Sai, Ray and Roy was playing cards behind the Tulip palace next to the armory.
As Ray and Roy play cards, Sai's mind wanders from the game. He struggles to focus due to a growing sense of losing control over his life.
Sai wanted to stop the incoming war. Benjamin took action since the Sapphire Principality was preparing for war. Could he really ignore all the death and destruction the war would cause?
On the other hand he worried that he couldn’t even protect his own life, how was he supposed to stop a war?
Sai sighed and asked the two guards. “Guys, I've been thinking about the incoming war. What are your thoughts on it?”
Roy replied while grinning “I believe we will win this war! I see it as an opportunity to prove ourselves and achieve fame and glory. Maybe I'll even get promoted to a noble rank if I join the fight!”
Ray shook his head, “Roy, I've been thinking a lot about the war that's coming. I can't shake off this feeling that we might not make it out alive.”
Roy looked at Ray offender, ”What are you talking about! We’re not green horns, we’re Royal Guards!”
Ray shook his head, “Roy, war is a different beast altogether. We don't have the skills or training that those knights and mages possess. It's a dangerous and unforgiving environment.”
Roy looked at Ray, like he was staring at an idiot. “Your just a coward! Where is your spine man! Listen closely. It's in war where real men are forged.” Roy waved his hand. “War presents unimaginable hardships, both physically and mentally. If we overcome these challenges, we can grow to be great!”
Sai shook his head. “You can also die.”
Roy smiled widely, “It is also an opportunity. Fighting other humans is much easier than fighting those monstrous dogs.”
“The future looks bleak,” Sai said depressingly.
Sai recalled a brief folktale.
While journeying through a vast field, a man unexpectedly came face to face with a fierce tiger. Filled with fear, he swiftly turned and ran, the tiger hot on his heels. He ended up reaching the edge of a steep cliff.
In a desperate act the man jumped off the cliff, and grabbed onto a wild vine's root and dangled himself over the cliff. The tiger, peering down at him, continued to linger above.
Trembling with apprehension, the man glanced downward, only to discover yet another tiger patiently awaiting him far below, ready to devour him.
His only lifeline was the vine, which provided temporary respite. Amidst this precarious situation, he noticed a strawberry within his reach. With a firm grip on the vine using one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. As he tasted its sweetness, a brief moment of delight washed over him.
That was how the story ended.
‘Supposedly the life lesson is to teach about enjoying the present. However honestly that man is probably shredded by tigers,’ Sai thought while shaking his head. ‘Can a person really be happy with misery and death on the way. I swear, there hasn’t been anything to be happy about as soon as I entered this world. My Gift is the incarnation of evil. I’m a slave to a sadistic princess.’
The trio was approached by a butler, who was obviously a part of the dog tribe with his ears and tail. With polite demeanor, he addressed them, "Pardon me, may I inquire if you are the hero?"
“I’m the hero,” Sai said, getting up.
“Please follow me,” the butler said. “The princess has summoned you.”
----
Sai was escorted to a large white gazebo overlooking the serene royal garden.
In the center of the gazebo, a round table stands adorned with a pristine white tablecloth, its silky texture adding a touch of elegance. Four chairs encircle the table, positioned strategically. At the heart of the table, a beautifully decorated flower centerpiece graces the space, infusing it with vibrant colors and a delightful fragrance.
Sai took his seat as he looked around.
He heard the Princess footsteps and Sai felt a chill down his back. He got up from his chair and bowed his head.
“Your manners have improved, however your appearance is sloppy,” The Princess said crisply, “You may take your seat.”
The Princess sat next to Sai.
‘She sure is a picky person,’ Sai thought bitterly. He relented and sat down.
Sitting next to the Princess was nerve wracking. Like sitting with the CEO of a large company and psychopath combined.
Princess Ophelia looked extra pretty today. Her makeup, hair and dress were done perfectly.
The Princess stared at Sai and Sai looked away.
