Narrator Pov's
In the Empire of Vailenor, winter has ended and spring has arrived.
When spring arrived after a month, Myrrh began her sword training and fighting combat lessons. She began from the beginning until she grew accustomed to the discomfort of pain, particularly the bruises and wounds on her hands from holding the wooden sword. Myrrh recalls Emperor Castillion putting her through a challenge that required her to hoist Emperor Castillion's sword; if Myrrh could lift it, she would be allowed to wield it.
The royal guard handed up the sacred sword to the Emperor Castillion. He took the sword, set it on the ground, looked at Myrrh, and spoke. " Take the sacred Sword and show to me that you, despite being a princess, are worthy to wield it. Myrrh, admiration for someone cannot be measured solely by words.... Wielding the Sword is far more difficult than ruling the throne because the Sword is used to slay opponents and defend oneself. So go ahead and take it and prove it to me, because the moment you lift it, I'll let you weild. "
Myrrh stared at the holy emperor Castillion in response to what he had said to her. She approached the sacred Sword and faced the Emperor, bowing to begin her trial. All of the servants and royal guards present were watching her to see if she could manage it or if she would abandon the trial and go back to being the joyful and book-loving princess. They were aware that the emperor's sword was hefty and should only be used by the emperor. Princess Myrrh's tiny frame would not allow her to lift and hoist the Sword. That is what the watchers were certain of. But Emperor Castillion stayed mute, observing her and waiting to see what she would do.
Myrrh placed both of her hands on the black sacred sword's hilt. It was so heavy she could feel her hands shaking. However, she raised it gradually without displaying any signs of weakness. She would simply raise the sword further when she had done so. But everyone observing her could notice that she was trembling because of her thin frame. She was mentally begging the sacred sword to allow her to raise it, even though she was not displaying any weakness. As a result, the sacred sword felt lighter to her, as though someone was carrying it. Her hands, however, continued to shake. Myrrh felt she could raise it, and she was not mistaken, so she did not waste the chance.... With victory, she lifted the sacred sword and was drawn and lifted, shocking those watching her.
Everyone who saw her lifting the sword was applauding, including the emperor, and because of that, he called Myrrh to come closer to him. And He said to Myrrh.
" I'm glad you showed me you could succeed and didn't let me down.." The Emperor Castillion decided to let Myrrh wield the sword and learn to combat. Myrrh bowed gracefully and thanked the emperor with a phony grin on her lips.
*****
Myrrh was standing in a wide area holding the wooden sword in her hands. She closed her eyes when she felt the cold touch of the wind on her arms and her training clothes. And she started to make a motion with her hands and arms together with her feet. She swung the wooden sword to the other side and to the right, and she could hear the sound of her wooden sword with every move she made; her movement was very smooth, if you were to judge.
In every action she takes, she remembers all the grievances in her heart, all the past events that happened in her previous life... And one of the things that lingered in her mind before she was imprisoned in the cold palace was the words spoken to her by Emperor Castillion, which made her grip the wooden sword even tighter.
" I never loved you as a child, it was just an illusion that I treated you as my child, and the love I showed you was just a fake love... Myrrh, you should engrave this in your mind: I never wanted you as a child. I only treated you as my child because I needed something from you, and now that I have what I need, I don't need you anymore. You should be thrown away and killed. "
When she remembered those words, she felt anger, an anger that consumed her more and more. Her actions became aggressive, which made her movements in training even more impressive....
She just continued with what she was doing. She repeated her movements until her actions changed, transferring the wooden sword to the other hand and spinning it with her fingers in sync with the movements of her feet. When the spinning of the wooden sword stopped, the sharp end of the wood was pointed forward, aimed at the person secretly watching her.
She opened her eyes and saw the boy. Just looking at her seriously, and no fear could be seen in the boy's eyes, and when myrrh made sure that no harm or attempt was done to her, she lowered her wooden sword aimed at the boy.
" Who are you and why are you watching me? " She asked the boy.
" W-who are you too? " The boy asked her too.
When this boy asked her, myrrh frowned because she wondered why she was being asked if she was the first to ask.
" Why should I answer your question if I was the first to ask you, it's rude if you don't answer my question to you!? " She said calmly but her voice is irritated.
The two of them stared at each other, until the boy just gave up and began to bend down a little and placed his right hand on his chest and looked at her.
