That morning, Wonderveil Palace hummed with far more activity than usual as preparations for the approaching war neared completion. Knights moved in and out along the corridors, carrying swords, spears, and iron shields. The heavy thud of their iron-soled boots echoed across the marble floors, mixing with the shouts of servants hauling crates of food supplies and weapons.
Down in the training grounds, knights practiced swordplay against one another. The sharp clang of steel striking steel cut through the morning air. Sweat glistened on their brows even though the sun had not yet climbed high. The war declared by Princess Celestia had cast a tense, urgent atmosphere over the entire palace.
Yet amidst the bustle, a young nobleman walked calmly through the royal gardens. He wore a dark green tunic embroidered with fine gold patterns along the cuffs. His jet-black hair was combed neatly back, giving him a polished, elegant appearance.
He stopped when he spotted a large blue-furred cat sitting atop a stone bench. The creature's coat looked soft and shimmering in the morning light; though big and somewhat plump, it carried itself with undeniable grace.
The young man frowned.
"Why did my mother tell me to meet… a cat?" he murmured quietly.
The cat lifted its head and looked straight at him.
"My name is Nyx, and I happen to be an animal who can speak."
The nobleman stumbled back in shock.
"I—am I dreaming?"
Nyx flicked his tail slowly.
"Your mother sent you here. I am certain she explained exactly why I wished to meet you."
The young man took a deep breath and steadied himself.
"I am Ryan, of House Edric. It is an honor." He bowed slightly. "Am I… being considered as a suitor for Princess Celestia?"
"You are," Nyx replied, looking Ryan up and down as if assessing him once more. "Your mother gave me full details regarding you. Your background, your achievements, and your standing make you a suitable match for the Princess."
Ryan smiled faintly.
"I appreciate the compliment… but will Princess Celestia accept me?"
"I am confident she will." Nyx jumped down from the bench. "Come with me."
Ryan nodded and followed Nyx into the palace. As they walked through the corridors, maids and knights cast curious glances at Ryan walking alongside such a large, striking blue cat. Whispers followed them.
"Isn't that Nyx?"
"Why is he bringing a nobleman?"
"I think… it's for Princess Celestia."
The murmurs died away quickly when Nyx shot them a sharp, warning look.
At that same moment, Charles—carrying a stack of documents—paused when he saw Nyx leading a man toward Celestia's office. He watched from a distance. Though a strange feeling stirred in his chest, he tried to tell himself it was nothing important. Just another noble here to discuss war plans.
Nyx finally stopped before Celestia's door. He rapped on the wood with his small paw.
Tap. Tap.
Ryan, standing behind him, chuckled softly.
"You really do act just like a human."
"I am far more intelligent than some humans I have met," Nyx replied coolly.
Ryan fell silent, suppressing another laugh.
"Enter." Celestia's voice came from within.
Ryan opened the door gently and stepped inside with Nyx.
In the office, Celestia sat at her large wooden desk, writing documents. Her long white hair fell softly over her shoulders, shining in the sunlight streaming through the tall windows behind her. Her beauty was calm yet cold, like the Snow Queen from old fairy tales.
She stopped writing and lifted her head. Her silver eyes met Ryan's steadily.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Princess Celestia, I am Ryan of House Edric. It is an honor to meet you." Ryan bowed respectfully.
Celestia looked at Ryan, then turned her gaze toward Nyx.
"Nyx… why is he here?"
Nyx leaped onto a nearby sofa.
"He is suitable for you, Princess. He is intelligent, well-connected, and has established standing and achievements."
Celestia raised an eyebrow slightly.
"So this is my intended match?"
Ryan smiled gently. "It is, if you wish it to be. I do not demand your affection or your heart immediately. Why not simply get to know one another first? If you find me unpleasant, you may choose another noble."
Celestia fell silent for a moment before standing up. Her white gown flowed softly as she walked toward Ryan.
"There is no harm in getting to know you."
She extended her hand. Ryan took it and kissed the back of her hand with perfect courtesy.
They exchanged small, polite smiles.
Nyx, watching from the sofa, felt satisfied. Finally, a man truly worthy of Celestia. Not some palace jester.
"Very well then, Ryan." Celestia withdrew her hand. "Would you like me to show you around the palace grounds?"
"I would be delighted, Your Highness."
"Come, then."
Celestia walked out of the office with Ryan. Nyx deliberately stayed behind, wanting to give them space.
Celestia showed Ryan through gardens filled with white and blue flowers, the grand library, the main hall, and the high balcony overlooking the entire city of Wonderveil.
Ryan proved to be excellent company. He knew exactly how to make Celestia feel at ease without being overbearing. Several times, Celestia laughed softly as Ryan told her stories of noble life and amusing adventures from his childhood.
From a distance, Charles watched them. He sat in a quiet corner of the corridor, holding his jester's cap in his hands. His eyes followed Celestia—she looked so happy, walking and laughing with another man.
A heavy ache settled in his heart. He wanted to approach them. But his feet wouldn't move.
He knew his place. He was just a jester. And that man… was a respected noble.
"Hello there."
Charles jumped slightly at the sound of Silas's voice. He turned to see the white rabbit standing beside him, smiling gently.
"Ah… Silas. Hello."
"I think Nyx found that young man specifically for her," Silas said softly.
Charles smiled bitterly. "Nyx hates me, you know."
