It was the day Gideon and Aileen departed for Kingsford. When the sun rose, they left Portos with several knights who would compete in the Kingdom tourney. Since Portos and Kingsford were separated by the Tangal sea, Gideon’s party had to sail by ship.

Day by day passed and all government affairs were handled by Arden, the advisor. He was also being responsible for the change in Ramos’ attitude.

One day, Arden accompanied Ramos to go hunting. They went to the forest when the grass and foliage were still wet with morning dew. As a servant, Borin also joined the group. He was at the front, cutting the grass to make way for the young master.

By noon, they arrived at a rather high plain in the middle of the forest. From there, they can see a stag grazing in the lower area. Ramos then prepared his bow and arrow.

His eyes were sharp aiming, his pull was strong and directed. In a blink of an eye, the arrow shot directly into the heart of the poor deer.

A satisfied smile tugged at the young master’s lips while its prey fell to the ground.

“Go, and tidy it up!” Ramos ordered Borin, making him rush down the slope.

“Please,” said Ramos. He understood Arden’s code by smiling meaningfully.

Borin looked back in surprise. He didn’t expect that word came from his master’s lips. After pausing for a few seconds, he continued walking toward the hunt while shrugging his shoulders. It was the first time he heard the word ‘please’ come out from Ramos. Sensing a better change in his young master’s demeanor, a smile appeared on Borin’s lips.

Being satisfied with his hunting activity, Ramos returned to the castle. Meanwhile, Borin went back to the servant’s chamber because it was already late.

The evening went on like any other. Peter sat next to Borin while stealing glances at the hooded servant girl across the room. It was a recent favorite activity of Peter to forget the chamber stuffiness, as well as the death of his father.

While enjoying dinner, Borin told Peter about Ramos’ recent change in demeanor.

Peter was silent for a moment, trying to decipher what his friend actually meant. “How did he change? Does he now curse you because you’re breathing?”

Borin scowled and glanced at Peter in protest. He then nudged him. “I mean it. I think he’s gotten a little better lately. He’s not as rude as usual and even says ‘please’ when asking me to do something.”

“Oh, yeah?” Peter highly doubted that. He hadn’t noticed any significant change in his young master’s demeanor. A cold stare and aura of hatred were always present every time he went near Ramos.

“Really! Why would I lie to you?” Borin confirmed his words. “It even happened a few times when he asked me to pour a drink or clean his room. He once apologized for scolding me because my hair was messy.”

“Maybe he was under the influence of magic,” said Peter. He chose not to continue the debate because it was late in the evening. The boy rushed to finish his food and fell asleep not long after.

For the next few days, Peter continues to train with Eric. The knight trained Peter to use a stick as a basis for wielding a spear. It was more comfortable for Peter to use that long weapon, thus boosting his self-confidence.

On one occasion, Gladys and her maid walked through the castle grounds. Peter, who was sparring with Eric, couldn’t control his eyes from glancing at the two beautiful girls. Losing focus, Eric easily hit Peter’s shoulder and made the boy groan.

Gladys—seeing Peter’s silliness—laughed a little.

“You idiot! Fight like that will kill you!” said Eric.

“Sorry.” Peter lowered his head in shame while rubbing his painful shoulder.

At that moment, Ramos suddenly appeared out of nowhere and pushed Peter to the ground. “Insolent! You dare flirt with my sister?!” He then picked up Peter’s stick and prepared to strike.

Peter’s head might have been crushed if Eric hadn’t restrained the young master’s tantrum. Overcame by emotion, Ramos tried to push Eric as hard as he could. However, the knight remained still.

Ramos, in a terrible mood, snorted harshly and threw the stick out of his hand. He left Peter still lying on the ground.

“Why is he so angry? It seems he hates me so much. I’ve never bothered him,” asked Peter in shock.

Eric helped Peter to his feet before replying, “That’s because your father killed his.”

Eric’s answer instantly raised a big question in Peter’s head. His eyes widened as his mouth hung open in confusion. “What do you mean?” he asked.

“Come, follow me!” Eric then asked Peter to go to his residence. He knew the boy would not be satisfied with his short answer.

The two of them sat on the stone floor and were silent for a moment. Eric took a sip of water from his drinking bag while wiping the sweat off his face. The clouds came as a shade from the scorching sun.

“So?” Peter looked at Eric, demanding an explanation.

Eric sighed, then looked back at Peter. “Mr. Gideon is not the real father of Ramos. He is his uncle, as well as his adoptive father. His real father was Mr. Gilbert Fernier. Mr. Gideon’s older brother and the former lord of Portos.”

Peter was just silent while listening to Eric’s story.