" I am Adolphus Alexander Octavius. " Introducing himself to her. " And who are you? " Now it was Adolphus who asked her.
Myrrh just smirked at Adolphus' question to her, and in myrrh's mind ' if you're from the Vailenor Empire. I'm sure you know me, but you don't even know me.
" I am Myrrh, " When she mentioned her name to Adolphus, he frowned. " Why are you watching me secretly, and how did you end up in this place? " Myrrh asked him seriously.
" And I think you are not from the Vailenor Empire, and I believe you are from another empire because of your attire. I am sure you are a noble person. " She said.
Adolphus just laughed at what Myrrh said because he felt that Myrrh was being cautious with him.
" You don't need to be cautious because like you, I'm just a kid who admires your skill, and you're right, I'm not just an ordinary person, and even if you are not just an ordinary kid.... training to become a knight. " Just by the words of Adolphus, you can tell that he is teasing Myrrh, but no matter what he says, Myrrh just looks at him seriously as if she is reading Adolphus's entire being.
But in Myrrh's mind, he was just lost and shouldn't be given any more attention. Myrrh bowed slightly and said goodbye. But before she turned away, Myrrh pointed out where Adolphus should go, and there Myrrh began to move away without looking back.
Myrrh continued walking, and she could still hear Adolphus calling her.
Myrrh just shook her head and ignored his repeated calls, but the boy was so persistent that he ran to catch up with Myrrh and grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving. However, because of what the boy did, Myrrh pulled his hand, turned him towards her, and choked him until Adolphus's body was leaning against the tree. Adolphus was startled and grabbed Myrrh's hand to prevent her from tightening her grip on his neck.
" What do you need from me and why are you being so persistent!? I let you watch me secretly earlier, and now you're chasing me and holding my hand. Are you losing your mind!!? " Myrrh's questions and angry words to Adolphus... Adolphus was about to speak, but myrrh preempted him.
" I warned you that if we meet, I will kill you. I don't care if you are a noble or a royal; remember that you are in the empire of Vailenor, not in your place where you can stop anyone you want or meddle in everything you see. So, know your place, Adolphus Alexander Octavius. "
The frightening aura emitted by Myrrh caused a shiver to run through Adolphus's entire body as he was carefully warned. He knew that Myrrh was serious about what she said to him, and because of that, Adolphus became restless with his feelings.
Myrrh released Adolphus and walked away without turning around till she was gone. On the opposite side, Adolphus sat beneath the tree, clutching his neck with his palm as he started to cough and take long breaths. He glanced back again but he was unable to see her anymore. Adolphus merely grinned and shook his head.
*****
When Myrrh returned to the training ground, she placed the wooden sword away and began walking toward her palace. However, from a distance, she noticed Rosally running towards her, and she furrowed her brow at Rosa's awkward movements, signaling that she had something important to tell her.
Rosa stopped running when she got close to Myrrh, who was out of breath and speaking in a stammering manner that Myrrh couldn't understand.... Myrrh stood quietly, waiting for Rosa to speak properly.
" Princess Myrrh Celestia, His Majesty the Holy Emperor has ordered you and your siblings to attend the dining hall this evening. " When she heard Rosa's words, her ears perked up, and she let out a sigh. Rosa's remarks were important, but to her, such topics were a complete waste of time. However, due to her age, she was obligated to comply because it was the emperor's command. So she feigned to be pleased and delighted about what she had heard and told Rosa to prepare her bath and a nice outfit that would not be too hot to wear.
The female attendants came over to Myrrh as soon as she got to her palace and started taking off her clothes one by one. After she undressed, the female attendants started bathing her in the marble bath where she was sitting. They began washing her body, and after they were finished, they rubbed Myrrh's head with aromatic rose oil. They led her to a room after showering her, placed her on a plush bed, rubbed her body with aromatic oil, and started massaging her.
They dressed Myrrh after giving her a bath and a massage, and as they were done, Myrrh's personal guard knocked on the door, indicating that it was time to head to the dining hall.
Myrrh came out of her chamber and saw her personal guard standing upright. Her personal guard bowed quickly when he saw her.
" Princess " Her personal guard stated: Myrrh simply looked at her personal guard and began walking, while her personal guard followed her.
While they were walking, Myrrh asked her personal guard. " Tell me who else, aside my siblings, is going to the dining hall, Ralston." ...
