x
“Long before the war, before the whispers and the bloodshed, there was a boy in the kingdom of Eldora who wanted only peace.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrejwmPAv2
In the land of open plains and lush forests, a grand castle stood in the heart of Andrea City.
Andrea’s contrasts and gleaming buildings gave grandeur to the city, with clean streets lined with all kinds of shops. Pristine air, carrying the scent of roses, lingered in the streets as royal officers arrived.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneSkgQBoGT
A royal officer announced in the middle of the city hall.
"Hear ye, hear ye! People of Andrea! "Prince Fulvi invites you all to his coronation! The event will be held after dusk!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN9yjX682Q
The crowd burst into cheers, their faces beaming with happiness, and began shouting, "Long live our prince, Fulvi!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlY8Mr3bsc
“Soon, the cheers faded, swallowed by the hush of the city.”
After dusk.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqtH25Dr7m
The royal castle’s radiant walls flickered in the light of oil lamps, while deep red carpets, rich as rose petals, lined the halls.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa00zGIgL2
Prince Fulvi stood in front of the mirror, his gaze lingering on his reflection as he muttered to himself.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe09YboYkN
He ran a hand through his silver hair, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips.
"I look beautiful... With my silver hair, light skin, blue eyes—just like Mother."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfEzG9Uw08
A faint knock at the door reached Fulvi’s ear. He smirked.
"Come in," Fulvi said.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPewuOCMhpv
A royal guard in heavy armor entered.
"My Lord, the crowd has gathered. Lords from across the kingdom have arrived. Everyone is waiting for you in the throne room."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A0gMKTOka
Fulvi narrowed his eyes. “Is my mother there?”
The guard hesitated. “Yes, my Lord. Queen Loria is there, waiting.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7JV7DqLkI
Then Fulvi stepped outside the room, where three heavily armored guards with long swords were waiting for him.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGXQybYLMS
They followed him to the throne room, their iron armor glinting under the light of oil lamps. Lords and ladies bowed as Fulvi entered. His gaze lingered on the crowd, searching for his mother.
Then a sweet voice called out, "Fulvi, where have you been? We've been waiting for you."
A small smile appeared on Fulvi's face. "Mother, I was preparing for the coronation."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpeSaVnGmz
His mother smiled. "I know it’s a burden of responsibility, but you will be a great king, just like your father."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHgCRefmSW
As Fulvi began to reply, the courtier interrupted. "My lord, time is passing. We need to begin the coronation."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoFDlncG8R
Fulvi’s jaw clenched. " Commence the coronation,” he snapped... Gesturing sharply toward the courtier.
The courtier let out a slight sigh. “Yes, my lord.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyvfH6PfNK
“The crowd’s whispers echoed through the hall…” Their gazes fixed on Fulvi as he sat down on the throne — a towering seat of power made of ancient dark oak, adorned with intricately carved lions.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVNUYFaQ3H
The courtier spoke, "We are truly glad you all came from across the kingdom for Prince Fulvi's coronation."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAXg1i8zHo
The crowd rose in cheers, their faces filled with excitement. The courtier began the coronation. He took the crown in his hands and raised it high in front of the crowd. Its ruby shimmered under the light of the candles. "This crown is a hundred years old. It has served many kings, and it will now serve our prince, Fulvi."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4DLwR95ZL
As the courtier began placing the crown on Fulvi’s head, “He glanced toward his mother with a soft smile.” When the courtier finished, he spoke, "Now you are the king of Eldora, the mighty kingdom of the world."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVOCNnnWGr
The crowd erupted in cheers, shouting, "Long live our king Fulvi! May the Gods be with you!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71EgWDA5UP
"Something shifted in the far corner of the throne room. A strange flicker tugged at Fulvi’s gaze—not too fast, not too odd—but before he could focus, his mother interrupted." Her voice was calm, tinged with sadness, as she spoke. 'Your father would be proud if he were here.' Fulvi replied, 'His strange disappearance shocked everyone in the kingdom, even though he never loved me.' Queen Loria's eyes blinked quietly, not making eye contact. "Your father always loved you. He always cared about you."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBGJnQudwp
Fulvi turned to his mother, frustration rising. "Then why didn’t he show any love? He always treated me like a puppet, just someone to follow his path."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOybTHktDm
As she was replying, a courtier bowed.
