King Riette sighed, his expression serious as he leaned backwards in his chair to explain. "Your cousin and you have different purposes for training, Lily. I said I'd give you a chance, and that's exactly what I mean. You'll have to train as if you're next in line for the throne." His eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "If one day you can surpass my abilities, power, and prove yourself capable of taking care of the kingdom and protecting the people, then you'll succeed in the chance I gave you."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "And when that day comes, I'll allow your parents to return to the kingdom, and we'll announce to the entire kingdom that they're alive." His voice was low and measured, his words dripping with promise. "What do you say, Lily? Do you agree?" The air was thick with anticipation as he waited for her response.
Little Lily shook her head, her face set in a serious expression. King Riette's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of sadness flickering across his face as he anticipated her response.
"Grandpa, I don't understand," Lily said, her voice firm but laced with concern. "My cousin is the one who needs to learn all this. If I have to learn everything and beat you in everything, that means it's equal to letting me fight with Brother Zerus for your place." Her eyes widened in distress as she grasped the implications. "No, Grandpa, if I do that, Aunt Diana, Uncle Callum, and everyone in the family will be hurt seeing me compete with Brother Zerus for something he deserves."
Her voice took on a pleading tone as she continued, "They're all our family, Grandpa. They're taking care of me and Lina. Why are you suggesting something that would hurt them? I don't want a deal that hurts another family member. You're being unfair, Grandpa." Her words hung in the air, a mix of confusion, concern, and disappointment etched on her face as she awaited his response.
King Riette listened intently to Little Lily's words, his expression shifting from stern to bewildered. He was taken aback by her thought process and her ability to think several steps ahead. Internally, he couldn't help but think that she would become a formidable force one day, perhaps even a little devil, given her sharp intellect and strong sense of justice. He mentally prepared himself for the tough years ahead, knowing that her growth and development would require careful navigation.
Just as he was lost in thought, Little Lily's soft voice pierced the air, "Grandpa~" The gentle call snapped him out of his reverie, and he focused his attention back on his granddaughter, he chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Don't worry, you don't need to fight with your cousin," he reassured her. "I asked you to beat me in everything, but that doesn't mean I'll let you rule this kingdom. This kingdom is mine, and your cousin will inherit it after me. Your task is to create your own empire, to prove your own abilities."
He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with encouragement. "I'll help you train in everything, but it's up to you to excel and make the most of it. After learning everything, you'll need to start building your own kingdom." Despite his explanation, Little Lily's face still wore a frown, her brow furrowed in confusion.
King Riette gently reached out and smoothed the crease between her eyebrows, his touch soothing. "It's okay not to understand everything right now," he said reassuringly. "When the time comes, you'll understand how to create your own empire. I can assure you, your main concern, fighting with your cousin is not an issue. If he will succeedin RHA, he'll rule this kingdom after me when his time comes. So, remember, you're fighting for this chance to bring your parents back." His words were gentle, but firm, as he guided her towards understanding the true nature of their agreement.
Little Lily nodded her head, a determined look on her face. "Hmm, then I'll agree, Grandpa. I'll train, I'll learn, and build my own empire, and successfully bring my parents back to our kingdom again~"
But then her expression faltered, and she paused, a realization dawning on her. "Grandpa, if I build my own empire, I'll have to be there to take care of everything. How will I be with Mommy and Daddy, with Lina, and with all of you here?" Her voice was laced with concern, her eyes searching for reassurance.
King Riette chuckled again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He reached out and gently squeezed her cheeks, his touch playful. "Don't worry, we'll work together and find a better solution when the time comes," he said, his voice soothing. His words were a promise, a reassurance that they would face the challenges ahead together, as a family.
Little Lily nodded, but her curiosity got the better of her. "Grandpa, when will my training start? How about we start today?" King Riette's gaze was firm as he replied, "Today? No, your training will start when you turn 11. It's already earlier than when your cousin Zerus began his training. You'll have to wait until then. Be patient."
He leaned in, his voice taking on a serious tone. "And remember, this is a secret deal between us. You're not allowed to share it with anyone, not your cousins, parents, aunts, or uncles. You have to achieve your goal before telling them. I'll let them know about your training, and they'll obey without question." His words were laced with authority, brooking no argument.
Little Lily's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Okay, I won't tell them, Grandpa. Let's give them a surprise after I achieve my deal." But her grin faltered, and she looked up at him with pleading eyes. "But Grandpa, why do I have to wait another year? Lina's already sad, and she has to bear with it until I win my deal. Please, I want to start training now." Her voice was soft and persuasive, her eyes sparkling with determination.
King Riette's eyes narrowed, amused by Little Lily's eagerness. This little devil's too eager and already trying to manipulate me with her tricks, he thought to himself internally, before he suggested to her, "How about this? Let you start training just like your cousin Zerus did, at 12 years old, instead of a year earlier? Okay?"
