Chapter 1

“Father,” I spoke addressing the man known as Geralt the brave who was sparing with my sister Liara in the yard of our mansion. He wore a tank top that showed his bulging muscles that were riddled with honor scars. He wielded the blade like no other and was known to be a monster on the battlefield. The last one they fought was one where they defeated the remnant of the Nephilim, a war that happened 15 years ago. My sister who was younger than me had short red hair and freckles on her nose she was cute when she was young but grew to be more annoying as time passed. Especially now…

“Why don’t you let me train with you father, Liara gets to Spar with you, and I am prohibited from ever doing so, that is not fair,” I said

“I told you before son, that you must learn the way of the pen, you are to be a politician there is a great honor in that too. Culling lives are not for everyone, and I forbid you from seeking it.” He said with a serious tone.

“Why just me, everyone I know is training diligently and are practicing while studying all I get to do is read and read and read, it is boring,” I said

“You should listen to father. you are not fit for the sword, humpf just go and be the bookworm you are, no one needs any more sword wielders in our family.”

“Shut up Liara,” I said shouting at the girl.

“Enough! Just go back to your room!” father shouted at me.

“Gahhh!” I shouted back and left, this is so frustrating I just can’t understand why is he treating me like this, I am the god damn eldest, and he is still treating me like a damn child.

I got back up to my room and finished my studies, most of the books I had were about strategic moves of an army a,d political deals between the nobles and the economic status of every city under the reign of the Heavenly Empire that is ruled by The Emperor Veran Seida the sixth A great ruler that reigned over this empire with justice and wisdom, he is the sixth of his lineage and the carrier of the holy message.

There exist three nations that coexisted within this vast world, in old ages they waged war against each other for supremacy, but once the threat of the Nephilim descended upon the land, they agreed to a truce and waged ware against this wretched race.

Now that peace has taken over the world, it was decided that to elevate the boredom that the three empires, the heavenly empire, the Sunset empire and the viridian empire decided to uphold an annual competition where great prizes were distributed to the winners.

This competition was due tomorrow. Many households would send in their most powerful to fight in the arena, it was to bring honor to their house and their empire or kingdom.

There were two categories of participants, the veteran section where father will be attending as an arbiter and the younger generation that is below 20 years. Where my sister will be attending as a participant, as for me, I was forbidden to take the martial path since I was young.

It was depressing to see many of my peers using their skills to become stronger while I had to remain behind closed doors to study and read this bullshit.

I would have wanted to train under Father for he was one of the best sword wielders this kingdom has ever known. However, the truth was ruthless where he denied me that right.

One day I even snuck out of the house to look for a private teacher to teach me the sword, but once father found out, he trashed the man and made it clear to anyone that if anyone was attempting to teach me the sword that their end will be with the blade.

It was enough to shy away from any swordsman that I asked for help no matter how much gold I tried to bribe them with they valued their lives more than the money.

I didn’t give up though, I wanted to learn the blade even if it was just for spite. I took some martial tomes where they explained some sword movements and methods of combats but they were mostly useless without a guide, so I just sufficed myself with body enhancement.

Though I didn’t have enough skill in the blade, my muscles were much more developed than anyone with the same age as me. I trained in secret and in my room whenever I could, and every time I finished whatever homework or study I had to do.

Father has yet to know of this.

Once the day ended I took my usual shower and went to bed, tomorrow should be a day of celebration for many, and in a case, it was a day for me to also be happy. We get to meet the Emperor tomorrow before the competition would start and in that, I will be meeting Selina. The most beautiful girl in this world, the daughter of the Emperor who would be attending a private banquet with us.

The Emperor unlike what many think of him as a domineering and imposing character was a cool grandpa that I used to prank when I was little.

I always got scolded at that by Father, but the old man never seemed to be disturbed by the fact.

Our relationship with the Imperial family was strong, due to Father being one of the Emperor's closest friends. And so many would try to earn the favor of Father or mine and my sister’s to get closer to the Emperor.

Greed changes people, and tomorrow will be the same where many nobles will try to get closer to our family, either by trying to form a familial relationship where they will pose their daughters as prizes for a chance to get closer to the imperial family. Either by marriage or some sort of other despicable methods. Things I really had no interest in at least not right now.