“That night, sixteen years ago, your mother was lying in her bed, awaiting your birth. Suddenly, a red flash of light shot from the top of the castle walls and killed Mr. Gilbert. That time, he was in the courtyard playing with little Ramos.” Eric paused and took another sip of his drink. “We ran to the source of the strike and found your father. He was dead while holding his magic wand.”

Peter’s throat suddenly felt dry. His head was hot, but his body sweating cold.

“Your father was both a knight and a mage. He was supposed to guard Mr. Gilbert.”

***

Several days passed before Gideon and his entourage finally arrived in the capital. A bustling pier welcomed their arrival. Several fishermen were clamoring to sell their catch overnight. It all looked fresh and appealing. However, since the sun was high, they headed straight to the Kingsford castle. Two guards led them to the royal throne room to meet the king.

Everything was luxurious over there. The towering pillars were decorated with intricate artistic carvings. The large windows made the room bright and exude grandeur. A blue and white flag with a crown and a pair of swords adorned the stone walls. Meanwhile, the king sat on his red velvet throne.

“Your Excellency.” Gideon and Aileen greeted the king while bowing in respect.

“Gideon… How are you? You both look amazing.” Agra rose from his throne and descended from the podium. The two hugged tightly for a few moments.

The king then turned to greet Aileen. “Look at your wife… she looks even more wonderful.” The king patted Aileen’s shoulder while smiling, causing the woman to look down with a rosy cheek.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, my king. All is well in the South. The people are prosperous and the crops are bountiful,” said Gideon. “Here’s a little offering from us.” Gideon waved his hand and signaled to his servants. Not long after, four people came. They—looking troubled—carried a large chest full of gold, silver, and pearls.

“Please receive this as our gratitude for the good cooperation that has been established so far,” said Gideon.

“Of course, my friend. For many years, the kingdom was peaceful and serene because of your prominent role in maintaining security on Yandell Island,” said the king. He then gave a code to his servants to bring the offering to the storeroom.

“Okay, you must be tired after the long journey across the Tangal sea,” said Agra. He then turned to one maid. “Take them to their room.”

Gideon and Aileen bowed once more before leaving the king. They followed the maid to one large room with a comfy bed, complete with a set of chairs and a table. A large window on one side offered sufficient light for the room.

“I will be outside if you need anything,” said the maid as he left Aileen and Gideon to rest.

The day passed as the royal tourney finally reached the last day. Eight knights came forward and bowed to the King. After an officer gave the signal, they fought each other using blunt swords. One by one, the knights were declared lost because they were hit three times. In the end, there were two left; Ballmer from Bergstone and George from Portos.

The final match started. Ballmer blocked George’s attack with his shield and then responded with a kick, making his opponent stagger backward. Without waiting for the opponent to be ready, Ballmer slashed his sword at the shoulder. George dodged swiftly while swinging his sword at Ballmer’s back.

The fight seemed evenly matched. However, after moving around to avoid his opponent’s attack, Ballmer positioned his sword around George’s neck.

All the audience applauded loudly. The victor had been determined. Ballmer then presented his victory by bowing to the king.

King Agra then stepped down from the tribune and handed over a bag of gold as a reward for Ballmer’s victory. “Congratulations on your victory! The reputation of the Bergstone knights is not to be doubted across the kingdom.”

After the match ended, King Agra invited all his guests to attend the garden party. That day was Princess Isabel’s nineteenth birthday. She looked exquisite in her light green dress. Her straight blonde hair was left loose, adding a graceful impression of a woman growing up. Many knights were fascinated by the beauty of the Princess and tried to attract her attention.

“Cheers!” The king raised his wineglass, followed by the nobles and knights. Various kinds of dishes were served on a long table decorated with flowers. Everyone is free to take whatever they want. A group of talented musicians played a cheerful song to make the party more lively.

The King then walked around to greet his guests. He approached Gideon and handed him a glass of wine. “Try this, it’s delicious.”

“Thank you, my king.” Gideon tasted the wine and then nodded his head in agreement with his king’s taste.

“How are your children?” asked Agra.

“They are great. Healthy and capable.”

At that moment, Gideon felt the time was right to convey his intention of proposing to the princess. He cleared his throat and said, “Now my son Ramos is of age. He is also a capable boy. Please forgive my impertinence if I feel he can be the perfect match for the princess’s beauty.”

Agra was silent for a moment. He nodded slowly while stroking the short beard that grew on his chin.

“Right now, many nobles and knights are proposing for my daughter….” The king smiled slightly as he looked at Gideon. “But they are nothing compared to you, the ruler of the Yandell island.”

Tapping Gideon on the shoulder, Agra then said, “Bring him here and let my daughter decide if she likes your son or not. Girls are hard to manage in a feeling-related matter.”

“Very well, my king.” Gideon smiled at Agra’s invitation to his son. He then asked his aide to send a message using a homing pigeon.