On a spring day with a bright sky, neither too hot nor too cold, with refreshing breezes and birds soaring through the vast heavens, dancing and singing to an enchanting rhythm—this was a special day in the radiant kingdom.
There, atop the hill, surrounded by a long mosaic-patterned fence, lush green plants and vibrant, blooming flowers of varying colors, sizes, and shapes adorned the palace, adding a captivating charm to a place already brimming with unique events.
Inside the palace, where decorations and colors intertwined in a breathtaking creative harmony. One crafted transparent glass candies, another prepared cakes, and yet another placed precious ornaments.
And in a room within one of the palace's corridors stood a tightly sealed glass case, its key held only by the queen. It contained medals of appreciation and honor—badges of pride for the kingdom's knights.
High above the palace sat the queen, her fiery red hair blazing in the warm sunlight like flames upon a battlefield. Her captivating violet eyes—inherited from her ancestors, a symbol of the royal bloodline—gazed out. She wore a red dress that matched her unique hair color, sitting with a regal and dignified presence, preparing for this great day...
In the palace's rear courtyard, one knight caught his breath from nervousness, another adjusted his attire, and one practiced his knightly stance, feeling he had forgotten it. Beside him stood a composed knight who showed no signs of tension, as if he were used to the scene...
Everyone in the palace prepared for this joyous day—the day of honoring the loyal knights who sacrifice their souls for their homeland and people, who hold their lives cheap for the sake of their precious nation, who dedicate their lives to protect the security and safety of their land so their people may enjoy the peace they always yearn for.
At that moment—
Foutaba: Byeol, let's discuss that sudden flying incident...
Byeol: What's wrong? Does it bother you?
Foutaba: No, it's just that my soul nearly left my body! By the heavens, don't do unexpected things without warning me!
Byeol: You're right... I apologize.
Foutaba: It's fine. I just remembered something—yesterday, Eva came back carrying something, and I saw her. She was looking at us with a smile so wide it looked like it would split her face. Do you know anything about that?
Byeol: No... umm, I think she bought things for herself because she was at the market yesterday when we saw her.
Foutaba: I hope so, because the last time she smiled like that, things didn't end well...
As they spoke, Eva's voice cut through, calling out to them.
Eva: Fou, Byeol! Come here—I want to show you something!! with excitement
Foutaba: No... I knew it... I knew it...
They went to her, and Foutaba peeked cautiously from the side of the door to see what awaited them.
Eva: Look, Foutaba—what I bought for you for tonight's celebration!
It was a green dress the color of lush nature, with golden embroidery at the edges—its shade was soothing to the eyes.
Eva: And for Byeol, I got you these clothes.
It was a navy-blue suit with blue ornaments and golden sleeve buttons, making whoever wore it look like royalty.
Eva: Huh?? What do you think? Do you like them?
Foutaba: Wow!! Eva, for the first time, you bought something amazing—
Eva cut her off with a hit.
Foutaba: Ughh... that hurt!!!
Eva: Hmph!! Tell me, Byeol—did you like it!? with a threatening smile
Byeol: nodded in agreement
Eva: See, Foutaba? He liked his clothes, unlike you!
Foutaba: Of course—he'd stay outside if he didn't!
Eva: What did you say!?
Foutaba: Nothing.
Eva: Ah, I'm late—I need to go check on the preparations. I'll be back later, and when I return, I want to see you both wearing those clothes!!
Eva left, leaving Byeol and Foutaba staring at the closed door.
Night fell, and the kingdom's decorative lights became even more beautiful. Floating lamps adorned the place like stars in a clear night sky, and people danced joyfully...
From atop the palace, the queen watched her people with a smile.
Queen: They seem to be having a wonderful time. I really want to go out and join them in the dance.
Eugene: Your Highness, please—just once, remember that you are the queen, not a commoner. When will you mature?
Queen, laughing: Hahaha!! Eugene, honestly, you act like an old man...
Eugene: Old man!?...
Queen: Don't worry, I know how to behave. I'm not that crying little girl anymore, as you know...
Eugene: ...Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. I didn't mean—
Queen: I've told you so many times—no formalities when we're alone. We're friends before anything else.
Eugene, embarrassed: Yes, I apologize, Your High... I mean, Rosaline.
Queen: Haha, look how cute you look with that face!
A knock at the door interrupted the moment—a maid summoning the queen.
Maid: Your Highness...
Queen: You may enter.
Maid: The time has come, Your Highness. Your Majesty must prepare to receive the knights and deliver her speech...
Queen: Ah, the time has come. Look how quickly time flies. Alright, I must go~
She left Eugene standing alone in the room after Rosaline bid him farewell. He hadn't heard what she said because he was lost in thought about his earlier words...
