Morning - Enzetsu City Outskirts
The morning sun rose over Enzetsu City, casting long shadows across its streets. Standing at the edge of his residence, Horobi looked down at the land he was destined to rule.
"Power isn't just given," he murmured quietly. "It has to be understood."
Without another word, he turned and began walking.
Towards Hillfords District
Hillfords was a large district containing 2 cities and 18 villages. Within it lay the small village of Oakshade, so insignificant that nobody paid it much attention.
"Ah! We're almost there."
"Yeah... Horobi, will you execute him as soon as we arrive, or gather some information first?"
"No need. All evidence is already collected. Father has given the order from above, so execution will happen regardless of guilt. We're strict about Enma rules. Once an order is given, it's final."
"That's how it works here, Liora. Once a decision is made, it happens. Only Lord Chem - I mean Father - can stop it. And now Horobi can too."
"Oh! So you control everything now, Horobi?"
"I've always had that power, but I was too young to pay attention to these matters. Now Father has given me responsibilities, so I have to do the work."
"Ah! Horobi, look ahead - someone's lying there."
"Where?"
"Look toward the forest."
They approached cautiously. A girl with an injured leg lay collapsed by the roadside.
"Who are you? How did you get these injuries?"
"Anhhh!"
"She needs healing. Mio!"
"Got it."
Mio healed her instantly. Once recovered, they asked her identity.
"My name is Mahi. Thank you for healing me. I'm the village elder's daughter."
"Ah! Then you should know who—"
"No Mio! We're here for our mission. Nothing else."
"Alright."
"I'm Horobi. I'm heading to the village too. You can join us if you want."
"Yes! Thank you, Horobi."
"By the way, what's your name? Snake bite?"
"My name is Liora! No, it's not a snake. Actually, it's a spirit."
"Oh! You have quite unique powers."
"Of course."
"Here we are. See you later, Mahi. Bye."
"Bye."
At Mahi's Home
The wooden door creaked open as the village headman, Geri, stepped inside.
Elder Paul immediately stood up.
"My Lord, what brings you here?"
Geri adjusted his robe, his tone serious.
"You already know. The Young Master is arriving in this village."
Paul's expression stiffened.
"Yes… I've heard."
"Then make sure there is no mistake," Geri said coldly.
"Everything must be perfect. No shortages. No problems."
"Of course, my Lord. I will personally take care of everything."
Geri gave a short nod and turned to leave—
Knock. Knock.
"Who is it?" Paul asked.
"It's me… Kiren."
Geri paused.
"Oh… the captain is here as well," he muttered.
The door opened, and Kiren stepped in with a faint smile.
"Well, well… both of you here. What a coincidence."
Geri narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I was just leaving. You two carry on."
As Geri stepped out, his instincts told him—
Something was off.
Kiren's Offer
Inside the room, silence fell.
Kiren walked closer, his gaze fixed.
"Let's not waste time, Paul."
Paul swallowed nervously.
"What do you mean, my Lord?"
"I want your daughter."
The words landed like a blade.
Paul froze.
"My Lord… she's too young… and she won't agree—"
Kiren slowly placed a heavy chest on the table.
Clink.
The lid opened—
Gold.
Endless gold.
"1 million gold coins," Kiren said calmly.
"All yours… if you hand her over."
Paul's breathing grew heavier.
Greed… hesitation… fear…
All mixed together.
Kiren leaned forward.
"Well? Is your daughter worth more than this?"
A long silence.
Then—
"…Fine."
Village Hall
Horobi waited long for Headman Geri. Outside, a soldier informed Geri: "Lord Horobi has arrived. He's been waiting. Hurry!"
Geri rushed in, panting heavily.
"My lord, I'm here! Forgive me for making you wait."
"No excuses. Sit. It wasn't that long anyway."
"Thank you my Lord. I'll be careful next time. What brings you to our small village?"
Horobi handed him a letter. "Summon military in-charge Kiren to the execution ground."
The headman froze in shock but didn't open the letter - he knew it was final.
"Hurry. I have other work."
"Yes master! I'll arrange everything immediately."
"And Mr. Geri."
"Yes master?"
"Keep your eyes lowered. These two aren't my servants - they're my future wives. Don't look at them with dirty eyes again."
"Forgive me my lord, no ill intentions. I'll be careful henceforth."
"Good."
Headman Geri immediately ordered Kiren's arrest. Everyone was stunned.
"Hurry! Young Master waits!"
They quickly apprehended Kiren.
