“Sato! Are you going to disobey my command or do your duty!” The gruff-sounding man shouts at a red-armored samurai. The young man can’t distinguish if the crimson colors were painted or the blood of his victims. “My Lord, I-” He attempts to speak but is quickly cut off by a look from the man he serves. His eyes were …

Morning rises in the cold village. I begin the day with breakfast and reading news about recent events in the Kingdom Mei provided me. “It seems like father and brother will be heading into battle soon. The news hasn’t reached most of Heistorm, but many are aware of the tides approaching. Do you know what the numbers on each side …

It had been a week since Tia had left the manor. Father had been planning with Dunick and his commanders for the war effort. I was stuck getting prepared to leave my home and travel to Saiana Village. Commander Eckhart was also to be my escort with the five Scarlet knights and fifty infantry troops assigned to our command. During …

Today was the last day Caleb could see Tia. He will spend the last night with her before she departs home. He was determined to ensure she got the proper goodbye he could give her. Caleb had secretly spoken with his maids and servants to prepare a special event just for her. Zao took charge of the preparations, and so …

“Young Master, I have what you requested,” Zao speaks to me in a dignified tone. He holds a box in his hands. “Did my design go through?” I grab the box from his hands and begin to open it. “The crafters said the design was complex, but simple trial and error was enough to figure it out. However, they asked …

“Upon her father’s request, she will not know about the new proposal until she is safe at her home in Duldat.” “Why not? She deserves to know!” “Soldia doesn’t want her to cause a scene; please respect his wishes.” Caleb clenched his fists. But a moment of clarity made him realize that getting upset now wouldn’t do much. “You know …

I sat on the stairs, waiting for my brother to show up. He needed to talk to father but promised he would speak to me again today afterwards. A soft pat was on my shoulder as Tia sat next to me. She smiled at me and seemed to enjoy the positive around me. “I heard your brother is here. I …

Several days have passed. Caleb’s day was filled with learning various arts and practices. In the morning, it was reading the history of sword arts and the basics of their foundation. In the afternoon, he would spend two hours with Zao to practice his dancing. At first, he would make progress but would hit a rough spot. Zao was a …

The week ended in a flash. Each day went by as Tia, and my two maids took great care of my recovery. And soon, I was back on my feet, fully recovered. “Thank you, guys. I don’t know what I would do without you.” I praise them. “It is our duty, Master; leave it to us to make sure you …

A bright sky dawns on a sleeping figure in the open fields of grass. The clouds are clear, and the breeze is enlightening. The man smiles gently as he dreams on with contentment. “…Sato!” A voice calls out in the distance; the man gently tilts his head to the name. A still silence. The gentle breeze. “…Sato Haruki!” The voice …