Let me tell you that story then, my dear.
Twenty years ago.
Under the roof of a single Empire.
Under the rule of a single man.
Four kingdoms coexisted with one another.
Fiore, Genoa, Andorra, and Indland.
Living in peace with the rest of the lands because of that man:
Emperor Joseph.
However, this did not mean everyone lived well; the strong bullied and enslaved the weak.
If you were a noble, you would live the finest life for the rest of your days.
In that Empire, specifically in the Kingdom of Fiore, resided the Bryan family, one of the most famous noble houses, whose members were distinguished by their black hair and green eyes. In the family palace, Kayden—the youngest son, nineteen years old—woke to the voice of the maid.
Those were the words of the maid, Margaret.
Kayden: "Place the food on the table, Margaret."
Margaret: "Your command, Young Master."
Kayden rose from his bed, ate his breakfast, and then picked up an old book that his teacher had gifted him in the past.
As he read, a dialogue between the master, William, and his disciple, Aaron, caught his attention:
William: "Corrupt people... do not think of them ever again!"
Aaron: "But, will I not succeed with them, Master?"
William: "Success or failure rests upon the shoulders of the individual alone. There is no guarantee you will succeed with the corrupt; a corrupt companion corrupts his friend. Let us end this discussion."
Aaron: "Understood, Master."
Kayden stopped reading and went downstairs, where his family was having breakfast. He watched them from a distance, aware of their usual questions about what he did in his room all the time.
Luna: "It has been a year since his graduation, and he hasn't left the house during this entire period."
Albert: "I will speak to him regarding this matter."
At that moment, Kayden emerged sweating, heading toward his room. Before he could ascend the stairs, his sister Olivia—a year younger than him—blocked his path.
Olivia: "Do you want to go out with me for a short stroll?"
Kayden: "I do not think I need that."
Kayden went up to his room, washed, and returned to his reading. In the book, he read another dialogue between William and his disciple,
Aaron: "I want to forget that memory, Master. I see it everywhere; in every person. It has become difficult."
William: "The scent of memory clings to everything, to all places, and to all people. Forgetting is of no use against it. We easily forget our mistakes when no one else knows them. Sometimes, in the moment we wish to forget, our souls are immersed in the memory even more. But what if you cannot forget, Aaron? Will you leave yourself to those memories to consume you? Will you remain isolated in your room, distant from those you love, because you cannot forget something that happened and ended? You must move forward, my son."
His immersion was interrupted by the entrance of Margaret, who informed him that Count Albert wanted to see him in the courtyard.
Kayden: "What does he want with me so suddenly?"
Kayden went out to meet his father in the palace courtyard.
Albert: "How are you?"
Kayden: "Fine."
Albert (directly): "So, have you thought about going out? Trips? Making friends?"
Kayden was about to reject the idea until he remembered the words of his teacher, William Ted, urging him to move forward and forget the past.
Kayden: "I could think about that..."
Meanwhile, Margaret was cleaning the Young Master's room. Her curiosity was piqued to know what Kayden was reading, as she also had an interest in books and novels.
She closed the novel to read the cover:
Title: The Rise of a Noble
Author: William Ted
Dedication: To Kayden Bryan
Based on a true story
Albert: "There is one more thing... treat your sister better."
Kayden: "Very well, Father."
Albert: "I have a brother, as you know, but he was no good. He was completely corrupt and did something terrible that led to his exile outside the Empire, to a very distant place. That is why I do not want you to be like him."
Kayden: "Does this mean we have restored our relationship?"
Albert: "I am not upset with you, my son, but... regarding what happened last year..."
Kayden (interrupting): "That subject again?"
In Kayden's Room
Margaret did not understand why the late legend William Ted would gift a book to the Young Master Kayden. What was the relationship between them? Did it have something to do with what happened last year? What did "Based on a true story" mean?
As she opened the book searching for an answer to her questions, Kayden entered the room, frustrated by his conversation with his father. Margaret stopped reading and quickly returned to cleaning.
Kayden: "Leave me alone for a while, Margaret."
Margaret: "Certainly, Young Master."
In the Bryan Family Courtyard
???: "So this is Adrian's younger brother."
Albert: "Welcome, Maxwell."
Maxwell: "Adrian told me to come and escort his father to the King's party this evening."
Albert (thinking of Kayden): "Of course, we will come."
