Chapter 73: A Prophecy from The Past: Part - IV

In the Archduke's mansion, after consulting with Lala about Kai's idea, she happily accepted their support for Ana's education. However, she requested some time to consider about her own idea to enter the academy. The weight of responsibility and gratitude rested on her shoulders. Everyone understood her situation, and they happily accepted it, as their meeting ended.

And so, sometime later, the archduke's mansion witnessed a different kind of battle. Ray and Kai sat across from each other, the chessboard poised between them. The tension in the room was palpable—their minds calculating moves, strategies unfolding.

Ray's eyes narrowed as he studied the board. The pieces shifted, danced, and clashed. But Kai, ever the strategist, remained composed. His fingers glided over the wooden figures; each move deliberate.

The clock ticked, measuring their minutes. And then, in a swift motion, Kai's knight captured Ray's queen, sealing the match. Ray shot up from his chair, disbelief etched on his face. "Impossible! Seven wins and three draws!" he exclaimed. "How? I didn't win a single round and you won seven! That too all within four minutes each time! You must be using some kind of tricks!"

Kai leaned back, a smug grin playing on his lips. He snapped his fingers, and the words materialized: "I'm just too smart."

Ray demanded another match, determination burning in his eyes. As the pieces rearranged, Kai's mind wandered. "Chess," he thought. "A timeless game—strategic, elegant. It's good to see it being introduced here; a good source for time pass."

Ray and Kai sat across from each other, the chessboard poised for another round. The tension in the room was palpable—their minds calculating moves, strategies unfolding.

Ray, his eyes narrowed, broke the silence. "So, when are you going to tell me?" he asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

To this, Kai smiled, his projection materialized, hovering above the board. "Tell what?" it read. "How to get back with Niatina and live happily ever after? Pretty desperate, huh."

Ray's cheeks flushed slightly. "Think whatever you want," he murmured, avoiding Kai's gaze. But Kai's smug smile remained, and Ray wondered if he was the only one desperate for answers.

As they played, a screen flickered to life; showing what's happening in the palace, visible only to Kai. Looking at the screen, Kai thinks to himself, "You aren't the only one who's desperate, Ray..." The screen showed Niatina, holding a delicate ribbon in her hands. Her voice, barely audible, whispered, "Ray..."

Kai fell silent, lost in deep thoughts. Finally, he asked Ray, the projection's words changing: "Tell me the whole story then."

Ray hesitated, reliving memories from his past—the tragedy that shaped him. "I think you should know it from the very beginning then." He said, proceeding further. "As you know," he began, "Uncle Max and Aunt Celestina took me in after my real parents died in the accident. I was only six years old back then, and starting to living in the palace was very new to me. But still, with uncle Max and aunt Celestina besides me, I was able to start a new life there. Later, I was given the title of the 'prince'. And for surely, many nobles opposed to this, but with uncle Max and Hiro standing for me, no one dare to say anything. And it was then, that I met her…" His voice trailed off, the picture of those early days in the royal palace resurfacing.

Eleven years ago:

The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the walls of the huge chamber where six-year-old Ray sat. His clothes clung to his small frame, freshly laundered. The palace servants had bathed him, dressed him in soft fabrics, and fed him a proper meal. His first day within these grand walls had ended, and the unfamiliar bed awaited him.

As he lay there, the room dimly lit, Celestina entered. Her presence was gentle, like a mother tending to her child. She sat on the edge of his bed, her eyes filled with warmth. "Can I really stay here?" Ray's voice trembled, fear and insecurity clear in his eyes.

Celestina leaned closer, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "You are now a part of our family," she assured him, her smile as comforting as a mother's embrace.

Ray's memories swirled, pulling him back to the wooden house on the outskirts of the capital city. As the moonlight casted on the house, it was seen a young Ray played with a man, around his mid-twenties, blonde-haired and crystal-eyed—his father, Ryeon Leonhart. They enacted a hero and monster battle, Ray swinging a small wooden sword, his father playing the role of the fearsome creature.

As Ray declared victory, his father fell on the floor. He remained still, playing dead. Ra called to him, but he didn't sit up. Fear gripped Ray, and he called out, desperate for his father to wake. But as his calling for him didn't work, he started to cry. His cries echoed until a delicate figure, around her early-twenties, rushed in—the blue-haired woman, Ines Leonhart. In front of her, she saw Ryeon, trying to calm Ray down. As he looked at her, he laughed awkwardly. "I guess I got too much into the act..." he said. She scolded Ray's father, soothing the child's tears.

