Ryuuji was in his office, immersed in the complex task of reorganizing the Autumn Kingdom's administration after the recent agitations, when his assistant, Clifford, announced an unexpected visitor: Kirin, the official messenger of Master Yoshi.
The figure of Kirin was shrouded in mystery and reverence. The title was not a name but a designation, passed down to those chosen to serve Master Yoshi directly. To assume such a role required the complete abandonment of a past life; typically, the choice fell upon princes with no direct right to the throne, whose skills and discretion were placed at the Master's service.
Kirin acted not only as a bearer of messages but also as an attentive observer, the eyes and ears of Master Yoshi throughout the Four Kingdoms. An ancestral magical device, always with him, projected a subtle illusion over his face, ensuring his true identity remained a well-guarded secret, allowing him to move with greater freedom and security.
Kirin entered Ryuuji's chambers with the serene posture and respect that the occasion demanded. After formal greetings, he handed the prince a scroll sealed with the unmistakable sigil of Master Yoshi.
The message informed of the imminent start of the formal training for the Guardians of Nature and mentioned that Aleph was already aware of certain developments and that a new, riskier plan would be put into action.
"This is... exceedingly interesting," Ryuuji commented, more to himself than to the messenger. "Tell the Master that I understand and that I will begin my part of the preparations."
"So," he thought with a pang of intrigue, "my brother has even more secrets and plans than I imagined."
Kirin then presented a small, dark wooden box, adorned with the symbol of autumn. Inside, upon a silk cloth, rested an orange crystal, pulsing with a soft light. It was one of the artifacts of power, destined for the Guardian of Autumn.
"If there is nothing further, Your Highness..." Kirin bowed, preparing to withdraw.
"Wait," Ryuuji requested, stopping him. "There is a matter about which I would like to ask Prince Erik."
"Does Your Highness wish to send an official message?"
Kirin, sensing the hesitation and the pensive look on Ryuuji's face, questioned him.
"What would you like to ask him?"
"Please, sit. It is a supposition, merely... let's say that you and your brother were interested in the same person. How would you handle that?"
Kirin arched an eyebrow beneath the illusion that veiled him.
"Impossible. Despite our similar appearance, our tastes are quite different."
"It's just a hypothetical..." Ryuuji sighed. "Perhaps I should have asked someone else."
"Proceed. I am listening," Kirin said, a touch of humor in his voice. "But you might as well confess it's about you. I'd like to save my time."
"There is a young woman whom I have been avoiding, doing my best to keep my distance and not generate unnecessary conflict. However, circumstances require that I grow ever closer to her, and I fear this proximity may awaken an interest. Because..." he paused, searching for the words, "...I cannot see a captivating, kind, and lovely young woman without becoming interested and eventually involved. And, due to my position, making a serious commitment has always seemed complicated. But with her... with her, perhaps it could be different."
"Well, this is news to me," Kirin commented, a playful glint in his eyes. "Prince Ryuuji, the greatest conqueror of the Four Kingdoms... having doubts about whether to get involved with a woman? Who would have thought!"
"I know it's inevitable that they become interested in me," Ryuuji said, without false modesty. "So, let's just say I have merely been corresponding to their desires."
"Ryuuji," Kirin's tone grew more serious, "the crux of the matter is that you are accustomed to being the object of desire, and perhaps you have never truly concerned yourself with actively and sincerely winning someone's heart. Should you come to develop real feelings for this lady, I suggest you first identify the exact nature of that feeling. And then decide how to handle it, with honesty toward yourself and toward her."
Ryuuji pondered the messenger's words.
"That was exactly what I wished for you to ask Prince Erik. Could you send this message to him?"
"Certainly, Ryuuji. Consider it delivered." Kirin stood up, and a faint smile seemed to show through.
Ryuuji smiled as well, feeling a little lighter.
After the formal farewell, Kirin departed, leaving the prince with his thoughts and the weight of the decisions that lay ahead.
The next day, aware of Master Yoshi's new directives, Prince Ryuuji summoned Leticia and Íris to his office. The time had come to inform them of a special and crucial training that both of them were to begin. He informed them in a tone that balanced seriousness and encouragement.
"Master Yoshi has sent us new instructions. You will both undergo intensive training, divided into two stages. The first will be focused on honing your combat techniques, under the tutelage of an experienced instructor whom the Master will designate shortly. The second stage... well, that will be conducted by me and will address skills of a... very particular nature."
Íris, always direct, was the first to question, though with due respect:
"If I may ask, Your Highness, what would be the exact purpose of this very specific training?"
Ryuuji smiled slightly, an enigmatic glint in his eyes.
"Let's just say I see in you both an extraordinary potential, a gift that must be carefully cultivated and developed. To ignore such a gift would be an affront, to say the least. And, of course," he added with a touch of his usual levity, "it will serve to pass the time. I will introduce the instructor for the first stage as soon as he arrives."
A genuine enthusiasm lit up Íris's face. The prospect of developing new skills, especially those that could be useful for the protection of the Autumn Kingdom and, consequently, of Ryuuji, was something that deeply motivated her.