"Forgive me for the interruption, my lady, but Lord Wayan wishes to speak with you regarding important matters."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7UeGX56Rq
The Queen nodded. 'I’ll be there in a moment.' Then she turned to Fulvi. 'We’ll talk about this later. For now, enjoy the celebration.'
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡramDjwna8I
As the crowd rejoiced, Fulvi’s instincts alerted him to a sharp whistle—a crossbow bolt heading toward his head. He quickly leaned to the side as the bolt pierced the oak of the throne.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJeXFdTNNj
The crowd's joy turned to unease as royal guards drew their swords. Fulvi's lips curled back in anger, almost like a growl, as he spoke, "Find that bastard. Make sure he doesn’t escape."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMGO7sNXXF
Queen Loria’s face paled as she saw her son. She hurried to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, her eyes quickly scanning him.
“By the gods, are you alright? For a moment, I thought I had lost you, my son,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Fulvi offered her a soft smile. “Mother, don’t worry. Everything is fine. There’s nothing to fear.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZbvDeWF8F
The goblet of wine crashed to the ground as a woman screamed from the crowd, shouting,
"He’s here! The man with the black mask!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkVHw6vhxr
Guards rushed toward the figure, their swords gleamed under the lights.
Before they could reach him, the man drew a blade and slit his own throat.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZrxMSa4sL
Women and children screamed as blood sprayed from his neck, staining the polished floor.
The entire throne room erupted into chaos.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfNoVx3LiW
Fulvi's hands brushed against the carvings of the throne with hesitation. Finally, he stood up from the throne; his heart pounded, and slight fear on his face. He spoke, voice raw but commanding. "Seal the castle! Make sure no one escapes!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wmFVwjjVO
As his order echoed through the throne room, the faces in the crowd darkened with fear.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugbwn8PNXH
A courtier stepped forward, his voice hesitant. "My Lord, we can’t interrogate everyone. They are our guests."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMiSkyJK8C
Fulvi snarled, "We are just asking questions. We have to. Not a single risk shall be taken."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTwpBSrUKp
Then Fulvi turned to his mother and ordered the guard, “Take my mother somewhere safe.”
Queen Loria protested, “But what about you? You should come with me.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVMkQ1rweh
Fulvi replied, his voice firm but gentle, “Don’t worry about me. Just go somewhere safe—please, Mother.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0sjsBNgYd
The Queen nodded, her face tinged with worry, and the guards led her to safety.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLwAJWjxCf
Guards began sealing every corner of the castle, hammering wooden planks across the doors. Others herded the guests into separate rooms.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBFucEk1y4
A nobleman, face flushed with anger, shouted at a guard, "I am the Lord of Elderwood! You can't treat me like a common criminal!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiScMRlIvfb
The guard answered firmly, "Sir, we are just asking some questions before you leave."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4LQiOBB88
In the gleaming light of the torches, the guards’ gazes lingered with suspicion as they questioned every guest who had witnessed the assassination.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPBddpMJcu
A few hours later, the guards found nothing — except a dagger on the assassin’s body, its blade intricately carved with the image of a lion.
They brought the dagger to Fulvi, who was resting in his royal chamber after the chaos.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NA7QUCSiY
The guard spoke, "Your Grace, we found a dagger with a lion carved on it," and placed the weapon on the table.
Fulvi studied the dagger, his fingers brushing over the carved image of the lion. His voice was steady, determined.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8jHz5Ru0b
"This sigil belongs to my family," he said, letting out a quiet sigh. "There must be someone among us who has betrayed me."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNlsBlGrzi
"What's your command, Your Grace?" the guard replied.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmONVHOKGnd
Fulvi took a jug of wine and poured it into a glass. After a long sip, he spoke, his voice sharp and commanding, “Send your most trusted spies to every corner of the city and the castle—and make sure no one k“Long before the war, before the whispers and the bloodshed, there was a boy in the kingdom of Eldora who wanted only peace.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg8PBqP7Sa
In the land of open plains and lush forests, a grand castle stood in the heart of Andrea City.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYWy06y7c3
Andrea’s contrasts and gleaming buildings gave grandeur to the city, with clean streets lined with all kinds of shops. Pristine air, carrying the scent of roses, lingered in the streets as royal officers arrived.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQkkcdG0Oc
A royal officer announced in the middle of the city hall.