Eugene: "I made her mood sour by making her remember something she didn't want to recall... what a fool I am..."
At that moment—at Eva's home...
Eva: WAAAAAH!!!!!! Look how adorable you both look! I'm going to burst from cuteness!!
Foutaba: I look like a spoiled noble—I don't want to wear this...
Eva: You WILL wear it, and you WILL love it!! angrily
Foutaba: Yes, ma'am!...
Eva: Let's go—we're late. We need to welcome Eve first. I'm sure she's excited to see you, Foutaba!
Foutaba: R...right, of course... "Eve is Eva's twin sister. Unlike Eva, with her bright smile and kindness, Eve was cold and perpetually frowning. She always looked at me with sharp, suspicious eyes, as if waiting for something from me. I've truly never understood her—I always feel something strange around her..."
Eva: Foutaba!!
Foutaba: Yes?
Eva: By the heavens, what's going on in your head?? Come on, we're late!
Foutaba: Ah... r-right, let's go.
Byeol remained silent, watching Eva and Foutaba's conversation.
Eva: Byeol, come on...
Byeol: Umm...
On this star-studded evening, covered in floating lamps that painted joy and delight upon the people's faces, the streets were crowded with people from all across the kingdom. Who would miss such a grand celebration? Joy and excitement were etched on every face, and the atmosphere struck the heart with a majestic celebratory rhythm.
Suddenly, trumpets pierced the night, announcing the arrival of the knights. The sound of hooves rose over the stone roads, heralding their entry into the kingdom.
Their black and silver armor gleamed; their helmets concealed their features but only enhanced their awe-inspiring and majestic presence. They marched in organized rows, and at the forefront was the commander with her magnificent armor and massive weapon at her side.
When the knights reached the center of the square, cheers erupted from every direction. Fireworks launched into the sky, adorning the kingdom's heavens with their breathtaking colors and varied shapes.
And upon the throne sat the queen, in her red robe embroidered with golden threads, trailing on the ground, adorned with violet jewels matching her eyes. Her eyes radiated strength and majesty. She stood tall, raising her hand to demand silence.
With her sweet voice—a blend of dignity and power—she addressed her people:
"Our beloved people,
On this great day, we gather to celebrate the return of our heroic knights, who have returned to us laden with victory, honor, and pride. Those who carried our kingdom's banner high in the face of danger, and showed unparalleled courage and unbreakable loyalty.
Our knights have fought battles of honor with the bravery of their hearts, making their strength a shield protecting the homeland and their determination a sword carving the path to glory. Every step they took, every wound their bodies bore—it was a price they paid for our safety and peace.
Yet, victory and glory always come with their price. Therefore, today is not merely a moment to celebrate the living, but also the dead—an opportunity to honor them and show our deep gratitude. These knights were not merely soldiers; they were sons of this good land, ambassadors of its dignity, and protectors of its dreams.
Let us raise our hands in prayer for their courage, and let us sing songs of victory in appreciation of their efforts. Let this day be a testament to our unity, our strength, and our unwavering love for our homeland.
To our returning knights: you are our pride and our hope, and we will forever remember your bravery with pride. You are the bridge we crossed to safety, the wall that protected our kingdom from every enemy.
Long live our beloved kingdom. Long live its beloved people. Let the celebration of honor begin!"
.
After she finished her magnificent speech, a moment of solemn silence fell, as if her words carried a great weight that settled in everyone's hearts. The silence didn't last long, for suddenly the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.
"Long live the queen! Long live glory! Long live the kingdom's knights!"
Eva: I must admit—I'm impressed by that speech. Truly, it was magnificent and inspiring too. Don't you agree, Gilou?
Gilbert: Commander, please—we're in a formal setting here. Don't give me strange nicknames. And of course, after all, Her Highness never disappoints with her speeches. Her speeches are always motivating, radiant, inspiring, magnificent, beautiful, and—
Eva: Look! Gilou, there's Eve over there! I'm going to see her.
Gilbert: sighs
Eva: Eve!! It's been so long!!
Eve: Yes.
Eva: Oh? So, how are things outside? The monsters' developments—anything new?
Eve: Nothing worth mentioning. I've just noticed that their behavior has become erratic.
Eva: Huh? How?
Eve: I don't know. It's as if they're searching for something... or... someone...
Eva: snorts Hahaha! What is this, Eve?! Someone? You must be tired.
Eve: ...I think so... looks down
Somewhere in the palace...
Foutaba: Waaah!! Food—every shape and variety!! I can't wait to taste that dessert!!! Do you see its size, Byeol?? Look!!!
Byeol: Yes, it's beautiful.
Foutaba began devouring the food ravenously, as if she'd never tasted anything like it in her life. She savored every bite. Who could blame her? The food was a feast for the eyes, and the taste was even better. But there are always spoilsports who ruin such pleasures—this time, it was noble children laughing at her.
