Act 2. From the tips of the clashed blades  (2)

While Wellen arrived in front of Ravello the day after Irene was summoned to the crown prince’s bedroom, elsewhere in Theorin, the frozen kingdom…

“Brother! Why? Why do you refuse to meet with me?” Princess Belle demanded, as she sought an audience with her brother and Theorin’s new king, Hayden.

“Princess, such excitation isn’t good for the body…”

“How can I not be? Do you know how much time has passed? When will he finally see me?”

The moment Belle learned of Irene’s fate—to head to the empire as tribute on her behalf—she’d urgently sought to meet with Hayden to no avail.

“It’s Dame Irene, so she’ll be fine.”

“Of course she’ll be fine!” Belle retorted, as she grabbed at her head. “I was mentally prepared to go to the Empire too…”

Ever since Belle heard the stories of how her kingdom had easily capitulated and raised a white flag in the face of the empire’s imperial troops marching on the capital, Belle had been prepared to be sent as tribute. It was a surprise to hear that the negotiations had wrapped quickly, but since the empire always demanded a hostage from the rebelling country, it was only natural for her to prepare herself for her inevitable fate. She’d even began formulating plans on how to counter the various discriminations she would surely face as she attended the Imperial Academy as a hostage. Naturally, she’d never even considered entering the harem. And yet, she’d been allowed to stay in the kingdom. It would be quite some time before she learned of the reason.

“Are you trying to run away like father? You’re such a coward! How can you still call yourself king?”

“Who said that I ran away?” The door that had remained shut for a long time suddenly flung open, and Hayden, the brother that Belle had longed to meet with, suddenly appeared.

“Now you’ll see me? I’ve heard about uncle, and the fact that there’s a high possibility that he was kidnapped by the Duke of Groin.”

“If you’re aware, then stop spouting nonsense and return. Even without your added shrieking, my head hurts enough.”

Seeing Hayden turn his back on her, Belle shouted, “Bring Irene back!”

Hayden immediately froze in place and clenched his fists. With a heavy sigh, he said, “I don’t plan on making her stay in the Empire for long. I’m working on it.”

“Working on what?”

“Belle!”

“When our mother suddenly passed, Irene swore to protect me. Back then I asked her, ‘Irene, you’re a woman too. How can you be this strong?’ And do you know how she answered?” When Hayden pursed his lips and stared at Belle in silence, she continued, “She told me, ‘I never cared about being a woman. It’s been a long time since I’ve discarded my sex. Before anything, I’m a Theorin knight.’ A knight—she was the greatest knight ever! She’s an incredible person who gave up on ordinary happiness! How does it make sense to hand over someone like that…?”

Belle huffed as she tried to catch her breath and bit her lips. Tears welled up in her eyes as the memories of that day came rushing back at her. She couldn’t forget the smile on Irene’s face as the latter held her hands.

“I received our mother’s will to protect you no matter what! That was the only wish mother had before she passed on. It’s a promise that can’t be broken, especially not after all the dark clouds that hung over the royal family. To protect you, I…” Hayden shouted, as he grabbed Belle by the shoulders.