Back to the kingdom

Everyone was preparing — the palace grounds buzzed with activity. After three long years, Princess Ai was returning from her training. Excitement filled the air. The people, soldiers, and palace staff were all eager to see their beloved princess again.

While King Kazuya remained silent, his face clouded with concern.

Two Days Earlier – At the Master's House

Ai stood beside her horse, adjusting her gloves and gear with determination in her eyes.

Ai: "Master, thank you so much for the training. I will definitely become stronger..."

Master: "Ah… now go. Leave."

Ai:"Yes," she replied softly, and turned to mount her horse.

Just as she was ready to ride off, her Master's voice stopped her.

Master: "You'll definitely seek your revenge... My prayers are with you."

Ai immediately looked back over her shoulder.

Ai: "Yes, I will... I will beat him. "

Then she turned, riding away. The Master watched her from a distance, a soft smile and hidden pain etched on his face.

Back to the Present...

Trumpets sounded. Cheers erupted across the castle.

Soldier (shouting):"Princess Ai is here!!"

Riding in with strength and grace, Ai entered the castle gates on her horse, regal and composed. All eyes were on her.

From the balcony above, Queen Aliza watched, her heart swelling with emotion.

Queen (thinking):"She's grown up…my little girl"

She wanted nothing more than to run and hug her daughter tightly, but her royal stature held her back.

Ai: "I am back—back to my kingdom!"

The crowd gathered in the grand throne room, whispers and admiration echoing through the chamber.

King Kazuya stood, eyes proud yet wary.

King: "I am sure you trained well?"

Ai: "Yes, my lord. I trained so hard, so I can protect our kingdom… and defeat anyone who dares to disrespect us."

The King's heart swelled with pride—until Ai continued.

Ai: "Especially that annoying prince from the Frederick Kingdom."

The King's expression shifted instantly.

King: "Oreki... Why? What happened?"

Ai:"I met him during my trial. We had a fight. I lost... He disrespected you. He disrespected me. There's no way I'm going to forgive him. I will seek my revenge..."

Her voice dripped with fury. The court fell silent. Everyone looked worried.

The King's anger exploded.

King:"Shut up! There is no need to fight him. Stay away from him and his kingdom!"

Ai (angrily): "But he disrespected you—"

King (cutting her off):"Do as I told you to do!"

Ai clenched her fists and turned away, storming out of the hall. The King slumped into his throne, his face filled with dread as he turned to the Queen and Commander.

King: "Everything is starting to connect… What should I do?"

Later – On Patrol

Ai was out on her usual patrol when she heard a desperate cry.

Voice (screaming):"Thief! Thief! Someone help!"

She looked up quickly, spotting someone sprinting away, a loaf of bread clutched in their hand.

Without hesitation, Ai charged forward.

The thief was fast—skilled, even. One by one, the guards failed to catch her. She weaved through the streets like smoke.

Thief (gasping): "Finally… I'm able to escape..."

Ai (closing in): "You can't fool me..."

The thief turned sharply, eyes widening as she locked eyes with the princess.

Ai (surprised): "Wait… you're a girl?"

The thief, trembling with exhaustion, drew a small knife and tried to attack. But her body, weakened by hunger, couldn't follow through.

Ai:"I know you're hungry. Throw that away. Let me help you..."

Thief: "Shut up! I don't need any help!"

Ai watched her carefully, reading her body language.

Ai (thinking): "She's faking it... She doesn't intend to hurt me. And… she's not from here, is she?"

Ai (gently): "You're not from here... Where is your family?"

At the mention of 'family', the girl's eyes welled up. She lunged, grabbing Ai and pressing the blade to her neck—hands shaking.

Thief:"Why did you let me catch you?"

Ai (calmly): "Because I know you have no intention of hurting me. Share your pain with me. I'll listen."

The thief's breathing grew heavier. She didn't know what to do, how to react.

Thief (choking up): "I know who you are... You're the princess of this kingdom. Please—let me go... I have to… I have to kill that bastard..."

Ai:"Who?"

Thief (with hatred):"That bastard King... and his son. Oreki."

Ai's eyes blazed with fury. She shoved the girl back, shocked.

Ai: "I also want to defeat him. But what's your reason?"

Before the girl could respond, soldiers arrived. They quickly surrounded her and, on Ai's command, brought her to the castle dungeon

Inside the Castle

King Kazuya: "Where is Ai? It's time for her training."

Commander:"She's dealing with a thief she captured. She insisted on handling the matter personally."

King (relieved):"Good..."

He dismissed the concern, thinking it was a small issue. But he didn't know the mistake he had just made.

Meanwhile – In the Dungeon

Ai stood before the cell, the girl imprisoned inside, bound and sitting in silence.

Ai: "Now… tell me. Why do you want to kill them? If you tell me the truth, I'll help you."

She stepped forward, offering a tray of food through the bars.

Ai (with a soft smile): "Go on. There's no need to fear me."

The girl stared at Ai, unsure whether to trust her—but what choice did she really have?

With a sigh, trembling hands reached for the food.

She finally spoke.