"People can never truly understand each other." This has been the philosophy I've lived by for years, now I believe that more than ever.

Sitting against the tree, tome in hand I attempted to ignore the metallic scent of the blood surrounding me.

"This lack of understanding only leads to conflict, conflict begets more conflict. We are a people without peace." A too cheery voice from behind me finished.

"Glad to see you're still alive," I replied with mock indifference.

"Ah, I knew you cared Crimson! Not that these damn tribals had a chance of taking me down." My old friend Jonathan slumped down beside me, clearly exhausted.

My focus returned to the priceless tome, though this one was the least valued among them out of all of them.

A thick, guttural accent raged among the sounds of the dying, "THESE ARE OUR SACRED LANDS!" The source of the voice was coming alarmingly close to my resting place.

"Hey Jonathan, you missed one." I nudged my friend in the ribs, only to discover he was unconscious as a result of the adrenaline rush & extreme mana usage.

"God damn it, always at the worst times!" I summoned what is left of my energy and used it to direct my mana string, attempting to wrap it around the charging brute's ankles. To my great surprise, the man had a mana sphere activated.

"Great... this is just... great!" I gritted my teeth as I rose to my feet, standing in between the behemoth & Jonathan. Shakily, I slid my ceremonial dagger out of its sheath, while securing the tome in my bag.

"HAHAHAHA. PUNY LITATIS!"

Despite the sweat forming on my forehead, I smirked. Just as planned, the warrior had just barreled forward, confident in his raw mana strength & physical prowess to protect him. All of a sudden, one root of the tree behind me rose from the ground at just the right moment to make the tribal tumble and stagger before reaching me. Seizing the opportunity, I rammed my dagger as hard and swiftly as I could into my opponent's jugular. Imagine my surprise when it snaps cleanly in half upon contact. Before I could utter a single curse, the brute knocked me to the ground and proceeded to pummel me. Blow after blow soon had me gasping for air and spitting out blood at the same time. Have to... stay focused. Using what remained of my useless dagger, I thrust it behind his knee, prompting him to only laugh once more.

Try all I might, I could do nothing. All of my magical power was exhausted, I had no martial arts skills able to counter this onslaught, nor any great strength to speak of. This was it; Jonathan was going to die because I was too foolish. I wouldn't have minded going to meet the Divines myself, but this wasn't just about me. All reason gone, I acted on pure instinct. That is to say, my performance was even more pitiful than before. The best I could do would be to distract the brute long enough for someone to come and save Jonathan.

Suddenly, blood sprayed across my face and the brute's weight all came crashing down upon me.

"Seriously little brother of mine, when will you learn not to pick fights with guys three times your size?" Came a mocking voice. After wiping the blood splattered over my eyes off, I could make out the visage of Lilac cleaning his blade while kicking the now headless body of the brute aside with the contempt one could only muster through being so absolutely superior in every way to the foe they had just defeated.

I could only groan. Not only had my display been particularly pathetic, but now my brother would never let me live it down.

"Heir Lilac, please don't run off without your escort!" An exasperated voice called.

Seeing an avenue of attack, I took it. "Oh, you ran to save me did you, dearest brother?" I cocked a blood-covered eyebrow up at my now slightly annoyed sibling.

"Well, I couldn't have mother being upset with me, now, could I? You know how she reacted when her favorite dog died." He smirked, then walked away before I could come up with a counterattack.

"Damn it!" I muttered, "He got me good." I tried to stand, now that my body was free from that of the brute's corpse, only to immediately cry out in pain. No matter how good your gambeson is, if your opponent is strong enough, he will break your ribs with enough blows.

"Allistar, see to my foolish little brother and his companion. They both seem to be unable to move. I will go clear up the rest of the vermin." Lilac ordered his attendant as the escort finally caught up to him.

"Yes, honored heir. May I suggest you do not leave your escorts behind again this time?

My brother merely shrugged nonchalantly and strolled off, dark green mana sword resting on his shoulder.

As my body twitched in pain, I groaned. More out of frustration than pain.

Several hours later I was finally finished with the healer. Unlike in the Wildfire Empire, Complete Regeneration was outlawed. That is to say because Complete Regeneration requires the sacrifice of a sentient being of the same race as that which is being healed. While I was completely disgusted by the notion, I also despised the alternative method used in the Polychromatic Kingdom.

