Despite the delicious food and wine, Tristan found no joy in the lavish meals.
In the midst of the feast, Prince Alex sought permission from the King to address the gathering. With the King's consent, the prince spoke with a straightforward but calm voice.
"My King, My Queen, esteemed guests, and beloved members of our kingdom. I am delighted to have you all here today. While most of us are acquainted with each other, two individuals in this room remain unknown to some." He paused momentarily before continuing.
"The Eighth Prince of Cresentian, my dear nephew, Prince Tristan, and the Crown Princess of Sovrantia, Princess Valeria, daughter of my dear friend Queen Anastasia. Prince Tristan, though not unfamiliar with our customs, has suffered greatly due to his injury from the horn of Drakkarus," Prince Alex's voice conveyed a mix of sadness and admiration.
He continues, "The severity of his wounds resulted in the loss of his memories. None would emerge unscathed after being stabbed and poisoned by Drakkarus's horn, but my nephew has shown remarkable resilience."
"Today, we gather to celebrate his miraculous recovery and mark a significant event. This feast serves as a celebration of the coming-of-age of Princess Valeria, the Crown Princess of Sovrantia, who has turned eighteen. Instead of a traditional birthday celebration, her mother, the Queen of Sovrantia, sent her here to commemorate this occasion with us and embark on a vital mission that holds great importance for both her kingdom and ours." Prince Alex's words carried weight, underscoring the significance of their endeavors.
"Princess Valeria, Prince Tristan, and I, serving as their guide and mentor, shall embark on a perilous journey crucial to our fight against the dark forces of Narak Kingdom and Zahak Kingdom. As you may be aware, these two kingdoms have joined forces to conquer the Forbidden Gate. While we could repel their initial assault, it came at a great cost, including Prince Tristan's near-fatal injury. They are now regrouping, amassing more power than before."
"Even with our alliance with Sovrantia, these two kingdoms would prove overwhelmingly formidable should they succeed in harnessing the power of the mythical beasts from the magical kingdom of Astrialia," Prince Alex continued, his tone reflecting both worry and sadness.
With a meaningful gaze directed at Princess Valeria and Prince Tristan, Prince Alex declared, "This is why I, Prince Alexander of Cresentia, have chosen to ensure those beasts remain neutral or, if necessary, to confront them with the might of my sword. Prince Tristan and Princess Valeria will accompany me, growing in strength along the way as we strive to fulfill this mission." A voice from across the table interrupted, belonging to the King.
"Why only two, my dear brother? Shouldn't you gather more men for this mission?" inquired the King.
"Based on my intelligence, which I believe to be accurate, we will require the combined forces of our beloved Cresentia and the assistance of Sovrantia to defend the Forbidden Gate. Even with the strength, our defense may still be insufficient unless we prevent the mythical beasts from aiding the Naraks and Zahaks," replied Prince Alexander.
"Do you truly believe you can prevent the mythical beasts from assisting our enemies, Alexander?" the King questioned.
"I have no choice but to believe in my power and within Tristan and Valeria. I have witnessed their immense potential. Once fully realized, their abilities could rival even the god-king of Astrialia. This journey will serve to cultivate and refine their powers, for failure is not an option. If they were to falter, my King, our kingdom would be at risk of crumbling alongside them," Prince Alexander affirmed.
His words elicited gasps from everyone in the room.
"Alexander! How can you possibly know that?" The King asked, his face a mix of shock and concern.
"It is I who informed him, dear Darianus!" a resounding voice boomed, causing the windows to tremble.
"Father!" The King exclaimed with excitement.
To everyone's astonishment, King Darianus Moonstone's father, the venerable King Augustus Moonstone, and the beloved grandfather of Crown Prince Adrian Moonstone entered the room.
"So there's no doubt about the perils ahead of us." Said The King, with a calm but worried tone.
As the Old King took a seat, everyone was in silence. For a moment, an atmosphere of despair started to preoccupy the room.
But that was not for long...
"Your Majesty," Tristan suddenly interjected, his voice brimming with determination. "Though my memories may be lost, my purpose remains steadfast. I stand ready to face the perils of Narak and Zahak alongside Princess Valeria and protect our kingdom. We shall not falter."
Princess Valeria nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve. "I, too, am prepared to embark on this journey, Prince Tristan. Together, we shall harness our powers and ensure the safety of our lands."
The King regarded the trio, a mix of concern and pride evident in his eyes. "Very well, my brave brother, my dearest son, and you, the daughter of Sovrantia. All three of you have my blessing, and our entire kingdom stands behind you. May the gods guide and protect you on this treacherous quest."
As silence descended upon the room, the weight of their mission hung heavily in the air. Prince Alex, Tristan, and Valeria understood that their path would be fraught with dangers. Yet, the fate of their kingdoms rested upon their shoulders. With newfound determination, they raised their glasses again, their voices united.
"For the salvation of Cresentia and Sovrantia! May victory be ours!" they exclaimed, their voices resolute and unwavering.
Their spirit and determination lift everyone as glasses are raised, and the yell of victory fills the air.
The feast resumed, but Tristan's thoughts were already consumed by the challenges that lay ahead.
They would confront the formidable people of Narak and Zahak, and in doing so, they would safeguard the Forbidden Gate and restore peace to their kingdoms.
United as one, they will embark on their journey, prepared to face whatever awaits them in the realm of darkness.