"The banquet lasted a whole week. Every day, the capital shone brightly, the streets resounded with music, laughter, and smells of rich dishes that escaped from crowded inns. Large delegations from across the continent were housed in the secondary palaces of the royal domain, while the people lived as if in a dream, their hearts beating to the rhythm of the festivities."

  Lucas only appeared on the first and last day of the banquet. The nobles who saw him kept their impressions to themselves, but it was clear that his presence had left a mark on their memory. The rest of the time, the young boy followed the strict discipline imposed by the palace: studies, training, and especially preparation for his awakening ceremony, scheduled in a few years.

  After a week of festivities, the great personalities left the capital. Naxthor's colorful banners, the lavish convoys of noble families and foreign delegations went through the large doors one by one, taking with them the brilliance of the party. The city regained a semblance of calm, even if the inhabitants were still in the excitement of the party."

  Two month later:

  The sun had already risen over the capital, Grinrelis. Its soft glow illuminated the streets and rooftops, as well as the royal palace.

  Sunlight bathed the royal gardens, while birdsong filled the entire royal court.

  A cool wind ran through one of the training grounds of the royal domain, thus caressing the hair of two silhouettes who clashed in the center of the large courtyard.

  Lucas wore a midnight-blue shirt and black trousers fitted at the waist to allow freedom of movement. He wore light reinforced armor on his shoulders and forearm, and leather straps crossed his bust, firmly fixing his leather belt, and leather boots. He was facing his instructor: Sir Aurelian.

  Aurelian was a royal knight personally chosen by Raphael. Tall and upright, his medium-length black hair was tied with a dark silk ribbon, and his gray eyes seemed to pierce the soul. He wore a light training armor composed of lightened plates, which perfectly reflected his rank. Despite his severe gait, every gesture of his sword showed a controlled elegance.

  The two opponents exchanged quick blows. Lucas's wooden sword struck with determination, but at times lacked power. However, he managed to anticipate the instructor's blows thanks to his speed.

  "Good," said Aurelian when he saw Lucas dodge one of his attacks.

  "You anticipate better than yesterday," he added calmly.

  Lucas stepped back, breathless but his eyes bright. He squeezed his sword with all his strength, then went back to the assault.

  The clash of wood echoed through the courtyard. Lucas dodged, pretended, and attacked by compensating for his lack of power with his surprising speed and his rare ability to read movements.

  Several times, Aurelian pushed him back effortlessly, giving the impression that he was dancing rather than fighting. But Lucas was not discouraged. On the contrary, he adapted, changing his angle, adjusting his guard. His breathing accelerated, his arms trembled under the effort, but his eyes remained determined.

  Finally, in a rapid exchange, Lucas nearly struck Aurelian's stomach with an unexpected move, but the knight swiftly disarmed him, sending his wooden sword flying to the ground.

  Lucas fell on one knee, panting.

  A slight smile appeared on Aurelian's lips.

  "Not bad at all. You learn quickly Your Highness... really very fast. "

  Lucas lifted his head, sweat dripping, but a slight smile spread across his face.

  "So... did I do well? "

  Aurelian stared at him for a moment, then replied calmly:

  "Exactly Your Highness. Despite your small size, you have managed to compensate for your lack of power thanks to your exceptional adaptability, and your unique perception. If you keep training and don't waste your talent, one day you could certainly become the most powerful swordsman, just like your father."

  Lucas, panting, got up and wiped the sweat on his forehead, a shy smile on his lips. Aurelian's words resonated in Lucas' heart like a promise.

  But while Lucas was immersed in his thoughts, a voice resounded in the training yard.

  "It looks like I arrived late to see you in action. "

  Lucas turned and saw Dayvon advance towards him.

  Dayvon wore a bright white shirt under a black coat embroidered with silver threads, with fitted dark pants and black leather shoes. His presence imposed without effort. He smiled slightly, his hands crossed behind his back.

  "Dayvon! " exclaimed Lucas, almost forgetting his tiredness.

  His brother approached, placed a hand on his head, and gently ruffled his hair.