"Now now, Master Crimson. I advise you spend two weeks without any unnecessary movements. I have done all I can to ensure your recovery goes as fast as possible. The discomfort and pain will also be greatly reduced." Cautioned my family healer. He wasn't a bad man, no, not at all. Though sometimes you could see the shine of calculations within his eyes, there gleam of cunning. While not a bad trait to have, it did not serve to give me comfort. A healer is a trusted and valuable position in any noble family after all. A great position in which one could quite easily cause untold harm, through actions or use of privileged information if so desired.

"Yes... I do believe I will take your advice on that matter, Ovium. Thank you. As always, your work reflects well upon you."

I give a curt, but a grateful nod towards him before swiftly exiting. As a general rule, I didn't like to spend more time than necessary with the retainers.

Turning the first corner in the corridor, I had the unfortunate luck of encountering the House Guard Captain.

"Ah, Flatur. Such a lovely surprise this is. Have you had enough of licking my brother's boots, why they must as clean as a whistle by now!"

I knew that antagonizing a trusted and truly helpful servant of his position was not the smartest idea I had ever had, but given the fact that he was an asshole... well, that's all that needs to be said. I didn't plan on sticking around once Lilac took the Green House's Prince Throne anyway.

The captain glowered at me, used to my sharp remarks while being unable to respond in kind. "The honored Green Princess requires your presence in her audience chamber. I suggest you make your way there now, little pup. Her highness has finally seen fit to do something about your behavior."

I nod deliberately. As I stepped past him, however, I spoke to him in a calm, low tone. "And I suggest, royal flatterer, that you don't speak to the second heir in such a manner. Nor, do I advise that you spew your pathetic opinion on my mother's judgment. Now, if you were to do both of those things... Well, I may just have to teach you another lesson. They stopped called you Flatur the Firefist after last time. What was it again... oh right, Flatur the Face Down." I patted him on the shoulder as I continued on my way towards the demon that is the Green Princess, my mother. I couldn't help but smile sincerely at the sight of Flatur trembling in impotent rage.

Brother would call me foolish for needlessly frustrating such a useful tool, but then again, he was the one who owned the tool. Therefore, behaving so would only irritate Lilac. Perfect.

As I approached the doorway to the Royal Audience Chamber, I looked down at myself and groaned. "She's going to berate me for not dressing as would befit the second heir." Usually, I would change into a more formal set of clothes, to avoid just that. Having only just recovered and being immediately summoned did not give me the luxury to prepare accordingly.

The two Royal Guards merely smirked at my dismay. Given they were trained in and sent from the Capital, they were a lot easier to get along with than the House Guards. They had no interest in flattery or obeying any noble like mutts, they had a job to do and they did it. I could respect them.

"You don't think mother will notice, will she?" I asked with a hopeful smile. Their only response was to throw their heads back and laugh. Impressively, their body language stayed as alert as ever, even while they laughed. Yes, they were certainly of a finer mold than even Flatur.

Thinking I might as well try to take the reins of the already terrible situation, I entered the chamber without being announced or asking for permission.

"Mother, you requested my presence?" I strode in, only to slow down as I spotted Lilac standing next to the honored demon with the biggest smile, I had ever seen him wear. Looking to her right, I also recognized the Royal Guard Captain. My heart sank. As quickly, yet politely as I could, I went to one knee in the center of the room. Despite the sharp, then subtle pain spreading through my body, I did my best to ignore it.

"Ah, it appears my impudent son has remembered some of his training at least." Her eyes scanned my clothing. It was practical for my ability type, easy to move in, and simple clothing. The main problem with it was the color. Mother had never taken issue with utilitarian choices in clothing, what she despised was a son who refused to wear the House colors. Rather than having a primary color of green, mine was gray with a hint of blue behind it.

Bizarrely, she did not comment on my refusal to dress correctly. Oh no... this was very bad indeed. The three omens were enough to condemn any man to death.

"Yes, well I do try my best to please you mother," I replied, half sarcastically. My mouth can run away from me at times, it's my only flaw. Lilac coughed to cover a small laugh.

"Hmmm, well my beloved son. That either makes you incompetent or a liar. So... which one will it be?" As she cocked her head, her cold smile was enough to send me running right there and then.

"Incompetent!" I said almost immediately.

"Good, good. At least you can recognize your own flaws. Now, given your own admission, that would make you quite the embarrassment to our House. Would you not agree?"

Ah, here it was. Mother loved to trap you with your own words, after forcing you to say whatever she wanted.

