihannan smiled softly. “It’s true that I am of mixed heritage, but it holds no significance for me. I care little for Ashton’s opinions. Regardless of what they think, I am a Crichton. Arundell has long faded from my thoughts.”
There was a resolute determination in Rihannan’s light sky-blue eyes, prompting Helena to sigh as she gazed upon her.
“Yes, I know. You despise Arundell more than anyone.”
“Yes, so don’t worry. Ashton will continue to talk as always, but I’m certain he will grow quieter, especially once the naval battle concludes,” Rihannan replied.
“Yes, we shall emerge victorious once again.” Helena lifted her teacup, a smile brimming with arrogance and confidence adorning her face. “Our Crichton fleet will never falter against Arundell.”
Helena’s smile radiated with pride. Crichton had never tasted defeat in naval battles. Not now, not ever.
Rihannan lowered her gaze, attentively listening to Helena’s words imbued with unshakable certainty. Helena was right. Crichton would emerge triumphant in the naval battle. It was an undeniable truth.
Long ago, Crichton had established itself as a maritime powerhouse, while Arundell’s strength lay in its dominance on land. Despite sharing a border, treacherous terrain often separated the two nations, making overland journeys arduous. Therefore, maritime routes were frequently utilized for travel between the two kingdoms.
Arundell boasted vast resources in its surrounding lands, bordered by multiple countries, while Crichton amassed its wealth through maritime trade. Though Crichton and Arundell had maintained an alliance with minimal military clashes, local conflicts were not uncommon. One notable example was Arundell’s bitter defeat at the hands of Crichton in a naval battle. Arundell’s prowess proved insufficient against the seasoned sailors of Crichton, the uncontested masters of the sea.