Silas shook his head. "He does not hate you, Charles. It is just that your station and hers are so very different. He wants her to have someone equal to her standing."
Charles looked down at his feet.
"But Charles," Silas continued kindly, "you don't need to worry. I am always on your side."
Charles looked up and gave a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Silas. What should I do now?"
"Try speaking to her later—after she finishes showing him around."
Charles nodded slowly. He waited. And waited.
The sun climbed high toward the middle of the sky before Celestia finally finished her tour. Ryan returned to his family estate to discuss the meeting with his mother, while Celestia walked back toward her office.
Just as she arrived, she found Charles waiting near her door.
"Charles?" Celestia looked surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Charles twisted his cap nervously in his hands.
"I… I just thought I might ask if you would like to go for a walk tonight. If you wish, that is."
Celestia opened her mouth to reply.
"I would—"
"Princess Celestia is far too busy for that."
Nyx's voice cut in sharply.
Celestia turned. Nyx sat perched on a cabinet nearby, staring at Charles with cold, narrowed eyes.
Charles fell silent immediately.
"I… I am sorry," he whispered. "I won't trouble you."
He bowed his head and walked away.
Celestia watched him leave. For some reason, she felt as though Charles looked deeply hurt. But before she could say anything, Nyx jumped down from the cabinet.
"You have important work to do, Princess."
Celestia sighed softly and stepped into her office.
Meanwhile, Charles walked slowly down the long, empty corridor.
He stopped when he sensed someone following him. He turned around.
Nyx stood several meters behind him.
"Nyx?"
The blue cat walked slowly toward Charles, eyes sharp and unyielding.
"I suggest you leave this palace," Nyx said coldly.
Charles froze. "I am the royal jester. My duty is to entertain the royal family."
"You are nothing important here, clown." Nyx's tone was merciless. "You are not worthy of Princess Celestia. Let her be with someone who matches her station."
The corridor fell silent. Charles smiled bitterly. He never imagined a cat could despise him so deeply.
Hidden behind a shadowed pillar nearby, a pair of eyes watched them closely. And from the darkness, a faint, knowing smile appeared.
..............
Charles sat on the bed in the room that had been his home for the past five years, ever since he became the palace jester. It was a simple room—wooden floors, a bed that was far from luxurious, and one window. Beside the bed stood a wooden table, holding an old musical instrument and his jester's mask.
Late afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm streaks across the floor. The room was quiet, save for the soft sound of wind blowing outside.
He sat deep in thought, his mind drifting back to Nyx's sharp words: "You are not worthy of Princess Celestia."
Charles sighed softly. He could not deny the truth in them, yet his heart had long belonged to her. His gaze fell upon the mask resting on the table—the same mask he had worn for every performance, every joke, every smile he had offered her over the years.
Suddenly, he heard the voices of two maids talking just outside his door. He stood up and moved quietly toward it, listening closely.
"That young nobleman who visited earlier… he was so handsome. He and Princess Celestia looked perfect together."
"Indeed. She belongs with someone of noble birth, not a jester."
"I heard he comes from House Edric. No wonder he looked so distinguished and charismatic."
Charles fell silent, his expression darkening. Their words stung, echoing the very doubts he carried in his own heart. He walked back to the bed and sat down slowly at the edge, his hands gripping the bedsheets tightly.
A moment later, there was a gentle knock on the door.
"Charles? It's Silas."
"Ah, Silas. Come in, please."
The door opened, and the white rabbit stepped inside, closing it softly behind him. He immediately noticed the sadness weighing on Charles's shoulders. Silas looked around the modest room before turning his attention fully to the young man.
"Charles… are you alright?"
"I think… perhaps I really don't belong here anymore."
Silas walked closer and sat down on the floor near the bed.
"Don't say such things. You're hurt by what Nyx said, aren't you? I told you before—you are worthy of her."
Charles looked at him with a faint, weary smile.
"You are kind, Silas. Truly. I love her with all my heart… but Nyx stands in my way."
"Charles, love is what matters most. You must stand up to him. He is only a cat, after all."
"I know," Charles replied softly.
Silas studied him carefully.
"I am certain Princess Celestia still feels comfortable with you. You have been by her side for so long."
Charles lowered his head slowly.
"Yes… but everything has changed now. Everything is different."
"You mustn't give up so easily."
Charles offered only a bitter, empty smile in return.
Silence filled the room again. Outside, the wind gently lifted the white curtains beside the window. Silas glanced at the old instrument on the table.
"Do you still play?"
"Only sometimes."
"I remember how Princess Celestia used to laugh whenever you performed."
A small, genuine laugh escaped Charles as he recalled those days.
"She did. Back then, she would always come to watch me, even though I was just the palace fool."
"That proves how important you are to her."
Charles fell quiet, letting those words sink in.
"I hope that is still true."
Silas stood up and smoothed his soft white fur.
"I should go now. But remember—if you ever feel burdened or need someone to stand with you, I am always here, Charles."
Charles nodded gratefully.
"Thank you, Silas."
Silas smiled gently and slipped out of the room. The door closed quietly, leaving Charles alone once more.
He turned his gaze toward the window. Outside, the evening sky was turning soft shades of orange and gold. The palace grounds were still busy and noisy, filled with preparations for the coming war.
But inside this small, quiet room, Charles sat still, thinking only of her—of Celestia, and of the distance that seemed to grow between them with every passing day.