In Risny's imposing castle, the Elite Knights gathered to discuss urgent matters. The tension in the air was palpable, especially with the disobedience of some and the careless behavior of others. "We have some pending matters that need to be resolved immediately, under penalty of incurring Queen Risny's wrath," announced Eisen, the leader of the Elite Knights, his voice deep and authoritative. "The reliquary of time, one of the most precious relics of the Autumn Kingdom, remains in the prince's possession. And, according to our information, he uses it openly, without resorting to portals or hiding places. Our last attempt to retrieve it was a failure." "A certain someone annoyed the first elite knight during the mission," Vyza, the second-in-command, provoked, casting a sharp glance at Latifa, the fifth Elite Knight. "That arrogant man doesn't even attend meetings, much less has he taken over little Eisy's division," Latifa retorted with disdain. "He shouldn't even be considered one of us." "Maybe it's because you annoyed him," Vyza insinuated with a mischievous smile.
Eisen intervened before the discussion could turn into an open confrontation. "Latifa, one of the generals under your command is in charge of eliminating Princess Leticia, the Guardian of Winter," Eisen reminded her. "Remind him of his mission. We need to eliminate her before she reaches the Autumn Kingdom." "Little Hayden is not cute at all!" Latifa complained, snuggling into a sofa with a teddy bear, swinging her legs in the air. "This is so much work!"
Latifa, at 18 years old and 1.58m (5'2") tall, was a peculiar figure among the Elite Knights. Her full, frilly dresses, her pink hair, and her violet eyes contrasted sharply with the somber atmosphere of the meeting. "Why don't we just invade the Autumn Kingdom and get it over with?" Latifa suggested in a childish tone. "Impossible!" Eisen retorted. "The Autumn Kingdom is neutral. We can't just attack them without a justifiable reason." "Little Eisy, why are you boring us with these tedious details?" Latifa protested, pouting. "It's not cute at all!"
Eisen sighed, massaging his temples. "So that incompetent knights don't interfere with Queen Risny's plans," he replied with sarcasm. "And what does this reliquary look like, anyway?" interrupted Shirasagi, the third Elite Knight, putting his feet up on the table with an air of boredom.
Shirasagi, at 26 years old and 1.78m (5'10") tall, was an elegant and imposing figure, with long silver hair and a single black streak. His white robes and long cape gave him an air of nobility.
Eisen, pushing Shirasagi's feet off the table with an impatient gesture, replied: "According to Queen Risny, it's a gold necklace with an hourglass pendant and the symbol of Autumn." "In short," intervened Goisagi, the fourth Elite Knight and Shirasagi's younger brother, "we need to find the reliquary, the Guardians, and eliminate them. Isn't that right!?"
Goisagi, at 25 years old and 1.73m (5'8") tall, was the antithesis of his brother. Short, dark hair, black robes, and a piercing gaze.
...
In the Winter Kingdom, Laurenn delved deeper and deeper into the investigation of the misuse of funds and the corruption that plagued the nobility. Hayden's indifference to his initial report had led him to believe the evidence was insufficient. Obstinate, he decided to re-examine the entire kingdom's budget, searching for irrefutable proof. With each new discovery, however, frustration and powerlessness consumed him. What could he do? How could he stop the corruption that was eating away at the kingdom from within?
Surrounded by piles of documents, Laurenn felt tears blurring his vision. The loneliness was crushing him. "I don't know what to do... I miss Leticia so much... If she were here..." he thought, desolate. "Why did she have to go so far away? I'm so alone..."
Laurenn had always been reserved, with few true friends. Now, more than ever, he felt the absence of someone he could trust, someone with whom he could share his burdens.
At the next administrative meeting, Laurenn, exhausted and disheartened, chose not to attend. Hayden seized the opportunity to discredit him before the counselors. "I know you are looking for a new betrothed for Laurenn, with an eye on his coronation," Hayden said in a calculating tone. "However, he does not have the capacity to take over the kingdom at this time." "Your Majesty, with all due respect," one of the counselors argued, "the prince has already surpassed the traditional age for ascension. He completed his training with Master Yoshi..." "He does not have the necessary capacity!" Hayden interrupted vehemently. "But..."
Hayden stood up abruptly, slamming his fist on the table. "How dare you contradict me?! I am the king!" "Your Majesty, I ask that you calm down," another counselor intervened, trying to appease the tempers. "I propose we postpone this discussion for another time."
That night, the counselor who had dared to contradict Hayden was intercepted on his way home by a group of shineideas. After confirming his identity, they eliminated him without hesitation, carrying out the king's secret orders.
The other counselors, especially those loyal to the former queen, were terrified. The suspicion that Hayden was involved with the shineideas grew stronger. Fear settled into the court, and the counselors, fearing for their own lives, began to avoid any unpleasant news or disagreement with the king. The economic crisis, once an urgent problem, was relegated to the back burner. Silence and fear reigned in the Winter Kingdom, while corruption and decay spread.