Once morning came, I heard Liara calling for me

“Hurry up Arian! Else we will leave you here!” she said while shouting.

“Am coming,” I said as I stood up

The maids had left my clothes next to my room, and I took them. Most of the nobles will attend the banquet wearing several fancy clothes and adornment making them look more like clowns than proper people.

I went simple, black wool pants over a white tunic and a leather vest that was tight around me but fitted perfectly. Black leather boots that matched the overall.

Before leaving to the carriage outside, I took a final look at the mirror.

What met me was a young boy with short cut hair and pitch black hair and irises. A slim jaw and bushy eyebrows, my gaze was focused, and a clear face.

“Nice,” I said praising my self in the mirror

“Hey, no matter how much you stare at that mirror you are still ugly, Selina will never bother with someone like you.” Said Liara as she mocked me while showing her tongue.

“Liara!” I shouted ran after her a bit embarrassed at her statement. She needs to be punished

“Father! Save me! Arian wants to hit me!” she said as she clung to Father.

“Stop picking on your Sister Arian,” said, Father, as he got up to the carriage.

“I didn’t! she is the one- sigh…” alright father, I said as I took the carriage.

I know that no matter what I say he will always choose her side, she was after all his favorite after Mother had passed away he always seems to see Mother in her.

I couldn’t remember mother’s face, she passed away while giving birth to Liara.

Liara was 14 years now, and I was one year older than her. But still it seems that her place in Father’s heart was much larger than the space he kept for me, but I never said anything. A man should not show weakness.

The carriage was being led by six white horses, it was quite large enough for a whole family to ride and it was comfortable.

“How long will it take to Get to the imperial Palace father?” asked Liara

“It should take about an hour, our mansion is quite close to the capital so just rest.” He said to Liara who was clinging to him.

“So, tell me Arian, what is the diplomatic approach that one should take when a nation attempts to wage war on one that is already in a truce with her.”

Ah and here it comes, father always drop these questions when I least expect it, so that he makes sure I always keep sharp.

“If we are talking about our nation, The Heavenly empire has power enough to subdue any attempts t war by any of the nations alone,” I said “there is no need to take any approaches we can just slaughter them with military might” I added

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

“Consider the fact that the two nations are of equal power,” he said

“We can ask for help from another nation and split the land after we become victors in a joint attack,” I said

“What if the sunset empire and the viridian empire decide to join hands and conquer the heavenly empire adding a factor that is that the three of them hold the same military might.”

“But you know that is not the case, The heavenly empire has a great military power so it-“ I tried to explain, but father cut me short

“I said just imagine they have the same power.” He added and placed his hand on his chin waiting for me to answer.

If the three nations hold the same power if two decide to attack one, then the loner nation is in deep shit… but I can’t tell him that… father wants me to find a way out of this mess

“We close the borders, shut down trade and reinforce the bordering cities with supplies from the capital; we should take as many resources from the far away cities to reinforce the frontiers and hold the siege against our nation s long as we can.

“In doing so famine will grow, the people will begin rioting, and internal conflict will happen, there is a huge chance of rebellion and treason will be a looming threat, how will you handle that?” asked Father

“You are not letting me any chance to deal with this father; it is almost an impossibility for this fact to happen. How can anyone deal with this?” I said

“You can’t, the only thing one can do is to hold up and hope the enemy will stop attacking your gates. This is the risk of managing a nation, the power of arms are useless when one is facing greater numbers, one must use their head to overcome these kinds of situations” said father

“Sigh. It is true that numbers always beat courage, but in the face of overwhelming power, numbers cannot do anything. If a variable comes into play, a strong, powerful individual or unite is added to the picture then the status of the war will definitely change. Even if a nation is on the brink of destruction one can always use guerilla tactics, to weaken the enemy, it is indeed the safest choice to just huddle up and hope the enemy will pass but if you can manage a unit of strong individuals to sabotage the enemy supply line you can overcome the situation. Always think outside of the picture, fighting head-on against numerical disadvantage is idiotic but if you can manage the balance by tactics then you will be able to save your country” said father adding to his statement.

