News spread across the kingdom like wildfire — the king had returned.
After years away, King Oliver and his daughter, Princess Sasa, were finally coming home to the royal castle. Streets filled with whispers, flags rose high, and soldiers lined the marble path leading to the gates.
When the grand carriage rolled to a stop before the castle's gates, the guards snapped to attention. The doors opened, revealing the tall figure of King Oliver and his radiant daughter stepping out beside him.
"Welcome back, Your Majesty! Welcome, Princess Sasa!" the soldiers called in unison, their armor gleaming under the sunlight.
Inside the grand hall, Queen Lora stood beside Nairina, waiting for them with a faint but proud smile. The heavy doors swung open, and for a brief moment, time itself seemed to halt. The royal family — separated for so long — was finally reunited.
Queen Lora approached first, her composure softening as she embraced Sasa.
"My dear daughter... you've grown so much," she whispered.
Sasa's voice trembled with emotion. "I missed you, Mother."
King Oliver smiled warmly and placed a hand on Lora's shoulder. "It's good to see you again, Lora."
Nairina bowed gracefully. "Welcome home, Your Majesty. Welcome, Princess."
After the greetings, the queen asked gently, "How was your journey, my love?"
Oliver's tone was light, almost nostalgic. "Peaceful, for the most part. We visited the southern gardens and even spent some time in the Kingdom of Riamon. It was... refreshing."
Lora smiled politely, though her eyes flickered with something unreadable. "I see. I stayed behind, managing the court in your absence — and making sure your daughter had something to return to."
Her words carried a subtle edge, one that didn't escape Oliver's notice.
Changing the subject, he asked, "And how fares the kingdom in my absence?"
Lora's tone shifted, calm yet sharp. "There was... an intruder. A dangerous one. He broke into the castle and tried to harm me."
"What?" Oliver's voice thundered through the hall. "Who dares attack my queen within my own castle?"
"He called himself Ryan," she said coldly. "A man wearing a black wolf mask. I've placed a royal decree — whoever brings him in will be rewarded handsomely."
Oliver took a deep breath, forcing calm. "At least you are safe, my queen. That's what matters most."
Moments later, he turned to Sasa. "Now, it's time. We must head to the academy to finalize your registration."
The family boarded a royal carriage once again, its golden crests gleaming. As the wheels began to turn, Queen Lora gazed out the window silently, her thoughts drifting like shadows.
I must hide the truth... that I ordered Pierce and his subordinates captured. If Oliver finds out, it could all fall apart.
---
Meanwhile, far from the castle, Pierce sat in his study, a cup of coffee steaming beside him. The room was filled with books, old maps, and quiet nostalgia. On his desk rested a framed photograph — a younger him standing beside King Oliver.
He stared at it for a long moment. "It's been a long time, hasn't it... Oliver?" he murmured. "I hope you still remember the day we first met. I won't get another chance to see you again... but I wish you well, old friend."
A knock came at the door. Aaron stepped inside.
"Yes, Master Pierce? Do you need anything?"
Pierce stood up slowly, his expression calm but firm. "Aaron, prepare yourself. Tomorrow, you'll be going to the Royal Academy. From now on, your name is John. You'll wear a wig and glasses so the queen doesn't recognize you."
Aaron raised a brow. "Understood. But... I heard the king and princess have returned. Would you tell me your story with the royal family, sir? Please?"
Pierce sighed but nodded. "You deserve to know."
He began his tale.
"I was born into a noble family — one of the oldest in Maro. Our family was close to the royal line. Oliver and I were the same age. We studied together, trained together, and graduated side by side. But soon after, my family left the kingdom under mysterious circumstances. I never heard from them again."
His gaze dimmed. "The loss shattered me. I had no one left — except Oliver. He offered me a position in the western wing of the royal castle, a place for soldiers and tacticians. I accepted."
"One morning, a carriage arrived. A young woman stepped out — beautiful and graceful. She was visiting Oliver often. Eventually, I learned she was his fiancée, Lora."
Pierce paused to sip his coffee, eyes lost in the memory.
"I congratulated him, and he invited me to the royal wedding. It was magnificent — golden chandeliers, music in every corner. But not everyone was pleased."
At the wedding, Lora's eyes narrowed upon seeing him.
"Who invited you, soldier?" she asked coldly.
Oliver intervened, smiling. "I did, my dear. He's not just a soldier — he's my friend."
Lora's irritation softened, though her gaze remained distant. The ceremony went on, and Pierce watched quietly, a bittersweet smile lingering on his lips.
After the wedding, he continued serving as the commander of the royal guard. Two years passed. Then one day, he approached the throne room, bowed deeply, and said:
"Your Majesty, I wish to resign."
Oliver was stunned. "Resign? Why?"
Pierce's tone was steady. "I've served long enough. My body and spirit are tired."
Before the king could respond, Queen Lora's voice cut sharply through the hall. "Tired? You mean lazy. You think you can abandon your duties just because you're bored?"
"Enough," Oliver said firmly. "It's his choice, Lora. We will not force him to stay."
Her glare lingered, but she turned away. Pierce gave a respectful bow. "Thank you, my king. Farewell."
That was the last time he ever saw them.
Returning to his home in Gizana, Pierce lived a quiet life. "Oh," he added softly, "I forgot to mention — Kain was adopted from the orphanage I visited after returning home."
Aaron blinked. "Really? That's... unexpected."
Pierce chuckled faintly. "Yes. Life has its strange turns."
He handed Aaron a sealed letter. "These are the documents you'll need for tomorrow. You won't go alone — Ashen and Kain will accompany you. Go and tell them now."
"Yes, sir."
Aaron left the room, found Ashen and Kain outside, and explained everything. The three set out together — though their teamwork didn't start smoothly.
Ashen tripped over a rock and fell face-first into the mud.
Aaron and Kain tried, and failed, to suppress their laughter.
The sound of their laughter echoed down the road, fading slowly into the sunset — a brief moment of warmth before the next storm.