Chapter 1: The Man He Is

Eilech is the kingdom chosen by Pope Diograd IV as the enemy of Granzusk. Surrounded by enemies on all sides, war raged on at every border.

The fertile land that had been cultivated throughout the year, and pasture brimmed with quiet wolves was a peaceful walk. The sound of birds chirped and ech*ed. Travelers across the country threaded on this land, muttering “Eilech” with wonders.

What is so good about Eilech?

Someone will answer that.

It was the mountains, old ruins, royal palaces, and ridges that lined the sky; it was the city, the endless passion of the people, and the parents’ unconditional love.

But if you asked Yvonne that question, she would say, “Him. That person.”

***

He is a resident of Scalsadore, the capital city of Haise.

Eilech Palace’s building had a glossy ocher dome with green forests and hills resting on its back. It contained traces of the past where the flags of the white lion fluttered reverently on all sides.

He lived under the small palace west of Scalsadore.

He is a man who liked people. His little palace always teemed with friends and strangers.

His sister would always joke around, saying “You’re the kind of person that when someone serves you a cup of tea and send it back even if uninvited guests with murderous intent comes.”

He was also an excellent knight proficient in sword and archery. Many fell to his skills, but many more would fall in wonder of their death.

He brought fear to the battlefield. Bodies would fall. He had fought in many wars and faced death dozens of times. He went through many hurdles.

He is respected by both nobles and knights alike.

He is a respectable man. He is…

His name is Rodrigo Felix Argenes Jaye Sicaloier. He is Eilech’s second prince and Yvonne’s lover.

Whenever he came home to his small palace, Yvonne was always waiting for him.

“Duke, you’re back?”

“Where is she?”

“She’s tending the flowers in the garden. Should we call her?”

“No, it’s fine.”

The gardeners beautifully decorated the fertile soil. They laid down on the bench, resting, and like that, time would pass without notice.

The sunlight basked and hit the platinum blonde hair that flowed down her small forehead and nose that was straight and graceful. He looked at her sleeping face with raised lips. She was beautiful, looking like a painting.

Her eyes that opened easily at the slightest noise… how warm those eyes were.

“Yvonne.”

It didn’t matter what she was doing—whether she was sleeping or awake—she would always greet him with a smile as if it was a dream.

She opened his arms and he fell to her bosom. She smelled like flowers.

“You had a long say. You should rest.”

“I am resting.”

He held her small frame, locking her in his embrace. He kissed her lovingly.

“Did you have a good trip?”

“It wasn’t too far away. I heard that the man from Turien came to visit last and returned late in the morning.”

“Ah. It was because of this year’s harvest… even at that age, Marquis Moreno could endure from falling asleep. I couldn’t lose to him.”

“How cruel of you. He only has a few days left to live.”

“…But who is crueler?”

The sound of laughter lingered in the air as their lips touched.

“That you say cold words so lovingly… isn’t there no one crueler than you?”

Under the windy, blue sky, the flag of the royal palace flapped. Laughter ech*ed, and if one listened closely to the wind blowing, you would hear their laughter and whispers of love as it traversed the land.

“No, it is…”

The Scalsadore man looked into her eyes. “You should always show mercy.”

This palace was his home. He could rest here without worries for there was a flower in paradise who would always wait for his return.