A variety of trees within the bushy and mysterious forest. Bustling roads of the towns and cities, farmlands filled with fertile land and bountiful harvests.
Boutiques, tea shops, pastry shops and a lot more are filled with customers. Nobles ride their custom carriages with their noble insignia while commoners walk on the sidewalk under the broad daylight.
Within the capital, extravagant villas and manors stand. The center of all is where everyone can locate the imperial palace. Princes and princesses, the Emperor and Empress are the ones who reside.
East of the Scarlett Empire is where the holy land located. The most holy and gifted of which are the ones of reside here, protected from the demonic monsters that try pierce the strong translucent shield that covers the entire Holy Empire.
At a particular place in the Holy Empire. The Sacred Temple, a hidden place where the Pope and Cardinals receive an oracle.
"Your Holiness, everything and everyone is prepared." Said by a holy knight.
"I understand," the Pope picked up his bible, "Let us begin."
They began to recite prayers while the holy knights started to chant spells and imbue their bracelets with holy magic. "Oh holy father, our creator and savior. Allow us to feed our curiosity and seek answers for our answers."
The cross on the altar glowed with a blinding golden light, the Pope flipped a page on his bible and recited a prayer. He opened his eyes and declared that he has received an oracle.
All people who were present got told first before they revealed the contents of the oracle to the public. They were scratching their heads and caressing their beards as they went lost into their thoughts.
— A FEW DAYS LATER, CRIMSON PALACE
"Your Majesty, our informants has told us that an oracle had been received." A knight from the Shadows said.
The emperor squinted his eyes and placed his utensils on his plate, everyone then followed. He held a woman's hand and looked at her with a smile on his face.
He sighed, "What kind of oracle has the Pope received?"
The shadow remained silent, his life is hanging on a slim thread. He knows that the emperor is hoping for an oracle that can cleanse the reputation of the innocent eighth prince.
"It is not what you hope for but—" BANG. He flinched from the sound of a wooden table got slammed.
"What is the point of such oracle when my son will still be called upon as the bringer of calamity?!" the Emperor expressed his disappointment and worry.
The knight had beads of sweat appear on his face, he became anxious of whether his master will dispose of him and his family.
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger." The new crown prince said with visible concern on his face.
The emperor looked at his third son, "Shut up."
He felt the sharp gaze of his father amd hearing him say to shut his mouth. Henry lost his confidence and lowered his head.
"Among all of you, including my deceased and illegitimate children. Have any of you shown me the extent of your wits and talents?"
"Yes, we have." The youngest ten-year-old princess answered directly.
Amidst being serious, he flicked his youngest daughter's forehead who sat beside him. He waited for his other children to answer.
"Nay," the others said in unison.
Wives of the Emperor, the three empresses sighed after hearing their children's answer. It might seem like a normal question but if someone explores and think the possibilities of a different meaning within the question, they will be able to give the correct answer.
Wits, intelligence. Talents, uniqueness.
The fourth princess answered yes since everyone knows including the emperor that she is intelligent. It may seem like an exaggeration but it's not.
Imagine yourself as a ten-year-old taking a college board exam. She rivals the intelligence of her grandfathers who reigned as great rulers for a long two thousand years.
"Alright," the emperor suddenly changed to a different tone, "Henry, I order you to lead a campaign and depose those rebels and monsters."
Without a single thought of hesitation, "Yes, Father!"
"And lastly, relay my message to the public. The princes and princesses, excluding the young ones, will temporarily lose their titles and live as commoners and experience the lives of our common people."
They widened their eyes in shock, bit their lips to prevent a single sound to come out. The princesses wanted to complain while the princes were frustrated.
"We've understood, Your Majesty."