Vanaxyss

As the third prince of the Dussier Empire, Ren Dussier has grown up without the weight of the crown on his shoulders, but also without true freedom. As omega of the imperial family, his future seems reduced to a convenient political marriage. Rebellious and strong-willed, Ren refuses to accept her fate without a fight.

Everything gets worse (or better, depending on how you look at it) when his father assigns him a new butler, Ashiya, an alpha of imposing presence and impeccable manners. At first glance, he is serious and professional, but Ren soon discovers that Ashiya has a wicked sense of humor and a tendency to spout off witty remarks that leave him completely flushed. With every joke, with every provocation disguised as formality, Ren feels more and more trapped in a dangerous game of looks and words that he shouldn't allow himself to play.

However, when conspiracies at court begin to surround the third prince, Ashiya proves that he is not only his mocking shadow, but also his most loyal protector. Between duty, desire and hidden secrets, Ren must decide whether to defy his destiny... or fall into the hands of that ill-tempered butler who seems to know him better than anyone else.

The Prince and the Moody Butler

A young Ashiya lived his day-to-day life in a quiet village within the Yamamoto territory, a prosperous region near the northern border with the Demon Kingdom.

For years, peace had reigned, allowing trade between the two kingdoms. The people of the village lived with relative safety until everything changed in a single night.

The deafening clang of the bell at the border outpost shattered the tranquility. An attack. Without warning, the Demon Kingdom launched its invasion.

The tales of cruelty and barbarism became reality. Torture, rape, abductions, and murders spread like wildfire. Entire villages were razed to the ground.

The Dussier Empire, alongside an alliance of human kingdoms, managed to halt the demonic advance, but victory came at a steep cost. Tens of thousands of soldiers fell in battle… among them, Ashiya's father, grandfather, and older brother.

From that day forward, his heart filled with hatred toward the demons. To him, their existence was an evil that needed to be eradicated.

Back to the present…

Ashiya blinked, snapping back to reality.

"Is something wrong?" Ren asked, noticing his distant expression.

Ashiya took a second to respond but masked it with an empty smile.

"No, just remembering some things."

Ren watched him with concern but, sensing his reluctance to talk, decided not to press further.

A loud knock at the door interrupted the conversation. As usual, Ashiya stepped forward to open it.

On the other side stood an imperial soldier, holding a scroll sealed with the royal emblem.

"From this moment, I will read an imperial decree addressed to Prince Ren Dussier."

Upon hearing this, Ren knelt, bowing his head respectfully as the message was read aloud.

[IMPERIAL DECREE]

As of this moment, the management of the Yamamoto territory is entrusted to Prince Ren Dussier as part of the trial to determine the heir to the throne.

The territory is currently without a ruler, so he must engage with local authorities and assess its present condition.

23rd of February, Year 1268 of the Seres' Calendar

When the decree concluded, Ren raised his gaze.

"I understand. Thank you very much."

The soldier gave a bow and left the room without another word.

A tense silence settled between Ren and Ashiya.

"It seems it has begun…" Ashiya murmured, crossing his arms.

"My brothers must have been assigned other territories. Father wants to evaluate our abilities as rulers."

"But… you didn't get lucky. Viscount Yamamoto died without heirs, and after his passing, no one wanted to take control of that territory."

Ren closed his eyes for a moment before letting out a tongue-click.

"Surely this is my brothers' doing."

"Probably. Fear of the Demon Kingdom still lingers at the border. It won't be an easy place to govern," Ashiya warned.

Ren took a deep breath and, with determination, lifted his gaze.

"No matter. Prepare our things. We're traveling to the Yamamoto territory."

Ashiya smiled with a hint of admiration and, with a slight bow, replied:

Chapter 3: Unexpected News Part 3