Misha is first and foremost a Knight.
So when his father asks him to set on a Hero journey, he accepts without any protest.
It’s not like the nobles are expecting him to take on the throne when he is older, he would be surprised if even one of them remembered him before today. His cousin is the one they see every day in the castle.
Growing up in the knight compound really does wonders in teaching a prince to be honorable and true.
Now at age 24, he apt to be the leader of a division but opted out of the offer. Misha prefers focusing his attention on training his body and mind. Plus, he knows there is a high chance he will lose his easy companionship with the other knights if he becomes a leader.
But still, his accomplishment and his standing lead him to be the best candidate the King could have.
Now that the ceremony is done, the next action he needs to take is to visit Richard, the captain of the healing division.
Misha did know a few of Richard's knights but not enough to choose without asking for the captain's opinion. Anyway, he will need his permission before stealing one of his subordinates for an unknown time.
Walking in the hall he sees his reflection in the windows. Like always in his royal guard garment, his short black hair and his tall frame make him seem like any other guard patrolling the castle. Only his unique to royalty gray eyes separate him from the masses.
The young man walks with a purpose and looks straight ahead, not forgetting to respectfully nod to the noble and servant he crosses.
Arriving at the training ground the prince spotted Captain Richard standing outside the weapon area looking over the newbies. Noticing him approaching, the captain gives him his attention. He waited for Misha to say the first word.
‘’Good afternoon my friend, how is your day going?’’ Misha asked with a smile, truly happy to be able to see his friend. The last mission they did together was too long ago in the prince's opinion.
returning his smile the captain replied.‘’It could be better, but let’s not talk about that. What gives me the pleasure to see you? Could it be related to your new title?’’ Richard says with a serious face.
‘’Yes, I have the king's permission to take a healing-knight with me on my journey. I want to specify that we do not know how much time it will take.’’ he says understanding the need to go stray to the point. ’’do you have a recommendation for me?’’
‘’mmm,’’ Richard ruminates. Turning his head to look around, Misha follows his gaze to the middle of the spell’s area where a group of knights is practicing their magic.
‘’Do you see the woman doing a wide healing circle? Tall like you, long wavy black hair and black eyes?’’ After a moment he nod, having spotted her.
‘’That Viviane. She has been with us since age six, so she knows her way around being a knight. She has a wide range of skills and is known for being organized. I don’t think you will have difficulty traveling with her.’’ He says while looking at the magic user.
They continue to observe for a few minutes. The prince takes in her stance while doing magic and while talking to the other knights.
He also watches her interact with her colleague, if she gets along well with them.
satisfied with the result he returned his gaze to the captain.’’If she accepts, I would like to engage her on the journey to subjugate the demon king. Due to the risk of this mission, her salary would be double what she will have for a low-risk job.’’
Misha can see the surprise of the captain at the mention of the monetary compensation. ’’Not to mention the gratitude of the people if we accomplish our goal.’’ He said while glancing at the royal symbol embroidered on the captain's uniform.
The captain seems to be doing the same as him.
‘’Since you are both free now, I will ask her immediately.’’ Giving Misha a polite smile he finished. ‘’You can wait for her in your office. I want to have a private conversation with Viviane before sending her to you.’’
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Nodding, the prince set off for his office. He did not contest the right of Richard to have a last conversation with his healing-knight before she departed, for it could be their last.
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The wait was not long, after fifteen minutes of doing paperwork he heard a knock on his door.
The Knight known as Viviane came in taking the position in front of his desk in a perfect military pose, waiting for instruction.
Misha, having put his pen aside the moment he heard the knock, looked up to get eye contact. He did not forget to give her a reassuring smile before starting. ‘’I assume Richard told you the reason I'm asking for you. He put good yours on your professionalism and loyalty to the country.’’
Putting all the seriousness this situation needs in his voice, Misha continued. ‘’Do you accept this new mission? I want you to know that this will be a difficult journey and we may not remain intact at the end.’’
