Jane is The Problem

Kirigan's POV

The old man who I had been sparing with for over an hour nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You have surpassed my expectations, Prince Kirigan. You are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. Go forth and protect your kingdom."

I had expected some very strong motivating words from him but after hearing that and nothing else, I felt like this was a trap.

"That can't be it," I muttered to the man who chuckled to his feet, giving his sword to a guard standing close by. 

"What are you expecting of me?" The old man asked as I shrugged.

"Something else. It's not hard for you to tell me about how the kingdom needs me and what I should do and whatnot."

This pulled out a chuckle from the man who patted me on the back as we walked to the edge of the field.

"Let us go to my study," the man laughed as he took me to his office which was in the palace.

***

I remembered going in there as I found solace in the tranquil study of my wise teacher. 

The room was adorned with shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, the fragrance of parchment and aged leather permeating the air. 

For someone who was supposed to be a master of war, he was also a monk of peace which was amusing to me.

As I entered, he got to his desk, his eyes filled with wisdom and kindness.

"Prince Kirigan," he said pointing to a seat, his voice warm and soothing. "Please, have a seat."

I took a seat opposite him, my posture straight and attentive as I had been taught by my masters. I valued his guidance above all else because this man had saved the kingdom countless times by being a wise leader. Some people even said he could stop a war between the gods and demons if given the opportunity to talk to them. 

The old man had seen kingdoms rise and fall, and his counsel was invaluable to me as I navigated the intricate web of ruling a kingdom.

"Why did you not say any wise saying out there?" I began, my voice tinged with gratitude. "I am honored to have you as my mentor. Your wisdom has guided me through countless trials but after that battle you were supposed to say something."

The man smiled, a glimmer of pride shining in his eyes. "And it has been an honor to watch you grow, Prince. You have embraced your role as a leader with grace and humility but you have also grown in wisdom that you don't need me to teach you anything."

I inclined my head, confused on what he was talking about. "But there is still much for me to learn. The weight of the kingdom rests upon my shoulders, and I fear that I may not always make the right decisions. You speak as if you will one day disappear and I won't see you again."

The master reached out and placed a comforting hand on mine, his touch gentle yet firm. "The burden of leadership is great, my prince. But remember, you are not alone in this journey. Lean on the wisdom of those who came before you, and trust in your own instincts."

I nodded, the weight on my shoulders feeling slightly lighter. "That is why I will need you. I will strive to be a worthy prince for my people. But I will need your help to do that."

The man's eyes twinkled with a mix of pride and encouragement. "I have no doubt that you will be great. Your compassion and sense of justice will guide you well. But remember, a true leader is not defined by power alone, but by the ability to serve others. You have grown in wisdom. I never said I was dying. But your wisdom is great for you to discern between a liar and the truth. Promise me that you will try your best to protect your people and help them grow."

This man's words were filled with so much wisdom even when he did not want to give me any. I absorbed the teacher's words, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I will serve my people with all that I am and all that you have taught me," I vowed. "I will protect them, provide for them, and ensure their well-being."

His smile widened, his voice filled with unwavering faith. "And in doing so, you will forge a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Your kingdom will thrive under your leadership, and I cannot wait for what that legacy will be."

I had heard enough from the man as I stood, a newfound confidence emanating from his being. "Thank you, Master. Your guidance has been truly helpful to me. I am grateful for every lesson you have imparted through the battle and everything."

He rose as well, his voice filled with pride. "It has been an honor to mentor you, Prince Kirigan. I have no doubt that you will be the leader your people need."

As we exchanged a final nod of understanding, I left the study, my heart filled with gratitude and determination. I would carry the old man's teachings with me always, and strive to be the leader my kingdom deserved and today was that day I would use it while standing before this family.

I could feel that something was amiss here. What was going on?

What would master Gregory do if he was in this place? I thought to myself.

"Wait and listen," I heard his voice in my head as I decided to do so.

I would wait and listen to whatever was playing out before me.

I read the situation and the body language. The three women were all tense and they didn't seem to want to be in each other's presence.

It was very evident that they were all hating each other and right now, the only odd one in the mix was… her.

Jane was the problem.