“Why are you lecturing me about this? Father?” I asked

“The banquet today will be composed of several figures of different nations, they are not here to have fun and enjoy the matches, but they are here to probe our defences and make account of our overall strength, you need to always be prepared and on guard for if this situation comes to pass son.” He said and closed his eyes meaning that this conversation was over.

Sigh, so many things to account for, I just want to have fun, why can’t I be like the kids my age.

It took a while until the Imperial Palace was in vision, and once we got there, it was a sight to behold. It looked like an enormous castle four times the size of Father’s mansion, it had four great towers and walls beyond the twenty meters of length, much sturdier and stronger than the city walls, the gate was iron made and would withstand great damage before it would break.

The gate was open, and many imperial knights stood at the front checking the attendance and making sure that all that entered are those that are on the list.

Father, didn’t even need to bother with the checkup as he was known throughout the entire Empire. Geralt the Brave one of the four Archknights.

Once it was our turn, the Imperial Knights gave a salute to father by pressing their fist into their open palm and giving a slight bow. Father and I did the same while we entered the Imperial Palace.

Many figures I didn't know by face but knew by name were present, and each represented their empire by a set of clothes that they wore. The viridian Empire’s envoys wore green robes and insignias of a jade falcon, the Sunset empire wore golden drabs with a sun insignia on it.

While our Heavenly empire wore red grabs with two swords crossed behind a shield that had a dragon’s symbol on it.

I was one of the few people that didn’t wear the formal clothes, mostly because I would look like a clown but I didn’t bother nor did my father say anything about it.

Once inside the grand hall that was supported by numerous pillars made of marble, I saw the people within. They were all nobles from the different nationalities that made acquaintance with each other and probably began discussing trade and business.

I looked all over the place trying to find who I came here to see.

And she was there, Sivana a beauty amongst beauties, she had long silky and golden colored hair while she wore a red dress, it had a small slit on the bottom side just enough for her to walk comfortably. She had a gentle look on her face and was joyful in speaking to various houses from different nations. She made her presence known to all just by standing in the hall, and all tried their best to give a lasting impression on her.

“Hoo, Sivana looks rather astonishing today, I wonder who would be the lucky one to earn her favor this year.”said one of the attendance

“I heard that the winner of this year’s competition will earn the right to ask for her hand in marriage,” said another

“Really? I should have participated. Damn” shouted another man

Was that real? She will be wed to the winner? This is absurd! I thought to myself

She will be… no, I can’t let that happen.

I approached Sivana trying to ask for an explanation, though I didn’t look like it, we were actually close friends.

But before I could approach.

“Attention! His Majesty the great Emperor Vearn Seida the sixth has entered!” shouted a knight making the presence of the Old man known to everyone.

And once he did everyone bent a knee in welcome to the great emperor.

I, however, was so engrossed in the conversation that happened earlier that I forgot to do the same and ended up as the only one that didn’t bend the knee.

The Emperor smiled a bit at my flabbergasted self as I hastily got down. Realizing my error, I was red with embarrassment.

“Arise,” said the emperor. And all did

Father gave me a knowing look that translated to ‘Back to your old habits ey?’

“Welcome all to our humble stay, I wish that this year’s gathering and competition will be a great chance to further deepen the bond between our nations, now enjoy your meal everyone, the competition should begin in a few hours from now, I hope that all of you would be able to enjoy yourselves in the upcoming event.” Said the Emperor and sat on a throne that was at the back of the hall, Sivana joined him as she sat next to him, and her mother, Lady Lissandra was next to the Emperor, though she was old her beauty was still peerless. It was probably why her daughter turned up to look like her. Many came forward presenting gifts to the Emperor who welcomed the gesture. Several gifts and treasures were added to the Emperor’s collection, and he even decided to put some of them as prizes for the competition.

Once it was Father’s turn, we all got to come closer to the Emperor who said.

“Welcome Geralt, it seems that you will not be participating this year, is what I heard right?” said the Emperor

“Yes, your Majesty I think I should le others the chance at this competition otherwise we will hog everything. I will be one of the judges of the competition, however.” He said with a smirk

“Well I believe that your daughter will be participating instead,” he said as he looked at the fumbling Liara

“Yes, your majesty I will make sure to bring great honor to our Empire.”