Little Lily shook her head, her ponytail swishing behind her. "I think a year isn't a long period, Grandpa," she said, her voice steady. "I'll wait." Her response was swift and firm, leaving King Riette to wonder. He gazed at her, a mixture of surprise and admiration on his face.
As the year passed, Little Lily's training commenced, and her daily schedule became meticulously packed. When she was living at Flynn country with her parents, Grandpa Riette had sent her trusted trainers to train her and to oversee her development there. With her education seamlessly integrated into her assessment, she didn't need to attend a traditional school. Instead, her days were filled with physical training, learning new skills, and acquiring knowledge at an incredible pace.
As a quick learner, Little Lily grasped everything rapidly, whether it was physical development or mental growth. She was trained in a wide range of skills, from martial arts and horsemanship to diplomacy and strategic thinking. The sound of clashing steel, the smell of freshly sharpened swords, and the feel of worn leather beneath her hands became familiar to her as she honed her skills.
Every morning, she would rise before dawn, the cool air refreshing her face as she began her physical training. She would run through the rolling hills of Flynn country, the dew-kissed grass beneath her feet, and the sun slowly rising over the horizon. After her morning run, she would engage in combat training, her movements swift and precise as she practiced sword fighting and hand-to-hand combat.
Her afternoons were filled with mental pursuits, where she would study history, politics, and economics, and kingdom rules, laws and regulations, her mind absorbing knowledge like a sponge. She would sit in the library, surrounded by different kinda of dusty tomes, her eyes scanned the pages with an insatiable for knowledge.
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Little Lily's progress was nothing short of remarkable. She was a force to be reckoned with, her determination and intelligence driving her to excel in every aspect of her training. And Grandpa Riette, watching her progression, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation for her future.
As the years flew by, when Little Lily will be turn 16 in three months, marked the end of her rigorous training. It was time for the Royal Heir/Heiress Assessment Test, a crucial milestone that would determine her readiness to take on significant responsibilities in the kingdom. She stood alongside her eldest cousin, Zerus Lellen, who was 18 years old, and prepared to this heir assessment to rule the Kingdom following after King Riette Lellen. They both prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead for them for different purposes in their lives.
The day of the assessment test arrived, and the atmosphere was palpable with anticipation. The two cousins walked into the grand hall, the high ceilings and stone walls exuding an air of solemnity. The examiners, esteemed members of the kingdom's council, greeted them with a mixture of warmth and scrutiny.
The tests were grueling, pushing both Lily and Zerus to their limits. They demonstrated their prowess in combat, strategy, and diplomacy, showcasing their mastery of various skills. The air was thick with tension as they completed each task, their minds racing with problem-solving and their bodies responding with precision. When the results were announced, both Lily and Zerus had not only passed but exceeded expectations, their scores remarkably high. Zerus Lellen was formally titled the Crown Prince of Hyla Kingdom, a title that came with great responsibility and privilege.
Lily, on the other hand, didn't receive a formal title, as her training had been tailored for a different path. However, the power and authority vested in her were no less than those of her cousin. From that day forward, both Lily and Zerus shared equal responsibilities in the kingdom, working together to ensure its prosperity and security.
As they stood side by side, receiving the congratulations of the council members, Lily knew, she only reached halfway to her goal and the road ahead will be more challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on, armed with her skills, intelligence, and determination.
After the assessment, King Riette summoned Lily for a private talk. She made her way to the familiar room where they had forged their deal six years ago. The king sat in the same chair, his demeanor unchanged, yet Lily's perception of him had undergone a significant shift. No longer did she see him solely as her grandfather; instead, she viewed him as a powerful monarch, commanding respect and authority.
As she entered the room, her memories of five years transporting her back to the countless hours she had spent learning from him. Over the past five years, she had gained a deeper understanding of his vision, values, and leadership style. She had witnessed his strategic mind and commanding presence, and had grown to admire his strength and conviction.
However, their relationship was not without its complexities. Lily's feelings towards her grandfather were tinged with a mix of emotions - respect, admiration, and a hint of anger. As she had grown older and gained maturity, she had come to realize that her grandfather's anger towards her parents had been misguided. While she understood that her parents' decision to elope had been wrong, she couldn't help but feel that the consequences he had imposed upon them had been excessively harsh.
In addition to that, Lily couldn't help but feel a deep sense of injustice as she reflected on her grandfather's actions. By placing an immense burden on her shoulders at such a young age, he had effectively dictated the course of her life. Yes, she was willingly agreed the deal, but she could understand her grandpa practically fooled a little girl and trapped her into this weight of responsibility. Moreover, the harsh consequences imposed on her parents for their decision to elope still lingered, leaving Lily with a sense of resentment towards her grandfather's unforgiving nature. Despite her admiration for his strength and leadership, she felt angry on him by giving unfair punishment. She wondered how he could be so unfair to both her and her parents.