The royal family of the Salian Empire is easily recognizable by their striking appearance. They possess golden blonde hair and blue eyes, a trait that is passed down to every member of the royal family. Additionally, a unique cross mark adorns the arms of the first-born royals, signifying their special role as the chosen leaders.

The first-born child of the royal family is the crown prince or princess and is automatically designated as the heir to the throne upon reaching the age of 18. To strengthen the political power of the heir, they are usually required to enter into a strategic marriage. These unions are often arranged with the daughters of powerful dukes within the empire, cementing alliances and ensuring stability for the realm.

The second-born prince or princess plays a crucial supporting role to the crown prince. They are often married to children of other dukes within the empire, further solidifying political ties and alliances. Alternatively, they may be wedded to royalty from neighboring kingdoms, fostering cooperation and goodwill between nations.

The Salian royal family has a long-standing tradition of being blessed with exceptional abilities. These abilities are gifts granted by the divine, either in the form of martial prowess or magical talents. These inherent gifts are bestowed upon members of the royal family to ensure they have the necessary tools to lead the empire to prosperity and success.

As leaders, the royal family is expected to embody both strength and wisdom. They carry the weight of the empire on their shoulders and must make decisions that will impact the entire realm. Despite the pressures of their positions, they are seen as chosen by God and respected by their subjects, who believe in their divine mandate to lead.

The Salian royal family's legacy is one of divine leadership, strategic marriages, and innate abilities that serve as the foundation for their reign over the powerful Salian Empire. Their golden blonde hair and the cross mark on their shoulders are not only symbols of their lineage but also a representation of their sacred duty to govern the empire with divine guidance.

The empire is divided into four duchies, each ruled by a prominent noble family. The House of Visconti is one of the founding families and serves as the guardian of the empire in the northern region. They are renowned for producing skilled aura swordsmen, which suggests a focus on martial prowess and military strength.

The Visconti Duchy's proximity to the unclaimed territory of Agralva presents a unique challenge for the Salian Empire. With Agralva being a land inhabited by various kinds of dangerous monsters and lacking a centralized leadership, it poses a potential threat to the empire's security and the safety of its citizens.

To safeguard the empire from the potential incursion of these monsters, the Visconti Duchy takes on the responsibility of conducting monthly expeditions into Agralva. These expeditions likely involve skilled aura swordsmen produced by the Visconti family, who are well-equipped to combat and contain the monsters. These expeditions serve a vital role in mitigating the risk of dangerous creatures breaching the empire's borders and causing havoc within its territories.

The constant need for these expeditions demonstrates the duchy's dedication to protecting the empire and maintaining its security. The Salian Empire's reliance on the Visconti Duchy for these containment efforts underscores the importance of their role as the guardian of the northern border.

The House of Chalon is situated in the western part of the empire and is famous for its infamous magicians. Their expertise in magic likely contributes to the empire's strength and may serve various purposes, such as defense, governance, or other mystical endeavors.

The House of Selby is located in the eastern region and has a longstanding tradition of producing prime ministers and scholars. This indicates that they play a crucial role in the empire's governance and administration, supporting the central power.

The House of Deleval, situated in the south, is known for its harbors that house a substantial number of ships. This makes them a key player in trade and commerce within the empire, likely contributing significantly to its economic prosperity.

As Crown Prince Claude sat in his chambers, he found himself immersed in the history book about the empire, trying to distract his mind from the lingering thoughts of Elise. The absence of her in his life had left a void he couldn't fill, and the pain of her sudden departure weighed heavily on his heart.

He put the book down, releasing a heavy sigh as he recalled the memories they shared. The uncertainty of her whereabouts haunted him, and he couldn't bear the thought of her being gone without a word. Determined to find her, he summoned his loyal shadow guard, seeking any news or updates about Elise's location.

His shadow guard informed him that she had ventured north. The revelation deepened his feelings of unease, and his jaw clenched in frustration. He yearned to know why she had left and what had driven her to make such a decision. He thought that they have come to an understanding that he will break the engagement.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a soft knock echoed on his door, pulling him back to the present. He composed himself and allowed his aide, Theodore, to enter. Theodore was not just his aide, but also a close friend, hailing from the prestigious House of Selby, a duchy known for producing prime ministers and scholars.

As Theodore entered the room, he could see the worry etched on Claude's face. The prince nodded, acknowledging Theodore's presence, and his thoughts briefly shifted to their longstanding friendship. They had shared many experiences and secrets, and Theodore had always been a loyal and reliable companion.

