First mission

The morning sun had barely peeked over the palace walls when a sharp knock echoed through the hallway.

Inside the room, Princess Ai lay peacefully under her blanket, her soft breathing steady, her expression calm and carefree. She looked completely unaware of the world outside.

"Get in. She's not going to wake up," said the Commander, standing beside Serena at the doorway.

Serena rolled her eyes. "Ah, come on. She's so careless."

She stepped in, approached Ai, and in one swift motion, yanked the blanket off her.

"Aiiiiiiiii! Wake up!" Serena shouted.

Ai groaned and turned over, covering her face with her arm. "Ugh… come on, let me sleep. Why are you waking me up so early…"

Serena scolded, "My lord is calling you. It's urgent!"

The word urgent pierced Ai's sleepy haze like an arrow. She sat up immediately.

"Let's go—" she started to say, ready to dash out the door.

Serena's eye twitched. "Idiot! First change your clothes!"

Ai blinked, then glanced down at herself. "Oh… I forgot."

Serena sighed

The Throne Room

Moments later, Ai stood in the grand hall, dressed properly in her royal armor, facing the king.

"Yes, my lord? You called for me?" she asked respectfully.

The king sat , his gaze firm yet thoughtful. "Yes. We are sending you on a mission."

Ai's eyes widened. "A mission…?"

The king nodded. "Do you know of Kingdom Noha ?"

Ai smiled faintly. "Oh yes. They're our good allies. Good people."

"Indeed," the king said, "but currently, they are caught in a troubling situation. Their great coal mine near the border is under threat."

Ai's brow furrowed. "But… why?"

Commander Zack stepped forward and explained, "Kingdom Thyrinx demanded Noha open trade with them. But since Noha is already in an agreement with us, they refused. Thyrinx has now begun using force to claim the coal mine."

The king's expression darkened. "Kingdom Noha is weaker than Thyrinx and now they've turned to us for help. If they lose control of the mine, not only will it be a tragedy for them, but a blow to our own supply and standing. As their allies, it is our duty to assist—not just for trade, but for the bond we share."

The king stood. "I cannot leave the kingdom, but you, Ai—you've grown. This is the time for you to step forward. Lead our forces. Go to Noha with Commander Zack and the soldiers. Protect them."

Ai's heart thumped with determination. A small smile tugged at her lips.

"Yes, my lord!" she declared.

The Departure

The castle buzzed with energy as everyone prepared for the mission.

Ai is ready

"I'm so excited!" she exclaimed.

Serena crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "This isn't a festival. It's a battlefield. Be serious."

Ai grinned. "Oh come on, I am serious. But it's not wrong to be excited ."

A short distance away, in the private corridor, the king pulled Commander Zack aside.

"Make sure she doesn't do anything reckless," the king said

Commander Zack gave a sharp nod. "Yes, my lord."

At the castle gates, the soldiers lined up. The queen and king stood atop the balcony, watching with heavy hearts.

The queen's gaze lingered on her daughter—her little girl, now a warrior leading an army.

"So... my little girl walks into a battlefield…" she thought, pain tightening her chest.

The king's eyes were locked on Zack, a silent message passing through the gaze: Protect her with your life.

Ai drew her sword from her side and raised it high.

"Let's gooooo!" she cried, leading the march.

She didn't look back—not once—as she rode forward with pride. There was strength in her posture, purpose in every step.

Serena, riding close behind, stared at Ai's back and thought to herself, "Sometimes she feels different... not the Ai I know .."

Arrival at Kingdom Noha

Several days later, after a long journey, Ai and her forces reached the peaceful-looking yet tense gates of Kingdom Noha.

The people welcomed them warmly, relief flooding their expressions.

Inside the throne room, the king of Noha stepped forward.

"We are truly grateful that you came, Princess Ai and Commander Zack," he said.

Ai smiled. "It's our pleasure. We're allies. Don't worry. Let us fight for you."

Commander Zack nodded silently, a presence as steady as a mountain.

The Queen of Noha stepped forward next. "Please, have some rest first. You must all be tired."

A maid guided them to their rooms. After a meal and some rest, Ai, Commander Zack, Serena, and a young unfamiliar boy gathered in a chamber to begin planning.

The Meeting

Commander Zack stood at the center of the room. "Now, Princess. Let's begin making our strategy."

Serena added, "Yes, but first, we need to understand how the war has progressed so far."

Ai, however, had her gaze fixed on the unfamiliar boy in the room.

"I have one question first…" she said, eyes narrowed.

Commander Zack turned. "What is it?"

Ai pointed. "Who is that boy?"

The boy blinked. "Me? My name is Nick."

Ai tilted her head. "What a weird name…"

Nick smirked. "your name too"

Ai replied proudly, "No My name is Pretty."

Serena slapped her forehead and sighed. "I thought this boy was smart, but he's just as strange as Ai..."

Commander Zack waved a hand. "Cut that out. Let me explain."

He turned toward Nick. "He's from the Heisi Dojo ."

Ai's eyes widened. "Heisi Dojo!?"

Nick stepped forward. "Yes. It's a dojo not belonging to any kingdom. Warriors from across the land gather there to train under the guidance of Sensei Heisi—my grandfather. When kingdoms need help, and if he deems it just, he sends students to assist."

Serena nodded slowly. "So, you're here because Noha asked for help."

Nick nodded. "Yes. I've come with a small unit."

Ai blinked again, realization dawning. "Wait… by Sensei Heisi, you mean my Sensei!? He never told me he had a dojo! So that's where he kept disappearing to for days…"

Nick chuckled. "Because you are in a special training? Don't you know Sensei Heisi is from your homeland."

Ai froze. "What?"

Commander Zack explained, "When the first emperor's sons fought and the kingdom split, Sensei Heisi stepped away. But he is historically from our land—and Kingdom Frederick."

Ai's mouth opened slightly. "Now I understand…but I don't know that he is this old"

Serena's eyes lit up too. "Ah, me too…"

Ai clenched her fists with excitement. "I want to visit that dojo!"

Nick smirked. "Focus on the battle first, princess."

Ai pouted. "Yeah, yeah, I know…"

She turned to the table and looked at the map with fire in her eyes.

"Alright then," she said firmly. "Let's make our plan and end this fight."

She didn't know what lay ahead… but she believed this mission would be the first of many victories. She believes that this time she returns her kingdom with pride

But she didn't know that

This battle… would not be easy.