  "I heard that you are progressing quickly," he continued with a slight smile on his lips.

  "If you continue like this, you will catch up with me soon," he said, sighing slightly.

  Lucas laughed lightly, clenched his fists, then with a smile on his lips, he looked up at Dayvon and replied in a calm voice:

  "Don't worry, my brother." I know you don't like to fight... So I will become so strong that you will never have to.

  Dayvon gazed tenderly at Lucas for a moment. He knew Lucas's talent with weapons was exceptional, and that it would not take long for him to catch up. But the words Lucas had just said warmed his big brother's heart.

  As the two continued to discuss, a figure approached behind them and passed an arm around Dayvon's neck, in a complicit gesture.

  "Hey... you really seem to be having fun..." breathed a tired voice.

  Lucas and Dayvon immediately turned around. It was Arden. His hair was completely disheveled, and his reddened eyes had fine wrinkles of fatigue. He seemed to have dragged his body beyond his limits.

  "Arden ?! What happened to you?" Lucas asked, surprised.

  Arden's body trembled, but he raised a shaky thumb and forced a smile.

  "It's nothing... it's just that his Majesty asked me to join him for his training session."

  "This infernal session lasted all morning, and I thought I would never see the end," he said in a trembling voice.

  Dayvon laughed, patted him on the shoulder, and in a mocking tone added:

  "Eh eh... it is in these conditions that I thank heaven and the gods for not giving me any martial talent. "

  After Dayvon's little tap, Arden let himself fall to the ground.

  "You're lucky... imagine he said that from today, I would train personally with him every day until the day of my departure," he said with a look of both depression and exhaustion.

  "Arrhhh!!! Let me go back to the North, please, I might die if I stay in the center," he said, crying slightly.

  Lucas stared at him with a puzzled look, and asked curiously:

  "Is training with father really that hard? "

  Arden and Dayvon stared at him with a surprised look, then Arden got up quickly, and took Lucas' hands.

  "Luuucaaasss!!!! "

  "These traini..."

  Before Arden could finish his sentence, Dayvon quickly caught him and put his hand in front of his mouth to prevent him from saying anything.

  "Don't worry Lucas, don't pay attention to Arden's words," said Dayvon with a smile that seemed forced, and a drop of sweat running down his forehead.

  Arden struggled to free himself from Dayvon, but being tired, he quickly gave up and sighed.

  Watching Arden and Dayvon bicker, Lucas stared in surprise for a moment before letting out a light laugh. At that moment, no one cared about his royal rank; they were simply acting naturally.

  After that, together they left the courtyard, walking side by side through the palace gardens.

  The sun climbed higher in the sky, and the scent of flowers perfumed the air.

  The trio chatted about everything and nothing: their exercises, Lucas' banquet, and even anecdotes from Dayvon and Arden's academic years.

  As the conversation became interesting, Arden slowed his pace, as if remembering something.

  The further they advanced, Arden stroked his chin, and thought :

  "Wait... Uncle hadn't told me something just as I was leaving the training ground?"

  "Wait!!!"

  Arden suddenly stopped, looked at Dayvon with a surprised expression, and suddenly exclaimed:

  "There... it's you Dayvon!"

  After Arden's exclamation, Dayvon and Lucas quickly turned toward him, surprised.

  "What did I do?" Dayvon asked in a suspicious tone.

  Arden rubbed the back of his neck and, with a slightly sheepish look, replied:

  "By the way... His Majesty had asked me to inform you that he wished to see you as soon as possible. I was supposed to warn you much earlier, but after everything I've been thru, it somewhat slipped my mind."

  Dayvon fixed him with an intimidating stare and replied in an icy voice:

  "Wait... is it now that you decide to tell me?"

  Arden quickly averted his gaze, avoiding Dayvon's eyes.

  Seeing him, Dayvon sighed, then turned to Lucas. He put a hand on Lucas' head and rubbed it affectionately.

  "Well... I think we'll have to postpone this moment until later," said Dayvon in a calm voice.

  "You can continue this walk with Arden, we'll see you in a few moments," he added while winking at him.

