A week has passed since the King's party.
Kayden began drawing closer and closer to his family, starting to eat and make merry with them. However, he had not stepped out once since the night of the party.
Until today...
Margaret: "A letter arrived for you from the Royal Palace today, young master."
Kayden, reaching out his hand: "Very well, give it to me."
Kayden opened the envelope and began to read:
Hello, Kayden Bryan, son of Count Albert. I haven't sent you a letter in a long time, and we haven't met for a while either. Therefore, I invite you today to the Royal Palace to eat and talk a bit, just like the old days.
— Your friend, Fiona. March ❣
Kayden smiled as if he had been waiting for this message: "This reminds me of so much."
"Very well then, Margaret, tell them to prepare a carriage for me to the Royal Palace."
Margaret: "At your command, young master."
While the carriage was being prepared for departure, Kayden placed the book William Ted had given him into his secret room and locked it with the key.
Margaret: "The carriage is ready, young master."
Kayden: "I shall go then. Farewell."
Kayden boarded the carriage heading to the King's palace, even though it was not that far from the Count's estate. When he arrived, he told the guards to return to the mansion, as it wasn't far enough for them to wait for him for a long period. The guards did nothing but comply with their young master's orders.
Now, Kayden stood before the Royal Palace, facing beautiful gardens, flowers, and breathtaking scenery of trees and statues.
Kayden entered the palace after the Royal Guards recognized him as the Count's son, contemplating the beautiful blossoms.
At that same moment, he saw a girl with white hair and blue eyes, looking like a fairy stepped out of a fairytale, coming toward him in that vast garden wearing a beautiful dress.
She spoke in a calm, soothing voice: "Welcome, Kayden."
Kayden stood stunned for a moment, then answered with a slight smile: "Kayden Bryan greets Princess Fiona."
Fiona laughed with a soft smile: "You know there are no such formalities between us. Let us go inside to talk."
However, Kayden insisted on talking in the garden.
Fiona: "Just like the past, we talk in the same spot."
Kayden: "This truly makes me feel nostalgic for those days."
Fiona: "You have come with that sword again, and that emblem—the Dragon emblem."
Kayden: "Yes, it is my most precious treasure now."
Fiona: "So, are you still roaming the streets in the poor neighborhoods?"
Kayden: "No, I couldn't continue doing that."
Fiona: "Why?"
Kayden: "I have seen grand palaces and lush gardens, but my heart grows heavy when I see the poor in the streets without shelter or help."
Fiona: "It is a painful reality, Kayden. Our world is divided between wealth and need. How can we find balance?"
Kayden: "Perhaps the answer lies in mercy and justice. The nobles must remember that their wealth means nothing without a happy and healthy people."
Fiona: "I hope a day comes when my father sees that. Luxury means nothing if it comes at the expense of others."
Kayden: "And I pledge to use my position to bring about change."
Fiona: "And I am always by your side, Kayden. I am confident you can build a better world for everyone, not just for the nobles."
They continued talking and reminiscing, losing all track of time. It was already seven-thirty, and Kayden had not yet returned home. For this reason, he told Fiona that he must leave now.
Kayden bid Fiona farewell, returning home at a quick pace along a wide path illuminated by moonlight and decorated by trees, happy with the conversation he had with Fiona.
While he was admiring the moonlight in happiness on his way back, Kayden heard the sound of grass moving. That was what he heard just before a person wearing a black cloak, fastened at the neck with a pin bearing a white dragon symbol, suddenly attacked him.
Kayden did not understand what was happening. That person attacked him with great speed and immense strength. Upon the first clash of swords, he drew close and found his attacker to be a handsome young man. Kayden was deeply surprised; he was certain he had no equal among his peers because he had learned from the best and had never lost in the art of the sword.
As the swords clashed against each other, Kayden forced the man back and cut a piece of his cloak—a piece large enough to reveal the man's hair. When Kayden saw it, he looked with great wonder and astonishment, saying to the man:
"That white hair and those blue eyes... I am certain now. You are Eugene, son of William Ted."
"But how did you know it was me? You have never seen me before, and my entire family shares my features."
Eugene threw off his cloak, saying with a smile: "You are more clever than I thought, just as my father said. I believe the sword in your hand is enough to answer that question.
Now, let me see your worthiness of that sword."
Kayden: "I have no problem with that."
A fierce and powerful duel took place, with very strong exchanges of blows and magnificent skills. That was the least one could say about a duel between two of William Ted's disciples.
The fight ended in a sort of draw, with both parties exhausted in total silence. Finally, Eugene spoke wearily:
"Impressive. You are truly strong, and your skills are close to his."
Kayden answered in surprise: "Close to whom?"
Eugene: "Aaron, my father's first disciple."
Kayden, showing no signs of surprise at all: "Yes, William Ted mentioned him in the book."
Eugene: "What book?"
Kayden: "A book William Ted gave me in the past."
Eugene thought for a moment, then said in a serious tone: "Could it be?! Kayden, we must talk. This journey has gained meaning now."
Kayden did not understand what Eugene meant by those words, but he expressed his agreement and told him to come home with him. They went to the mansion, and Kayden led him into that secret room.