Then, Theodore delivered the news about the Duke and Duchess of Visconti finding their missing daughter, Amaryllis, Crown Prince Claude's reaction was different from what one might expect. His expression remained stoic, and there was a sense of indifference in his demeanor. Theodore noticed the change in Claude's mood but decided to tread carefully.

"The Duke and Duchess of Visconti have found Amaryllis, Your Highness," Theodore said, trying to gauge Claude's emotions.

Claude glanced up briefly, his icy gaze meeting Theodore's. "I see. Inform them of my congratulations and send a suitable gift."

Theodore hesitated, sensing the distance in Claude's response. "Of course, Your Highness. Is there anything else you'd like me to do?"

Claude shook his head, returning his focus to the documents in front of him. "No, that will be all, Theodore. You may leave."

As Theodore left the room, Claude found himself lost in his thoughts once again. Though he had instructed Theodore to deliver his congratulations, his heart remained indifferent to the news. Elise held a special place in his heart, and her departure had left him feeling vulnerable and alone.

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Despite his cold exterior, Claude couldn't deny the pain he felt deep inside. He had always been distant and reserved, even with those close to him, except for Elise. She had managed to break through his defenses, and the void she left behind was hard to ignore.

In the depths of his mind, Crown Prince Claude couldn't help but wonder relentlessly about Elise. His thoughts were consumed by her, and his usually cold and distant demeanor gave way to a hint of obsession. He found himself yearning for answers, for any clue that could lead him to her, and his eyes darkened, reflecting the intensity of his feelings.

The day she left, there was a note left on the bedside table.

I'm sorry if I will leave Claude but it's for the best. I love you. Please forget about me.

- Elise

He crumpled the note but still hid it in the compartment of his study table. "Where is Elise?" he muttered to himself, his voice laced with a mixture of frustration and longing.

His thoughts spiraled, his mind desperately seeking the elusive truth. He couldn't escape the hold she had on him, and it frustrated him that he couldn't let go. His obsession with finding her consumed every waking moment, and he felt a burning desire to understand why she had left.

The more he dwelled on her absence, the more his eyes darkened, reflecting the depth of his emotions. To the outside world, he remained the cold and ruthless Crown Prince, but within, his heart was in turmoil.

He recalled every moment they had spent together, every smile, every touch, and the deep connection they had shared. The memories were etched into his mind, haunting him like a relentless echo. He knew he couldn't erase her from his thoughts, and the realization only fueled his determination to find her.

The prince's once-controlled emotions now teetered on the edge of obsession. He felt a compulsion to uncover the truth, to bring her back to his side, and to understand why she had left him. His usual pragmatism and logic were overshadowed by a passionate need to find her and make things right.

