Prologue

"Father, I knew you would be here. I've been searching for you everywhere," a melodious voice echoed through the serene garden, accompanied by rapid footsteps.

The garden was a picturesque haven, featuring a single, majestic tree and a tombstone beneath it. Bathed in the warm glow of the sun, an old man sat beside the tombstone, seamlessly blending into the tranquil scene. It looked like a tableau from a masterful painting.

No one would dare disrupt this peaceful moment—no one except the beautiful young lady running towards him. With long brown hair flowing in the breeze and eyes that sparkled with life, she looked like a goddess who could command kingdoms, even in her plain, simple dress. Her youthful appearance belied her late twenties.

As she neared the tree, she noticed her father, still lost in thought. She approached silently, waved her hand, and conjured a chair out of thin air. Gently placing it next to him, she sat down.

For a moment, she stared at the tombstone, lost in a daze. Slowly, she wiped away the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes and turned to the old man she called father.

Despite his simple appearance, the man possessed an air of quiet dignity. His long grey hair was tied back, and his handsome features hinted at the source of his daughter's beauty. He continued to gaze into the distance, seemingly oblivious to her presence.

The wind whispered through the leaves, filling the silence between them.

"Tell me, little princess, why have you come here to see your old man? Do you miss me?" He finally turned towards her, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, father, my training is done for the day, so I came to see you. How are you?" She snapped out of her daze, returning his smile.

"Hmm, as you can see, princess, I am living peacefully here, undisturbed. I plan to stay here for the remainder of my days," he said, glancing at the tombstone.

"How is your magic training going? With your innate talent, I'm sure you'll surpass all our ancestors," he added, his eyes finally meeting hers.

Eager to impress, she stood up and extended her hand. Closing her eyes, she summoned a small, bone-chilling ball of ice.

"Ha!" she exclaimed, releasing it into the air. The ice ball shot skyward, faster than the eye could follow. The old man watched as it exploded, scattering bits of ice and dropping the temperature by several degrees.

Feeling proud, she waited for her father's praise, her eyes shining with anticipation. The old man observed the display and then calmly sat back down. "Not bad," he said.

Her anticipation deflated like a balloon. She slumped back into her chair, crestfallen.

Seeing her reaction, he chuckled. "Don't be so down, little princess. You are already stronger than most of our generals. Continue like this, and you'll surpass even the greatest warriors in a few years."

Reassured but still pouting, she asked, "Then why?"

"Because, when I test your strength, I compare you to your mother. She was in a league of her own, even at your age, despite having less innate talent. That's why," he explained, patting her head affectionately.

She turned towards the tombstone, a sad smile on her face. The name "Zen Quin" was engraved there.

"Mother was an unyielding warrior, father."

"That she was. She led our kingdom to its golden era, making it the strongest on the planet," he said, his voice filled with nostalgia.

The tombstone belonged to Zen Quin, the Royal Queen of the mighty Zen kingdom. Her husband, Zen Su, was the former king.

"Father, why don't you come back to the imperial palace? Brothers are eager to see you. The eldest brother has even prepared a place for you. Please, father, come back," she pleaded.

Zen Su remained silent, gazing at his wife's tombstone. He understood his children's concern and their wish to care for him in his final days. But he couldn't bring himself to leave this sacred place.

Shaking his head, he replied, "No, little princess. The only connection I had with the palace was your mother. With her gone, I see no reason to return. My only duty after her passing was to ensure a capable successor. Your elder brother has proven himself worthy."

He paused, looking around the garden. "This place was special to your mother and me. We came here to escape the palace duties, promising to stay here once one of you took over. But she left me alone."

"Father, do you regret marrying mother?" she asked suddenly.

Zen Su's silence spoke volumes. His marriage to Quin was unique. As an orphan with a passion for acting, his biggest dream was to perform before the royal family. After achieving that dream, he was summoned to the palace and asked to marry Zen Quin. Unable to refuse the king, he accepted, sacrificing his dreams for a life he never wanted.

Over time, he saw the real Zen Quin—a woman burdened by responsibilities, yearning for someone to lean on. But by the time he realized this, it was too late. She had passed away, leaving him with her final words: "Husband, I am sorry for keeping you from your dreams. But I do not regret marrying you and would choose you again in the next life."

Her death, due to the accumulation of injuries and strain from wars, had been over fifteen years ago. Yet her words haunted him daily.

"Father, mother would not want you to live in regret. She would want you to be happy," his daughter said gently.

He shook his head. "Let's not talk about it anymore. What are your plans for today?"

Smiling, she replied, "I'm going to see a new drama that's become very famous. Would you like to come with me?"

He shook his head. "No, little princess. You enjoy yourself. I'll stay here and rest."

As she stood to leave, he called out, "Remember to live your life for yourself, not for others. Or you'll be filled with regrets. Have a happy life."

She nodded, smiling, and walked away.

Zen Su watched her leave, then looked up at the darkening sky. "Princess, don't live like your father. My time has come, and I am going to join your mother," he whispered, closing his eyes for the last time.

The former king of the mighty Zen kingdom passed away peacefully, ready to reunite with his beloved wife.