Flashback
Location: A forest in the Fropirth Region
Quite a few years earlier, the kingdom of Tristania had held a research expedition in the Fropirth Region, lying close to the Philliease Sea, South of Tristania. The Kingdom of Fropirth had gotten the information about the presence of quite peculiar 'jewels' that emitted strange lights when somebody touched them. Curious about the occurrence of these 'jewels' and not knowing whether they were helpful or hazardous to people, the King of Fropirth, Cromwell had decided to seek aid from Tristania's King Alexandre (Erica's father) in this matter. The king of Fropirth and Tristania were childhood friends, so without wasting any time Alexandre had set off with his 2 trusted generals, Bowood and Arnaud along with 100 soldiers from Tristania's army to help his old friend.
Right now they were in a forest carrying out research about the peculiar 'jewels'….
"My Lord, it looks like there's nothing here, it would be best if we continue our research work from tomorrow, the sun's setting too", Bowood called out to Alexandre.
"Yeah, I also think that should be the right decision, My Lord, besides the soldiers are exhausted too", Arnaud exclaimed.
"Hmm, looks like you two are right", Alexandre replied while looking at the horizon which was cloudless and colored reddish-orange at this point in time with the setting sun acting as a backdrop, truly making a spectacular and breath-taking view.
"We should get going, call out to the soldiers Arnaud, and tell them we are heading towards the camp. Bowood get the horses ready and-"
"Daddyyy"
Alexandre was interrupted midway while he was speaking by a small feminine body that rushed out of the bushes that were nearby and quickly latched onto him.
"What are you doing here My lovely Princess?" , Alexandre replied with a smile while lovingly stroking the hair of the small individual.
"I came to see Daddy and how's he been doing!", the individual exclaimed and looked up at Alexandre.
"But you shouldn't have come here all alone, Erica, there may be many dangers lurking around in the forest so deep", Alexandre replied in a slightly stern tone.
"Oh I didn't come alone, I brought Dawn and Uncle Philip with me"
True, after some seconds two figures, one tall while the other was of the same height as Erica came from behind the bushes from where Erica had rushed out.
"Philip, What are you, your daughter, and Princess doing here? I thought I told you not to venture into the forest much less come searching for me!", Alexandre exclaimed while making a furious tone.
"I beg for your forgiveness My Lord, but the little princess would just not stay still, once she got to know that you and others were here, she whined to come here and meet you" Philip said while bowing down before Alexandre.
True, Erica, while she was young was very stubborn, so stubborn that she even made Alexandre agree to her coming with him to Fropirth along with Dawn, her childhood friend, and Philip, Dawn's father, even after telling repeatedly that coming to Fropirth may be dangerous for her. Even though Alexandre was the King of Tristania, he was still powerless in front of Erica's wishes.
"Please pardon my mistake, My Lord"
Alexandre who was looking furious a moment ago smiled gently and walked up to Philip.
"Don't fret over it too much Philip, I know… how stubborn My Little Princess can be when it comes to what she wants... I forgive you"
"Thank You My Lord", Philip stated while standing up.
"Besides I know you are capable enough to protect my daughter… you would let no harm come near her, I whole-heartedly thank you for that"
"That's too kind of you, My Lord"
"Now shall we set course for the camp?" Alexandre stated while looking around.
"First I have something to talk about with Daddy", Erica stated.
"Fine! The rest of you head towards the camp near Halincove city, Me and Erica will soon follow you"
"As you wish, My Lord", Bowood and Arnaud replied in unison.
After some time when the others had set foot towards the camp, Alexandre approached Erica.
"What is it, Erica?"
"Daddy,"-the way she spoke it sent chills down Alexandre's spine-"don't you remember you promise of taking me sightseeing while we are here in Fropirth..?"
"Ah yes, I do remember, so what of it now?"
"I want to go sight-seeing today, look the sun's looking so magnificent too, it's a waste if we don't watch it"
"But the sun will not stay for long, it will be dark soon-"
"I know, we will head back before that but please, I want to see the sun-set today, Daddy"
Erica made such pleading eyes while saying that, Alexandre couldn't turn down her plea...
"Fine! But only for sometime… we will head back soon"
"Yeah! Let's go Daddy!!", Erica exclaimed while running forward.
Seeing Erica so happy like this, a smile grew on Alexandre's lips...
Oh, my sweet little princess, he thought.
Unknown to them, a pair of eyes were watching them closely…