"Hear ye, hear ye! People of Andrea! "Prince Fulvi invites you all to his coronation! The event will be held after dusk!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc99hgaLVt
The crowd burst into cheers, their faces beaming with happiness, and began shouting, "Long live our prince, Fulvi!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjtkA5V9cp
“Soon, the cheers faded, swallowed by the hush of the city.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHVjubWsSQ
After dusk.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU7EH5tKyG
The royal castle’s radiant walls flickered in the light of oil lamps, while deep red carpets, rich as rose petals, lined the halls.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwKOPiWXzQ
Prince Fulvi stood in front of the mirror, his gaze lingering on his reflection as he muttered to himself.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3adq5HGOkv
He ran a hand through his silver hair, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips.
"I look beautiful... With my silver hair, light skin, blue eyes—just like Mother."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaRtEtj2hb
A faint knock at the door reached Fulvi’s ear. He smirked.
"Come in," Fulvi said.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4zBypUYog
A royal guard in heavy armor entered.
"My Lord, the crowd has gathered. Lords from across the kingdom have arrived. Everyone is waiting for you in the throne room."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmfWsW9xwL
Fulvi narrowed his eyes. “Is my mother there?”
The guard hesitated. “Yes, my Lord. Queen Loria is there, waiting.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbYgHXrlhS
Then Fulvi stepped outside the room, where three heavily armored guards with long swords were waiting for him.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgjUFmkHOy
They followed him to the throne room, their iron armor glinting under the light of oil lamps. Lords and ladies bowed as Fulvi entered. His gaze lingered on the crowd, searching for his mother.
Then a sweet voice called out, "Fulvi, where have you been? We've been waiting for you."
A small smile appeared on Fulvi's face. "Mother, I was preparing for the coronation."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXo9zIWfGT
His mother smiled. "I know it’s a burden of responsibility, but you will be a great king, just like your father."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6amQnKp0Cc
As Fulvi began to reply, the courtier interrupted. "My lord, time is passing. We need to begin the coronation."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2zUymkLKK
Fulvi’s jaw clenched. " Commence the coronation,” he snapped... Gesturing sharply toward the courtier.
The courtier let out a slight sigh. “Yes, my lord.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijsffTzwFU
“The crowd’s whispers echoed through the hall…” Their gazes fixed on Fulvi as he sat down on the throne — a towering seat of power made of ancient dark oak, adorned with intricately carved lions.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94CIg1osd1
The courtier spoke, "We are truly glad you all came from across the kingdom for Prince Fulvi's coronation."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MHt2gY4Hk
The crowd rose in cheers, their faces filled with excitement. The courtier began the coronation. He took the crown in his hands and raised it high in front of the crowd. Its ruby shimmered under the light of the candles. "This crown is a hundred years old. It has served many kings, and it will now serve our prince, Fulvi."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkhWDgRoNw
As the courtier began placing the crown on Fulvi’s head, “He glanced toward his mother with a soft smile.” When the courtier finished, he spoke, "Now you are the king of Eldora, the mighty kingdom of the world."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjwlwq27Lz
The crowd erupted in cheers, shouting, "Long live our king Fulvi! May the Gods be with you!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYc2o5VtIU
"Something shifted in the far corner of the throne room. A strange flicker tugged at Fulvi’s gaze—not too fast, not too odd—but before he could focus, his mother interrupted." Her voice was calm, tinged with sadness, as she spoke. 'Your father would be proud if he were here.' Fulvi replied, 'His strange disappearance shocked everyone in the kingdom, even though he never loved me.' Queen Loria's eyes blinked quietly, not making eye contact. "Your father always loved you. He always cared about you."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLgTtftPqd
Fulvi turned to his mother, frustration rising. "Then why didn’t he show any love? He always treated me like a puppet, just someone to follow his path."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpNMMLpOxh
As she was replying, a courtier bowed.