  After that, Dayvon turned his heels and headed towards the main palace. A hint of admiration was read in Lucas' eyes, as he watched him leave with elegance.

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  Arden, who was still watching Dayvon's figure move away, turned to Lucas and put a hand on his shoulder.

  "Well... what if we take the opportunity to go see your mother? I want to ask him for some advice," he said calmly, smiling.

  Lucas nodded, and together they took the path to the queen's gardens, their footsteps echoing softly along the aisles.

  A few moments later - Raphael's office:

  The royal office was bathed in a dim light. The sun's rays filtered through his tall windows. A small pile of documents lay on the king's desk. Raphael, seated behind it, calmly worked through the papers before him.

  He wore a white shirt from which he had unbuttoned the first two buttons, dark pants, and black leather shoes. Next to him was a coat rack on which was hung a dark blue coat embroidered with silver.

  While Raphael had his mind immersed in the documents in front of him, there was a light knock on the door of his office and the door opened slowly. Dayvon entered, the step assured but calm, and bowed respectfully to Raphael.

  "I greet the Sun of Ingrissia," said Dayvon in a calm and respectful voice.

  Raphael looked up for a moment, and then in a calm voice, he said:

  "It's okay... don't be stressed. "

  "Come closer for a moment... Dayvon," Raphael added without looking up, his pen continuing its course on a parchment.

  Dayvon obeyed and stopped a few steps from the desk. Raphael finally put down his pen and raised his scarlet gaze to Dayvon. And at that moment, a brief silence set in.

  "The reason I called you here today is not for a trivial matter," Raphael said calmly.

  His voice was low, but every word weighed.

  "For several weeks, disturbing reports have reached me from the east. Dozens of disappearances were recorded just in the past month. Unfortunately, this phenomenon only concerns abandoned children and families who have escaped wars. "

  Dayvon frowned slightly. He did not dare to interrupt, but his gaze hardened.

  Raphael continued:

  "I ordered the local authorities not to act. Neither the royal orders nor the nobles are to intervene. I do not want this case to take on more than necessary scale. "

  He paused, and his gaze sharpened, fixed on Dayvon.

  "That's why I decided that it would be you who would take charge of the operations to settle this matter. "

  The young man's chest tightened as he looked at his father in surprise.

  "Me, Father?" He asked in a voice that barely betrayed his surprise.

  A thin smile appeared on Raphael's lips.

  "Yes, you. I know that such a case is not worthy for your princely rank, but as the first prince of Ingrissia, you must be close to your people. "

  "You have exceptional intelligence, a good spirit of discernment, and you know the limits of your own strength. I want to test your skills in a real situation," he added calmly.

  After speaking, Raphael slowly rose from his desk and moved to the tall window of his office, which overlooked one of the royal gardens.

  As he looked at flowers through the window of his office, Raphael added peacefully.

  "Don't worry, I won't send you alone. To accompany you, there will be about ten knights of the Order of the Ebony Rose at your disposal. You know perfectly well how effective they are."

  At these words, Dayvon felt a shiver run down his spine. The whole continent knew the reputation of this order, whose information circulating about it was clearly vague. Only King Raphael knew all the secrets about this order.

  "And once there," Raphael continued.

  "You will be able to solicit as many knights of the Order of the Phoenix as you deem necessary. They guard our borders and know these lands better than anyone. Consider them an extension of your commandment. "

  Silence fell in the room. Dayvon felt the immense weight of this responsibility fall on his shoulders. Yet, deep inside him, a flame burned.

  He put one knee on the ground and lowered his head.

  "I will accomplish this mission perfectly, Father. I will not disappoint you. "

  Raphael turned to him, and slowly advanced towards his direction. He placed a heavy hand on Dayvon's shoulder, his gaze softening, almost paternal

  "I have complete confidence in your judgment and your ability to think. So I have no doubt about your success. "

  Afterwards, Raphael straightened up and withdrew his hand.

