Chapter 9:
Back to Francia
The Emperor showdown: Adventure, love & brotherhood in the warrior land
After a long journey, Eidrin and Romero finally returned to Francia.The fresh breeze and peaceful atmosphere of the kingdom felt heavenly to them — after all, they had been wandering through the scorching deserts for three weeks.
When they reached the palace, King Alexander welcomed them.Alexander: Eidrin, Romero! I’m glad you both returned safely. Where’s Zen? Were you unable to capture him?
Eidrin: I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I was close to capturing him, but some strangers interfered. They killed him and escaped before I could do anything.
Alexander: What?! So they erased every trace... still, I’m glad you both did your best on the mission. If there’s another attack, we’ll be ready.
Eidrin: Thank you, Your Majesty.
Romero: Ah, lying down in a luxurious room after a long mission feels like heaven!
Eidrin: Oh really? It was me who did all the hard work while you were enjoying yourself in that den.
Romero: Hey! I already told you — I was busy saving a princess! If I hadn’t been there, the thieves would’ve abducted her.
Eidrin: Alright, fine. Anyway... I’ve been thinking about the future.
Romero: Why? We’re living a good life here, aren’t we?
Eidrin: Yeah, but we can’t stay like this forever, right? I don’t know about you, but I can’t just stay here doing the same thing all my life.
Romero: What? It’s been eight years since we joined the army, and now you’re saying things like this?
Eidrin: I just... have bigger goals. I can’t serve the army for my whole life. But something is holding me back.
Romero: What’s that?
Eidrin: Xander. I’m worried about him. Will he be alright if I leave? Can he protect himself?
Romero (laughing): Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll protect him.
Eidrin: Oh come on, you can’t do anything without me.
Romero: Just admit it — you’re worried about me too. You’re afraid I’ll be lost without you.
Eidrin (smiling): Yeah, you’re right. Is that so wrong? You’re my best friend. We’ve been together for ten years... I can’t just abandon you.
Romero (laughing): Yeah... By the way, you’re right. We both have our own goals. I’ve lived comfortably, but my family still struggles. I earn enough to live well, but not enough to give them a better life. I need to do something for them too.
Eidrin: Yeah, you should be more responsible about your family.
Romero: True. But you’ve never told me much about your family. I only know you said you’re an orphan. You never told me who your parents were... or what happened to them.
Eidrin: You’ll understand everything when the time comes.
Romero: “The right time,” huh? Fine. Anyway, I’m heading home. I’ll be back in three days. Take care of Xander while I’m gone. If you need anything, send me a letter, okay?
Eidrin: Okay.
Romero left. Eidrin lay down on the bed to rest, but soon there was a knock at the door. It was Alexia.
Eidrin: Oh, it’s you. What’s the matter, princess?
Alexia: I just wanted to visit you since you came back. It’s been three weeks, you know.
Eidrin: Yeah, it has.
Alexia: How was Dunemaria? I’ve heard so much about it.
Eidrin: Nothing special — just endless desert. Though... the gambling dens were interesting, and dangerous too.
Alexia: Oh really? But... you didn’t buy anything for me?
Eidrin: What? No...
Alexia: Why not?
Eidrin: I just... forgot.
Alexia: So I’m that forgettable to you?
Eidrin: No, I didn’t mean it that way! But what could I even buy for you? You can buy anything you want — anything I get would seem meaningless.
Alexia: No. I’ll accept anything you give me — if it’s from you.
Eidrin: Really? Then tell me what you want. I’ll get it next time... if I can afford it.
Alexia: Something that can’t be bought with money. Maybe... the rarest flower in the world.
Eidrin: What? Alright, I’ll find it on my next mission.
Alexia: Good. See you later then.
Eidrin: Alright, bye.
After she left, Eidrin sat quietly, thinking.
(Eidrin’s thoughts): “Why does she always act like... I’m her lover? Still, she’s been kind to me since the day we met. I just... like her.”
One morning, the air was crisp and clear — a peaceful day. Eidrin was training in the field while Romero lay lazily on the grass nearby.
Eidrin: Romero, we came here to train, not to nap. You’ve been daydreaming a lot lately.
Romero: Eidrin, there’s something important I need to tell you.
Eidrin: What is it?
Romero: ...I think I’m in love.
Eidrin: Oh, that’s not exactly new.
Romero: No, this time I’m serious.
Eidrin: Really? With who?
Romero: Princess Marina. Of Groacia.
Eidrin: What?! The Princess of Groacia? You couldn’t find anyone else? You do know our nations aren’t on good terms, right?
Romero: I know... but I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s so kind, beautiful, and—
Eidrin: Romero, you might be admiring her beauty, but is that real love? If you love someone only for how they look, would you abandon them once that beauty fades? True love is about their heart — and whether they can love you back. Love built on beauty is like a flower in the desert—it blooms bright, yet dies with the wind.But love born from the soul…That’s what matters.
Romero:I get what you’re saying... but I know she’ll love me back. I’m sure of it.
Eidrin: How can you be so sure? Anyway, what do you want me to do?
Romero: I don’t know... I just needed to tell someone. But honestly, I can’t imagine loving anyone else now.