" I suppose the Octavian Empire's prominent visitors, including Crown Prince Adolphus Alexander Octavius and his councilors, are present in the royal dining hall. Princess." Ralston's response to Myrrh's query.
" Is that so. " Myrrh only replied to Ralston's response, and silence engulfed their presence until they exited Myrrh's palace, where her carriage was waiting. Ralston assisted her down the stairs and also helped her get into her carriage....
The newly arrived carriages were already lined up when they reached the emperor's palace, and Myrrh wasted no time in signaling to Ralston that she was ready to get off, which Ralston immediately understood, and he opened the carriage door and held out his hand to assist Myrrh in getting off the carriage.
When Myrrh eventually exited her carriage, the emperor's personal butler and the attendants who had been waiting for her bowed to her.
" Good evening, Your Highness Princess Myrrh Celestia. We're glad you've arrived. " Myrrh simply stared at him and false smiled at him as Butler spoke to her with respect.
" Please accompany me to the dining hall, Butler Porter. " Princess myrrh said. " Yes, Your Highness. " Butler porter responded respectfully.
They all walked quietly, and the only sounds that could be heard were the shoes and heels they were wearing. Before long, they arrived in front of the dining hall door, and without wasting any time, Butler announced the arrival of Princess Myrrh.
" Her Highness, Princess Myrrh Celestia y Vailenor, Duchess of Delphinium and Zakrushte domain has arrived. " When Butler Porter announced Myrrh's name and title, the royal guards standing at the sides of the doors opened them, revealing Myrrh's siblings and their guests at the dining table, but their father the holy emperor was not yet there.
Princess Myrrh took a deep breath before approaching her siblings, who were eagerly anticipating her arrival. As Myrrh approached her standing siblings, she bowed eloquently and respectfully. Her eyes were emotionless, yet she smiled and stood up straight.
" My beloved youngest sibling, Myrrh Celestia, I can't believe it's really you! " Princess Myrrh receives an emotional greeting from her older sister, Princess Caliste Gwenyth y Vailenor.
" How are you, Celest? " Princess Caliste Gwenyth asked about her, and Princess Myrrh answered her question. " I'm all right, Caliste, my sister. What about you? How are you? " Princess Caliste Gwenyth was taken aback but she didn't show it because Myrrh's questions were mature. Caliste Gwenyth remembers her sister as joyful when they were all together, but at her age, she had turned serious, in her mind.
Princess Caliste brushed aside what she noticed, believing that her beloved little sister was maturing. She responded to Princess Myrrh's question by saying she was alright and had just returned from her vacation a few days ago.
Princess Myrrh simply nodded and smiled at Princess Caliste Gwenyth, complimenting her on her dress. Princess Myrrh also noticed that there were eyes on her, and as she looked over, she saw her eldest brother, the heir to the Vailenor realm, looking at her.
Princess Myrrh bowed formally and greeting her oldest brother. The crown prince simply lifted his hand as a signal to her stand properly, and formal etiquette was no longer required in his presence especially to his youngest sister.
The prince began to walk to his seat next to the Emperor's seat, while Myrrh stood correctly after paying respects to the heir apparent prince. Myrrh only followed the heir with her eyes because he ignored her presence and simply indicated for her to stand up correctly. Myrrh was so immersed in the thought that she wasn't aware of her Older sister, Princess Caliste Gwenyth, was calling her many times. Myrrh was taken aback when Princess Caliste Gwenyth abruptly grabbed her hand and informed her they needed to sit in their seats.
Myrrh just nodded as Caliste spoke to her, and after they had sat down, the holy emperor's Personal Butler announced his arrival and told them to pay their respects to the holy emperor. So they all rose from their seats and bowed to the coming ruler.
As their father, the Holy Emperor Castillion, took a seat, every servant shifted and arranged the Vailenor Empire's delicacies. The servants were occupied, but Myrrh saw that someone was observing her, and she looked at the heir of the Octavian Empire, who merely shook his head and grinned at her. Myrrh gave a subtle smile in return, turned to her plate, and started to handle her silverware...
The Octavian councilors started talking about trade and peace while Myrrh and her sister Caliste were dining in silence. The Holy Emperor, however, cut short the councilors' next words, instructing them to first enjoy Vailenor's cuisine before discussing the issue with the other high-ranking Vailenor councilors in his office. In response to the holy emperor's order, the councilors went silent, looked at one another, and only nodded.
