Aciel first met Arthur ten years ago at the age of fifteen. Back when his mother was queen and Zula was his friend, the first time Aciel heard about Arthur was when Eden first applied for the military.

“Zula do you see her?” Aciel was on his tip toes, trying to find Eden.

“The exam just finished Prince Aciel. There are a lot of examinees leaving.”

“I see her. That tiny one over there.” Aciel frantically pointed in her direction.

“You must compose yourself in public Prince Aciel.” Zula stressed his title. “Even if they can’t recognise you, you should not think about jumping out the window to greet her.”

Aciel froze in place before slowly turning to Zula. “How did you know?”

“Stay here, I will grab her.” Zula grabbed a cloak and jumped out the third storey window.

“Liar, you are just as excited as me to see her. Man. That looks so cool.”

Safely making her descent down, Zula ran through the crowd of examinees and their family and friends and to her partner.

“Zula!” Eden happily greeted. “I.”

“Wait,” Zula interrupted. “Aciel will get upset if I find out before he does. He almost jumped out the window.”

Eden held back a laugh as she imagined Aciel’s not so graceful fall. Zula, picturing the same thing, laughed out loud which caused Eden to let out her laugh. The two managed to calm themselves before returning to Aciel.

“Well?” Aciel asked as soon as the two returned.

“I passed!” Eden held out her scores in front of her wide smile.

“The youngest person to graduate and join the military, Eden Grace you are a genius.” Zula ruffled the thirteen year old’s hair.

“It wasn’t the highest mark.” Eden’s competitive side appeared. “Someone named Arthur got the highest score three years ago.”

“Is he from Au Inden?” Zula asked.

“Yes, do you know him Zula?”

“He holds the record for the highest score in philosophy and mathematics.”

“Is he not from a noble family?” Aciel asked. It was the first time he heard the name Arthur from Au Inden.

“No.”

“He is just a very hard worker.”

Aciel couldn’t hide his disbelief. Those of nobility had the ability to teach and train their children from a young age but the fact that Arthur was not, made his feats against the two geniuses even more extraordinary.

“That is amazing.” Aciel’s quiet admiration was drowned out by the sound of the arriving food. The first time Aciel heard about Arthur, he was in awe.

“Eden, let’s spar.” Zula declared as they snuck back into the castle.

“Found you brats.” On the other side of the hole leading to the gardens stood Deputy Advisor Asari.

“Why did you stop Zula?” Aciel asked as he slowly stood up. “Oh.”

“What’s going on?” Eden, who was the last to enter, said as Aciel’s figure blocked her way.

“Getting caught sneaking out is what is happening my niece.”

“Oh.”

Deputy Advisor Asari’s lecture was cut short by Consort Sen who called out, “Eden dear, how was your exam?”

“Hello Father.”

“Hello Lord Sen,” Eden, Zula, and Asari said at the same time.

“I passed.” Eden took out the slip of paper from her pockets.

“Amazing job Eden.” He ruffled her hair. “And Zula, I heard you placed first overall in your classes. Congratulations.”

“Thank you my lord.” Zula’s nose crinkled as she smiled during his affectionate hair ruffled.

“Aciel, I saw your training session this morning, your form has improved so much.”

“Thank you Father.”

“Deputy Advisor Asari today is a joyous occasion. Why not save the lecture for another time?”

“Lord Sen, they cannot keep sneaking out of the castle like this. Not only is it dangerous for their lives but it also weakens the castle’s defences.”

The three’s eyes darted around trying to avoid Asari’s glare. They had enlarged a few already broken parts of the wall to create an escape route instead of informing someone about the damage. If a few teenagers could do it, it wouldn’t be hard for an adult.

“Come now, let us see these holes.” Consort Sen guided Deputy Advisor Asari towards the hole while he signaled for the three to escape.

“Lord Sen is the best,” Zula said as they safely arrived inside.

“Aunt Asari is still going to yell at me.” Eden grimaced at the thought of her future lecture.

“Shall I get Mother to inform Deputy Advisor Asari that you will be staying with me tonight?” Zula asked.

“Yes please.”

“Aciel, do you want to join us?”

“No, I have my rematch with mother tonight.”

“Good luck.” The two shouted before heading down a different hall.

Aciel made his way to his mother’s study to set up the chess game. Once he was done, he took a peek into her audience room to see what had taken her so long. There, he managed to catch snippets of Queen Atian’s conversation with Lady Cixi, the head of Au Inden.

“He is just 17, are you sure about this?” Queen Atian asked.

“I have never been more sure. Of course, I do not plan on stepping down any time soon. However, I believe Arthur is ready for the appointment if need be.”

“Preparing him at such a young age.” She paused. “What if he changes his mind?”

“Then it is my loss. I could not ask for a better candidate to be my successor. He is not a genius but he works hard to make up for his lack of natural talent. He already gained the trust of Mur and successfully led his own division. Even brought back a few bandits as his loyal followers.”

“Yes, I did hear he placed higher than Lady Zula in a few courses. The charismatic fellow who has the approval of Au Inden’s shield and his enemies,” she paused mid-thought. “And he was the one who gave you that scar.”

“If you would like, I request an audience with you on Arthur’s behalf.”

“No, I have met him enough times to determine his character. I do like him, he needs a bit more improvement but he has great potential. In all the years we have known each other I have never seen you like this.”

“I refuse to let this gem go unpolished, my queen.”

“Alright, I approve. Lady Cixi, you may start training Arthur with the understanding that he will be declared your successor of Au Inden.”

The second time Aciel heard about Arthur, he had never been so envious.