The Autumn Kingdom is known for its rich fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, reflected in both its architecture and the diversity of its people. Its mild climate and incredibly fertile soil make it one of the agricultural pillars of the region, responsible for supplying many other kingdoms. Thanks to its unique specialties, the Autumn Kingdom maintains a position of strategic neutrality, providing resources equally to Risny's Kingdom and Master Yoshi's domain.
Recently, the esteemed King Ryuuichi had abdicated the throne, entrusting the government and the future of the kingdom to his firstborn, Prince Ryuuji. On the young prince's shoulders now rested the immense responsibility of preserving not only prosperity but also the delicate neutrality that his father had worked so hard to maintain.
Upon being informed of the imminent arrival of Princess Leticia, scheduled for the following day, Ryuuji ordered preparations for a sumptuous reception, eager to meet his future bride. When Leticia finally entered the gates, Ryuuji welcomed her with the expected formality and a warm smile. However, his attention was instantly diverted to the enigmatic knight escorting her. A peculiar aura emanated from the man—or rather, the unsettling and complete absence of it. It was a rare and sophisticated ability, the capacity to completely nullify one's own presence. Intrigued, Ryuuji fixed a penetrating gaze on the knight, and his initial curiosity quickly gave way to a poorly disguised surprise.
Aleph limited himself to a discreet bow. Ryuuji, struggling to contain his astonishment, arched an eyebrow, intrigue sparkling in his eyes. Turning to Leticia, he inquired politely:
"Princess, I confess that your knight awakens a great curiosity in me."
Aleph remained impassive, his face still hidden by the hood. Clifford, the zealous royal assistant, approached with an indignant expression.
"How dare you hide your face before Prince Ryuuji?!" he exclaimed, his voice thick with disapproval. "Uncover yourself immediately!"
"Is that an order from Your Highness?" Aleph questioned, his calm voice completely ignoring Clifford's intervention and addressing only Ryuuji.
With a subtle gesture, Ryuuji silenced the assistant. A slight smile lined his lips as he turned back to the princess.
"Princess Leticia," he said, "would Your Highness grant me permission to speak with your knight in private?"
"As Your Highness wishes," Leticia acquiesced, the surprise at the request showing in her eyes.
Ryuuji inclined his head slightly in thanks and then fixed his gaze on Aleph.
"Accompany me," he ordered, his voice imbued with a firmness that allowed no refusal, but with an underlying invitation that only Aleph seemed to grasp.
The prince's sudden decision left Leticia and Clifford stunned. To abandon his own reception, his newly arrived fiancée, for a private conversation with a simple knight from her retinue? It was, to say the least, unusual.
They walked down the corridor in a silence charged with unspoken expectations, finally entering Ryuuji's private office. As soon as the door closed, Aleph removed his mask and hood with a fluid gesture, revealing the familiar face that Ryuuji had been expecting, though he still observed him with close attention. With a nod toward an armchair, he indicated for him to sit.
"I don't know what surprised me more: you showing up as Princess Leticia's knight, or the fact that you didn't inform me of it." Ryuuji's voice was serious, but a spark of curiosity danced in his eyes.
"I was fulfilling a request from Prince Laurenn," Aleph replied, the simplicity of his tone contrasting with the complexity of the situation.
Ryuuji arched an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his expression.
"Is that all?" he inquired, a slight hint of challenge in his voice. "Do you really expect me to accept that as your sole motivation?"
"Regardless of the motivation, I hope you will make Princess Leticia happy," Aleph declared, his firm gaze meeting Ryuuji's without faltering.
Aleph's declaration seemed to ignite a spark in Ryuuji's eyes. He leaned forward, a provocative and sly smile beginning to curve his lips, before replying with calculated seriousness:
"Shouldn't that be for me to decide?"
Aleph narrowed his eyes but kept his tone neutral.
"But you are going to marry her..."
"It is merely a marriage of convenience," Ryuuji retorted, a trace of cynicism in his tone. "The Winter Kingdom offered their princess in exchange for an alliance. So, in the end... I can do whatever I want with her!"
The provocation hit its mark. Aleph shot to his feet, his posture tense, his gaze flashing a silent challenge.
"I will not allow you to harm her!"
"Oh!" Ryuuji laughed, delighting in the reaction. "It seems even you lose your composure sometimes. That expression... you really like her, don't you? You even startled me!"
"This isn't the least bit funny," Aleph replied, the seriousness in his voice cutting the air.
Ryuuji agreed, the smile still playing on his lips, though his eyes now analyzed his brother with renewed interest.
"This is the first time you've opposed me, brother! I should declare a holiday to commemorate this event!"
Ryuuji let out another laugh, but it soon dissipated, giving way to a more contemplative expression. He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers on the desk.
"Why did you become her knight?" he asked, his tone now devoid of mockery, purely inquisitive. "Are you in love? Or is there something... special about her? I confess I would love to unravel this mystery."
Aleph averted his gaze for a moment, a subtle gesture that, for Ryuuji, confirmed all his suspicions.
"So, she holds a secret... something capable of leading my own brother to turn against me..." Ryuuji murmured to himself, intrigue coloring his voice. "Interesting. Well, let us return. The princess must be apprehensive."
At twenty-two years old and with an imposing height of 1.83m (6'0"), Ryuuji was the personification of royalty: hair of a vibrant red, eyes of a unique grayish-blue, and a naturally proud bearing. As the legitimate heir to the throne of Autumn, he was the firstborn and Aleph's older brother.
Returning to the hall, Ryuuji deliberately left Aleph behind. Leticia, visibly relieved to see him approach, still searched discreetly for Aleph with her eyes, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Ryuuji approached her with an animated smile, clearly pleased about something.
"I believe the princess will be surprised when she discovers who her knight truly is."
His eyes shone with a mix of mystery and veiled provocation. Leticia, for her part, maintained a serene expression, although a growing curiosity unsettled her internally.
At that moment, the assistant Clifford approached, informing them that Leticia's chambers were properly prepared. Ryuuji, with gallantry, took the princess's hand and placed a light kiss upon her fingers.
"We must get to know each other better, Princess Leticia. But for now, Your Highness should rest from the long journey."
Clifford took charge of showing Leticia the castle, explaining the function of each wing and indicating the places she could visit freely.
The attendants assigned by the prince awaited Leticia in her chambers to introduce themselves and assist her as needed. The room, exquisitely decorated in the style of the Winter Kingdom, was a thoughtful gesture. From the large window, a magnificent landscape unfolded: a crystalline blue lake, bordered by trees of various hues, and, in the background, a mountain covered in orange vegetation that encircled the lake.
At night, Leticia prepared for dinner in the great hall. She sat near Ryuuji, who occupied the head of the table, and noticed a vacant, elegantly prepared seat to his right.
"We will begin as soon as my brother arrives. I am eager to introduce him formally."
"I would be honored to meet him."
"But... you already know him," Ryuuji smiled enigmatically.
"I do?" Leticia's confusion was palpable.
The hall doors opened at that instant, and all eyes turned to the figure entering. When the younger prince appeared, Leticia fell silent, her heart pounding in incredulous recognition.