  "You can already start all the preparations for your departure. I have already selected the knights who will accompany you, and they will be ready to leave as soon as you want. "

  Dayvon lifted his head, his heart pounding. He knew that it was a unique opportunity that his father offered him, to prove that he was worthy of bearing the name "Ingriss", despite his low martial abilities. So his mind and thoughts were ready to face this ordeal.

  ~?~?~?~

  Info:

  Upon his accession to the throne, King Raphael founded five Orders of Knights, not only to protect the kingdom, but also to impose his authority on the entire continent.

  These orders recruit only the brightest, strongest and most loyal. Each aspirant must survive unique trials, testing their strength, intelligence, courage and fidelity.

  Here are the five main Orders of Knights of the kingdom of Ingrissia :

  ?? The Order of the Royal Knights

  General: Arya Ingriss

  ? Considered the face of the kingdom, the Royal Knights embody the power and authority of the crown. Recruited among the most talented elites, they are directly placed under the authority of the king and the royal family.

  ? Their role goes beyond simple protection: they are a living symbol, the bright proof of Ingrissia's supremacy. Every appearance of this order imposes silence and respect.

  ? They wear a black military uniform with golden edges, and a black cape. Their armor is a shiny black, adorned with the golden seal of the kingdom. Their pace alone is enough to remind us that they are the closest guardians to the throne.

  ? Headquarters: The capital, Grinrelis.

  ?? The Order of the Knights of the White Lions

  General: XXXX XXXXXXXX

  ? The Order of the White Lions is the inner bulwark of the kingdom. Deployed throughout all the provinces, they ensure the safety of the people, monitor the nobles and support the other orders in their missions.

  ? This versatile order is respected for its sense of duty and its attachment to inner peace. The inhabitants see in them just and incorruptible protectors.

  ? They wear a white military uniform enhanced with black patterns. Their gray armor is engraved with the symbol of a lion on the right shoulder, and they have immaculate cloaks floating in the wind. Their mere presence evokes confidence and righteousness.

  ? Headquarters: The capital, Grinrelis.

  ?? The Order of the Knights of the Phoenix

  General: Daymons Reynold

  ? Order forged in the heat of battle, the Knights of the Phoenix are in charge of protecting all the borders of the kingdom. They are the wall of flames of Ingrissia against invasions.

  ? Their ranks are made up of seasoned knights, accustomed to large-scale battles. When the Phoenix deploys, it is a certainty: a storm of flames and steel hits the enemy.

  ? They wear a black military uniform with orange motifs. Their armor is bright red with a wing engraved on their left shoulder pads, then their black and orange capes are stylized in the shape of flames.

  ? Headquarters: Grinrelis, with permanent detachments in each border outpost.

  ?? The Order of the Knights of the Death Wolf

  General: XXXX XXXXXX

  ? Guardian of the South and the dreaded Black Forest, this order specializes in the eradication of monsters and corrupt hordes. They are the living barrier between humanity and darkness.

  ? Their discipline is brutal, their fighting style wild but effective. They fear neither blood nor death, because every day can be their last.

  ? They wear a black military uniform decorated with purple patterns. Their armor is light, perfectly adapted to fast combat. They have purple capes marked with a howling wolf, surmounted by five stars. Their dark silhouette is synonymous with terror for monsters.

  ? Headquarters: Officially Grinrelis, but in truth, their real homes are the outposts of the Black Forest.

  ?? The Order of the Knights of the Ebony Rose

  General: Lundel Draven

  ? Mysterious and feared order, the Ebony Rose is the shadow of the throne. Infiltration missions, investigations, targeted eliminations... nothing escapes them. When a nobleman betrays the crown, it is often the Ebony Rose that strikes, leaving behind corpses and the scent of secrecy.

  ? They do not fight for glory but for efficiency. Their reputation goes beyond the borders of Ingrissia: in foreign courts, a simple whisper saying that a nobleman is "targeted by Raphael" is enough to make him tremble, because he knew that the Ebony Rose can arise at any time.

  ? Their military uniform sports a blackened purple hue, on which a silver rose is embroidered on the left chest. Pure white capes, contrasting with their bloody actions, bring an icy elegance to their cruelty mask.

  ? Headquarters: Grinrelis.