Sivana had a strange look on her face when she understood that it was Liara who would be the one to participate but lady Lissandra was first to speak.

“Why didn’t you let your elder son participate, shouldn’t that be the tradition.” She asked questioningly.

“Father said that Arian was not fit to wield the blade, he is just a bookworm,” said Liara which just brought more embarrassment to my face. God, I wanna kill her!

“What is your say in the matter child,” said The emperor addressing me as he saw the mixture of emotions on my face.

“It is as father said, I will honor his wishes…” I replied with not a shred of honesty in those words.

The emperor must have caught on to it and said

“It is a shame, you must have heard about this year’s grand prize,” said the Emperor, and I unconsciously looked up to see Sivana who was turning her face the other way, she was embarrassed as well.

“I think I know,” I said

“Such a shame. I really wanted to see Geralt’s son’s talent…” he said

“Arian is studying to become a politician he will make sure to be of great help to you in the future,” said Father as he tried to ease the tensed situation

“I don’t need more politicians Geralt I have enough trouble with just the ones that are instated, anyway I hope that you do well in the upcoming event.” He said

“Arian I would like to speak to you in private after this banquet is over.” Said The Emperor.

Sigh, he will probably tell me about the political situation or just give me a hard time with his teasing… that old man is a prankster of the highest level, and I learned from him… I learned from the best.

After we were dismissed by the Emperor many had come to give their respect.

Looking at the crowd that began to thin down I understood that it was almost time for them to gather at the grand arena for the competition to begin.

Father and sister were first to leave, due to their role as participant and Judge as for me I remained inside the hall, a bit depressed. The food was nice, so I ate to my heart’s content.

An imperial Knight got closer to me and spoke to my ears saying that The Emperor wanted to see me.

Sigh…

I got up reluctantly and got closer to a private chamber where the emperor was staying.

His wife and daughter were not with him, only a single servant that was carrying something in a bag.

“Yes, your majesty.”

“You know me well enough not to call me that in private, Arian. Now come here” he said

I got closer

“You know son, everyone here knows that you like my daughter very much, we are not idiots.”

My face reddened as he spoke, they all knew!

“Only Sivana doesn’t she is as dense as you. You just need more guts, and you could have her, I will have no problem if my daughter was to be wed to the son of one of my four greatest knights.” He added

“But she is the daughter of an Emperor, and you must prove yourself young one,” he said

“How? I tried my best to ask father to let me learn the way of the blade, but he didn’t let me, the competition would have been great, but they all know who I am and won’t let me get in.”

“So, you are not concerned about the adversaries that will be participating your concern is if you can’t get in as a competitor?”

“Yes, father is one of the judges so if he sees my face he will stop it…” I said

“What if he doesn’t see your face?” said the Emperor

“What do you mean?” I asked

“Give me that,” said the emperor addressing the servant.

And he handed him the bag which had a strange set of brown clothes and a mask.

“Use these, your entrance token is inside the bag, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose the fact that you participated despite your weakness will eb a clear message to my dense daughter, she will know that you like her.” Said the Emperor

“This is not a prank?” I said while looking at the clothes

“Why would I joke about this, it's my daughter’s fate and I ould really not like to see her with some ugly brute…” he said.

“Hmm, well what is there to lose, I will join and try to do as best as I can, I just hope I won’t get eliminated as soon as possible,” I said

“Very well, ah one last thing, you need to know your codename.”

“Codename?” I said

“Yes, it is a name that you will be called with whenever you are on stage, ad it’s the checkup name that you will need to provide to the guys at the entrance so you can access the arena,” Said the Emperor.

“Ah what is it?” I said while looking at the strange mask that looked like a… pie…

“Cutepie!” Said the Emperor as he smirked from ear to ear.

“Nooooo!!!” I said “Are you serious! Cuteypie?!!! For real how in god’s name did you pick that name. Damn it I knew that you would try something like that.”

His prank sense grows stronger by the day… damn, I will never reach his level.

A codename should instill fear into adversaries… Cuteypie! God damn it…

Sigh.

The only thing left is to figure out a way to defeat sword users with my next to nothing experience…

This will be really awkward.