"...Yes, mother. I would agree with that assessment." Dread filled my entire body. What would she do this time?

"Good, good! Then it's settled. You will accompany Captain Lanti here to the Capital, it is time you learned how to overcome your... incompetence. Aside from that, we have been sorely missing a representative within the King Crowned Capital for quite some years. This is an excellent opportunity for the Green House. I expect you will not disappoint?" She phrased it like a question, but her voice made it a statement of fact that not even the Divines could alter.

Closing my eyes, I let out a small sigh. If it was that demon that said such a thing, then it was all but finalized already. "I would never wish to disappoint my venerated mother. What else could I do but gleefully accept such a proposal? When do I set out, and what are my duties?"

The smile which would send Brightflame himself running was etched upon her face as she replied "You set out immediately, dearest son. As to your duties... well, you're a clever boy, I'm certain you will figure them out."

Opening my eyes once again, I formed as grateful a smile as possible. "Thank you, Green Princess. I will take this opportunity to rid myself of this incompetence of mine."

Chuckling, the demon nodded with a satisfied smile, though her eyes continued to analyze everything about me, every muscle twitch, every alteration of breathing, all done as naturally if she were the Divine of Judgment, herself. She had always been this way, it's what has kept our house's prestige as high as it is today, within the upper echelons, at least.

"Captain Lanti, unless you have any other duties or things to discuss, I believe it best if you were to be on your way back to the Capital. We wouldn't want any accidents, or... cases of royalty going missing now, would we?" Her eyes playfully narrowed on me this time, a slight sparkle in her eyes. This didn't go unnoticed by Lilac, causing him to frown in response.

"The Green Princess is correct. Haste is what the Royal Council desires, after all. What they especially dislike is when royalty goes missing. Young Crimson, I will be waiting by the main gate in an hour's time. Be there."

"Yes, Lord Lanti. I will not keep you waiting." I responded respectfully, not just because of his implicit threat, but because he has thoroughly earned it in his time serving the Kingdom. "If that is all, then I shall excuse myself from the Throne Room for preparations, dearest mother."

After seeing her wave her hand in dismissal, I immediately stood, turned on my heels, and walked out of the room. Ignoring the surroundings, my eyebrows furrow as contemplation overtook me.

It would be impossible to ignore the summons directly from the Royal Capital, especially with Lord Lanti as an escort... As much of a pain as it sounds, it might not be the worst thing, leaving this lion's den. Ha, out of the frying pan, and into the fire.

Absentmindedly bumping into a small-statured man, my gaze immediately sharpened as it fell upon the Green Magi, Folium. "Ah, my apologies, Magi. I was not paying attention" Lowering my head in courtesy, he does the same in response."

Wearing a dark green robe from his shoulders to his feet, emblazoned with intertwined leaves, and vines, with several deep pockets near the waist, he stood hunched over, with a distant look in his shining green eyes, a gentle, but stern face, with dirty blonde hair hanging behind his head in a simple knot.

"Hahaha, nonsense! The same goes for me. There are too many mysteries within this Divine Realm of ours, it is easy to lose one's self. Why just yesterday I made an incredible discovery on the impact of direct mana transference onto a particular type of fauna, it lit up like a miniature sun right in front of me! Of course, we have mana crystals that can serve the same purpose, but they are too rare, and the same effect has never been observed in plant life before! Ah, I forget myself. How goes your training in the Mortal Arts, Crimson?"

I sheepishly cast aside my eyes, "Well... I'll admit I have neglected those studies somewhat, ever since the Phaunus Divinity fell into my possession."

Tutting lightheartedly, the Magi's eyes naturally rest upon the tome secured to my waist. "It is truly a great gift, a great power. But you should never neglect your Family's Art of Filum. Power isn't everything, young master, and the art of threads will enable you to be much more versatile, in the long run. Ah, but you know that already of course... is the Phaunus power so incredible? How I wish I could explore such a Divine Art; you are very fortunate. Ensure such a thing is not squandered in your hands. It cannot be."

Unable to help myself, the corners of my lips rise, Folium has always been this way. "Yes, teacher. I will be sure to remember your words of wisdom."

"Good, good. It is well the youth take to heart the lessons of old men such as I. Now, I hear you shall be the Green Family's representative within the Royal Capital. I was actually coming along to find you. I have two things for you. One is a message for a friend of mine, the other is a farewell gift for you, my troublesome student. Open the latter when you reach the Capital, it will explain where my friend is located, among other things. Farewell, for now, I trust we shall see each other in the future, Divines willing."