In a room filled with books and memories, Kayden stands beside Eugene. The room has no windows, and the only light comes from scattered candles here and there, creating an atmosphere of stillness and contemplation.
On the wall hangs a portrait of a man with white hair and blue eyes, looking like an older version of Eugene. That picture is not merely decoration; it is a gateway to the past, carrying memories of the two men, the times they spent with him, the lessons they learned, and the dreams they shared.
However, Eugene cared for none of these things as much as what was on the table in that room: a book titled "The Ascent of a Noble." This truly astonished Eugene, and he began telling Kayden quickly:
"Kayden, my father left three books for his three best disciples:
'A Great Legacy' – Given to Aaron, William Ted's first disciple. It tells of a place hiding William Ted's great fortune.
'Hidden Secrets' – Given to me. It reveals a place containing the Empire's scandals.
'The Ascent of a Noble' – In your possession. It tells the entire story of my father's life."
Kayden listened to all of this in silence, surprised by everything Eugene was saying.
Eugene continued: "I almost forgot! There is something else I must tell you."
Kayden told him to continue.
Eugene sat at the table and began speaking in a serious tone: "My father was a criminal; that is why he was sent to the Kingdom of Swords."
Kayden: "A kingdom where criminals are sent to be punished, and where the famous sword competitions take place. You must prove yourself with the sword to go to the other side of it, which is why few ever go there."
Eugene: "It is also where the 'First in the Empire' is determined. My father excelled with the sword, but he became a legend due to the sheer number of his duels there, making him very famous before he left that kingdom. I don't know what happened after, but somehow he said he found an unknown kingdom far from this place, which he described as the most beautiful place on Earth. People there live in peace; the strong do not bully the weak, the rich do not enslave the poor, and they help one another. A place where all people are equal, with no discrimination or racism. My father was corrupt until he married from that place."
"When he told this story, he said you would love that place very much. For you have always wanted the world to be like that. Now, it is time to walk this path."
Kayden agreed with enthusiasm and motivation toward a better future. He believes he has an important role in changing the world. He sees himself as part of a generation that can make a difference.
Kayden imagines a world where justice and equality are the rule, and where everyone enjoys equal opportunities for education and success. He knows that change comes with motivation and determination, and he is ready to work to achieve this goal. Kayden carries the hope and faith that he can be part of the solutions and positive change in society.
The two exchange looks full of resolve and hope, promising each other to use these books to build a better future.
Eugene: "We must go tomorrow. We must go to the Kingdom of Andorra and then to the Kingdom of Swords. But first, we will go to Genoa, where I live. I know someone there who can help us."
Kayden looked at Eugene, his eyes carrying the glow of determination. "We will use these books, not just to uncover truths, but to spread hope among the people. Hope for a world where the noble and the poor live as brothers, not as master and slave."
Eugene: "Alright. Where shall I sleep then?"
Kayden: "How about you sleep in this room?"
Eugene went to the bed that was in the room and fell asleep.
Kayden: "At least answer with a 'yes'!"
...
In the House of the Francis Family
Palace Maid: "Sir, there is an envelope addressed to Mr. Adrian Bryan, inviting you to the Bryan estate tomorrow."
Maxwell replied: "Send a letter of acceptance."
The Following Morning
Albert was surprised by his son's words when Kayden asked to go on a journey to another kingdom with his friend. His father asked for the reason, and Kayden only answered that he was tired of staying at home and his friend had encouraged him to go out.
The father agreed after a bit of thought, saying to himself: "Perhaps he will return as a different person and meet many friends." He then gave him an emblem that appeared valuable and important.
After the conversation between father and son ended, Kayden wandered through the gardens, touching the flowers and trees he grew up with; each one held a memory from his childhood. He breathed the fresh air, engraving every moment, every scent, and every sound into his memory.
Then came lunchtime.
The servants served him his last lunch in the palace—a simple meal, yet filled with love and appreciation. He ate among his family members, exchanging glances and smiles.
Kayden went out to prepare for the trip, finding that Maxwell had arrived at the time Adrian had told him. Maxwell was surprised upon learning the news.
Finally, the time for farewell came. Count Albert embraced his son tightly, whispering prayers in his ear. Likewise, Adrian and Maxwell; Maxwell embraced him, wishing him a good journey. The servants and nobles stood in a line, bidding Kayden farewell with gestures of respect and appreciation.
Lastly, Kayden mounted his horse, turning to look at the palace one last time, his heart carrying hope and resolve. As the sun set, he began his journey—a journey that would change his fate and the fate of the world.
...
In the Royal Palace, at Sunset
While Fiona contemplated the beautiful view from the palace balcony, sipping a cup of tea, a servant entered, giving her an envelope from the Count's palace.
Fiona took the envelope and read:
Fiona... this may be sudden. Some things happened last night. By the time you read this letter, I will have left the kingdom on a journey to try and change the world.
— Your friend, Kayden Bryan ❣
Fiona closed the envelope, wondering when he would return, praying that he returns safely, having achieved his dream.