Chapter 1: The King's Final Wish

A funeral was being held in the underground burial chamber beneath the cathedral. Only those close to the king, such as his family, his allies, and the nobles he deemed trustworthy, were allowed to attend.

A young man stood near the king's tomb. His expression could not be read clearly. Most people believed the king's only son was grieving, but unbeknownst to them, the prince was burdened by his father's last words.

A few nights before the king's funeral, on his deathbed, the king whispered to his only son.

"My son, I can feel my death is near. With the little time I have left, I need to tell you something important, so listen closely."

The dying king coughed.

"Yes, Father. I'm listening with both of my ears open."

The king chuckled.

"Even in this dire moment, you still try to lighten my mood, huh?"

"Yeah. Please, Father. I want you to die peacefully without regrets or worries."

"Hehe, you're just like your mother. Always trying to cheer me up."

The king coughed violently.

"Father, are you okay? Should I bring in the doctor?"

"No. The last thing I want before death is to be with a stranger. Now listen well, my dearest son. In the next seven days, you will need to spend time with seven brides. These seven brides will decide the future of the kingdom. I hope you choose well."

The king prepared to let go of his life.

"Wait, Father. How would I know if I made the right choice?"

The prince's expression soured.

"Trust your heart, my son. That's what your mother and I would have said. Ernesta, I'm coming to meet you."

The king then closed his eyes.

The prince quickly shook his father's body.

"Father... Father... are you st..."

He could not finish his words because he already knew the answer.

Soon, other people entered the room. They stopped at the doorway as they watched the prince mourn his father.

Present day, at the king's funeral.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Prince Alaric. Your father was a kind ruler, always fair to everyone in his kingdom, even to someone like me who came from a distant land," the royal servant said.

"Yeah, I concur. His Majesty was a very kind man, an example to us all," said the head of the Merchant Guild.

"Be patient, Prince Alaric. Soon, you will become a great king like His Majesty," the general said.

Soon, others joined in reassuring the mourning Crown Prince Alaric. Eventually, Alaric became overwhelmed by the crowd.

Then Alaric felt someone forcefully pull his hand.

"Ah, Prince Alaric, you have an appointment, right? With... uh... someone important, remember?" the girl shouted.

The one pulling Prince Alaric's hand was his childhood friend, Lady Ellie of House Briarwood near the Empire's border.

"Oh, uh... yes. Pardon me, everyone. I must leave on urgent business," Alaric said.

Alaric left the tomb and followed Ellie.

Outside the cathedral, a large crowd had gathered. Since Prince Alaric's father had been a great king, many people throughout the kingdom had come to pay their respects.

"Wow, I've never seen this many people before."

"Yeah. Dad... I mean, the king... was well respected, so it's understandable."

"Hehe, you're always so stiff, Alaric," Ellie laughed playfully.

"Eh? Stiff? I don't think so. It's just how a noble should act around others."

Alaric blushed.

"Well, let's go to our secret place. Do you still remember?"

"Yeah. It's the castle courtyard, right? We used to play there whenever your father came for diplomatic visits."

"You're right on the money. Now let's see who can get there first."

Ellie immediately charged forward.

"Hey! What? Ellie, wait up!"

Alaric quickly chased after her. Although he was not as athletic as her father, he was still in good shape. Even so, he could never match, let alone surpass, his childhood friend.

A few moments later, they arrived at the castle courtyard and sat beneath a tree on the grass.

"Hehe, I won. I guess you really aren't a warrior king."

Ellie wiped the sweat from her brunette hair.

"What? No. It's because you weren't being fair. You suddenly started running and turned it into a competition. You might as well have given yourself the medal right away."

Alaric complained while catching his breath.

"Hehe. Well, you seemed overwhelmed, and I wanted to cheer you up. But it seems something else is bothering you."

Ellie leaned her face closer.

"Yeah... but can you keep a secret, Ellie?"

"Of course. What is it? Oh, did your father force you to marry a woman twice your age? Or were you given the task of conquering another land?"

"Well, your first guess was sort of right. Before my father passed away, he told me that I need to spend seven days with seven potential brides who will decide the future of the kingdom."

"Wow, I can see why you're overwhelmed. But... did I make the list?"

Ellie smiled.

"I don't really know. I haven't received all the details yet. Maybe my father's advisor will brief me soon."

"Well, I trust you'll make the right choice, Alaric. I know you will because you have a good heart."

Alaric's eyes widened. It was the same advice his father had given him.

"Well, thank you, Ellie. But if you're on the list, maybe I'll just elope with you immediately."

Alaric grinned mischievously at her.

"Eh? Ah... you're horrible, Alaric."

She laughed, although it was only to hide the blush that had formed after hearing his words.

The two of them continued talking and enjoying each other's company. As the sky darkened, Ellie said her goodbye, leaving Alaric alone beneath the tree in the castle courtyard.

Suddenly, the king's right hand man, Pae, appeared.

"It seems you had a wonderful time catching up with Lady Ellie, Crown Prince Alaric."

"Ah, Pae. You surprised me. Come, take a seat with me. I'm sure my father left something for me."

"Your deduction is correct, Your Royal Highness. I came to deliver the letter your father entrusted to me. I do not know the contents of the letter, and I intend to keep it that way. I shall leave you alone now, Your Royal Highness."

Pae left the courtyard so Prince Alaric could read the letter his father had left behind.

"Well, I guess I should return to my room then."

Alaric left the courtyard with anxiety. What could the letter contain, and perhaps how would it guide him to make the right choice for the kingdom?

To be continued.