The Runaway Servant

༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻ Wisteria Kingdom is one of the peaceful country in the Continent of Ataraxia ruled by the only child of the previous King and Queen, Queen Samantha and her late husband King Sebastian. Queen Samantha and King Sebastian was blessed by the Gods to have a son which was named Cynfael, the one and only successor of the throne. Wisteria is a big country that's why Queen Samantha's ancestor decided to divide the country into 5 capital and each has 10 district. Wisteria, the Central Capital is where the palace were and also the centre of the Kingdom. Sequioa, the Southern Capital is ruled by His Grace, Duke Oliver Evergarden. Sequioa is where the supply of fish and other marine goods and animals were coming from. Fortuna, the Northern Capital is ruled by His Grace, Duke Anwyll Fontana. Fortuna supply the fresh crops of every farmer's harvest. This is also where some of the jobs such as carpentry, cookery, weaving and such. His Grace, Duke Christopher Wodelhouse is the ruler of Aurora, the Eastern Capital. He is also the younger brother of the late King Sebastian. This is where the royal military as well as the royal guards train and are coming from. This is also the place where the other male nobles and royalties are training for their abilities to fight and lead in battles. Lastly, The Western Capital, Idyll. Ruled by Her Grace, Duchess Neith Inaros. This is also known as the Capital of Knowledge as this is the place almost every noble citizen of Wisteria studied at. Only few commoners were able to get in, as in every aspect, everything is advance. But there is one... Neith's laugh bursted in the royal hall meeting as she held the paper on her hand, "His Majesty really found a rare jewel." "Your Grace, please refrain from being so loud," Her butler reminded. They were having a meeting about the achievements of every successor and that includes the academic and non academic performance of the Prince. But also, an amazing achievement of the orphan His Majesty, King Sebastian took. Luna Winterfield. "This is interesting, not only she's an orphan, she amazingly surpass His Royal Highness in other aspect of academic and non academic," Duke Anwyll mentioned. "But we should also teach her how to be a much more lady. Not to mention that she excelled in fighting," Duke Christopher said. "Come on, Your Grace, where's the fun in that? A lady can do whatever she wants. The society's judgement isn't what important. Doing what you truly felt is." Neith contradicts. "You're a lady yourself and you don't act as a lady, didn't the Academy taught you enough. You narcissist woman," Duke Christopher remarked. "Okay, that's enough, Your Graces," Queen Samantha said in a soft and soothing voice making them stop. "As far of my concern, I would like you to guide Luna as how you guide my son and the rest of the students." "By the way, Duke Christopher, how's the investigations of the assassinations?" "There is an improvement but we still find out what the reason is. Although, we have clue who's the one behind the assassination. None other than the Kingdom of Sphyx." "That annoying Kingdom again? Can't they realize just how weak they are compared to us?" Neith grumbled. "But what's the improvement?" "I don't know if its only a coincidence but Luna Winterfield knows the persons that got assassinated. Firstly is the midwife who we found out to be the one who was in charged in Luna's Birth. Although her real mother died after giving birth on her." "Second is her adoptive mother's family, and lastly was her adoptive mother," "Do you know who she really was? Like her real name perhaps?" Duke Anwyll questioned "All those who knew were already taken down by the assassin. But her name was actually Luna but her last name was changed by the adoptive mother. And the files about that were not recovered." "The other improvement is that, we've got some witness about the assassinations and what they look like. In other ways, even if its them in disguise , we must take risk." "I see." Aquilegia Academy As the meeting continued, the students were having their precious lunch time on the Royal Canteen. As Luna were eating alone, a group of young nobles in her age came on her table, slamming their hands giving the canteen an immediate silence. "Is there something you need from me?" "Yes, and this is! What the hell is this?" The child said as she threw the copied paper result of Luna. One of those papers landed on Luna's food that didn't go unnoticed. "That is my result papers," Luna said in a matter of fact voice. "I know that! But how the hell could a dirty foundling like you to be this intelligent? I knew it! You stole the answer sheet from the faculty office, have you?!" "How can I do that when I'm being monitored by His Royal Highness' guard and butler?" By this notion, pink hues started to fill the face of the child by Her accusation. "You've ruined not only my time eating as well as my identity. What if its true that I'm a foundling? Does it bother you that much? I don't even interact nor know who you are." "How dare you, you commoner!?" "So what if I'm a commoner? It doesn't make a difference even if you are a noble and I'm a commoner both of us lives and both of us could die. You just have money and I don't, that's the reason you're in a higher position. Don't underestimate people below you, you might not know, what if I surpass you?" "You can not discriminate me, I can stand for myself as I have known my rights." With that Luna left the Royal Canteen without caring about her unfinished food. She walked through the hallway and sigh. She then stopped on her way she saw one of the older cousin of Cynfael, Zyaian, leaning on the wall. "Was I at fault again, Your Grace?" Zyaian stood up straight and smiled at the girl, "I won't say its you whose at fault. You did great defending your self. But please refrain using incoherent words infront of a noble." "Understood, Your Grace." Zyaian is the older twin son of Duke Christopher and of course his younger twin brother Zyaiar. Also, Zyaian is the one expected to be the next Duke of Aurora and Zyaiar will be one to rule the army. "I'll bring you to your class," Zyaian offered as Luna only nod her head and follow the teenager. At the time, Luna's age is 9. She was found by the King when she's 7, and five months before she turn 8, the King died of an illness. As for Cynfael, he is 10. Meanwhile Zyaian and Zyaiar were 14. Cynfael's at the Royal Military Academy under the royal protocol about his seven year training at the age of 8. Luna and him only met once and it was during the King's funeral. 