A tragic love story

Mother and father met when they were young. Egilhard was one of the four Archduke families: Duchy of Egilhard, Duchy of Lachia, Duchy of Stanford and Duchy of Andros. These four Duchy are part of empire but can still act independently.

Archduke are those who were king at one time but almost hundred years ago, they united the small countries to form the current empire. And Egilhard was one of the first few ones to accept Aurelius family as the true ruler of humam empire. And Diana was at that time the only princess of Egilhard. All other archdukes had sons and even the emperor had no daughter. So in the whole empire she was only one given the title of the princess. Her status was only second to the Empress.

As the only daughter, she was adored and pampered. But because she lost her mother at a young age, she did not become a snobbish person. Diana inherited her mother's talent in magic. She was quite talented at a young age. She was quite skilled in sword art and earth magic. Earth magic is mainly used for defense. But another way is the control type magic to master the things that grow out of earth. Mainly plants were the focus of magic weilders. Very few people becomes proficient in both. But she did.

After her home schooling, she was quite bored. She heard of her mother's stories as an adventuror. She was a commner but married an archduke. They also had quite a story. Since she could not inherit the duekdorm, she practiced hard in order to get her father's approval. Her father was a man of few words. After losing his wife, he became quite protective of his only daughter.

But just as Diana grew up, she felt suffocated in the mansion. She wanted to get out of there. So she started planing. When she became fifteen years old, she decided to become an adventurer. She took money, some exilers and things that could be needed in her ring which contained a space. That was her gift of this year's birthday. She took her maid Rosetta who was the weilders of fire magic. She was eighteen yrs old. She couldn't stop her master but only go along in her reckless plan so that she could protect her. She was also a trained assassin.

The young princess along her attendant began their journey. They registered themselves in a guild for adventurers. After getting a certification, they became a C class adventurer which is based on their strength. To become an adventurer, one is tested on their strengths and fight in a mock battle. Diana was happy to get a C. She started her adventures. As for her father, he was not home and was in capital because of business. She escaped the mansion by saying that she wants to reciprocate in her mother's place that was far in countryside. But she sent one of her trustworthy maid as Diana. Because of her limited social life, hardly people knew her face.

Diana just like her name was beautiful enough to give a tough competition even to goddesses. So she always wore a black mask. She started working as an adventurer by completing the tasks given by the guild. The tasks were different for each class. Since her rank was C, it was neither too much not too low just like her tasks given.

One day, they were given a task to get the blue roses, a rare magical herb. It was a simple task but the place where they grew was quite deep in the forest. It was risky but they went. They were vigilant throughout their path. But maybe luck was not on their side. When they almost reached the flower place, they heard the star wolf's hound. It was an A class monster but one was not their enemy. So they took him down easily. Just as they were happy. A whole pack of starwolf was coming towards them. Rose sensing the danger told her master to go but Diana couldn't just leave her alone. She started chanting spells and made a defensive wall and then made the land into muddy area to hinder their movements. And Rose took them down with her sword and fire. She roasted quite a few. But it was still not enough. Diana was open to the danger. One of the satr wolf pounced on her out of nowhere but before she could finish her spell, the wolf reached for her throat. Seeing her death this close, she closed her eyes. But the pain didn't come and when she opened her eyes, there was a boy with pitch black hair and deep blue eyes. Those eyes were as deep as ocean. It was hard to find their depth. But one would be encouraged to sink in them. The boy not more than 15 or 16 was standing before her with sword in his hand. Anyone would fall for him given the circumstances. And heart of a little girl which is quite sensitive to that emotion, why would not beat faster. Rosetta's voice pulled her out of her train of thoughts, she asked if Diana was alright.

Well now wasn't the time of day dreaming, so they all started getting in a battle dorm. There were now three more people. They took down the star wolves by not giving them a chance of getting out of it. Diana had not a sword on her, so she only stayed behind them all. She took a healing portion and regained her strength. She promised herself if they would come out of here alive today, she will not neglect her sword art anymore.

