In the spacious council chamber of the Grandia Palace, a solemn silence fell over the room as the nobles and other officials exited, leaving an atmosphere filled with tension. The light streaming through the heavy curtains cast long shadows across the cold marble floor. Everything seemed calm, but the air was still thick with pressure and heavy expectations.

Prince Lucius stood before his father, Emperor Maximus Libertas, who exuded strength and power but also a hidden concern. The emperor gazed at his son with an unreadable expression, a look that held both love and expectations within its stern eyes. He began the conversation with a firm voice, “Lucius, how do you plan to prepare before embarking on this mission?”

The question seemed to snap Prince Lucius out of his troubled thoughts. He hesitated for a moment, trying to find a satisfactory answer, but his mind was filled with confusion and uncertainty. The only thing he could feel was the pressure that came with his father's expectations. He replied softly, without much confidence, “I’m not sure yet… Father.”

Emperor Maximus looked at his son calmly. The silence in the council chamber seemed to heighten the tension. He could sense the uncertainty in Lucius, which made him feel a slight twinge of disappointment. The emperor sighed lightly before smiling a little to reassure his son, “It’s alright, Lucius. I will help you plan.”

Then, he began to explain the travel plan in detail. “For this long journey, you should start by selecting at least ten trusted followers, including skilled knights from our army, to protect you along the way. Prepare sufficient horses and provisions, and choose a suitable letter or gift to present to the Lord of Salvaren to build a good relationship between us. Most importantly, you should appoint a leader for your entourage and clearly define the route.”

Prince Lucius listened intently to his father's advice, feeling a sense of warmth from the emperor’s concern, though there was still a lingering doubt in his heart. He had always received such care and guidance, but this time something seemed different. His father’s worried eyes seemed more intense than ever.

Emperor Maximus noticed his son's demeanor and added, “Remember, Lucius, Salvaren was once our enemy. The Lord of Salvaren has never easily accepted our family. You must be careful and avoid conflict unless absolutely necessary. I know you have courage, but caution is equally important.”

Upon hearing these words, Prince Lucius felt the warmth radiating from his father’s tone. The concern hidden in those words made the prince feel his father's love. Despite the many expectations and pressures, the emperor's sincere words comforted him. “I will do my best, Father,” the prince replied with more certainty.

The emperor saw his son’s attentive listening and felt somewhat pleased, but there was still an important matter to discuss. He continued with a serious yet warm tone, “And if you succeed in this mission, I will arrange a wedding for you. Your bride will be Alina Fidelis, the second daughter of the Lord of CitadelFidens. The Fidelis Alba family is highly respected in the empire, blessed by the goddess Venia, and has always been loyal to her. I believe this marriage will greatly benefit you. She will help improve your image and strengthen you.”

Hearing the word "marriage," Prince Lucius immediately showed displeasure. It wasn’t because he disliked the bride, but because of the past that still haunted him. The memory of Emelia Fidelis, daughter of Fidelis Worth, his former wife, came back, causing his heart to ache once more. Emelia had been his love and hope, but she had died giving birth to their daughter, Selene Lucian, whom he hardly saw because every time he looked at her, he felt the painful loss.

Emperor Maximus noticed his son’s expression and immediately understood. He spoke with a gentler voice, “I know you cannot forget Emelia. It was a great pain; I understand. But it has been many years, Lucius. It is time for you to start anew. You must look forward to the stability of the empire and our family. Alina is very suitable for you. She is both beautiful and intelligent. I believe she will be a great strength for your future.”

Prince Lucius listened to his father’s words with sadness. Though he still thought of the past, he knew that the empire’s duty and future were more important than anything else. He nodded in acceptance. “I will do as you wish, Father.”

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Emperor Maximus smiled slightly, feeling a bit satisfied. He knew his son still had pain in his heart, but he hoped that time and the love from those around him would help Lucius overcome it. “Good, I will prepare the letters and select knights from the family to escort you on this journey. Prepare yourself well. I hope you will make me proud.”

Prince Lucius left the council chamber, still feeling sorrow in his heart, but full of determination to complete the mission and make his father proud and to start a new life as his father wished.