Execution Ground
"Why bring me here, fools? I'm your captain! Geri, have you lost your mind?"
"Forgive me. It's Young Master's order."
Horobi approached from behind. "Hello Mr. Kiren. Mr. Geri, read Father's letter aloud."
"Yes master."
Geri read: Kiren's corruption exposed - major atrocities committed. The letter ended: You think you can do anything unnoticed? Everyone watches. Equal punishment for all crimes.
Horobi stepped forward, grabbed Kiren's hair and lifted him. "No shame going against my father's rules? You deserve death."
"No my lord! One last chance! I'll prove my innocence!" Kiren begged, crying.
"Oh? Prove? You're calling Father's decision wrong?"
Villagers behind shouted, "Young Master, kill him! He's wronged us all!"
"Seems nobody likes you."
"Begin."
A soldier bound his hands. The executioner severed his head with one clean strike.
Horobi felt strange. "Alright, I'm leaving. Is my stay arranged?"
"Yes master. I'll escort you." An elder accompanied him.
That Night
Liora asked worriedly, "Horobi, how do you feel now?"
"I'm fine now. Thanks for asking, Liora."
Mio arrived. "Dinner's ready. How are you, Horobi?"
"I'm okay. First time seeing execution up close felt weird. Don't tell anyone at home."
"We'll keep it quiet. Now come, tomorrow we'll tour the village."
"Sure."
Next Day - Village Market
"Nothing special here, but lots of unique plants and flowers."
"Expected for a village. Enzetsu city's different - nobles have everything."
"Hmm! Anything special to eat?"
"Not sure about food, but rare herbs grow here, used in high potions. Kiren started stealing them, causing shortages in our factories. Investigation revealed him. He committed other crimes too, hence death penalty instead of just jail."
"Oh! I want to see those herbs."
"I'll take you."
Horobi spotted Mahi. "Hey Mahi!"
Mio called, "Mahi! Come here!"
Mahi saw them and fled instead.
"Why'd she run?"
"Something's wrong. Let's ask."
They split up searching. Eventually Horobi found and caught Mahi.
"Wait! What happened? Why run from us? Someone say something?"
Mahi burst into tears.
"What? Why cry?"
"My father sold me. Please leave me alone or Kiren will misunderstand and hurt you."
"Kiren?!"
"Yes! Village military in-charge. Go away. Leave me."
Horobi reassured, "Why fear? Kiren was executed yesterday evening. You'll hear soon. Who told you your father sold you?"
"Really? He's dead?"
"Yes! Matter spreads fast. But why believe you were sold?"
"Your father is elder, but captain ranked higher. Maybe he was threatened? Now everything's fine. Go home."
"But what if it happens again?"
"Tell me. I'll handle it."
"But how? Who are you?"
"I'm Horobi, small businessman."
"Oh!"
"Let's eat first. I'm hungry."
"Me too actually."
"Haha! Don't copy me."
Mahi made angry face. "I'm not copying you!"
"Alright."
"After this, show me around? I'm new here."
Smiling, "Sure!"
They toured. Mahi showed Horobi new places.
"Alright Mahi, we need to head back. Evening is coming."
"Yeah, but tomorrow we will explore more places. It'll be fun!"
"Sorry! I'm leaving tomorrow."
"What? Why? Stay longer!"
"Can't. I need to get back. The academy awaits, my homework is undone also."
"…So soon?"
"I'll come back."
"…Promise?"
"Promise."
They parted.
Mahi's Home
Mahi went quietly to her room. Father apologized, promised never again.
"But Horobi..."
"Where were you? Can we know?"
"Sorry, forgot. Was talking to Mahi and Mio. Forgive me."
"How dare you forget us? We searched everywhere!"
"Forgive me. My mistake."
"No dinner tonight!"
"What? No! Please! Hear what happened with Mahi."
Horobi explained her father's deal with Kiren.
"Really? Poor girl," Liora said. "Good Kiren died, or I'd have killed him myself. Scum."
Mio stern, "Still no dinner."
"Please! I'm starving!"
"Quiet. Sleep."
"Fine. Won't talk to you either."
"Good. Punishment stands."
Next Day
They returned, reported everything to Chem.
Mahi's thought: Didn't ask where Horobi lives or which academy! What did I do?
But he's so nice. I wish I could stay with him. Jealous of Liora and Mio.
Wait, his girlfriends? No way.
What if...? No! Do I love him? How do I tell him?
One day I'll confess. My... Prince!