4 Years Later Aquilegia Academy Royal Committee Council Murmurs filled the room of the council because of the words that left on Cynfael's mouth, "Cynfael, I don't think that's appropriate to challenge a lady in a duel," Hadrian seriously said. Hadrian Inaros, younger brother of the Duchess of Idyll and soon to be director of Aquilegia Academy. "What's wrong with that? It's a fair deal, she can ask anything if she succeeds but if I became victorious. She need to leave this academy and the palace." Zyaian sighs as he messes his hair, "You just came back and your causing trouble already. Luna you don't have to accept the duel." "You don't have to be worried, Your Grace," Luna mumbled as she "accidentally" broke the pencil she's holding. "Eeekkkkk ...! L-luna," Elizabell, daughter of the Duke of Fontana shrieked. "I will accept your duel, Your Royal Highness," Luna agreed making everyone's attention to be focused on how she picked the gloves thrown by Cynfael, "but if I won, I'll be your adviser in manners and values on how to treat people right." "That's if you won." As the duel were being processed, it will be held in a private room in the Academy. On the last day of the month of Aprilis. 5 days after Cynfael challenged Luna. The news of the duel were not made into public in case Cynfael loses. I would be a shame as well as to the reputation of Duke Christopher. Only the Royal Committee Councils members, chosen teachers, Duchess Neith, Duke Christopher and the Queen knew about the duel. As the days of preparation and wait pass by, the day of the duel came in hand. Although it is called duel, it would be mentally. In other words battle of mind a theme chosen by Duchess Neith And Duke Christopher. "Bow," a teacher motioned as the two bowed and then took a seat. Zyaian suddenly flipped a coin, "Tails," Luna bet. "Head then," Cynfael said soon after. As the coin landed on Zyaian's hand, he immediate hides it with his other hand. A few seconds pass by and decided to reveal which side did the coin choose. Tails. "Luna will do the first move." "Start," Queen Samantha announced as Luna moved a piece almost immediately. Cynfael smirked as he moved one of his piece and ate Luna's first move. It continued again and again making Cynfael smile in triumph even he's not declared the winner yet. The piece left to Luna's side is one. To Cynfael, a lot but scattered. "Don't you have a farewell message?" "Luna..." Queen Samantha mumbled but not wasn't heard by anyone. "L-Luna don't lose!" Elizabell yelled. As the other looked so serious. Luna smiled sweetly and replied, "You're literally under my command, Your Royal Highness." Cynfael slammed his hand on the table in contradiction, "You only have a piece don't you know you were already defeated right after you accept my challenge?!" "Are you sure about that, Your Royal Highness?" Luna asked as she rest her chin on her right hand as her left hand signed Cynfael to look on the board game pieces. Cynfael's eyes widen as he noticed the order of his board game pieces. "Heh, so clever," Duchess Neith commented as she smirked. Luna started to move her last and only piece, slowly eating away every board pieces of Cynfael. "You shouldn't underestimate a single piece, this my kingdom, I rule every domain and none of them could lose," she remarked as she defeated Cynfael by eating the last board piece he got. "I won, Your Royal Highness. We will start your special lecture of manners and how you should act as a ruler. Every whole day of Lunae to Veneris. Because if you don't, might as well we'll bet for the throne the next time," Luna said in calm and sweet voice but laced with venom. "HOW DARE YOU!-" he was stopped when he Duke Christopher took a grip on his hand. "What Luna said is true, Cynfael. If you don't act responsible, you might not be the next ruler of Wisteria. You should act like one now because few years from now you'll be taking the position as a Grand Prince, a much higher title from your title now which is Prince of Zendra." "Now, I'm ending this duel!" As it end, Cynfael didn't break the deal he and Luna created. Luna started from the most basic manners then to etiquette. Proper way of addressing someone and then dancing. "Today we will go and explore the outskirts of Idyll," Luna said making Cynfael show a disgusted face. "I decline." He declined almost immediately. "No, you can't reject this notion. Here, change into something simple. Those extravagant clothes would bring attention and here's a hat to hide your identity." Even though he doesn't want to, they were allowed to explore the outskirts of Idyll with the permission of the Queen and Duchess Neith. They both used a simple clothes but actually fancy for a commoner as well as a hat to hide their faces As they started walking through the stalls and exchanging words with commoners, a dirty place showed before them. "This is the poverty in Idyll, Your Royal Highness," Luna said as Cynfael's eyes widen. A lot of skinny and poor people were walking and buying foods and even some looking at the trashcan. But the people seemed to be happy and