The minutes seem to stretch. Which for Sai were agonizing.
Sai tapped the table. He mustered up some courage and he asked. “Why is the Sapphire Principality going to war?”
“Go ask the Minister. No wait he’s against the war. Hmmm,” Ophelia stopped and thought about the question. “Are you against the Principality going to war?”
Sai tapped the table. “I don’t support senseless violence... I’m against the war.”
“How do I explain geopolitics to a commoner? How intelligent are you?”
“I survived this far,” Sai answered.
“I am not impressed. Essentially, I am starting this war to increase the national strength of the Sapphire Principality.”
Sai shook his head. “Does the Sapphire Principality need to increase in power? From what I've seen so far it seems peaceful.”
“Only because I’m here,” Ophelia explained. “I possess enough influence and power to deter the Ruby Republic and the Emerald Country from even considering battling against the Sapphire Principality. All my siblings were assassinated by these people relentless attempts to eliminate us. It is inevitable that conflict will arise and Principality will fall in the future.”
“How is the Sapphire Principality in trouble?”
“It is better to show you,” Ophelia said. In front of Sai was a mirage of a small dark metal warship. A flag of red jewel and green background was waving from a pole. “This is an airship created by the Ruby Republic. The Ruby Republic is advancing in technology in leaps and bounds. Soon their technology will advance far enough that our armies will be useless.”
“So your afraid of Ruby Republic technology.”
“I fear what will happen after I pass away,” Ophelia admitted. “With the current pace, they can surpass our armies in a few decades. I am going to conquer the Ruby Republic before it becomes a threat. There is a possibility I can conquer the Emerald Country and revive the Everlasting Diamond Kingdom.”
“Can’t you, I don’t know, trade with them for their technology?” Sai suggested.
“They aren’t receptive to any of my trade deals,” Ophelia said and played with her hair, “I even offered my hand in marriage and they still wouldn’t accept. They can’t let go of the past and paint us as monsters.”
Before Sai could ask more, Galen and Jasmine arrived.
Galen sat across from Sai and gave an intense glare.
Jasmine sat across Ophelia. Jasmine looked tired and withered.
Ophelia gave a beaming smile to Galen.
Sai meanwhile had a bad feeling that this was going to end in a disaster.
----
The servant served the food and drinks on the table with refined grace. Everything looked perfect.
Sai looked at the wine glass that was filled with red wine. He raised his hand to the servant. “Can I have milk or juice? I don’t drink alcohol.”
“Your a child,” Ophelia frowned, however still waved her hand to indicate for the servant to replace the drink.
The servant took away Sai’s wine glass.
“I’m weak to the flesh. I feel like if I had a small taste of alcohol, I would be addicted to it,” Sai said as he shook his head. “I don’t want to make bad habits that I wouldn’t be able to stop.”
“It's too late for me,” Ophelia admitted as she drank the entire wine glass in one gulp. "I'm past the point of no return. By the age of twelve, I was consuming wine as if it were water. I couldn’t imagine myself getting older. I always imagined that I was going to die before I became an adult.”
“Why are we having this meeting, Ophelia,” Duke Galen asked.
“Seeing your handsome face is always a treat,” Ophelia looked over to Jasmine. “I also want Jasmine to get to know her new fiance. It seems the last meeting ended in disaster.”
Galen stood up and banged the table, “This entire marriage is a charade. You're only pressuring them to wed because you're infatuated with me and you don't want me to marry my true love, Jasmine.”
“They do say love makes us all fools,” Ophelia had a smug smile in place. “Have you forgotten my cute Duke? I am the Princess and I will get whatever I want.”
“Why do you want to marry me? There are plenty of suitors you can choose from. Please marry someone else,” Duke said in a pleading voice.
Sai took a cup of milk that arrived. Immediately he took a long sip.
Ophelia looked hurt. “Truthfully. My love life is dryer than the Sultron’s desert. I don’t know why, however men seem to fear me. There was a sweet knight that I took a fancy to. He decided to hang himself then go out on a date with me. His suicide note mentions my name and how terrified he was of me...”