Noble girl: Oh my! Who let an animal into the nobles' banquet?
Another: Haha, I agree. This is what happens when commoners are invited here.
Noble girl: Of course, the funny thing is you can tell them apart from their shabby, old clothes—like the one Foutaba is wearing.
The children began laughing and mocking Foutaba and her dress. But Foutaba paid them no mind—this wasn't the first time she'd been bullied by nobles. She always ignored them and stayed silent, as if she hadn't heard them, so as not to cause trouble for Eva... so she didn't mind... but Byeol had a different opinion.
Byeol: You! What's your problem with her? She hasn't done anything to you!
Foutaba: Byeol, no!!
Noble girl: Huh? Who are you? Don't tell me, Foutaba—he's your friend? Haha, tell me—which sewer did you find this rat in? Though he does have a handsome face.
Foutaba: You! I don't mind you insulting me and mocking me, but I will not stay silent when you insult Byeol!!
Noble girl: Byeol, huh? What a lovely name. Listen, I have a great offer for you. How about you become one of us? In return, you'll have a special status among us, receive the best treatment, and never be touched as long as you're by my side!
Byeol cut her off, his eyes blazing with anger, and replied:
"Silence, you lowly creature. You have overstepped your bounds in addressing us. Say another word, and I promise you it will be your last!"
Everyone fell silent—including the noble girl. Shock and fear washed over them from Byeol's threat.
Foutaba: B...Byeol..?
Noble girl: W...wait! L...lowly?! Do you know who you're speaking to?! If my father finds out you threatened me, he'll—
Byeol: Did you just dare to reply to me?!?!
The girl shuddered at Byeol's sharp, furious tone, leaving her unable to respond. She ran away crying, sobbing as she shouted:
"I'll tell my father about this! You won't get away with this!!"
The other noble children ran after her—not out of concern for her, but out of fear of Byeol, afraid he might do something to them.
Byeol: sighs Hehe... I think I overdid it a little...
Foutaba: Oh my god, Byeol!!!! That was the best thing I've ever seen in my life! Where did you learn to talk like that?! You were truly terrifying when you said "you lowly mortal"! Did you see her face?! I've never seen her like that! snorts Hahahaha!!!!!
Byeol: Ah... sorry, it was unintentional. I didn't mean to say such things!!
"Thank you, Byeol."
These words came from Foutaba's mouth, a warm smile spreading across her small face, thanking Byeol for standing by her and defending her. Byeol stared at her for a moment, then smiled back and said:
"Why are you thanking me, Foutaba? What I did wasn't a big deal. After all, we're friends."
Foutaba was silent for a moment, then replied with a wide grin:
"Of course!"
Far from the celebration—specifically at the wall guard post—the guards stood under the moonlight, chatting among themselves. But it didn't last long. Soon, they began hearing rustling sounds in the grass, but they thought it was just the wind. Until they heard a low growl and saw eyes glaring at them. One guard screamed:
"Prepare for attack!!"
But they didn't realize that these creatures were a different kind—shadows. They stared at the guards with confusion and bewilderment. In the blink of an eye, one of them lunged at a guard and tore him in half. It was a horrifying massacre. The guards tried to defend themselves, but their efforts were futile—the shadows were stronger. Blood and bodies piled up, but one managed to escape to warn them of the impending catastrophe.
He burst into the palace, his face pale and his eyes filled with terror, screaming:
"We've been breached! The monsters are on their way here!"
Silence fell for a moment. His words seemed unbelievable—but soon, a loud growl echoed from outside, its sound spreading dread into every heart. People began to panic and run for their lives.
"W...what was that?!"
Foutaba said, fear and tension filling her. The monsters burst into the hall, tearing and killing those present with savagery. They turned left and right, as if searching for something specific—until their eyes fell upon Foutaba.
Meanwhile—Eva and Eve chatting
Eve: So, how is that girl you're raising?
Eva: She's doing well. She's growing up so fast—she's even made friends... well, one. I don't know where he came from, but I'm happy she's starting to connect with people. She was always alone—I was starting to worry about her.
Eve: Hmm... I see...
Their pleasant conversation was interrupted by the sound of screaming from the celebration hall.
Eve: What's that? What's going on?!
A Black Knight came running to report the catastrophe.
Knight: Commander!! It's a disaster!!
Eve: What happened? What's going on, by the—
Knight: The celebration hall has been attacked by high-class monsters!!
Eve: What are you talking about?! That's impossible—they're from the rare class!!
Eva cut in, her face shifting from a smile to terror, her voice trembling as she said:
"Foutaba... I left her... in the hall..."
To be continued...