The Cast Assembles…
Sion Sol Sunkland was born the eldest son of the King of Sunkland.
“He who reigns over the people must believe firmly in fairness and hold justice close to his heart.” These were the words that his father taught him when he was young. It became his belief, and it guided his way of life to this day.
Royalty and nobility – those who stand above the commoners – must be proud, disciplined, and should always set an example for people through their way of life… Or so he thought so…
As he was growing up, there were things that he couldn’t avoid seeing. He came to realize that not all nobles are the same. And not so many really lived by his father’s principles. Even so, he had held hope for Saint Noel Academy. After all, it is the school where exceptional children of nobility gathered. He was hoping that many of them would conduct themselves with virtue. Peers that were worthy of their status and power.
Because he was such a man, he was disgusted when he saw students squabbling over something trifling as the order in which they crossed the lake. Then soon after, he witnessed another scene that unbecoming of nobility. Three daughters of nobility were bullying a I was already disgusted when I saw the students who were sick of waiting for their turn to cross the lake.
Immediately after that, he again encountered a scene that is not suitable for that of nobility. A noble girl who came to the defense of her attendant who had blundered was being bullied by three other noble girls.
“… Oh, is it the same here?”
“Unfortunately, the corruption of the royal aristocrats of each country continues to progress. There are not many people with aspirations like His Majesty the King and Your Highness, Prince Sion.” Keithwood, his butler, comments while shrugging. His lips seem to have an ironic smile constantly.
Sion and Keithwood were childhood friends and were raised together from an early age. Originally, Keithwood was a war orphan, but the king raised him like his own son. As a result, a tight bond formed between them. A bond like real brothers.
“So, what do you plan to do? Seems like a hassle, but it’s obvious you are going to help.”
“Of course.” Sion nodded without any hesitation.
It is clear that leaving a girl who is abused one-sidedly is against his justice. However, just as he was about to run over, something flashed across his view.
“What are you guys doing!?” A girl, whose hair shone like moonlight, demanded. It was Mia Luna Tearmoon who looked very angry.
“Huh? Isn’t that Princess Mia? The one that they’re calling the Wisdom of the Empire?” Sion said as he watched the scene unfold from afar. He was impressed by Mia’s anger. When witnessing the oppression of the powerless, anger was the correct response. For Sion, the ability to feel righteous anger because of injustice was a quality essential for a ruler. Seeing Mia’s genuine anger, he felt that she was living his ideals as a future ruler.
…This is an example of why humans can never fully understand each other.
“I heard that she arranged to have a hospital built in the slums.”
“I’ve heard about that story. I have always wanted to meet her ever since…”
Sion looked at Mia again.
“I thought she was just a sheltered princess who doesn’t know the value of things, or someone with vacuous mercy…”
An incompetent but charitable ruler is better than one who spreads chaos because of bad governance. For this reason, Sion didn’t think of Mia too badly. But the scene he had just witnessed in front of him profoundly changed his opinion of her.
“When she gave away that hairpin, she probably did it with the full knowledge of the implications it will bring.”
A good-natured simpleton would not choose to plunge headfirst into trouble, the same with a cunning villain. Sion was now certain that Mia indeed possessed wisdom befitting her imperial blood and that she held justice close to her heart.
“If her friendship is the only thing I gain from Saint Noel, then it will still be worth coming here.” Sion said with his mood brightening as quickly as his hyperinflated assessment of Mia.
Meanwhile, Mia was flustered. She felt triumphant after her masterful sarcasm. But she felt guilty soon enough when Tiona began to cry.
I never expected her to cry so easily!
Mia was never really a tyrant. She was more of a wimp. And while her conscience is usually biased, she still possesses one.
“Ah, uh, Have I said too much? Please stop crying.” Mia stammered as she pressed her handkerchief into Tiona’s hands. “Wi-wipe your face with this.”
She then escaped the scene.
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