“Wait what?” Jasmine looked startled.
“I tried to arrange a marriage with a handsome kin from the Dragon Clan. He flew away as soon as he saw me,” Ophelia admitted. “I hunted him down and in my rage, I burned him alive.”
“You killed a Dragon with fire?” Duke Galen looked mortified.
“Galen, you will change all that,” Ophelia said while smiling. “With that slut Jasmine out of the picture. I can have you all to myself.”
Galen's face turned white.
Sai thought, ‘Wow, you're super desperate.’
“Princess!” Jasmine yelled. “You can’t force someone to love you!”
“I don’t want to hear that from a tramp that seduces every man she sees!” Ophelia yelled back.
“Regardless,” Duke Galen stood straight. “I wish to marry Jasmine. Please cancel the engagement between the Hero and Jasmine.”
Ophelia shook her head. “I won’t do that Galen.”
“Let’s make a bet then,” Duke Galen “I desire to engage in a duel with the hero. In the event of my defeat, I will agree to marry you, the princess. However, should I emerge victorious, I kindly ask to nullify the betrothal between the hero and Jasmine.”
The Princess shook her head. “I refuse to be in a fight between the hero and my beloved. As such, I will agree to your terms of bet. With the exception of the duel being replaced with an archery showdown. Do you agree Galen?”
“I accept,” Galen nodded his head with confidence.
The Princess interlocked her finger. “Good, we can start the archery showdown tomorrow.”
“Wait a moment,” Sai slapped the table. “I haven’t once used a bow in my entire life. At least give me a week to practice!”
“How bothersome,” The Princess shook her head. “We will be having an archery showdown a week from today.”
Sai sighed in relief. ‘Hopefully I will be leaving the Sapphire Principality before anything else happens.’
Rise12
Hello everyone! I hope enjoy the chapter! Please leave comment, review or rating, I love them! See you again! ^__^
Sai, Ray and Roy was playing cards behind the Tulip palace next to the armory.
As Ray and Roy play cards, Sai's mind wanders from the game. He struggles to focus due to a growing sense of losing control over his life.
Sai wanted to stop the incoming war. Benjamin took action since the Sapphire Principality was preparing for war. Could he really ignore all the death and destruction the war would cause?
On the other hand he worried that he couldn’t even protect his own life, how was he supposed to stop a war?
Sai sighed and asked the two guards. “Guys, I've been thinking about the incoming war. What are your thoughts on it?”
Roy replied while grinning “I believe we will win this war! I see it as an opportunity to prove ourselves and achieve fame and glory. Maybe I'll even get promoted to a noble rank if I join the fight!”
Ray shook his head, “Roy, I've been thinking a lot about the war that's coming. I can't shake off this feeling that we might not make it out alive.”
Roy looked at Ray offender, ”What are you talking about! We’re not green horns, we’re Royal Guards!”
Ray shook his head, “Roy, war is a different beast altogether. We don't have the skills or training that those knights and mages possess. It's a dangerous and unforgiving environment.”
Roy looked at Ray, like he was staring at an idiot. “Your just a coward! Where is your spine man! Listen closely. It's in war where real men are forged.” Roy waved his hand. “War presents unimaginable hardships, both physically and mentally. If we overcome these challenges, we can grow to be great!”
Sai shook his head. “You can also die.”
Roy smiled widely, “It is also an opportunity. Fighting other humans is much easier than fighting those monstrous dogs.”
“The future looks bleak,” Sai said depressingly.
Sai recalled a brief folktale.
While journeying through a vast field, a man unexpectedly came face to face with a fierce tiger. Filled with fear, he swiftly turned and ran, the tiger hot on his heels. He ended up reaching the edge of a steep cliff.
In a desperate act the man jumped off the cliff, and grabbed onto a wild vine's root and dangled himself over the cliff. The tiger, peering down at him, continued to linger above.
