The Autumn Kingdom was renowned for its rich fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, a blend reflected in its architecture and the diversity of its people. Its mild climate and impossibly fertile soil made it one of the region's agricultural pillars, responsible for supplying many other realms. Thanks to its exclusive specialties, the Autumn Kingdom maintained a position of strategic neutrality, providing resources in equal measure to Risny's Kingdom and Master Yoshi's domain.
Recently, the esteemed King Ryuuichi had abdicated the throne, entrusting the rule 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 its prosperity but also the delicate neutrality his father had fought so hard to maintain.
Upon being informed of Princess Leticia's imminent arrival, scheduled for the following day, Ryuuji ordered preparations for a sumptuous reception, eager to meet his future bride. When Leticia finally passed through the gates, Ryuuji welcomed her with the expected formality and a warm smile. His attention, however, was instantly snagged by the enigmatic knight in her escort. A peculiar aura emanated from the man—or rather, the unsettling and complete absence of one. It was a rare and sophisticated skill, the ability to utterly nullify one's own presence. Intrigued, Ryuuji's gaze sharpened on the knight, and his initial curiosity quickly gave way to poorly disguised surprise.
Aleph offered little more than a discreet bow. Ryuuji, struggling to contain his astonishment, arched an eyebrow, intrigue flaring in his eyes. Turning to Leticia, he inquired with practiced politeness:
"Princess, I confess, your knight has sparked a great curiosity in me."
Aleph remained impassive, his face still concealed by the hood. Clifford, the zealous royal assistant, stepped forward with an indignant expression.
"How dare you hide your face before Prince Ryuuji?!" he exclaimed, his voice thick with disapproval. "Uncover yourself at once!"
"Is that an order from Your Highness?" Aleph questioned, his calm voice ignoring Clifford entirely and addressing only Ryuuji.
With a subtle gesture, Ryuuji silenced his assistant. A faint smile touched his lips as he turned back to the princess.
"Princess Leticia," he said, "would Your Highness grant me leave to speak with your knight in private?"
"As Your Highness wishes," Leticia acquiesced, though surprise flickered in her eyes.
Ryuuji inclined his head in thanks and then fixed his gaze on Aleph.
"Accompany me," he commanded. His voice was imbued with a firmness that brooked no argument, yet held an undercurrent of invitation that only Aleph seemed to perceive.
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, unorthodox.
They walked 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 Ryuuji had anticipated, though he still studied him with keen attention. With a nod toward an armchair, he motioned for him to sit.
"I'm not sure what surprised me more: you appearing as Princess Leticia's knight, or the fact that you failed to inform me." 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 a stark contrast to the complexity of the situation.
Ryuuji arched an eyebrow, his skepticism plain.
"Is that all?" he pressed, a hint of challenge in his voice. "Do you truly expect me to believe that was your sole motivation?"
"Regardless of the motivation, I expect you to make Princess Leticia happy," Aleph declared, his steady gaze meeting Ryuuji's without a flicker of hesitation.
Aleph's declaration seemed to ignite a fire in Ryuuji's eyes. He leaned forward, a sly, provocative smile beginning to curve his lips, before he replied with calculated gravity:
"Shouldn't that be my decision to make?"
Aleph's eyes narrowed, but he kept his tone neutral.
"But you are to marry her..."
"It is merely a marriage of convenience," Ryuuji retorted, a trace of cynicism in his voice. "The Winter Kingdom offered their princess in exchange for an alliance. Which means, in the end... I can do with her as I please."
The provocation hit its mark. Aleph shot to his feet, his posture rigid, 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 can lose your composure. That expression... you truly care for her, don't you? You nearly gave me a fright!"
"This isn't the least bit amusing," Aleph answered, the gravity in his voice cutting the air.
Ryuuji conceded, the smile still playing on his lips, though his eyes now analyzed his brother with renewed interest.
"This is the first time you've ever opposed me, brother! I ought to declare a national holiday to mark the occasion!"
Ryuuji let out another laugh, but it soon faded, 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 adore unraveling that mystery."
Aleph averted his gaze for a fraction of a second, a subtle tell that, to Ryuuji, confirmed everything.
"So, she does hold a secret... something potent enough to make my own brother turn against me..." Ryuuji murmured to himself, intrigue coloring his voice. "Interesting. Well, let us return. The princess must be growing apprehensive."
At twenty-two years old, with an imposing height of 1.83m (6'0"), Ryuuji was the personification of royalty: hair of a vibrant red, eyes of a singular 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 found.
Ryuuji approached her with a bright smile, clearly pleased about something.
"I do believe the princess is in for quite a surprise 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, though a growing curiosity churned within her.
At that moment, the assistant Clifford approached, informing them that Leticia's chambers were properly prepared. Ryuuji, with practiced gallantry, took the princess's hand and placed a light kiss upon her fingers.
"We must get to know one another better, Princess Leticia. But for now, Your Highness should rest from your 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 shall begin as soon as my brother arrives. I am eager to introduce him to you formally."
"I would be honored to meet him."
"But the thing is... you already know him," Ryuuji smiled enigmatically.
"I do?" Leticia's confusion was palpable.
The hall doors swung open at that instant, and all heads turned toward the figure entering. When the younger prince appeared, Leticia was struck silent, her heart pounding in incredulous recognition.