At the Kingdom of Warmark, His Majesty King Leohart convened his court, formally announcing the impending arrival of Emperor Riko of Kosuke and King Gustavious of Righteous. Orders were issued at once—preparations, accommodations, and security arrangements were to be handled with absolute priority.
Once the public audience concluded, the king dismissed the majority of his court.
Then, he summoned only those he trusted without reservation.
This private gathering included two of his children—the First Princess and heir to the throne, Princess Diamond Lillian von Warmark, and the Second Princess, renowned throughout the continent as the Golden Mind, Princess Clover Tio von Warmark.
His youngest children—the twins—were excluded from this meeting. Though royalty, they were only ten years of age: Princess Spade Stella von Warmark, the elder by three minutes, and Prince Ace Alexis von Warmark, the sole son of the royal household.
Also present were:
Duke Konrad von Warmark, Prime Minister of the kingdom and King Leohart's younger brother
Sirius Osborne, Head of the Royal Guard
Vetra von Warmark, Commander of the Slingers and Duke Konrad's son
The meeting was held within the king's private study.
A massive round table dominated the chamber, its surface engraved with an intricate map of the known world. King Leohart stood at its head, his presence imposing, while Duke Konrad remained at his side.
"Thank you for answering my summons on such short notice," the king said, his voice calm yet commanding, echoing faintly through the room. "Especially after I addressed many of you earlier today."
All present bowed respectfully.
Only Clover dared to glance up—her sharp eyes meeting her father's as she offered him a small, knowing smile.
She leaned closer to her sister and whispered, "Big Sister Dia… haven't you noticed it?"
Diamond glanced at her. "Noticed what?"
"Father's mood," Clover replied softly. "Since he returned from that secret meeting with the other rulers. He seems… lighter."
Diamond's expression softened.
"I have," she admitted. "And I'm grateful for it. Losing King Richard… and his son—the Saint Prince of Menssai—took more from him than he ever showed."
She hesitated before continuing in a quieter tone.
"But what about you, Clover?"
Clover stilled.
"You lost your fiancé in that war," Diamond said gently. "You always said Father was the only man you admired—until you met him."
Clover's fingers curled slightly.
"You told me yourself," Diamond continued, "that for a twelve-year-old at the time, his reasoning and presence amazed you. Did his death truly not affect you… or have you simply been carrying it alone?"
Clover didn't answer.
Memories surfaced unbidden—of a boy two years older than her, composed beyond his age, eyes sharp with intelligence and kindness. She remained silent, lost in those recollections, until her father's voice cut through the room once more.
"What I am about to share," King Leohart said gravely, "must never leave this chamber."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"This information is not to be shared with anyone—family included—without my explicit permission, or without the consent of the individual involved."
His gaze hardened.
"Anyone who violates this will face severe punishment."
A heavy tension settled over the room.
"Now," the king continued, "the true reason rulers Riko and Gustavious are coming to Warmark is because of a request I made."
He paused.
"During my last private meeting with the other rulers, I received intelligence so shocking that even now, I struggle to accept it."
His voice lowered.
"The Saint Prince of Menssai… Jericho von Menssai… is alive."
For a moment, no one breathed.
Then—
Clover shot to her feet, hands slamming against the table.
Her heart thundered as sweat beaded along her brow.
"F-Father…" she said, her voice trembling. "This isn't a jest… is it?"
Her eyes searched his desperately.
"Is J-Jericho truly alive?"
King Leohart nodded slowly.
"According to His Majesty King Gustavious, yes. He is alive—and currently residing within the castle of Righteous."
He exhaled deeply.
"I found it impossible to believe myself. That is why I requested to see him with my own eyes. King Gustavious agreed. Emperor Riko, driven by the same need for confirmation, chose to accompany him."
"That," the king concluded, "is the purpose of their visit."
Clover sank back into her seat, both hands pressed against her chest as a wave of overwhelming relief washed through her.
She fought to keep her composure.
But Diamond felt it—the unrestrained joy radiating from her sister.
And she smiled.
King Leohart continued, revealing everything he had learned about Jericho's circumstances—his survival, his current allegiance, and the unsettling truth that he, too, could wield the same strange power as his brother, Jace.
Soul energy.
The king spoke of a world quietly changing beneath their feet. Of a coming generation that would awaken to the very abilities that had plagued the continent for years—powers once thought rare, cursed, or divine, soon to become frighteningly common.
As the explanation unfolded, the gravity of the king's earlier warning became clear. This was not information meant for careless ears.
And yet, despite the wonder and danger of it all, another concern loomed.
"Your Majesty," Sirius Osborne said at last, his tone heavy with unease, "even if Prince Jericho truly lives… is it wise to allow him into Warmark? To grant him an audience?"
His jaw tightened.
"We were responsible for his father's death—however unknowingly."
Vetra leaned forward immediately. "Sir Osborne speaks the truth, Your Highness. How can we be certain Jericho is not working with his brother? Grief festers into hatred. If he yet lives, revenge may be the only thing driving him."
His gaze flicked toward Clover, lingering for just a moment.
"We cannot trust him."
King Leohart exhaled slowly.
"You all raise valid concerns," he said. "However… this is something I must do."
He looked down at the map etched into the table.
"If Jericho seeks vengeance, I will not stop him. I took his family from him. Richard was my closest friend, and I failed him."
His voice wavered—not with fear, but regret.