Trembling with apprehension, the man glanced downward, only to discover yet another tiger patiently awaiting him far below, ready to devour him.
His only lifeline was the vine, which provided temporary respite. Amidst this precarious situation, he noticed a strawberry within his reach. With a firm grip on the vine using one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. As he tasted its sweetness, a brief moment of delight washed over him.
That was how the story ended.
‘Supposedly the life lesson is to teach about enjoying the present. However honestly that man is probably shredded by tigers,’ Sai thought while shaking his head. ‘Can a person really be happy with misery and death on the way. I swear, there hasn’t been anything to be happy about as soon as I entered this world. My Gift is the incarnation of evil. I’m a slave to a sadistic princess.’
The trio was approached by a butler, who was obviously a part of the dog tribe with his ears and tail. With polite demeanor, he addressed them, "Pardon me, may I inquire if you are the hero?"
“I’m the hero,” Sai said, getting up.
“Please follow me,” the butler said. “The princess has summoned you.”
----
Sai was escorted to a large white gazebo overlooking the serene royal garden.
In the center of the gazebo, a round table stands adorned with a pristine white tablecloth, its silky texture adding a touch of elegance. Four chairs encircle the table, positioned strategically. At the heart of the table, a beautifully decorated flower centerpiece graces the space, infusing it with vibrant colors and a delightful fragrance.
Sai took his seat as he looked around.
He heard the Princess footsteps and Sai felt a chill down his back. He got up from his chair and bowed his head.
“Your manners have improved, however your appearance is sloppy,” The Princess said crisply, “You may take your seat.”
The Princess sat next to Sai.
‘She sure is a picky person,’ Sai thought bitterly. He relented and sat down.
Sitting next to the Princess was nerve wracking. Like sitting with the CEO of a large company and psychopath combined.
Princess Ophelia looked extra pretty today. Her makeup, hair and dress were done perfectly.
The Princess stared at Sai and Sai looked away.
The minutes seem to stretch. Which for Sai were agonizing.
Sai tapped the table. He mustered up some courage and he asked. “Why is the Sapphire Principality going to war?”
“Go ask the Minister. No wait he’s against the war. Hmmm,” Ophelia stopped and thought about the question. “Are you against the Principality going to war?”
Sai tapped the table. “I don’t support senseless violence... I’m against the war.”
“How do I explain geopolitics to a commoner? How intelligent are you?”
“I survived this far,” Sai answered.
“I am not impressed. Essentially, I am starting this war to increase the national strength of the Sapphire Principality.”
Sai shook his head. “Does the Sapphire Principality need to increase in power? From what I've seen so far it seems peaceful.”
“Only because I’m here,” Ophelia explained. “I possess enough influence and power to deter the Ruby Republic and the Emerald Country from even considering battling against the Sapphire Principality. All my siblings were assassinated by these people relentless attempts to eliminate us. It is inevitable that conflict will arise and Principality will fall in the future.”
“How is the Sapphire Principality in trouble?”
“It is better to show you,” Ophelia said. In front of Sai was a mirage of a small dark metal warship. A flag of red jewel and green background was waving from a pole. “This is an airship created by the Ruby Republic. The Ruby Republic is advancing in technology in leaps and bounds. Soon their technology will advance far enough that our armies will be useless.”
“So your afraid of Ruby Republic technology.”
“I fear what will happen after I pass away,” Ophelia admitted. “With the current pace, they can surpass our armies in a few decades. I am going to conquer the Ruby Republic before it becomes a threat. There is a possibility I can conquer the Emerald Country and revive the Everlasting Diamond Kingdom.”
“Can’t you, I don’t know, trade with them for their technology?” Sai suggested.
“They aren’t receptive to any of my trade deals,” Ophelia said and played with her hair, “I even offered my hand in marriage and they still wouldn’t accept. They can’t let go of the past and paint us as monsters.”
Before Sai could ask more, Galen and Jasmine arrived.
