The morning was cold, and fog shrouded the grand hall of the palace, where the leaders had gathered around the wide table, their eyes following every movement and any word that might disturb the council's balance. The echo of their steps on the old wooden floor added a sense of anticipation, as they exchanged glances and whispered before someone finally spoke.
"Sir… we have observed Kaiden's skills during the recent training," began the elder commander, his voice carrying a clear gravity. "I can say he has demonstrated exceptional prowess in swordsmanship, in addition to his intelligence in planning and adapting to unexpected situations. I believe he is worthy of joining the upcoming expedition to the Northern Village."
Another leader raised an eyebrow and said with a forced smile, "True, but let us not forget he is still young. The journey is fraught with danger, and he may face situations no young man could easily endure. Can we risk sending someone who has never experienced life outside the castle walls?"
The elder commander responded firmly, "Risks always exist, whether one is young or old. What matters is ability and competence, and Kaiden has proven himself multiple times. He has faced many challenges in recent skirmishes and has overcome them successfully."
A third leader slammed his hand on the table. "I agree, but we must also consider the psychological aspect. Kaiden remains calm under pressure and never loses his composure. This mental strength will be a decisive factor in the expedition."
The fourth leader smiled and whispered to the discussion, "True, but he is an illegitimate son… some may hesitate to follow him. Can we ensure the loyalty and effectiveness of the other soldiers by his side?"
The elder commander replied, eyes gleaming, "Young or illegitimate… he will not be a burden to the expedition. Competence is what matters, not lineage. Perhaps this is an opportunity for him to prove himself more than anyone else."
An older leader spoke firmly, "Failure is always a possibility, but it is a risk for all participants. Skills and adaptability are far more important. Kaiden possesses these, which makes him the most suitable. Who has the ability to make the right decision in a moment of danger? He does."
After a long discussion, the leaders unanimously agreed to nominate Kaiden for the expedition. Confidence in his abilities was clear, and both psychological and practical arguments had decided it: his origin or youth mattered little—the mission would be in capable hands.
The news reached Cadis, who was sitting in his council chamber, quietly listening to the advisors, deep thought etched on his face. One advisor leaned forward, saying, "Sir… among the soldiers joining the expedition, your… illegitimate son, Kaiden, has been included."
Cadis raised an eyebrow and looked at another advisor. "Are you certain? I had no prior knowledge of this."
The advisor replied calmly, "Yes, sir. The decision was made based on his high competence. He has shown courage and intelligence in recent duels and missions, and we believe he will play a pivotal role in the expedition."
Another advisor murmured cautiously, "Even if illegitimate, his skills make him a valuable asset… and we won't lose any of our legitimate heirs. There is a high probability he will succeed."
Cadis sat silently, weighing every word, then said with calm resolve, "If it serves the interests of the North… what matters is that we do not lose a force capable of serving our country. Very well, I approve his departure."
Kaiden had overheard everything from behind the slightly ajar door. He did not need further explanation; the decision was made, and his fate had been sealed before he even had the right to object. He did not reveal himself or utter a word, retreating quietly to his small wing of the palace.
He entered his chamber with slow steps, shadows curling around his weary face. He sat on the edge of the bed, pressing his hands against his knees, as if each breath constricted his chest. His gaze fell upon his old leather bag in the corner, untouched for years. He breathed deeply, then slowly opened it, item by item:
His thick cloak, knitted for him by an old servant years ago.
A small dagger, once a gift from his true father, now a relic of a burdensome past.
An old book covered in dust, filled with spells and notes he barely understood but dared not leave behind.
He folded his clothes carefully, as if preparing himself for a journey with no return. His hands moved slowly, but his mind was ablaze with thoughts. He was not naive enough to believe this assignment was an honor; he knew that the council—or perhaps some within it—intended to rid themselves of him, far from the palace's eyes.
He raised his head toward the window, where snow fell gently, and whispered hoarsely to himself:
"So… this is the beginning. Whether they want to exile me or consume me within this mission, I will not be mere pawns in their game."
Then he closed the bag firmly and stood before the mirror for a long moment. In his eyes shone a contradictory gleam of fear and determination. He ran his fingers over an old scar on his shoulder, a reminder of past trials, and muttered coldly:
"I will not return as I left. This is my promise to myself."
As he prepared to leave, a soft knock sounded on the door. He did not respond, but the door opened slowly, and Marian entered quietly, followed by two of her older brothers.
Her voice carried a carefully crafted softness:
"Kaiden… I heard what happened in the council. I just wanted to see you before you leave. It's a dangerous mission… and you…"
She paused for a moment, then tilted her head slightly with a small smile:
"You are still too young for such heavy decisions."
Kaiden raised his gaze toward her without speaking, and Frederick interjected, placing his hand on Kaiden's shoulder with forced brotherly warmth:
"Believe her, Kaiden… we truly worry about you. It's not easy to be sent away from the palace to lands you don't know."
Yet Kaiden felt a chill in that hand, more than warmth. He saw a strange glint in their eyes—not fear.
Marian sat on the edge of the nearby chair, letting out a long sigh before speaking:
"But… perhaps… this is your chance. You know? If you return victorious, everyone will have to respect you. They will speak your name in the very hall that sentenced you to leave."
Then she added softly, almost a whisper:
"And if you do not return… at least you will have proven that you tried."
Kaiden tightened his grip on the bag and continued to stare at his father's wife and his brothers, who had always despised him. He said nothing.
Rilond let out a light, chuckling laugh, as if trying to ease the heavy tension:
"Don't worry, Mother. Kaiden always finds himself in critical situations. Perhaps this time will teach him a bit of manhood."
Frederick laughed in turn, then patted Kaiden on the shoulder harder than necessary:
"Be strong, little brother. Show us that you deserve the name you carry."
Each word felt like a thorn in his chest. He wanted to scream at them, to tear off their masks, but he suppressed his anger. He stood firm, looked at them one by one, and said in a cold tone they had never heard from him:
"Do not worry… I will return. And when I do, I will not forget the faces of those who pretended to pity me."
A short silence followed, their expressions momentarily faltering, before Marian let out a soft laugh and stood:
"There, you are starting to speak like an adult. Perhaps you really will return changed."
She left the room, followed by her brothers.
Kaiden sat on the edge of the bed after their departure, silent, staring into space. The echo of their distant footsteps still lingered in his mind, stirring a strange mixture of anger and exhaustion in his heart.
He closed his eyes, trying to calm himself, but he could not. He recalled all the years past: every condescending word, every deceitful glance, every attempt they made to control his emotions. Even though he had become one of the finest duelists in the castle, his chest still tightened at their mere speech, at the feeling that they were pretending to care while hiding other motives behind it.
He sighed slowly and muttered to himself:
"After all I have endured… after all I have proven… I still cannot bear their ugly words."
As Kaiden was lost in his thoughts, a soft sound came from the doorway. A soldier entered quietly, without breaking the room's silence abruptly, and spoke in a calm, measured voice:
"Kaiden… the time has come. The expedition is ready, and it is time for your departure."
Kaiden slowly lifted his head, his eyes glowing with determination, and took a deep breath. He did not speak, but he nodded, signaling his readiness.
He stood, slung the bag over his shoulder, and cast one last glance at his room before stepping quietly into the corridor, every step radiating silent resolve and the heavy responsibility he carried.