The chilly wind blew at the grand balcony of the imperial castle. Either a product of the night, or a remnant of the fading winter. Even so, it was a night of the usual celebration of when spring was about to come.

It was a time when nature regained its vitality, and thus a chance for the Empire to grow a new boon for everyone. Tonight, at any moment, their expression of gratitude and joy shall flash brightly in the dark.

On this balcony were the two princes. The older, Alistor, was sitting on the railing with a glass of wine in hand. His smooth light brown hair waved calmly in the breeze, and his azure eyes looked over the city. Despite the supposed special occasion, he was not smiling.

Sitting down by the table, eating a slice of cake, was a younger man with red hair and likewise azure eyes — the second prince, Cilas. It was only the two of them here. In normal cases, they wouldn’t hang around in the same room for no reason. Each had their own thing to do.

However, they were companions on the same mission given to them by the Emperor. And, there was to be a brief meeting here, in preparation for their journey to Wisteria. Alistor decided for it to take place here. At least it would have an entertaining view.

Cilas glanced at his older brother, noticing he appeared to be upset. “You’re affecting my appetite, brother. What’s wrong?”

Alistor sipped a little from his glass. “I’m just thinking of our sister.”

“She’ll be safe. Those rebels won’t be able to get near her, don’t worry.”

Alistor sighed. “We can’t be sure. It’s been weeks since the fight started.”

“And the rebels are being pushed to the brink. It is stupid anyway to try to fight us.”

“Indeed… What’s wrong with our rule and guiding them to prosperity?”

“Guess the people of Fetreus are different from others. Either they become heroes of their land, or fools. But I suppose there are others that value the freedom they once had.”

“Freedom? They have freedom under our rule.”

Cilas looked in the distant city. “We have our own definition of freedom.”

“Doesn’t matter how they want their freedom, I don’t care about that now. Why has not Father even called Zara back? Things have broken down anyway.”

The sole princess of the Empire, Zara, was sent to the state of Fetreus to settle the civil unrest and douse the kindling of rebellion. However, days later after her arrival, things went sideways. A rebel group came public and fought the forces of the Empire. Zara was left protected in a fort in the region.

However, the Emperor has not issued an order for her return to the imperial capital. Even the General taking care of her did not request as such.

“Zara is the jewel of the Empire, she will need to be present to take care of the aftermath. To ease the hearts of the remaining people.”

“Still, it’s dangerous.”

“I doubt the rebels would try to outright kill her. They could use her as a leverage for anything they think of.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Cilas shrugged. “There’s a high chance it would be the case. In the end, nothing is for certain. Just have faith in our army.”

“They better take care of this before we finish with Wisteria.”

“I think the purging won’t last long. Our sister will be back home when we return.”

“Hm.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“I’m more worried about us.”

“Since when are you not?”

“It’s just… extremely dangerous out there, at the center of our enemy.”

“If we succeed, we’ll live. And we will. We have strength on our side. Wisteria is weak.”

“... I suppose. Our forces are the most powerful in the continent.”

Footsteps sounded from inside the room. Three men arrived, one was the adviser of the Emperor, Alred. The other was a man the Alistor had seen, but never got acquainted with. The last was a muscular man, Alistor knew him as an excellent knight.

“Your highness,” Alred said as the two of them bowed.

“Make it quick, Alred. The light show is about to start.” Alistor sipped the entire wine.

He poured another one from the bottle in front of him as Alred spoke.

“Yes, I would like you to meet Delray. He was the leader of the spying and sabotaging operation in Wisteria.”

“I’m pleased to meet your highnesses, Prince Alistor, and Prince Cilas.”

Cilas nodded, while Alistor merely kept drinking his wine.

Alred then continued. “This is —”

“I know him,” Alistor interrupted. “Orven, an elite knight.”

The knight smirked. “It’s an honor to be recognized by you, prince.”

“I wonder, if we fight, will I win?”