Galen sat across from Sai and gave an intense glare.
Jasmine sat across Ophelia. Jasmine looked tired and withered.
Ophelia gave a beaming smile to Galen.
Sai meanwhile had a bad feeling that this was going to end in a disaster.
----
The servant served the food and drinks on the table with refined grace. Everything looked perfect.
Sai looked at the wine glass that was filled with red wine. He raised his hand to the servant. “Can I have milk or juice? I don’t drink alcohol.”
“Your a child,” Ophelia frowned, however still waved her hand to indicate for the servant to replace the drink.
The servant took away Sai’s wine glass.
“I’m weak to the flesh. I feel like if I had a small taste of alcohol, I would be addicted to it,” Sai said as he shook his head. “I don’t want to make bad habits that I wouldn’t be able to stop.”
“It's too late for me,” Ophelia admitted as she drank the entire wine glass in one gulp. "I'm past the point of no return. By the age of twelve, I was consuming wine as if it were water. I couldn’t imagine myself getting older. I always imagined that I was going to die before I became an adult.”
“Why are we having this meeting, Ophelia,” Duke Galen asked.
“Seeing your handsome face is always a treat,” Ophelia looked over to Jasmine. “I also want Jasmine to get to know her new fiance. It seems the last meeting ended in disaster.”
Galen stood up and banged the table, “This entire marriage is a charade. You're only pressuring them to wed because you're infatuated with me and you don't want me to marry my true love, Jasmine.”
“They do say love makes us all fools,” Ophelia had a smug smile in place. “Have you forgotten my cute Duke? I am the Princess and I will get whatever I want.”
“Why do you want to marry me? There are plenty of suitors you can choose from. Please marry someone else,” Duke said in a pleading voice.
Sai took a cup of milk that arrived. Immediately he took a long sip.
Ophelia looked hurt. “Truthfully. My love life is dryer than the Sultron’s desert. I don’t know why, however men seem to fear me. There was a sweet knight that I took a fancy to. He decided to hang himself then go out on a date with me. His suicide note mentions my name and how terrified he was of me...”
“Wait what?” Jasmine looked startled.
“I tried to arrange a marriage with a handsome kin from the Dragon Clan. He flew away as soon as he saw me,” Ophelia admitted. “I hunted him down and in my rage, I burned him alive.”
“You killed a Dragon with fire?” Duke Galen looked mortified.
“Galen, you will change all that,” Ophelia said while smiling. “With that slut Jasmine out of the picture. I can have you all to myself.”
Galen's face turned white.
Sai thought, ‘Wow, you're super desperate.’
“Princess!” Jasmine yelled. “You can’t force someone to love you!”
“I don’t want to hear that from a tramp that seduces every man she sees!” Ophelia yelled back.
“Regardless,” Duke Galen stood straight. “I wish to marry Jasmine. Please cancel the engagement between the Hero and Jasmine.”
Ophelia shook her head. “I won’t do that Galen.”
“Let’s make a bet then,” Duke Galen “I desire to engage in a duel with the hero. In the event of my defeat, I will agree to marry you, the princess. However, should I emerge victorious, I kindly ask to nullify the betrothal between the hero and Jasmine.”
The Princess shook her head. “I refuse to be in a fight between the hero and my beloved. As such, I will agree to your terms of bet. With the exception of the duel being replaced with an archery showdown. Do you agree Galen?”
“I accept,” Galen nodded his head with confidence.
The Princess interlocked her finger. “Good, we can start the archery showdown tomorrow.”
“Wait a moment,” Sai slapped the table. “I haven’t once used a bow in my entire life. At least give me a week to practice!”
“How bothersome,” The Princess shook her head. “We will be having an archery showdown a week from today.”
Sai sighed in relief. ‘Hopefully I will be leaving the Sapphire Principality before anything else happens.’
Rise12
Hello everyone! I hope enjoy the chapter! Please leave comment, review or rating, I love them! See you again! ^__^