Myrrh smiled covertly as she felt Octavian's high councilors cut short their words.... Even if the guest is an empire, the reigning monarch wields considerable authority. If the holy emperor and his subjects are stronger, they have no choice but to obey the highest...
Myrrh enjoyed the meal she had desired to eat because in her previous life, the only food she had in the dungeon and cold castle was stale hard bread and muddy water, and now she was tasting steak and pleasant liquids... Myrrh thought to herself, "What a twist of fate, and to be honest, some luck was involved." ....
A few minutes had passed, and the people around Myrrh were only eating and drinking the sweet juice and wine served by the servants. Caliste turned and murmured to Myrrh.
" Myrrh, are you alright? " Caliste asked in a whisper and went on with her next word. " You can ask our father for permission to go and rest if you're exhausted, and I'm sure he'll grant it. " Myrrh furrowed her brow and gave Caliste a covert smirk when she voiced her worries..
Myrrh Celestia Pov's.
" You can ask our father for permission to go and rest if you're exhausted, and I'm sure he'll grant it. " Now that I think about it, the emperor was upset with me because I listened to you, sister, and it was because of your phony worry that put me in danger. When I think about it, you are really smart since you trapped me in your scheme, which ultimately led to my demise.
I simply grinned at what she said, shook my head, and looked her in the eye.
" I can take care of myself, sister Caliste Gwenyth, so you don't have to worry about me at this point...." I said, gazing intently into her eyes. " And I'm also glad to be meeting new individuals from different empires." And I gave her a charming smile after speaking those things.
I saw her eyes blink and her fake grin as she shifted her glance from me and looked elsewhere.
Why are you treating me like this? What have I done to you that you would want to harm me like this!? I was only a child who knew nothing but to read and stay within my palace.
These are the questions I want to ask you, Caliste Gwenyth. I simply closed my eyes to calm myself, but the Holy Emperor called me.
" What can I do to help you, Your Majesty, the Holy Emperor? " I told him while staring into his eyes.
" Myrrh Celestia, fill my glass with wine. " When I heard his command, I stood up from my seat, bowed, walked over to the servant, took the wine, and quietly poured it into his glass. I could feel the eyes on me. " Is this the beginning of exposing your actual essence, Father? " I said to myself...
After filling his glass with wine, I stood next to the holy emperor.
" How is your training going, Myrrh Celestia? " I looked at the Holy Emperor and grinned. And I responded to his question. " I believe my practice has improved thanks to you Your Majesty and the tutor you sent to me, Lord Ralston, who is teaching me how to use the sword..." I said. " However, for the time being, Your Majesty, I am simply carrying a wooden sword, not the real one. " The holy emperor laughed when I made a joke.
" HAHAHAHA " The councilors of Octavian and the crown prince glanced at the Holy Emperor and my siblings at our father because of his loud laughter, which echoed throughout the dining hall. " Did you know that my youngest child, Princess Myrrh Celestia, this beautiful child who is now just ten years old, is already studying swordsmanship? What is even more impressive is when I challenged her, and told her that if she could lift my sword, I would allow her to train and use the sword, she did not disappoint me.... She truly proved to me that she could wield a sword; she truly has the blood of Vailenor. " While he was telling stories, pointing at me, and proudly showing me off to his guests, those who had previously looked at the holy emperor were now looking at me and clapping, causing me to bow my head and bite my lip in irritation.
" I had no idea you were interested in holding a sword, Myrrh Celestia. " I gave my older brother, the crown prince of Vailenor, a smile before responding to his question.
" I've wanted to be a royal knight for a very long time, brother. Even our father was taken aback by my desire, and I apologize if I didn't tell you about it earlier. I apologize. " I bowed my head while apologizing to my brother.
The holy emperor banged the table twice and told the crown prince....
" Is there any issue with what your sister wants to do, Casimir Casmu y Vailenor? " The holy emperor's serious question to Casimir pleased my thoughts with what I heard.
" I have no objections to it, Your Majesty, but I am concerned about my sister, Princess Myrrh Celestia, because of her small stature and the possibility of breaking a bone if she wields the real Sword, Father. " Casimir's serious response to our father fueled my rage..
The Holy Emperor was about to speak when his personal assistant showed up and whispered something to him.
He stood up from his seat and exited the dining hall, as did all of Octavian's councilors. Only the three of us siblings and the Octavian empire's crown prince remained in the royal dining hall.