"Forgive me for the interruption, my lady, but Lord Wayan wishes to speak with you regarding important matters."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaQuF7e8Nj
The Queen nodded. 'I’ll be there in a moment.' Then she turned to Fulvi. 'We’ll talk about this later. For now, enjoy the celebration.'
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QuubVgxxz
As the crowd rejoiced, Fulvi’s instincts alerted him to a sharp whistle—a crossbow bolt heading toward his head. He quickly leaned to the side as the bolt pierced the oak of the throne.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL7cNAGTk5
The crowd's joy turned to unease as royal guards drew their swords. Fulvi's lips curled back in anger, almost like a growl, as he spoke, "Find that bastard. Make sure he doesn’t escape."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTNQL1jEKJ
Queen Loria’s face paled as she saw her son. She hurried to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, her eyes quickly scanning him.
“By the gods, are you alright? For a moment, I thought I had lost you, my son,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Fulvi offered her a soft smile. “Mother, don’t worry. Everything is fine. There’s nothing to fear.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaafMMCBxLB
The goblet of wine crashed to the ground as a woman screamed from the crowd, shouting,
"He’s here! The man with the black mask!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk2jbuAaen
Guards rushed toward the figure, their swords gleamed under the lights.
Before they could reach him, the man drew a blade and slit his own throat.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiyJay28gE
Women and children screamed as blood sprayed from his neck, staining the polished floor.
The entire throne room erupted into chaos.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7Ksx1vWKV
Fulvi's hands brushed against the carvings of the throne with hesitation. Finally, he stood up from the throne; his heart pounded, and slight fear on his face. He spoke, voice raw but commanding. "Seal the castle! Make sure no one escapes!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiu1keuB3Y
As his order echoed through the throne room, the faces in the crowd darkened with fear.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1JTpOu6vv
A courtier stepped forward, his voice hesitant. "My Lord, we can’t interrogate everyone. They are our guests."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4YWlNkCKD
Fulvi snarled, "We are just asking questions. We have to. Not a single risk shall be taken."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0m51rYi3h
Then Fulvi turned to his mother and ordered the guard, “Take my mother somewhere safe.”
Queen Loria protested, “But what about you? You should come with me.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjHJTq0cMF
Fulvi replied, his voice firm but gentle, “Don’t worry about me. Just go somewhere safe—please, Mother.”
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iAZcxPU9R
The Queen nodded, her face tinged with worry, and the guards led her to safety.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3PbIWm0kF
Guards began sealing every corner of the castle, hammering wooden planks across the doors. Others herded the guests into separate rooms.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV4rrl05X0
A nobleman, face flushed with anger, shouted at a guard, "I am the Lord of Elderwood! You can't treat me like a common criminal!"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMAmQPiPbA
The guard answered firmly, "Sir, we are just asking some questions before you leave."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKE6R8QeV1
In the gleaming light of the torches, the guards’ gazes lingered with suspicion as they questioned every guest who had witnessed the assassination.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40aurpwbaL
A few hours later, the guards found nothing — except a dagger on the assassin’s body, its blade intricately carved with the image of a lion.
They brought the dagger to Fulvi, who was resting in his royal chamber after the chaos.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViCKe0Jnqn
The guard spoke, "Your Grace, we found a dagger with a lion carved on it," and placed the weapon on the table.
Fulvi studied the dagger, his fingers brushing over the carved image of the lion. His voice was steady, determined.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4c6umGtSv
"This sigil belongs to my family," he said, letting out a quiet sigh. "There must be someone among us who has betrayed me."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWTBiepoC3
"What's your command, Your Grace?" the guard replied.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGatKpxpKlB
Fulvi took a jug of wine and poured it into a glass. After a long sip, he spoke, his voice sharp and commanding, “Send your most trusted spies to every corner of the city and the castle—and make sure no one knows about it."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgYAbZZmvv
“Fulvi stood alone in the silence of his chamber, knowing nothing would ever be the same again."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT5XqTILVl