cheerful despite all of this. "Is there something we can help, My Lady? My Lord?" A very skinny kid cheerfully asked as Cynfael noticed his body covered with dirt. "Oh, hi there child. I think we don't need anything, but here's some money will you please give every family a single gold coin?" Luna said as she handed a small fancy bag full of coins. "Oh no, We're all fine we don't need anything. Besides the last time someone gave us money, they blamed us, accusing us to steal their money." An old lady interfered rejecting Luna's offer. "They're a noble aren't they?" Cynfael asked as the old lady stayed quiet biting her lower lip. "You don't have to be afraid, Grandma Laya," Luna said as she removed her hat. "Lady Luna!" The skinny kid then yelled as he jumped around calling almost everyone. "This is my friend, Fael," Luna introduced. After having a catchup with everyone in the place. They eventually accept the money as both of them left the place. They visited the clock tower and went on its highest floor. "You might he questioning how I met them." Luna predicted as she looked at the setting sun "Hmm." "It was the time when His Majesty found me, fighting some noble because of treating the people badly. That's the hidden life of the commoner not every noble know about. Living in a fancy life, full of money and power." "I brought you here for you to realize the importance of happiness to commoners. How they hide it with smiles. I want those smiles to stay where they were, even when you take the throne from Her Majesty. I want you to reign with equality and justice." Cynfael stared at the girl in front of him, adding the hues of the setting sun from afar. He then was shook away from his gaze when Luna turned around and smiled. "But it all depends on you, Your Royal Highness. I'm not serious of taking the throne from you. Because everyone of us were relying on what you would do as a Prince of Zendra, as a Grand Prince few years from now and as a King of Wisteria in the Future." "...." "...." "..ness" ".... highness." "Your Royal Highness..." Cynfael woke up and saw not the face of Luna but his butler Moran. He slowly took a seat and gently rubbed his eyes. "A dream of her again?" "Hmm..." Luna after graduating the Academy at the age of 17 worked as an advisor of Cynfael and continued for 2 more years. After that talk with her on the clock tower, Cynfael changed and became a proper man befitting for the throne. Luna suddenly left the palace three week after the party of Cynfael being the Grand Prince. And now three years later she's still nowhere to be found. "I don't know why she left, I don't even know what happened." A knock suddenly stopped the butler from responding, he opened the door and Zyaiar entered the room. "Cynfael, we have a problem." At the Royal Hall, everyone was gathered, as then Cynfael with his Butler Moran and Zyaiar entered the room. "What's the commotion about, Your Majesty?" "Sphyx Kingdom made a move on attacking Northern Capital, Lamp District, Your Royal Highness." Zyaian answered as he held the papers on his hand. "Lamp District? Are they trying to get a hold of our Food District?" Neith grumbles. "That may be the reason, is this publicly announced?" Cynfael asked. "No but the news spread fast, so we have no choice but to eventually announce it officially." "Every district in Aurora should spread army, move every citizen away from Fortuna. All district that is closer to the Eastern, Western and Central Capital should be the safe place. Our top priority is to save citizen, avoid crossing path with our nemesis for now." "Duchess of Idyll would be the one to provide the doctors to provide medicine to the citizens. And the Six district squad army would guard the six district as the safe place. Two other squad would assist and the other two as standby. Stop fighting back as possible." 'Luna wherever you are please be safe..!' "Zyaian and Zyaiar appoint someone you could trust as the leader of every squad as soon as possible." "Dismissed!" Everyone left the palace as well as Cynfael and his butler. "READY THE HORSES!" a certain knight announced as Cynfael ride a random horse with the same armour as the others. "OPEN THE GATE!!!!" Zyaian yelled as the Palace Gate slowly opened and everyone of them handled their horse professionally commanding it to run in a certain speed. They took over the way to the Northern Capital. As they neared the gate, a lot of people were injured but none of them died eventually. "Help us!" "Please!" "Moran, you stay here assist the other doctors, I know some of them were students." Cynfael stated and signed for the others to go now. Every army went directly to the Lamp District but going over there takes a lot of time. And they arrived there at night. Everything is on fire and a lot of dead bodies are on the ground. Everyone started on defending the citizens. Cynfael then saw a running lady with two children in holding her hands when a knight from Sphyx was about to eliminate them when he came to the rescue. "Thank....yo-" as the lady looked up her and Cynfael's eyes widen. The lady's body move on its own as she run with the children. The faces of the children didn't escape from Cynfael's eyes. "Cynfael! We're now taking the Lamp District back! The Sphyx are retreating!" "I'll be there!" As they successfully retrieve the district, they were not able to retrieve the Icao District which was the closest district to the Rummage Forest which represent as the border of Wisteria and Sphyx. "You spaced out a while ago, what happened?" Zyaiar asked as he took a sip from the hot soup while watching the other soldiers collecting the body of those who didn't make it. "I saw Luna," he replied making Zyaian froze and almost dropping his soup. "You what?" "I saw Luna. I saw Luna earlier here in Lamp District." ༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻༺❀༻