Orven paused for a moment. “... A tough question.”

“So you’re saying there is a chance you’ll win?”

“There’s a chance I’ll lose. But I haven’t seen your full capabilities, your highness. So, I wouldn’t really know.”

“I see.” He switched his eyes back to Alred, urging him to continue.

“Anyway, the two of them will be coming and cooperating with you in Wisteria. I’m sure you’ll find them reliable.”

Alistor held out his hand. “Aren’t you the ones that messed up the operations in Wisteria? So why should we trust you?”

There was a brief moment of silence before Delray was the one to answer. “Yes, we failed in Wisteria. However, I won’t let it happen again. I will support you and the mission with all of my being. I will not fail again.”

“Hm.” Alistor squinted his eyes, as if sizing him up.

“Brother, he did put out some amazing results before it failed. I believe he’s not someone we should disregard so casually. Besides, he is the one most familiar with Wisteria.”

“I guess you’re right. Do you even have any resources left in Wisteria?”

“I have a few agents there left, with most already retreated back to the homeland, as per order.”

“I see. What will be your role exactly?”

“I will be your contact outside the Wisterian palace. I will prepare every resource you need.”

“Is that so? Heh. Very well. We’ll discuss further details next time. Before our departure, make sure everything is ready.”

“Understood, your highness.”

“My prince,” Alred called. “I was hoping we’d have a discussion here.”

“Can’t that be postponed for later?”

“... Well, the most important thing is you meeting these two.”

“Then that’s it. You’re free to leave.”

The three looked at each, and Alred nodded. Delray and Orven both promptly left the room, but Alred remained.

“What are you waiting for?” Alistor asked, a bit annoyed.

“You are quite in a bad mood, your highness.”

“A family member is currently in a dangerous position.”

“Ah yes, Princess Zara. If it brings you comfort, know that the rebels are almost purged. We expect the fight to be over in several days. Although, you’ll be gone to Wisteria by then.”

Alistor, after hearing that good news, put down the wineglass on the railing. “Is that true?”

“Yes. They couldn’t even reach the princess’s fort.”

“Why has my father not called her back when there is fighting?”

“Truth be told, it was disappointing that she failed to mitigate the problem.”

Alistor frowned, displeased.

But Alred continued. “That is why she must put the people’s faith back to the Empire.”

“Then it’s just as Cilas said…”

“Are you satisfied?”

“I suppose.”

“Then, may I remind you of what I mentioned in the past?”

“What?”

“Slaying the princess of Wisteria.”

“Oh that. Yeah, I’ll do it. I’ll bring you definite evidence.”

“Excellent.” He smiled. “Remember, she is the number one priority.”

“Everyone is equally a priority. I’ll take care of it entirely so we’ll be done with it.”

Alred furrowed his brows. “... Very well.”

“Although Cilas is not as passionate as me.”

Cilas groaned. “I’ll do my best, alright?”

“I’m sure you will.”

Alred saw a dot of light streaking up in the air, flying to the sky. “It’s started.”

Alistor quickly turned towards the city, just in time for the streaking light to reach its peak. And at that moment, a bright flash of light brightened the night, followed by a loud booming sound. He smiled, admiring the colors spreading apart.

Several more light streaks flew up into the sky, exploding into an assorted number of colors. They formed different patterns, spreading in various sizes. Their booms disturbed the land, but the beautiful view made all of it worth it.

It was beautiful. It was like the sky was an empty canvas being painted with the most beautiful combination of shapes and colors. This was the finest and most important creation of the Empire. One loved by its people, and feared by others.

No one made a sound, but only watched the numerous works of fire flash and shine.

It was the signal of a changing season. Where the Empire could grow and prosper once more. Where it will outshine those before it.

Indeed, for Tornridge was the greatest of all nations.

A couple of days later, the two princes and their entourage made way for the nearby nation, one the Empire failed to conquer a very long time ago — the kingdom of Wisteria.