"Of course, may your life be protected, and blessed, teacher." I utter, taking the two parchments presented to me. Placing them both in my pouch, I continue walking back towards my room.

"Alas, I truly cannot escape such a duty. How troublesome." I mutter despondently, as I entered my room.

"Of course not. It wouldn't do for a Royal Crimson to escape any of their duties. Their life is bound to the Kingdom, after all!" A reprimanding voice came from one of the chairs at the end of the room.

"Figures you'd be here. Let me guess, mother called for you to attend to me, keep me out of trouble?" I arced an eyebrow mockingly.

"Of course, isn't it what I've been doing all my life?" James replied in his ever-serious tone. A boy of the same age, thick black hair shortly cut, deep brown eyes full of determination, with the stocky, square face he has had ever since childhood. Compared to myself, he is so much more physically mature, that he could almost pass off as a fully grown man. As usual, he wore his mana steel chest plate and helmet, while everything else was darkened leather.

"Well, I do seem to recall several occasions where my guardian knight joined in on some of my trouble." I teased with a smirk, as I began to rummage around the room.

"That! ...It was the best way to ensure your safety, by coming along with you. Besides, you know I am not yet a knight, stop referring to me as one." He said with a slight blush.

"Of course! To ensure my safety. Just like when you helped me pour sugar into Lilac's floorboards? I didn't realize you were merely keeping me safe when you so enthusiastically caused an insect infestation in the Green Heir's bedroom." Laughing, I started to pile up some of my favorite books, changes of clothes, and a few mementos.

Coughing, James groaned before weakly replying "You know he deserved that, after what he did. Besides, you promised to never talk about it!"

"Hahaha, don't you worry my friend, he did deserve it. Your secret is still safe with me. Now, you may not quite be a knight yet, but that doesn't change the fact that you ARE my knight. Come along, I've had enough of this place, perhaps the Capital will be more interesting, more freeing."

I finished packing the bag and swung it over my shoulder. Seeing this, James said nothing, he is used to my behaviors by now and understands that treating me as any other noble would just frustrate me. Sucking in a breath, I once again pushed down the pain in my ribs.

As he stood to leave, the one person I didn't want to see me off appears, strolling into the room, as casually as he owns it.

"Brother, I am loathed to see you go! It will certainly be a lot less interesting without you here." Lilac exclaimed with a fake smile, one full of contempt, and smugness.

"Well, of course. Someone reliable has to handle the family affairs in the Capital. Who knows, if you work hard enough, maybe I will be recalled, and you can become the face of our family in a few years?"

"Hahahaha, oh brother you don't really believe any of that, do you? Mother merely wants you out of the way, serving some kind of purpose to our House. It will be hard for you to embarrass us in such a position, after all."

"Hmmm, no, not really. But it still must frustrate you, that I will be the one making connections for our family, be the most influential one of us two until you eventually climb to the head of the Green House. Even if it is simply to get me out of the way. Can you handle being stuck in our little backwater part of the Kingdom for years, while I am in the Capital?"

"Oh foolish, little brother. You always did think you were so smart. Indeed, you aren't a complete and utter dolt, but you are so... immature. The wolves at the Capital will devour you. The role of representative, for our family at least, is a sacrificial one. Try not to perform too poorly." With that, he left as swiftly as he entered.

"What was that about?" James questioned from beside me.

"...I don't know. He's never gone out of his way to simply taunt me like that... It almost sounded like he was wishing me luck." I glanced at my friend before we both burst out laughing. Lilac would never do such a thing.

Walking through the corridors, every maid, and servant would smile cheerfully at James, and bow their heads respectfully to me. Compared to most Houses, we had much fewer servants, but they were the best of the best. Still, it was troublesome. Usually, servants would simply focus on their work, without making eye contact, they wouldn't have to bow to me. However, with James beside me, they couldn't help but light up upon seeing him, forcing them to then bow to me. Greatly slowing our exit.

"We finally made it," I remarked while shooting a glare at my knight. Avoiding my gaze, James rolled his eyes and apologized half-heartedly.

"Come now! Were you planning on leaving without saying goodbye? After you so valiantly protected my life, me a mere noble's son. I'm hurt!" Came Jonathan's cheery voice.