Eidrin: Hah... maybe that’s a good thing. (thinking) “His weakness is gong after many girls. If he focuses on one girl instead of chasing many, maybe he’ll finally reach his full potential.”
Eidrin: Alright, I’ll help you.
Romero: Really? Thanks, Eidrin! You’re truly my best friend.
That night, Alexander stood on the palace balcony, gazing at the stars peacefully. Eidrin approached him.
Eidrin: Xander, what are you doing?
Alexander: Just watching the sky... seeking some peace. I’ve realized being a king isn’t easy.
Eidrin: Being a king isn’t hard, until you try to be a good one.Only those who seek to rule with honour feel the true weight of the crown. The fact that you find it difficult means you’ll be a great and honorable king someday.
Alexander: Heh... thank you. Anyway, where’s Romero?
Eidrin: That’s what I came to talk about. He says he’s fallen in love.
Alexander: That’s not surprising.
Eidrin: True, but he insists this time it’s different.
Alexander: So... who’s the lucky one?
Eidrin: Princess of Groacia.
Alexander: What?! Princess of Groacia is in love with him?!
Eidrin: No, it’s one-sided. They know each other, but only he’s confessed — or, well, feels it.
Alexander: Hm... I see. So what’s your plan?
Eidrin: I was thinking... maybe send a proposal letter to Groacia?
Alexander: You do realize our relations with Groacia aren’t exactly friendly, right? But... fine. For my dear friend, I’ll take that risk.
Eidrin: Thank you, Xander. From both of us.
Alexander then sent messengers to Groacia with the proposal.
When they reached the palace, King Alexander welcomed them.Alexander: Eidrin, Romero! I’m glad you both returned safely. Where’s Zen? Were you unable to capture him?
Eidrin: I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I was close to capturing him, but some strangers interfered. They killed him and escaped before I could do anything.
Alexander: What?! So they erased every trace... still, I’m glad you both did your best on the mission. If there’s another attack, we’ll be ready.
Eidrin: Thank you, Your Majesty.
Romero: Ah, lying down in a luxurious room after a long mission feels like heaven!
Eidrin: Oh really? It was me who did all the hard work while you were enjoying yourself in that den.
Romero: Hey! I already told you — I was busy saving a princess! If I hadn’t been there, the thieves would’ve abducted her.
Eidrin: Alright, fine. Anyway... I’ve been thinking about the future.
Romero: Why? We’re living a good life here, aren’t we?
Eidrin: Yeah, but we can’t stay like this forever, right? I don’t know about you, but I can’t just stay here doing the same thing all my life.
Romero: What? It’s been eight years since we joined the army, and now you’re saying things like this?
Eidrin: I just... have bigger goals. I can’t serve the army for my whole life. But something is holding me back.
Romero: What’s that?
Eidrin: Xander. I’m worried about him. Will he be alright if I leave? Can he protect himself?
Romero (laughing): Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll protect him.
Eidrin: Oh come on, you can’t do anything without me.
Romero: Just admit it — you’re worried about me too. You’re afraid I’ll be lost without you.
Eidrin (smiling): Yeah, you’re right. Is that so wrong? You’re my best friend. We’ve been together for ten years... I can’t just abandon you.
Romero (laughing): Yeah... By the way, you’re right. We both have our own goals. I’ve lived comfortably, but my family still struggles. I earn enough to live well, but not enough to give them a better life. I need to do something for them too.
Eidrin: Yeah, you should be more responsible about your family.
Romero: True. But you’ve never told me much about your family. I only know you said you’re an orphan. You never told me who your parents were... or what happened to them.
Eidrin: You’ll understand everything when the time comes.
Romero: “The right time,” huh? Fine. Anyway, I’m heading home. I’ll be back in three days. Take care of Xander while I’m gone. If you need anything, send me a letter, okay?
Eidrin: Okay.
Romero left. Eidrin lay down on the bed to rest, but soon there was a knock at the door. It was Alexia.
Eidrin: Oh, it’s you. What’s the matter, princess?
Alexia: I just wanted to visit you since you came back. It’s been three weeks, you know.
Eidrin: Yeah, it has.
Alexia: How was Dunemaria? I’ve heard so much about it.
Eidrin: Nothing special — just endless desert. Though... the gambling dens were interesting, and dangerous too.
Alexia: Oh really? But... you didn’t buy anything for me?
Eidrin: What? No...
Alexia: Why not?
Eidrin: I just... forgot.
Alexia: So I’m that forgettable to you?
Eidrin: No, I didn’t mean it that way! But what could I even buy for you? You can buy anything you want — anything I get would seem meaningless.
Alexia: No. I’ll accept anything you give me — if it’s from you.
Eidrin: Really? Then tell me what you want. I’ll get it next time... if I can afford it.
Alexia: Something that can’t be bought with money. Maybe... the rarest flower in the world.
Eidrin: What? Alright, I’ll find it on my next mission.
Alexia: Good. See you later then.
Eidrin: Alright, bye.
After she left, Eidrin sat quietly, thinking.
(Eidrin’s thoughts): “Why does she always act like... I’m her lover? Still, she’s been kind to me since the day we met. I just... like her.”