Maxwell: "May I speak with Kayden?"
Albert: "Of course, you may."
Maxwell knocks on Kayden's door.
Kayden: "Who is at the door?"
Maxwell: "It is I, Maxwell."
Kayden: "Come in."
Maxwell: "So, Adrian has returned from his mission."
Kayden: "Yes, I heard it was a difficult mission in one of the kingdoms."
Maxwell: "True. So, what are you reading?"
Kayden: "I am reading a book by William Ted."
Maxwell: "Excellent! He was truly a remarkable writer. You've made a good choice. You know, Adrian and I were close friends of his before he passed. He was a legend, a friend, and a wonderful father figure. But the one thing no one will tell you... is that he had a disciple named Aaron. He made him into an exceptional person."
Kayden (bored): "Yes, wonderful. I think I'll go eat."
Maxwell: "Very well, I'm leaving now."
On his way out, Maxwell stops for a moment:
Maxwell: "Oh, one more thing. There is a party at the King's palace today. I look forward to seeing you there."
Kayden remains silent.
Maxwell leaves the room, leaving Kayden lost in his thoughts.
Eight O'clock in the Evening
Everyone was ready to go to the party,
except for one person.
Albert went up to Kayden's room, surprised by the beauty of the room, and said: "You haven't been lazy after all this time at home. You told me this morning that you now wish to go out, so come with us today."
Kayden finally expressed his agreement to go out.
They rode the carriage toward the King's palace.
Palace Guard: "Your invitation, please."
Other Guard: "You fool, this is the Count's family!"
First Guard (apologizing): "Forgive my rudeness, Count. Please, proceed."
The Count and his family entered the palace just as the King was delivering an important speech:
The King: "As you know, Adrian has become one of the most important figures in the kingdom, having accomplished many difficult missions. But today's mission has special value and importance, which is why we celebrate his great achievement this day by order of the Emperor himself. Let the celebration begin!"
At one of the tables, as everyone celebrates:
Peter: "This is bad, Mira. Why did you wear this?"
Mira: "This is what people wear these days, you idiot."
Peter: "Women are strange."
Fiona: "One can wear what they like, Peter."
Peter: "Of course, Princess."
Fiona: "You can call me Fiona, Peter; we've known each other for a long time."
Mira (surprised by Fiona's sudden interruption): "Wait! Isn't that Kayden?"
Peter (surprised): "Kayden?! Is that man still alive?"
They all looked at the Princess only to find she was no longer in her seat. She had joyfully gone to Kayden, taking his hands and saying: "How happy I am to see you again, Kayden! Come and sit with us."
She gave him no chance to reply, pulling him toward the table.
Kayden: "Hello, guys."
Peter: "You've changed a lot, man."
Kayden: "Yes, somewhat."
Mira: "So, what have you been doing all this time?"
Kayden: "As you know, eating, sleeping, and reading, and reading, and reading, and reading, and rea—"
Mira (interrupting): "I get it, Kayden."
At another table, between two men:
Arthur: "You have raised your son well, Albert."
Albert: "But he is not like Maxwell; he is the best in the Empire."
Arthur: "Are you jealous?"
A dialogue filled with laughter and jokes
ensued between them, like any conversation between two close friends.
Mira: "Do you remember Wayne, Kayden, when he used to always joke with you?"
Kayden: "Yes, those jokes weren't simple. They are hard to forget. It's a shame he traveled abroad with his family."
The atmosphere became awkward; Kayden was not used to such conversations, which prompted him to go out for a while to catch some air alone.
...
On the Second Floor
Maxwell: "Congratulations, Adrian."
Adrian: "Just wait for me; I will become the first duelist in the Empire in the same way you did."
Maxwell: "Haha, I don't think I'll wait for that day."
Adrian laughed jokingly, implying he didn't mean it literally.
Michel came by, asking his brother how he reached the top rank.
Adrian: "Is this your little brother? Boys really grow up fast."
Maxwell: "That question again, Michel. Anyway, everyone in the kingdom knows I became the first when my friend William died, and I killed his assassin in revenge."
Adrian: "That was a very sad day."
Meanwhile, as Kayden contemplated the beautiful flowers of the King's garden...
Fiona: "Are you thinking about what happened in the past?"
Kayden: "You could say that."
Fiona: "Do you still want to end the corruption in this world?"
