It was a new day, the sun still shone brightly on the North, it was a joyful occasion for everyone as they went about doing their things merrily.
It is been weeks, and still the shadow creatures and beast did not attack. The broken walls were fixed, and Kai had been quiet since, this was a joyful occasion for all.
DING. DING. DING.
Was the sound of the town bell. The bell has ever been rung when the shadow creatures and beasts attack. It was nine times for an attack and three if something important was going to happen.
It was not nine times this time, and even if it were, only the soldiers and volunteers would mobilize to fight the beast, the walls were already repaired, so there was no need for the civilians to be worked up.
"A visitor is coming," an elder in the village exclaimed to the children gathered around him, you could tell, by the way, the children formed a cycle around that he was a storyteller.
Just as the elder was speaking, troops in silver armor and swords hung by their waist all lined from the town gate to the Thorne's household, behind them were Sorcerers who wore long violet robes. With this, you could see the splendor of the North's discipline and speed in handling situations as it was a moment after the Bell rang they took positions to welcome the guest.
"With the knights and Sorcerers like this, it must be a very important guest," The old man told the children again. Even though everyone was eager to see the visitors, they still went on doing what they wished. The North knew it was someone from the capital due to the mobilization of the knights.
As the anticipation built among the townspeople, a magnificent sight emerged from the town gates. Leading the procession was a figure clad in gleaming golden armor, astride a horse adorned with intricate decorations. The armor shone brilliantly in the sunlight, a beacon of authority and power.
Behind this resplendent figure, a purple carriage rolled forward with regal grace. On either side of the carriage, soldiers marched in perfect formation, each carrying a flag that bore a striking insignia: a woman wielding two swords. The image was both beautiful and fierce, commanding respect from all who beheld it.
The procession made its way through the town, the citizens watching in awe as it passed. Finally, the entourage arrived at the Thorne's mansion, where they were ushered inside with all due ceremony.
Within the grand hall of the mansion, Lord Thorne sat at the head of a long table, his face a mask of careful neutrality. The figure in golden armor removed their helmet, revealing themselves to be a high-ranking official from the capital. Beside them, a young woman with an air of royalty took her seat - the Princess of Ariel Kingdom.
"Lord Thorne," the official began, "we come bearing news from the capital. His Majesty is pleased with your management of the North, particularly in light of the recent attacks by shadow creatures."
Thorne nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "The North has always been strong. We face our challenges head-on."
The Princess spoke next, her voice clear and authoritative. "Indeed, and it is because of this strength that His Majesty has made a decision. He wishes for young Kai to be admitted to the academy in the capital."
Thorne's expression darkened. "Kai? But he is crucial to our defenses here. Surely the king understands the importance of-"
"This is not a request, Lord Thorne," the Princess interrupted. "It is an order from the king himself."
Thorne stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "The North has border autonomy from the capital's laws and kingdom. Kai is under my protection and tutelage. He is our only child."
The Princess remained calm, her eyes level with Thorne's. "Be careful, Lord Thorne. Refusing a direct order from the king could be seen as an act of rebellion."
Thorne's face flushed with anger, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. Mrs. Thorne, who had been silent until now, placed a gentle hand on her husband's arm.
"My love," she said softly, "perhaps we should not act hastily. This could be a great opportunity for Kai."
Thorne looked at his wife, conflict clear in his eyes. After a moment of tense silence, he turned back to the Princess and the official.
"Fine," he spat, fury evident in every syllable. "Kai may go to the capital." With that, he stormed towards the door. Before leaving, he paused, turning back one last time. "But know this - he goes with my approval only because I will not risk the safety of the North over this. Not because I agree with this decision."
The door slammed behind him, leaving the room in a heavy silence. The Princess and the official exchanged glances, knowing that while they had achieved their goal, they had also sown seeds of discontent in the North. The political landscape had shifted, and only time would tell what consequences this decision would bring.