As the evening approached in Eternaland, the golden sunlight turned the sky orange-red, then a soft purple. The clouds rolled together amidst the cooling air. Two guards in shiny silver armor walked behind Prince Lucius Libertas, who had shoulder-length golden blonde hair and always had stern brown eyes. Today, his hair appeared slightly disheveled from his earlier activities, and the dark cloak he wore fluttered lightly in the cold breeze.

Prince Lucius descended the marble steps of the Grandia Palace with a contemplative expression. He was reflecting on his father’s words from moments earlier, feeling both the heavy burden of duty and the hope that had been entrusted to him. He walked slowly onto the marble streets of the great city, heading toward his residence.

The main streets of Eternaland quickly darkened. The ancient street lamps made of cast iron were being lit. The wind rustled the leaves of the trees lining the path. White lilies planted along the walkway added a sense of tranquility and elegance to the evening atmosphere, though it was also tinged with an unshakable concern. As the prince passed through the city's main market, where merchants were packing up, people began to turn and gaze at him and his guards with interest, whispering among themselves.

However, the prince paid no attention to the whispers. He continued to stride steadily until he reached a quiet district where his residence was located. His residence stood on a moderately high rocky hill, designed in a Gothic style with a bright red-tiled roof and white marble walls that glistened as the moonlight began to rise. The garden around the residence featured marble statues of ancestors facing each other as if they were watching over those who lived here.

When the prince entered his residence, a familiar warmth immediately returned. He walked through the grand hall, adorned with lily-patterned carpets and elegant portraits of his ancestors. The high ceiling was made of intricately carved oak wood. The candlelight in the dimly lit room added a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Suddenly, Prince Lucius noticed a young girl sitting in the parlor next to her nanny. She was an eight-year-old with long, golden curls reaching the middle of her back. Her light brown eyes sparkled with brightness and grace. Her face resembled that of her deceased mother so much that Prince Lucius couldn’t take his eyes off her. He saw her focused on embroidery, reflecting her tidiness and patience. She looked up and saw her father, smiling with joy.

But when he saw his daughter, Prince Lucius felt a pang of grief as memories of his late wife resurfaced. His expression clearly showed a mixture of sadness before he turned away without saying anything. The girl continued to watch her father even as he walked away, her eyes filled with curiosity and confusion.

He walked to his library, adorned with heavy, old oak bookshelves. This was where he would think and plan when he needed peace. Before long, he heard a knock on the door.

“Come in,” he said in a firm voice.

The guard at the door announced that Baron Sand Devin requested an audience. Upon receiving permission, Sand Devin quickly entered the room. He was a tall young man with pale skin and piercing blue eyes. His jet-black hair reached his shoulders, and he often wore a black fur cloak that looked luxurious and imposing.

“Prince, has my plan succeeded?” Sand Devin said with a confident smile.

As Prince Lucius looked at Sand Devin closely, memories of the past began to resurface. Two years ago, he had met this young man who introduced himself as the illegitimate son of a noble family in the city of SolumDune, under Merid’s rule. This young man had sharp intelligence and an intriguing cunning.

Prince Lucius remembered that once he had complained about the boredom of staying in the capital and his dreams of leading an army into war, but his father did not grant him the opportunity. He felt that he was not trusted by his father and wanted to prove himself. Sand Devin suggested that the prince should act recklessly to anger the emperor so he would be sent to war instead of remaining in the capital. Frustrated and bored with life in the capital, the prince agreed to the plan.

“Your plan was indeed good. I must thank you for giving me this chance,” Prince Lucius said with satisfaction.

Sand Devin smiled broadly and praised the prince for succeeding through his own efforts. Then he continued, “Prince, I wish to accompany you on this mission.”

Prince Lucius was glad to have a close friend accompany him. “I would be delighted to have you join me,” he agreed with a smile.

But deep down, the prince still wondered what Sand Devin’s true intentions were in becoming so close to him. Yet, given the situation, which called for support and allies, he chose to trust him for now, despite not knowing the true depths of Sand Devin’s intentions or the more profound plans he might be hiding.