Kayden: "Yes, but I think it's difficult, exactly as the Master said. How can one person change the entire world?"
Fiona: "If anyone heard that, they would surely start laughing and mocking, but I won't do that, Kayden. I will always support you and I will always be by your side."
Kayden: "Thank you, Fiona."
Kayden returned to the party with high spirits, ascending to the second floor and meeting his brother Adrian, who congratulated him on the mission's success and showed his happiness for his safe return.
Adrian happily told him he was glad he left the house to attend events again, and also told him how much he missed him, as he hadn't seen Kayden for a year and a half.
Maxwell: "We are all happy for you, Kayden. And I am happy that you have started reading William Ted."
Adrian (joking): "William Ted? What, have you become an intellectual now, Kayden?"
The three laughed together while Michel watched them from afar with a strange look that no one understood.
Amidst the laughter, Kayden excused himself from his brother to go back home, as his father was waiting for him. Adrian signaled his approval with a nod.
Kayden went out to the carriage to find Fiona waiting for him outside.
Kayden: "I'm going home now."
Fiona: "Safe travels."
Kayden rode the carriage with his family, and there was only silence until Albert broke it, saying: "So, how was the outing?"
Kayden: "It reminded me of the past."
Albert: "It's good to hear that."
They returned home, had dinner, and went to sleep.
Ten O'clock at Night
Margaret opens the door to leave the house.
Kayden: "Where are you going?"
Margaret: "I'm going shopping, Young
Master. Why are you not asleep?"
Kayden: "I don't want to sleep now. I'll come with you."
Margaret: "You can't, Young Master! You are a noble."
Kayden: "And that is exactly what nobles do."
Margaret (with a faint smile): "As you wish, Young Master."
They arrived at the kingdom's vast, crowded market with its wonderful air, while the moon illuminated the place with its beautiful light.
They found a person shouting in front of many people: "Are you mad? How can you sell this to me at that price? How can you sell it to me like the rest of the people? I will shut this place down!"
The Merchant: "I'm sorry, Noble Sir. I did not mean to offend you. Please, take it at the price you want."
Kayden clenched his fist, heading toward the man.
Margaret (holding Kayden's hand): "You can't, Young Master. He is from the royal family; you cannot offend him. It will cause trouble for the family."
Kayden: "So do I just let him do as he pleases just because he is the King's son?"
Margaret: "Please, Young Master, for your father's sake."
Kayden retreated after Margaret's words, and his determination to remove this corruption from the world increased.
The Bryan Family Home
Kayden and Margaret returned home.
Margaret: "Do you need anything, Young Master?"
Kayden: "No, I'm going to sleep."
Margaret: "Sweet dreams."
Kayden: "To you as well."
Kayden went up to his room and opened that book again, reflecting on another dialogue, as was his custom.
William: "Kayden, you carry a fire for justice in your heart. This passion is what will lead you to be a great leader. But remember, the change you seek will not come easily."
Young Kayden: "Then how can I change this world?"
William: "No one can do everything alone; strength lies in unity and faith. And you, Kayden, have the ability to inspire others to join your quest."
Young Kayden: "I will always carry your words with me. When you are with me, I feel I can do anything."
William: "I am by your side with all the strength I possess, but you must know that a time is coming when I will leave this world. When that day comes, you must be strong enough to stand on your own feet."
Kayden closed the book with great sadness and hurried to sleep.
The Kingdom of Genoa
Eugene: "I'm going now, Mother."
Eugene's Mother: "It seems you won't be convinced by my words... Return safely, my son. Know the truth, and return. And do not take any unnecessary action."
Eugene (as he leaves): "Very well..."
Eugene goes to a secret tavern while in disguise.
The Boss's Tavern
Eugene sits and orders a drink.
Eugene (to the waiter): "Call your boss."
The Waiter: "I don't understand what you mean."
Eugene: "Call Ben."
The Waiter: "Wait a moment, young man."
After 10 minutes...
The Waiter: "The boss wants to meet you. This way, please."
Eugene enters the room to meet Ben, who appeared as a stout man with a round face and circular glasses.
Ben: "What an important person has visited us today. It has been a long time. How can I be of service?"
Eugene: "Prepare a carriage for me to the Kingdom of Fiore."
Ben: "Fiore? Why do you want to go to such a distant place so suddenly?"
Eugene: "There is someone I must meet there. Someone I have never met before."