Imperial, during intense lightning training with Master Kaien, accidentally strikes a mysterious stone pillar, causing a scream. They discover Ari, a girl who can read the ancient inscription on the pillar. Ari reveals her strange connection to the pillar, and it's revealed that Imperial is secretly royalty from a powerful family, surprising Ari and deepening the mystery.
Ari's eyes widened in shock. "Wait… Alden? As in one of the top three royal families in the empire?"
"Yes, it is," Kaien confirmed calmly.
Ari instantly panicked. She turned to Imperial, her face paling slightly. "I-I'm sorry for hitting your hand earlier! Please don't tell anyone, or I'll get punished by the royals."
Imperial chuckled softly. "It's not a big deal. If I had to punish someone for treating me badly, it would have to be this old man here." He shot Kaien a teasing look, earning a knowing smirk from his master.
As their conversation continued, Imperial noticed a few deep scratches on Ari's hands. "Hey, your hands are injured," he pointed out.
Master Kaien nodded thoughtfully. "You should take her to your house. Your mother can treat her injuries and give her some first aid."
Ari instinctively took a step back, hesitating. "I can't… I mean, I'm just a commoner. I shouldn't just walk into a royal's house…"
Kaien placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The Alden family isn't like the others. They don't discriminate between royals and commoners." His voice softened into a gentle smile. "Besides, Imperial's grandfather personally requested that I be promoted to vice general. I was a captain under his command, and your mother's family has a long history of respecting true skill, regardless of birth."
Imperial's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait—Master, you knew my grandfather? And my father too? Why didn't you ever tell me?"
Kaien smiled, nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "That's quite a story. When I first joined the royal army, your grandfather had just become vice general. I served directly under him as a captain. We went on many missions together, and a few months later, he was promoted to general. Around that time, I received word that I was promoted to vice general—an uncommon honor for someone not born into royalty."
A brief flashback played in Kaien's mind:
"Kaien, I know you're the one who asked the higher-ups to promote me to vice general, right?" your grandfather had said.
"Yeah, Kaien, you're right," came the reply.
Kaien had then asked, "Why would you do that, sir? It might seem unfair to others. They might think I used my influence to get this post."
"Let them think what they want. I know your capability, Kaien. We've fought side by side many times, and you always gave me a run for my money," your grandfather had said with a laugh.
Back to the present, Kaien cleared his throat. "That's enough for today. I'll tell you more stories when we have time. But first, take Ari home and tend to her injuries."
Though Ari was still nervous, she found herself walking beside Imperial feeling oddly comfortable.
Imperial glanced at her curiously. "So, how did your locket get attracted to that pillar? Do you have any idea?"
Ari shook her head. "No, not at all. But I guess it's really important to find out."
Imperial then asked, "Who gave you that locket?"
"My parents," she replied, "but I don't think they know anything about it. If I told them the locket led me here, they'd probably just dismiss it."
After a few minutes of conversation, they finally reached the grand Alden estate. The large doors swung open, revealing Lyra Alden, Imperial's mother. She took one look at her son standing beside a girl his age and immediately froze in surprise.
Imperial frowned, confused. "Mom? What's wrong?"
Ari, meanwhile, had a sudden wild thought. Wait… does she think I'm Imperial's… girlfriend?! Her face flushed red with embarrassment and shock.
Oblivious to her reaction, Imperial said calmly, "Mom, she's injured. Please treat her wounds."
Lyra's gaze shifted to Ari's hands, and her expression softened. "Of course. Imperial, go get the first-aid kit."
As Imperial hurried off, Ari hesitated before stepping inside. Lyra smiled warmly. "Come in, dear."
Once seated, Lyra gently cleaned Ari's wounds. "So, your name is Ari," she said kindly. "I take it you're not from the royal district?"
Ari nodded. "Yes, I'm a commoner."
Lyra noticed the flicker of unease in Ari's eyes and spoke softly, "There's no need to be afraid. Our family doesn't look down on commoners."
Ari hesitated a moment before asking, "Um… can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
Ari glanced away, flustered. "Did you… um… think I was Imperial's… girlfriend?"
Lyra chuckled lightly. "Don't worry, dear. That thought did cross my mind for a moment, but no—I was just surprised."
Ari tilted her head, curious. "Why?"
Lyra smiled gently. "Because this is the first time Imperial has ever brought someone home."
Ari blinked in surprise. "Really?"
Lyra nodded. "He's always been shy, ever since he was little. He never really had any friends. So when I saw him bring someone home—especially a girl—I couldn't help but be a little shocked."
Ari let out a small laugh. "That's unexpected."
As Lyra finished treating her wounds, Ari's thoughts drifted to something she had overheard earlier.
"Can I ask one more thing?" Ari said tentatively.
"Sure."
"That moment when Imperial asked Master Kaien about his father… He seemed really eager to know about him. I can guess he's never seen his grandfather before, but… what about his father?"
Lyra's warm expression dimmed slightly. She placed the medical supplies aside and let out a quiet sigh.
"You're right," she said softly. "Imperial has never seen his father. The day he was born was the last day his father was with us."
Ari's breath caught in her throat. "What… what happened to him?"
Lyra looked at Ari, her eyes shadowed with a sadness she kept hidden for years.
"Alright," she said quietly. "Listen carefully…