Prologue: A Fateful Meeting

[Twenty years ago]

It was a chilly winter day in the city of Lucen, and two youths were strolling through the streets of the Commercial District.

The boy was average in height with a lean build, and had neatly trimmed brown hair that framed his soft face. From his fancy white coat and suit, anyone could tell he was a prince.

The girl only came up to his shoulder, and had caramel-colored hair in a bob cut. Underneath her pink coat, she wore a maid uniform as if she was still on the job. Her figure was a little plump, as was her slightly blushing face.

The boy’s cheeks were also a bit red. But for both, it wasn’t because of the cold. They walked close, but not too close. They gave each other glances, only to almost immediately look away with nervous frowns.

There were plenty of onlookers, but they were quite discreet in their gazes. For the people of Lucen, it was quite obvious that Prince Steven and his maid, Merisa, were a budding couple who had yet to announce themselves. But most remained silent in public, and cheered them on from behind closed doors.

Of course, others still found humor in teasing them. And so, as Steven and Merisa entered the cafe, the middle-aged lady who owned it decided to embarrass them.

“Why, if it isn't Prince Steven and his ladyfriend! Here for a little date?”

Steven blushed even brighter and sputtered. “W-we already told you! There’s nothing going on!”

Meanwhile, Merisa fidgeted and fiddled with her skirt, as she was completely red and flustered. The cafe owner stifled a laugh and waved them off, then began to walk towards the kitchen.

“Whatever you say~! Just sit down, and I’ll have your usual out in a minute!”

The couple let out sighs of relief as they went to their usual table by the window, and for a moment they just sat there while awkwardly glancing away from each other. Eventually, it was Merisa who spoke first in a slightly annoyed tone.

“What a nosy lady.”

Steven scoffed. “Always running her mouth, huh? Kinda like someone I know…”

“And who would that be?”

She narrowed her eyes at him, and he glared back. They stared each other down in silence…then cracked smiles and laughed as they began to relax. They fell silent again as their gazes softened, and their cheeks became red once more.

After a moment of hesitation, Steven reached under the table to take one of Merisa’s hands. She blinked in surprise, then smiled coyly and squeezed back.

He thought about the day when she was assigned to be his retainer, almost 8 years ago. On that day, when he was only eleven years old, he found himself smitten with the pretty maid. Likewise, Merisa had fallen for the cute prince.

And though what followed was years of belligerence, due to being unwilling to admit their feelings because of their different stations, and other issues…they still managed to confess to each other in the end.

“I-I always want you by my side!” He had said with a deep blush and gritted teeth. “So…will you be my future queen!?”

“Of course I will!” She snapped back, equally red in the face. “Took you long enough, you damn fool! Do you have any idea how long I’ve liked you!?”

Thinking about it now, Steven realized how ridiculous they were being, even to this day. Sooner or later, they would have to announce their engagement to their families. But for now…he just wanted to enjoy their time together.

“I’m…glad to be here with you.” He said quietly.

“I f-feel the same way.” Merisa whispered back.

_________________________________________

Later, the two were in the Central District, sitting on a bench by the God of Light statue and watching the people come and go.

Merisa rested her head on Steven’s shoulder, and hummed a little before speaking what was on her mind.

“You know, I’m glad you’re relaxing more these days. After what happened to Queen Aria…I wasn’t sure if you would ever smile again.”

Steven’s eyes darkened a little as he recalled his mother’s funeral, and how he stood over her casket while barely holding back his tears. Even now, after six years, he could still feel the pain of her death…and the guilt of how it happened.

“If only…I was strong enough.” He muttered. “No, if only we didn’t have this destiny…”

Concerned, Merisa opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a sudden shriek from the church.

They looked to see a lady on the ground, with some surprised onlookers around her. There was a lanky man fleeing the scene, carrying a travel pack in his arms.

Already figuring out what happened, the couple shared determined looks and got up, then nodded at each other before sprinting off. They closed in on a building, then leaped onto its windows and vaulted upwards to the roof.

The duo went to the edge and saw the crook running by, pushing aside whoever was in his way. They hopped over to the next building, then jumped down.

The thief yelped and stumbled back as Steven landed in front of him, then turned to see Merisa pointing her golden knife at him.

“You’d best surrender, and pray to the Five Deities for forgiveness.” She said in a warning tone.

The thief scowled and looked both ways, clutching the bag tight. After hesitating for a few seconds…he chucked it at Merisa and turned to run away, while drawing a dagger from his side.

“Out of my way!” He yelled in desperation.

He brandished it at Steven, who simply stepped aside and stuck a foot out, causing the thief to trip and fall face first on the ground. Meanwhile, Merisa, who had ducked under the thrown bag, jumped over to stomp on him. The crook coughed out and groaned in pain, then went limp as he was knocked out.

A second later, two knights came running onto the scene.

“Lord Steven, are you alright!?” One of them asked in concerned.

“I’m just fine.” Steven said with a sigh. “Just get this thief in a cell.”

“Right away, sir!”

“Serves him right.” Merisa grumbled, giving the thief one last kick.

_________________________________________

When they got back to the plaza, they found the owner of the travel pack.

She was a tall and slender girl, standing a head over Steven, with a long braid of lavender hair, which was almost white like her skin. Her eyes were a deep scarlet, matching her frilly dress.

When she smiled at her helpers, Steven’s eyes widened and he blushed. For a moment, it seemed like she was glowing…and it made his heart skip a beat.

“Thank you for bringing back my bag.” She said in a kind, yet bashful manner. “Sorry for the inconvenience.”

“I-It’s alright!” He said with a slight pitch. “We couldn’t just sit and do nothing.”

Merisa raised an eyebrow at him, then smiled at the lady and curtsied.

“We’re happy to help.” She said with a bit of pride. “After all, it is our duty to help those in need. Especially him, being the heir and all.”

The tall girl looked at Steven with intrigue. “Ah, so you’re Prince Steven! I’ve heard a lot about you, but seeing you in person…The people are right, you’re a very model prince.”

He scowled nervously and looked away. “R-really? Well, I try to be, at least…”

As the girl giggled in amusement, Merisa’s eyes narrowed in jealousy and suspicion. She blushed furiously as she hesitated for a moment, then took Steven’s hand and practically wrapped herself around his arm, which startled him.

“M-Merisa!?” He sputtered.

“If you’ll excuse us, we need to head back home.” She said with a wavering frown.

The taller lady laughed softly. “Alright. I’ll be staying here for a while, so let’s meet again sometime~!”

“Yes yes, that would be fine, if we have time. Miss…”

“The name’s Juvia. Goodbye for now~!”

As Merisa pulled him away, Steven spared one last look at the lavender-haired lady behind them. She gave him a more coy smile and a wave, causing his blush to deepen.

He had no idea, but on that day the most special meeting had occurred. A meeting of fates that only one person could have foreseen.

Said person, a bespectacled girl with pink hair, was standing on the balcony of Lucen Palace, looking down on the city below with an enigmatic smile on her face.

“And so it begins, the tale of the end.” The Overseer, Wendy, said to herself.