"Put yourselves in his place. I care little for the danger of my decision. I simply wish to see him."
"Your Majesty, that wasn't your fault," Vetra began. "We didn't know the truth at the time—you can't just—"
"Enough."
Princess Diamond's voice cut through the room, calm yet commanding.
"Hold your tongue, Vetra," she said coldly. "Do not question the will of your king."
She turned her gaze toward him, unwavering.
"It is clear you do not know who Jericho von Menssai truly is."
A pause.
"But you will."
Inside, Diamond reflected quietly.
I may not know him myself… but for Father to place such trust in him—and for Clover, who avoids emotional attachments unless they serve her goals—he must be a man of integrity.
Her eyes shifted subtly toward her sister.
Clover… you're not as unreadable as you think.
Clover sat unnaturally still, her hands folded in her lap, her expression carefully neutral. But inside her chest, joy thundered uncontrollably.
Vetra noticed.
And resentment took root.
The way Clover had reacted to the news—the way Diamond had spoken—made Jericho an enemy before he had even set foot in Warmark.
"If I may, Your Majesty," Sirius said, breaking the tension, "I have a selfish request."
The king looked at him.
"Permit me to stand by your side when you meet Prince Jericho. If only to ensure your safety."
Leohart smiled faintly. "As you wish, Sirius. If that eases your mind, you may stand beside me."
Sirius bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Princess Diamond spoke next. "Father… you mentioned that the next generation may wield soul energy. How reliable is this intelligence?"
"Quite reliable," the king replied. "Jericho brought this information to King Gustavious. He explained that those capable of manipulating soul energy can sense it in others."
He continued, "During his travels, Jericho encountered several children—some with strong potential, others faint—but all undeniably awakened. He believes it is only a matter of time before they manifest fully."
The king's expression softened.
"He shared this knowledge not for power, but for protection. So that these children are not feared, punished, or mistaken as cursed."
A beat.
"That is another reason for this gathering. The rulers intend to discuss how best to train and safeguard them."
Suddenly—
"Of course!!"
Clover leapt to her feet, startling everyone.
"Princess Clover?" the king asked in concern.
Realizing what she had done, Clover froze.
"I—I apologize, Father," she said quickly, sinking back into her seat. "I… had a breakthrough regarding a personal matter I've been working on."
She offered a nervous smile.
Soul energy… so that's it. That was what I was missing.
Her thoughts sparkled with excitement.
Jericho is alive… and now this? Today truly couldn't be better.
"Very well," the king said. "As I stated earlier—this information does not leave this room. Not yet."
Everyone bowed.
"Make your preparations," King Leohart concluded. "You are dismissed."
One by one, they departed.
Only Duke Konrad remained.
"Brother," Leohart said quietly, his strength finally giving way, "do you think Jericho could ever forgive me?"
His hands trembled slightly.
"I don't seek safety… only the chance to express my remorse for Richard's death—my best friend."
He swallowed.
"Am I selfish?"
Konrad placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"No, Leo. You've carried this burden alone for far too long. Wanting relief does not make you selfish."
He smiled gently.
"No matter how it ends, the weight will finally lift."
"And forgiveness?" Leohart asked. "Is it wrong to hope for that too?"
"Not at all," Konrad replied. "The bond you shared with the Menssai family was real. And just as you seek closure… I believe Jericho does as well."
Leohart exhaled.
"Thank you, Konrad," he said quietly. "I truly hope you're right."
Konrad nodded, returning the smile.
⸻
Clover was lost in thought, so deeply immersed that she didn't hear her sister calling her name. It wasn't until a gentle tap landed on her shoulder that she startled, a small gasp leaving her lips as she pressed a hand to her chest.
"Oh—sis Dia. It's just you," Clover said, exhaling. "Please don't scare me like that."
Diamond raised an eyebrow, amused. "I called out to you several times. You were completely gone." She leaned closer, her voice lowering into a teasing whisper. "So… what were you thinking about? Was it Prince Jericho?"
Clover felt a faint heat bloom beneath her calm exterior. Her expression, however, remained composed.
"What? No—of course not," she replied quickly. "It's just my research. I believe it may finally be reaching a conclusion."
Diamond studied her for a moment, unconvinced, but didn't push—yet.
"Then set that aside for now, Tio," she said gently. "Tell me the truth. How did you really feel when Father said Prince Jericho was alive?"
Clover's fingers tightened slightly at her side.
"How did you come to care this deeply for someone you met only once—when you were ten, no less?" Diamond continued. "You never once complained, even when Father and the late King Richard discussed making you his fiancée. You may try to hide it, sister, but I felt the joy that washed over you today."
She softened, her tone sincere.
"Even if it isn't romantic… tell me. What made you feel so strongly for someone you met only once?"
For a moment, Clover said nothing.
Then she sighed—and for the first time, she smiled without restraint. It was genuine, unguarded, and warm in a way Diamond rarely saw.
Instead of answering, Clover reached out and took her sister's hand.
"Come with me," she said quietly. "This isn't something I can speak about out here."
Diamond's eyes widened with delight. Clover rarely sought her out like this—rarely initiated anything at all. The simple act of being led by the hand filled her with a joy she didn't bother hiding.
Just a short distance behind them, Vetra moved silently.
He had overheard enough.
Curiosity sharpened his gaze as he followed at a careful distance. Whatever connection existed between Princess Clover and the Saint Prince of Menssai, he had no intention of missing the truth—especially not now.