I also bowed to say farewell to my siblings, but Caliste and Casimir spoke at the same time, so I just gazed at them both.
" Stop your training, Myrrh, because it is not appropriate for a girl to wield a sword, and what is the point of training if you have royal guards? " I gave Casimir a serious look and responded to his words.
" Brother Casimir! Did you honestly say it's inappropriate for women to hold a sword!? I was taken aback by what Casimir said, which made me furrow my brow even more. " Have you forgotten who guarded Vailenor back then? It was our father's sister who became the Grand Duchess of Luciania!!. " I continued my remarks, and he was taken aback by what I said to him because I raised my voice.
" Even though you are a princess!, Celest, your role is to marry into another empire and create an heir for your spouse, not to wield a sword. You are dishonoring Vailenor's reputation!!. " What he said silenced me, which further astonished me. I was about to explode with rage, so I took a deep breath.
" Brother Casimir, what right do you have to speak to me in that manner?? " I asked him seriously, gazing intently into Casimir's eyes. " It was our father, the emperor, who gave me permission, not you. " I told him the last words with a sarcastic tone.
" Brother Casimir, this discussion is going nowhere, so if you have anything else to say, please direct it to our father. " I politely told him and went on with what I was saying. " If you have nothing else to say, I shall return to my palace because I am exhausted from practicing earlier. " As soon as I stated that, I bowed to show respect to my siblings who were looking at me, as well as the crown prince of Octavian, who was staring at the food and unconcerned about his surroundings.
I was ready to go when Casimir shouted at me to stop walking.
We, the siblings, stared at someone who had before shown no interest in his surroundings, and now we are staring at Octavian's prince, whom I had warned I would kill if our fates crossed.
" I never imagined the crown prince of Vailenor would be this way. " After saying that, he looked at Casimir.
" Is this your policy in the Vailenor Empire? " Teasing Casimir, he stood up from his chair, wiped his lips with a handkerchief, glanced at him again, grinned, and then returned to seriousness.
" Wealth in exchange for the Princess? If this is your policy, I am prepared to purchase Princess Myrrh Celestia. What are your thoughts, Crown Prince of Vailenor? " He added.
*****
Narrator Pov's.
" Wealth in exchange for the Princess? If this is your policy, I am prepared to purchase Princess Myrrh Celestia. What are your thoughts, Crown Prince of Vailenor? " Adolphus' serious questioning of Casimir forced Caliste to stand, unwilling to believe what she had heard from their Octavian Empire guest.
Caliste pointed at Octavian's crown prince because she disagreed with what he said and thought he was demeaning their brother Casimir.
" You have the audacity to interfere in our affairs!!, Crown Prince of Octavian. " Caliste became enraged and told Adolphus not to intervene in their sibling argument. Adolphus only grinned at Caliste's comment.
" You said not to get involved in sibling disagreements? Princess Caliste Gwenyth. " Adolphus chuckled loudly, which irritated Caliste and Casimir even more, while Myrrh merely stared at Adolphus, expressionless.
" I apologize if you believe I am insulting all of you, but you're mistaken, Princess Caliste Gwenyth. I don't enjoy getting involved in fights that don't concern me, but " Adolphus implies what Caliste said.
" Do you think I want to hear or get involved in their disagreements with your sibling? No, but hearing their argument is inappropriate, especially since I am a guest of your Empire. I only asked your brother, Crown Prince Casimir, if he would sell your youngest sibling, Princess Myrrh Celestia, because I would buy her and believe the position of crown princess would be ideal for her. " After saying those words to Caliste, Adolphus glanced at Myrrh calmly and grinned, and Myrrh simply stared at him, expressionless...
Everyone was silent within the dining hall, and Adolphus turned to Caliste and Casimir and said:
" The delicacies of Vailenor are delicious, and I am full, thank you. I will now excuse myself as the night is getting late. " Adolphus bid farewell to the person looking at him, so Caliste instantly bent to say goodbye and apologize for what Adolphus had witnessed, and Adolphus did the same. Adolphus then approached Myrrh and began to talk with her.
" Can you accompany me outside, Princess Myrrh Celestia? " When Myrrh heard what Adolphus said to her, she gave him a phony smile.
" If that's what you desire, Crown Prince Adolphus Alexander Octavius, I'll accompany you. " Myrrh said, and before leaving, she bowed to her siblings and said farewell once more.
To be continue.....