One morning, the air was crisp and clear — a peaceful day. Eidrin was training in the field while Romero lay lazily on the grass nearby.
Eidrin: Romero, we came here to train, not to nap. You’ve been daydreaming a lot lately.
Romero: Eidrin, there’s something important I need to tell you.
Eidrin: What is it?
Romero: ...I think I’m in love.
Eidrin: Oh, that’s not exactly new.
Romero: No, this time I’m serious.
Eidrin: Really? With who?
Romero: Princess Marina. Of Groacia.
Eidrin: What?! The Princess of Groacia? You couldn’t find anyone else? You do know our nations aren’t on good terms, right?
Romero: I know... but I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s so kind, beautiful, and—
Eidrin: Romero, you might be admiring her beauty, but is that real love? If you love someone only for how they look, would you abandon them once that beauty fades? True love is about their heart — and whether they can love you back. Love built on beauty is like a flower in the desert—it blooms bright, yet dies with the wind.But love born from the soul…That’s what matters.
Romero:I get what you’re saying... but I know she’ll love me back. I’m sure of it.
Eidrin: How can you be so sure? Anyway, what do you want me to do?
Romero: I don’t know... I just needed to tell someone. But honestly, I can’t imagine loving anyone else now.
Eidrin: Hah... maybe that’s a good thing. (thinking) “His weakness is gong after many girls. If he focuses on one girl instead of chasing many, maybe he’ll finally reach his full potential.”
Eidrin: Alright, I’ll help you.
Romero: Really? Thanks, Eidrin! You’re truly my best friend.
That night, Alexander stood on the palace balcony, gazing at the stars peacefully. Eidrin approached him.
Eidrin: Xander, what are you doing?
Alexander: Just watching the sky... seeking some peace. I’ve realized being a king isn’t easy.
Eidrin: Being a king isn’t hard, until you try to be a good one.Only those who seek to rule with honour feel the true weight of the crown. The fact that you find it difficult means you’ll be a great and honorable king someday.
Alexander: Heh... thank you. Anyway, where’s Romero?
Eidrin: That’s what I came to talk about. He says he’s fallen in love.
Alexander: That’s not surprising.
Eidrin: True, but he insists this time it’s different.
Alexander: So... who’s the lucky one?
Eidrin: Princess of Groacia.
Alexander: What?! Princess of Groacia is in love with him?!
Eidrin: No, it’s one-sided. They know each other, but only he’s confessed — or, well, feels it.
Alexander: Hm... I see. So what’s your plan?
Eidrin: I was thinking... maybe send a proposal letter to Groacia?
Alexander: You do realize our relations with Groacia aren’t exactly friendly, right? But... fine. For my dear friend, I’ll take that risk.
Eidrin: Thank you, Xander. From both of us.
Alexander then sent messengers to Groacia with the proposal.
In Gracia:
Messenger 1: This is a letter from King Alexander of Francia.
The man: A letter? What kind of letter?
Messenger 2: A marriage proposal for Princess Marina.
The man (irritated): What? A proposal for Marina? Hand it over.
He snatched the letter and read aloud:
“Respected King of Groacia,I know our nations haven’t been on good terms, but I wish to end this grudge and build cooperation. What I am about to propose might strengthen our ties if you agree. My second-division commander, Romero, is deeply interested in marrying Princess Marina. He is not just a soldier, but also my dear friend...”
— Alexander, King of Francia
After reading, the man tore the letter to shreds right before the messengers.Everyone — even his advisors — stared in shock.The man: Tell your king that we’re not interested in this proposal — nor in any dealings with Francia or their Twelve-Nation Alliance. Return home immediately, and don’t come back with such pointless letters again.
Messenger 1: ...Yes, Your Highness.
The man leaned back in his throne, expression cold.
The man: That’s an order from me. Merlin, the eldest prince of Groacia.
Continue.......
It was a lush, beautiful land — rivers glistened, greenery spread across the valleys, and the palace stood tall amid nature’s peace.
Inside the royal court, two messengers from Francia knelt before a tall, handsome young man seated on the throne. Advisors stood silently around him.Messenger 1: This is a letter from King Alexander of Francia.
The man: A letter? What kind of letter?
Messenger 2: A marriage proposal for Princess Marina.
The man (irritated): What? A proposal for Marina? Hand it over.
He snatched the letter and read aloud:
“Respected King of Groacia,I know our nations haven’t been on good terms, but I wish to end this grudge and build cooperation. What I am about to propose might strengthen our ties if you agree. My second-division commander, Romero, is deeply interested in marrying Princess Marina. He is not just a soldier, but also my dear friend...”
— Alexander, King of Francia
After reading, the man tore the letter to shreds right before the messengers.Everyone — even his advisors — stared in shock.The man: Tell your king that we’re not interested in this proposal — nor in any dealings with Francia or their Twelve-Nation Alliance. Return home immediately, and don’t come back with such pointless letters again.
Messenger 1: ...Yes, Your Highness.
The man leaned back in his throne, expression cold.
The man: That’s an order from me. Merlin, the eldest prince of Groacia.
Continue.......
Please sign in to leave a comment.