As he continued to delve deeper into his thoughts, a sense of urgency surged within him. He knew he had to find her, no matter the cost. The prospect of losing her forever filled him with dread, and he couldn't bear the thought of living without her. For now, he would channel this obsession into determination, using every resource at his disposal to locate Elise.

~~~~

Inside Emperor Constantine's opulent office, Crown Prince Claude stood with a simmering rage that threatened to consume him. His father's demand to proceed with the engagement to Lady Cecilia, despite knowing their lack of love for each other, had ignited a fire within him. He could no longer tolerate the thought of being forced into a loveless marriage for political gain.

"Father, I can't go through with this marriage," Claude said firmly, his voice laced with frustration. "I don't love Lady Cecilia, and she doesn't love me. This union will bring us nothing but misery."

Emperor Constantine's stern expression showed little sympathy. "Claude, you must understand that as the future emperor, your marriage is not solely about love. It's a political necessity to secure alliances and maintain stability within the empire. We cannot let personal feelings dictate such crucial matters."

Inwardly seething, Claude couldn't suppress his emotions any longer. "But father, this is my life we're talking about! I should have a say in who I marry and spend the rest of my days with. I won't be a pawn in your political games!"

Suddenly, in a fit of anger, Emperor Constantine grabbed a nearby mug and hurled it at Claude. The sharp sound of the mug crashing against the wall was drowned out by the fury within the room. The mug grazed Claude's cheek, leaving a scratch, but he refused to react. His eyes locked onto his father's, refusing to back down.

Undeterred by his son's resilience, Emperor Constantine sighed heavily. "Claude, I understand your frustration, but you must grasp the weight of your responsibilities. The engagement cannot be annulled. It's an ancient rule, established by our ancestors, and cannot be overturned without serious consequences."

Claude's fury seemed to fade, replaced by a sense of defeat. "So, I have no choice in this matter? My happiness is sacrificed for the empire?"

The emperor's expression softened, revealing the burden he too carried. "I know this is difficult for you, my son. But sometimes, the duty of a ruler demands personal sacrifices. Your happiness might be affected, but your duty to the empire and its people must come first."

As the reality of his situation sank in, Claude felt a sense of resignation wash over him. He knew that the path ahead was paved with responsibilities he couldn't evade. The weight of tradition and the expectations of his role as crown prince were heavy burdens to bear.

"Then, I will abdicate my right to the throne to Louis."

The room fell silent as Crown Prince Claude's bold declaration hung in the air. He had made a daring proposition, offering to abdicate his right to the throne in favor of his younger brother if the engagement to Lady Cecilia was not annulled. The tension in the room was palpable, and Emperor Constantine's anger flared in response to his son's audacity.

"You dare speak of abdicating your birthright?" the emperor thundered, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Do you have any idea of the consequences of such a reckless decision? The empire's stability and legacy are at stake!"

Claude stood his ground, his gaze unwavering. "Father, I can't bear the thought of a loveless marriage. It would be a disservice to both Lady Cecilia and myself. I cannot lead this empire with a heavy heart. If my happiness comes at the cost of the throne, so be it."

The emperor's fury burned hotter as he glared at his defiant son. He knew the depth of Claude's feelings for Elise, the commoner girl who had captured his heart. The mere thought of a commoner ascending to the throne through his son's abdication was unthinkable in the eyes of tradition and the empire's nobility.

"You would choose a commoner over your duty to the empire?" the emperor's voice trembled with anger and disappointment. "You think your love for this girl is worth more than the welfare of millions of our subjects?"

Claude's voice softened, though his determination remained resolute. "I understand my duty, Father, but I also believe that a ruler who carries the burden of unhappiness can't lead effectively. The empire needs a strong and devoted leader. I would be willing to support my younger brother, who has proven himself capable and dedicated to our people."

The emperor's face contorted with conflicting emotions, torn between his fatherly love and the demands of the throne. "You know the expectations placed upon you as the crown prince," he said, his tone strained. "The traditions of our empire cannot be discarded on a whim."

Claude nodded, his eyes reflecting both sorrow and conviction. "I am aware of the weight of tradition, Father, but I can't deny my heart. I love Elise, and I can't bear to see her suffer as well. If I must give up the throne to ensure her happiness and my own, then I am willing to accept the consequences."

The room fell into an uneasy silence as the father and son confronted the harsh reality of their situation. As Emperor Constantine's anger reached its peak, he sought to impose a punishment on Crown Prince Claude for defying his wishes.

With a heavy hand, he decided to send Claude to the Visconti Dukedom to assist with the dangerous expedition against the monsters that plagued the region. The punishment was to last for a daunting six months, an extended period of time that would keep Claude away from the comforts and luxuries of the palace.

"Since you refuse to see reason, Claude, I shall teach you the weight of responsibility and the consequences of your actions," the emperor declared, his voice cold and stern. "You will be sent to the Visconti Dukedom to aid in the ongoing expeditions against the monsters. You will learn the hardships and challenges that our empire faces, and perhaps, it will open your eyes to the reality of leadership."

Claude's face remained impassive, though he couldn't hide the frustration and disappointment he felt. He knew this was a form of punishment, a way for his father to assert his authority and remind him of the duties he would inevitably inherit as the crown prince.

"As you wish, Father," Claude replied with a respectful nod, accepting his fate. "I will fulfill my duty as a member of the royal family."

The emperor's expression softened slightly, a mix of anger and concern flickering in his eyes. "This is not a matter of blind obedience, Claude. I hope this experience will help you understand the weight of your decisions and the responsibility that comes with being a ruler."

With that, the decree was issued, and Crown Prince Claude's fate was sealed. He would embark on a three-month expedition to the Visconti Dukedom, facing the dangers of the monsters that lurked in the shadows. The punishment served as a stark reminder of the expectations placed upon him and the consequences of his choices.

As Claude left the emperor's presence, he couldn't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, he was determined to stand by his feelings and pursue his own happiness. On the other hand, he understood the importance of responsibility and the duty that came with being the crown prince.