They were all out of breath. And Diana gave each a healing portion, they accepted it readily. Then the handsome boy apologized first saying that it was their negligence that the pack came this way. Then he introduced himself as August and his two other partners. One of them looked like a knight because of his height named Gabriel and other was a shy one, he wore glasses and was dual mana holder, a rare talent. Both had a handsome face but none of them could be compared to that of August. Diana introduced herself as Ana and Rosetta as rose. They were the masked rose, the name of their party. Then they all went to the valley of blue roses. The valley was a secluded place and the scenery surrounding it did not match the beautiful flower garden. The valley was protected by a barrier and only people with affinity to plants could enter. Diana entered the valley and standing among the blue roses, she gave a breathtaking picture. Even the mask could not hide her beauty. Her green eyes could enchant anyone. When August saw this scene, he could not help but get attracted to that girl. Who was different from others. When women preferred not to get dirty themselves and acted all snobbish and fake. She was a real diamond that shine even in dark. He was quite impressed by her bravery and boldness. He could not help but love her.

They all became a party after this encounter. And for six months, they did adventures. More risky than the last one. Many times they nearly lost their life. But it did not stop them, with every defeat that learnt to become stronger. Diana horned her sword skills. She and August naturally became close and lead their party.

There was a legend that below the oak tree in the valley of star, if a couple share a kiss of oath, they will always be together. Their last mission was to find the fire stones which were located in that valley. After completing their mission, they found the oak tree. August did not want to leave without a confession. After spending so much time together, he could not think of anyone else as his life partner but Ana. He knew it was wrong since he did not reveal his identity. But he wanted her to accept him as August, not as Augustus de Aurelius.

Yes, he was the crown prince, the only prince of the empire. He had learnt magic and sword art since young. He had affinity was three elements and at the age of sisteen he was sword master. He was a prodigy among his peers. He went to the Academy of Magix at fifteen but after one year, one of his teacher told him, he need to experience a real life battle. Only then he can master and use his abilities to the best of it. He left the academy and came to become an adventurer. But never in his wildest dream, he thought he would find the love of his life. Though here he was at a loss in front of the woman he loved.

He took Ana with him and confessed his heart out. He told her he loved her and could not think of anyone else as a life partner. And also confessed that he was the crown prince and asked if she was willing to become his princesses.

Tears started flowing on her face. August was at a loss, he caressed her face carefully and wiped her tears with his rough thumb. The tingling sensation was foreign to Ana but she did not feel disgusted. She was so happy at that moment thinking that he would never confess but he confessed. Without thinking she kissed him on his lips. August was a bit taken a back at her bold move. But he liked her boldness and it was a cute one. It was their first kiss. There were both clumsy. A peck given by her changed into a long kiss by him. He kissed her till she was out of breath.

Diana was also taken back by his counter. It did not look like his first from any angel. She eyed him suspiciously. Augustus touched their forehead, she could feel her face turned red. Her heart could just jumped out at any moment. Seeing her in deep thought he pulled her out by caressing her face, it was flawless. Her bright eyes and cute cheeks, small nose and swollen lips were more enchanting than ever. Suppressing his desires, he asked about what she was thinking hard. So she asked if it was his...em.. first...er...kiss. He gave her a mischievous smile. He whispered in her ears, his touch made her shudder, royal family educate could not be underestimated and he is a fast learner. After hearing him say that Diana blushed so hard that even her neck was red. She averted her gaze.

Augustus never knew the girl who took the initiative was this shy. He loved her blushing face and could not help but tease her. He hugged her and they remained like that for quite a time. Even after years this moment was still fresh in him. He never loved anyone more than Diana.

Under the Starry night, they vowed their love to each other. And sealed the promise with their lips. That night was the start of their love story.

But it not necessary that every story has a happy ending...