Start of Rivalry

Princess Ai wanders through the thick forest, clothes dusted with dirt, hair slightly disheveled. She holds the ancient map, squinting at it.

Ai (frustrated): "Ahhh! This map is so hard to read... Ugh… what should I do…?"

Suddenly, a thin trail of smoke curls into the sky in the distance. Her eyes light up.

Ai (hopeful): "Smoke! Maybe someone's nearby!"

She ties her horse to a tree and cautiously approaches. Through the brush, she sees a small camp of armored soldiers surrounding a fire—and a teenage boy , a black-haired young noble in a royal suit emotionless face, surrounded by luxury.

Ai (thinking):"They must be from another kingdom. This land belongs to no one… maybe they know the way. I should ask."

As she steps forward—

Guard: "Halt! Don't come any closer."

Ai stops mid-step. Before she can speak again, the boy stands, lazily brushing his coat and lifting a brow.

Boy (commanding):"Ah, leave it."

The guards part. The boy smirks, eyes sharp and mocking.

Boy:"Well well, what do you want?"

Ai (holding up map): "I need directions to this location."

She hands the map forward.

Boy (thinking while scanning): "She's here for a trial… this is the map of that old man test route… wait—"

His gaze sharpens as recognition sets in.

Boy (smirking): "So… the Light Kingdom really did it. Sent their precious princess into the wild. Guess your father's finally lost his mind, sending a girl out here alone."

Ai (coldly):"What's your problem? Do you know the place or not?"

Boy: "Tsk. Didn't your father tell you about me?"

Ai (confused smile):"No... ?"

Boy (laughing mockingly): "You're clueless and idiot Just like your father. I'm Prince Oreki."

Ai (shocked): "Wait—Oreki?! The prince of the Frederick Kingdom?!"

She instinctively reaches for her sword, anger flashing in her eyes.

Actually

Long ago, the Laurence and Frederick Kingdoms were one. Ruled by two brothers, a civil war split the lands in two. Since then they have been into two wars , that's why there is hatred between them

Oreki (draws his sword): "Let's see how good the Laurence Kingdom's little puppet really is."

Ai charges, yelling, striking fast—but Oreki doesn't flinch.

With a single effortless move, he disarms her . Her sword clatters to the ground.

Ai (stunned): "Wait... what—?"

Before she can recover, he kicks her hard across the face. Her body flies into a tree with a painful crack.

She lands hard, groaning in pain.

Oreki (approaches, coldly): "You're weak. Just like your father. It's no wonder your kingdom will fall because of you."

Ai (eyes brimming with tears): "Stop... disrespecting my father... You—"

He kneels, lifts her chin forcefully, and kiss her lips —then spits to the side.

Oreki (mocking): "You'd look better crying in your castle, dear princess."

He stands, sheathed his sword, and walks off .

Ai (stunned, hands trembling over her lips): "What... did he just...?"

She didn't know what he did but she understands that he insult her

She stares down, humiliated, hurt, broken.

[ Deep Forest – Dusk]

Despite the pain, Ai presses on through the forest with the map. Her limbs ache. Her pride aches more.

Finally—she finds the clearing marked on the map.

But...

Ai (gasping): "No..."

The giant lion lies dead.

Next to it: a bouquet of forest flowers... and a letter tucked beneath a stone.

Ai slowly unfolds it.

Letter (Oreki's handwriting):

"I killed this for you. You're too weak to do it yourself."

Her hands tremble. The letter flutters from her grip.

She falls to her knees, tears pouring silently.

[Old Master's House – Nightfall]

The old man stands outside, lantern in hand.

He sees Ai limping toward him—dirty, bruised, flower in hand, tear-streaked.

She collapses at his feet, throwing the flower to the ground.

Ai (voice breaking):"I… didn't pass the test. That bastard killed the lion... Please... teach me.Teach me how to be strong..."

She sobs openly, her pride shattered, voice desperate.

Old Man (slowly kneeling):"Who killed the lion?"

Ai (voice trembling):"Prince Oreki.... Please… I need strength. I won't ever forgive him..."

The old man's face grows grave.

Old Man (thinking):"Oreki… So, the time has finally come. The myths... they're all beginning to unfold."

He places a hand on her shoulder.

Old Man:"No more tears. From this moment forward... call me Master."

Ai (through tears):"Thank you... Master. I will work harder. I swear it on everything I have left."