Viviane maintains eye contact, her black eyes containing determination ‘’I accept with honors. I will fight for all the villagers living in fear of monsters.’’She says, still in her military pose.
They don’t move, judging the other, looking at each other's will to take on the greatest evil known to mankind.
The tension breaks with Misha signaling with his hand for Viviane to lose her military stance ‘’We will take on a journey together so I want us to be on equal standing. From this moment on, I am just your travel companion.’’ He says while standing.
Going around his desk Misha extends a hand in front of Viviane for a handshake.
‘’I'm not even a captain, there is really no need for formalities.'’ There is humor in his voice because they all know his standing exceeds one of a captain.
‘’I understand, from this point on, we are of equal status. You can count on me to watch your back and to heal you in time of need.’’ She is smiling while closing the handshake.
‘’Perfect. Do you want to eat with me so we can shape up the detail of the mission and get to know one another?’’ The prince tries to speak less formally to his new acquaintance. Grimacing in his head. It's difficult to change once you talk like that for a while.
Viviane looks like she wants to laugh. ‘’Yeah we can do that, you want to go to the dinner hall?’’
Misha just nods to not embarrass himself further, going to take his pen and a notebook from his desk. While doing that he notices the mouse running to get to the other side of his office. She probably snuck in when the door was open…He would need to talk to his father about increasing the number of cats in the castle.
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Over dinner they got to know a bit of each other, going from acquaintance to friend. They agreed to start their journey in two weeks. It would give them time to say goodbye to their friends and family while also finishing all their business.
Misha already talked to the king concerning their fund for travel. All the nobles pitched in for the hero party to be able to eat comfortably and sleep at an inn while in a village.
To be able to enter each village and city freely, it would be important for them to get an adventurer guild card. This card will allow entry without a fee and will be their identification. It would also be proof of all the good they do on their journey. The goal is to reach at least B-class as a party before coming back.
Viviane decided to bring up a good point: ’’I don’t think we can accomplish our goals with just you and me. Are you planning to bring more knights?’’ She asks with confusion written all over her face.
‘’This is a valid question.’’ He paused. ‘’ the answer is: I don’t know.’’ Seeing that she was even more confused he continues to explain his dilemma, bringing his hand together on the table.
‘’Let me explain. The threat of the demon king is not a new one. We are now combating the 28th generation. Habitually, Noble sends their son to help the Hero, or even be the Hero. The problem here is that they don’t want to anymore, because while they are sacrificing a member of their family, the demon king will come back either way. All the knights here have important tasks. They must aid in the reconstruction effort, or in guarding the castle. I can’t ask them to come with me, it would leave a huge weakness easily exploitable.’’
Viviane seems to realize it too while he speaks.
’’There was no problem with you because I needed someone to heal me in case of injury…’’ He hesitated before saying. ‘’And also because I only asked for one person.’’ Misha is looking at the table, avoiding her eyes. ‘’To be honest, the gap between each demon king is becoming shorter and shorter as time passes. The last one was not even 10 years ago. Nobody wants to fight a battle for nothing at the end.’’
‘’so what do we do?’’ she asked again.
‘’The king asked me to find like-minded companions on our journey. They don’t need to be an adventurer, they just need to want to come with us and to have sufficient skill to help us defeat the demon king.’’ The prince is still avoiding her eyes.
Finding the resolve, he stops and looks directly at her. ‘’I will make sure the people we find are compatible with our group, if you are not comfortable with the one I choose, do not hesitate to tell me and we will do something about it.’’
‘’It’s okay. I know now what is at stake and I don’t mind coming with you. Even if the demon king comes back, It will at least give a moment of peace to the kingdom. Don’t worry, you are not alone. I will do my best to help you choose our travel companions.’’ Misha can see the same determination she had when she came into his office earlier.
They parted on good terms. Over the two weeks, the two of them took time to train together, getting to know the fighting style they will have to adapt to. They work well together, Viviane knowing how to use a sword but liking long-range attacks better while Misha is a short-range fighter.
After finishing everything and packing their bags, It was finally time to start their journey.