Later, his father took him outside, flying through the air with wind magic. The night sky stretched above them, and Ray perched on his father's shoulder. He was in awe, until he heard. "Happy now?" his father asked.

Ray pouted. "No!" he replied. "I was scared you'd died."

His father smiled, looking toward the moon. "Don't worry," he said. "Even if something happens to me or Mom, you'll have your three uncles to support you."

An image flashed in Ryeon's mind—the three friends his he had mentioned. Maximus on the right side, Hiro at the center, and a third figure, not entirely clear, on the left. Ray asked what his father meant, but he just laughed it off.

The memory slowly faded, leaving Ray quietly crying. Celestina held him, her own panic hidden behind a comforting embrace. And Ray, his voice shaky and sad, whispered, "I… I miss my dad… my mom…"

In Celestina's arms, Ray found solace—a fragile connection to the past, a bridge to the family he'd lost. But the truth about his parents' death remained shrouded in mystery, known only to Celestina, Maximus, Hiro, and Sakura. They had witnessed the tragedy—the bloodied bodies of Ryeon and Ines protecting their son, Ray, at the scene of the accident.

Ray finally drifted into sleep after shedding tears for some time. Celestina quietly left his room, her heart heavy with the weight of their shared grief. As she stepped into the corridor, she was surprised to find Maximus sitting there, his expression troubled. Without hesitation, she lowered herself to his level, concern etching her features.

"What's wrong?" Celestina asked, her voice gentle. Maximus took a deep breath, his eyes revealing a hidden burden. He spoke, and his words widened Celestina's eyes, leaving her stunned. They both sat there, lost in their thoughts, the silence between them echoing with unspoken fears.

The next morning, Ray awoke to find Sakura waiting for him. Her cheerful greeting cut through the heaviness that clung to him. "Good morning, Ray!" she chirped. Ray blinked, still adjusting to the new day. "Good morning, Aunt Sakura. But why are you here?" he asked.

Sakura's smile remained bright. "Well, me and Celestina, along with both of your uncles have something to tell you," She explained. "But first, let's get you ready!" She clapped her hands, signaling the maids to enter, carrying freshly made clothes for Ray. Ray was left in awe, looking at all the things prepared for him. As they helped him dress, Sakura mentioned something intriguing. "Oh right, you haven't met the princesses yet," she said.

Ray's curiosity flared. "Princesses?" he echoed. Sakura nodded. "Let's go and greet them as well, shall we?"

After some time, Sakura guided Ray through the grand breakfast hall, where sunlight painted patterns on the marble floor. Hiro and Maximus sat at the long table, busy talking until they saw Ray and Sakura arrive. Celestina stood by the window, her eyes crinkling in a warm welcome for Ray. Later, as they took their seats. Ray settled into the plush chair beside her.

Sakura took her place next to Hiro, her voice animated as he talked with Hiro. The maids came in, bringing their breakfast. As time went by, Maximus asked. "Hey," he said, "when will the carriage arrive?" To this, Celestina calmly responded. "Have some patience. They should arrive soon."

Ray's curiosity flared. "Is someone coming today, uncle?" he asked looking at Hiro, who responded. "The princesses are returning today from their grandparents house." As he said so, Ray wondered on what kind of princesses they will be, since he never met them until now. His thoughts swirled as a guard knocked on the door. "Your majesty, the carriage has arrived!" he announced.

To this news, Maximus, Celestina, and the others hurried outside. As they reached the entrance, the carriage halted by, and a little girl burst forth; wearing a green floral dress, her laughter like tinkling bells. "Daddy!" she cried, launching herself at Maximus, who caught her in a tight embrace. "Mono!" he exclaimed. It was the little five-year-old second princess, Montina von Lunaris.

Ray watched, wide-eyed. "Is she the princess?" he asked Hiro.

Hiro nodded. "She's the second princess."

Ray looked ahead at them, as he saw Celestina asking her about her journey, as she replied with all excitement in her voice. Along with that, Maximus was playfully scolding Mono about her disheveled hair, and she giggled, carefree. Ray wondered to hismself; "What will the first princess be like?"

Celestina stepped toward the carriage, as the door opened again. This time, out stepped the little five-year-old first princess, Niatina von Lunaris. She wore a similar dress as Mono, but her hair was neatly combed like her sister's. As Ray saw her, his breath hitched. She was ethereal, her presence captivating. He just kept looking at her, his heart beating fast and cheeks starting to turn red.

-To be continued