Was the bastard awake the whole time?! "No. I just knew you couldn't help but show me off since you care about me so much. Besides, who said I was protecting you? I rather like that tree you slumped against. It would have been a pain finding such a nice reading spot as that one."

"Hahahaha, right, right. It wouldn't do to not see my best friend off for his journey to manhood. It is a nice tree, perhaps I could have my father send it off to the Capital for you. As you say, it is such a pain finding reading spots as good as that one."

"Well, I'm glad to see your mana exhaustion wasn't too bad if nothing else. It's hard to find such good meatshields like you. Hahaha, that might be your greatest idea yet. I should like to see how that father of yours reacts to such a request."

Stretching his arms, he grinned. "That small amount of exhaustion could never keep me down! Don't you worry, when you return, I shall be the greatest meatshield this House has ever seen! Ah, then a tree you shall have. Until we meet again, Crimson!" Without warning, he grabbed onto me and hugged me tightly. "Stay safe in the Capital, it isn't like here. It's a much more dangerous place." His final words had an edge to them, no longer cheery, but serious, and grim.

Releasing me, he patted James on the shoulder. "You too. Stay safe. Keep HIM safe." He ordered, nodding to my bemused face. "Ah, I almost forgot!" He unfastened a short blade, and its sheath and chucked it to me. "For the one, you broke, hopefully, this one can actually hurt someone. Can actually be a blade that you can stake your life on."

"Thanks, Jon. I will make sure to put it to good use, should the time arise." I nodded thankfully, placing the dark green Mana Blade onto my waist. It couldn't have been cheap. Then again, his father is a man who always pays his debts, someone saving his heir is a debt he wouldn't dare skimp on, even if we are friends.

"May Brightflame guide your blade, and strike fear into your enemies." He said at last, before walking away.

"You too old friend... May the divines watch over you, and your father." I muttered solemnly, before continuing towards the gate. The entire time, neither James nor I spoke. It was clear there was something afoot here, something happening in the capital that warranted not only Jonathan to warn me, but even Lilac. It seemed things wouldn't be as simple as I hoped.

Arriving at the main gate from the family keep, I lowered my head slightly in respect. "Lord Lanti, I hope I have not kept you waiting."

The Thunder Lord, Captain of the Royal Guard, Lilac Lanti studied my face, then my clothing, and equipment, before lingering on the backpack for a single second, and doing the same to James. Seeing something he liked, he nodded in slight approval. "You are a few minutes early. It seems the rumors do you a disservice, young Crimson. Though it is yet to be seen if they paint you in an entirely false light" He remarked, before turning around, and leading us to four horses. One for each of us to ride, including a pack mule.

Lilac Lanti was a tall man, very tall. What was most eye-catching of him, however, was his famous silver hair, it was a rare trait to have, it belied a powerful ancestry, as evidenced by his Divine Power of Lightning, and Mortal Power of Thunder. Similarly, his eyes shined a clear silver, yet his face was hard. Rough, and scarred, weathered by many a battle in the name of the Kingdom. He was known for his grimace, rarely smiling, even towards the Royal family. His armor was beautiful, if simple, shining silver with a hint of blue, it was the fabled Mana Tanium, a relic of the ancient times, never since forged by mortal hands. Light, and flexible, yet offering unparalleled protection. It was hard for me not to get lost in its subtle patterns, not to be amazed by its beauty, and power. Before such thoughts could continue any longer, Lord Lanti spoke once more.

"It is best if you have finished all of your arrangements. The Capital is not what it once was. Now let us go, I have already been away from it for far too long." He said, brooking no argument, jumping up onto the saddle of his own personal horse, a mighty black stallion. A tried, and true warhorse, if the fierce temperament, and scars are anything to go by.

As I mounted my horse as carefully as I could, I thanked the Divines for Ovium's treatment, as much as I detested it at the time. Horse riding will only lengthen the healing time needed; it wouldn't make the injury any worse.

I took one last lingering glance to the keep behind me, my ancestral home. The only place I have ever known. A safe place by any standard. "Damn it. I suppose we'll just have to see what awaits us." Feeling somewhat guilty for bringing James along, simply because I was deemed a nuisance to mother, I offered a reassuring smile to my knight.

"Wherever you go, I will follow, Green Lord." He stated resolutely, sitting atop his steed.

Without a second glance, nor another word, all three people, and four horses began a steady gallop towards the Royal Capital.