As the sun cast long shadows over the bustling village of the TigerHeart, Marcus, now firmly established as a Senior Lower Knight, received a sealed message bearing the royal crest. Intrigued and cautious, he broke the seal and read the note.
"James of the once Great TigerHeart Family, your valor and achievements have reached the highest echelons of our empire. I the Prince Alaric requests your presence at the same gates of the Noble Party. Your journey there could alter the future of our land, congratulations by the way, by conquering the Arkwright family territory, I hope no one will be beside you when going inside, as it's just between you and me the conversation — Royal Emissary."
Marcus knew this was a significant opportunity. He prepared himself, selecting a small contingent of his most trusted warriors to accompany him. Among them were Sir Cedric, Sir Reginald, and Alistair, the sharpshooter. They set out at dawn, their hearts filled with anticipation and determination.
The journey to the capital was long and arduous, the road winding through forests, over rivers, and across vast plains. The group traveled for days, encountering both the beauty and dangers of the land. They camped under the stars, sharing stories and plans, their bonds growing stronger with each passing night.
As they approached the grand gates of the Noble Party, they were met with a sight of opulence and power. The gates were adorned with intricate carvings and guarded by elite soldiers, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. Marcus dismounted and approached the gate, his presence commanding respect. The guards stepped aside, allowing him and his entourage to pass. Inside, they were greeted by an official who escorted them through the lavish corridors of the palace.
In the grand hall, Prince Alaric awaited, seated on an ornate throne. He rose to greet Marcus, a smile playing on his lips. "Welcome, James of the once Great Tigerheart family," the Prince said, with his voice rich with authority. "Your reputation precedes you."
Marcus bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Highness. It is an honor to be here."
Prince Alaric motioned for Marcus to sit. "I have a great proposal for you, one that could bring great benefits to you and your people. There is an upcoming competition, a grand tournament where the most talented young knights from across the empire and other nations and empires will compete, from age 19 to 29, The winners will gain not only glory for their nations/empires but also land for them, it's not a fight to death competition so don't worry"
Marcus listened intently as the Prince continued. "I hardly manage to convince my father the Emperor to give me this this invitation and not my siblings end up having it, I execpt you to win, and if you did, I will ensure you receive a significant portion of the Territory the River land. Additionally, you will also have access to training and techniques up to the Legend Knight level. You will also be able to study under my great guard, Sir Tomas, who is a Legend Knight himself. His master, the Guardian of the Empire, is a level above even the Legend Knights, but his name is spoken with such reverence that even I dare not mention it lightly or if you want you can take half of the Territory of the River land."
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Marcus pondered the Prince's proposal. The first option intrigued him; having seasoned knights to study under was a safer path than attempting to break through to the legendary knight realm alone, which carried a high risk of fatal failure. Yet, he was curious about the Prince's motives. Turning to the Prince, Marcus said, "I accept your first proposal, Your Highness. But tell me, why do you seek my participation in this competition not others?"
The Prince leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile spreading across his face. And though in his mind for a moment "Despite my family's impressive achievements, I am still only at the lower middle knight realm. I struggle to keep pace with their success. And yet, your talent is not a genius but a holy monster"
He then addressed the matter at hand. And spoken to Marcus who's in James body "You are of course a genius compared to most others at your age I have seen, so I selected you, and by the way, and I guess I couldn't hide it from you any longer. My family, you see, is deeply embroiled in a struggle for the throne. My elder brother, Prince Cedric, is 29 years old and rules over the northern territories, which are bordered by vast, ancient forests. He is a seasoned warrior, renowned for his wisdom and strategic prowess, a true stalwart of our realm. Then there is my younger brother, Prince Edwin, who at 21 governs the eastern lands. These territories are bustling with trade and commerce, and Edwin is as ambitious as he is cunning. He is always seeking new ways to extend his influence and solidify his power. My elder sister, Princess Elara, oversees the southern territories, known for their lush valleys and incredibly fertile lands. At 26, she is not only a brilliant diplomat but also a master of intrigue, adept at navigating the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define our world."
Marcus nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "And you, Your Highness, rule this vast land near the countryside."
"Indeed," Prince Alaric replied. "Each of us holds a significant portion of the empire, and we are all vying for the throne. This competition is not just about strength; it is a way to demonstrate our capability to lead. By having you compete, I am showcasing the strength and loyalty of my domain, River Fronckland."
Marcus nodded, seeing the larger picture. "I see. I accept your proposal. I will compete and strive to win."
Prince Alaric smiled, satisfied. "Excellent. Prepare yourself well. The competition begins in a month. May fortune favor you, James of the once Great TigerHeart Family."
As Marcus and his men left the palace, the weight of the Prince's words settled on his shoulders. This was a chance to secure a future for his people and the TigerHeart family and also to gain the strength needed to protect his own needs.