Some people continue living their lives in different ways… some are rich, some are poor. Poverty isn't something bad, but some people may take advantage of the poor for their own benefit. It doesn't matter how poor a person is — what truly matters is their intentions and morals. The same applies to the rich; it doesn't matter who they are or what social class they belong to… what matters is how they treat those who are different from them.
She closed the old book she had been reading these words from, and smiled softly:
"I wish our beautiful kingdom and its people treated each other this way… everyone's life would be different. Even mine…"
The Crown Prince entered the palace with his loyal guard beside him. He stood before the King and Queen, bowed respectfully, and greeted them. King Ross smiled and said:
"I have chosen a group of young ladies for you to pick a bride from. I want your decision tonight, Roy."
Roy stood up and replied:
"Forgive me, Father, but I will not choose a woman randomly like this. I am not a commodity to be traded. I don't care about her appearance or wealth—what matters is that she loves me for who I am, not because I'm the Prince of the Star Kingdom. If I marry, it will be someone of my own choice."
Roy turned to leave with his guard. Queen Rina giggled playfully:
"How is it possible that he looks so much like you? Stubborn, kind, and pure-hearted like snow… and a big dreamer too!"
Ross glared at her:
"You and your son will drive me insane. I just want him to marry a woman capable of ruling the kingdom after us!"
Rina placed her hand gently on his with a reassuring smile:
"Don't worry, my love… Roy will choose well. He has never disappointed you."
Roy removed his royal cloak and placed it on his bed beside his sword. Turning to his guard, he said:
"Bring me some old servant clothes."
Mike looked puzzled but didn't ask why. After a few minutes, he returned with the clothes. Roy brightened:
"Perfect."
He put them on, leaving behind everything that could expose his connection to the palace. He smirked, opened the window, and jumped out:
"Don't tell anyone where I've gone."
Mike rushed to the window anxiously:
"But this is dangerous, Your Highness! What are you planning?"
Roy grinned mischievously:
"If you're worried, then come with me. It'll be fun. But change your clothes first!"
Mike nodded and joined him shortly after.
---
Elsewhere…
A girl from the kingdom's common folk, Helen, worked in a bakery. She pulled a tray out of the oven and placed it on a table. Her stepmother, Margaret, broke her focus with an angry shout:
"What is this, Helen?! You still haven't finished your work? Lazy girl, hurry up before I come back!"
Helen nodded:
"As you wish, Stepmother."
Marissa, her stepsister, sneaked behind her and pushed her to the ground:
"Mother, Helen dropped the bread on the floor!"
Margaret stormed over:
"You foolish girl!"
She raised her hand to slap her—but Roy grabbed her wrist angrily:
"What do you think you're doing, madam? You shouldn't hurt those soft hands of yours. Whatever she did—leave her."
Margaret snapped:
"Who are you? A customer?"
Mike barked:
"Watch your tone, woman! Do you know who you're speaking to?!"
She scoffed:
"And who is he? The Crown Prince?"
Roy raised his hand to stop Mike and smiled politely:
"I'm just a poor farmer looking for food. Do you have any?"
Margaret yanked her hand away:
"I don't have time for beggars. Get out!"
Roy stepped aside for her to pass. Marissa followed, and the two princes walked away.
Roy glared at Mike:
"Are you stupid? I don't want anyone discovering who I am!"
Mike bowed:
"My apologies, but she disrespected you. It is my duty to protect you, even with my life."
Roy rubbed his forehead:
"Oh, you stubborn man… Fine. But if anyone discovers my identity, my entire plan will fall apart, and Father will lock me in the palace!"
Mike nodded.
Roy added:
"From now on, I'm Ron, a farmer looking for work. And you're not my guard—you're my friend, Mike. Understand?"
Mike hesitated:
"But—"
Roy cut him off:
"Do it, or I'll send you back to the palace."
"…Fine… Ron."
Suddenly they heard a voice. Both turned, startled—Helen stood behind them:
"Who do you mean by 'His Majesty' and 'the guard'? Don't tell me you two are…?"
Roy rushed to her:
"No, no! Don't misunderstand… There's a ball at the Royal Palace, and I was just asking my friend if he's going. That's all!"
Helen covered her mouth excitedly:
"A ball? Oh, how I wish I could attend… but my stepmother would never allow it. I'm sorry for misunderstanding."
She returned to work. Roy glared at Mike:
"We almost got exposed, idiot! How did I not feel her behind us?! And you—how didn't you see her?!"
Mike lowered his head:
"I'm truly sorry…"
Roy sighed:
"And now what? I told her about a ball nobody knows about yet! She might tell the entire kingdom!"
Roy pointed at him:
"This is your fault. Think of a solution."
Mike replied:
"Why not send a message to the King asking him to hold the ball earlier than planned?"
Roy's eyes sparkled:
"That's my smart guard! I was right to choose you."
Helen approached shyly:
"I'm sorry for earlier… and thank you for saving me from my stepmother."
She handed Roy a bag full of bread and fruit:
"You said you're a poor farmer… you must be hungry. Please don't refuse."
Roy smiled and took the bag:
"Thank you, miss."
Helen shook her head:
"Don't call me that. I'm not a lady. Just call me Helen."
"As you wish, Helen."
He extended his hand:
"I'm Ron. Everyone is going to the ball… are you thinking of going too?"
She smiled sadly:
"I wish… but my stepmother would never let me. So I'll erase the thought."
She walked away. Roy gave the bag to Mike and whispered:
"She's such a kind girl… She doesn't deserve this life."
Later, Marissa created trouble and framed Helen for stealing food. Margaret exploded in rage and beat Helen savagely.
Helen's younger sister, Seen, overheard and ran outside in panic—where she collided with Roy and Mike:
"Please help! Save my sister—my mother will kill her!"
Roy nodded immediately:
"Where is she?!"
Mike tried to stop him:
"Ron, this is a family matter. We can't interfere."
Seen begged:
"Please… I'm begging you!"
Roy glared at Mike:
"I can't ignore someone asking for help. Move."
Helen lay on the ground in a pitiful state, her lips bleeding, her back marked with bruises. Roy's eyes darkened with fury. He snapped Margaret's stick in his hands:
"How dare you beat your own daughter?! Do you have no heart?!"
Margaret yelled:
"Get out before I accuse you of trespassing!"
Roy ignored her and pointed at her:
"If you touch Helen again… you'll regret the day you were born."
He carried Helen in his arms and took her to her room. On his way out, he shot Margaret a cold warning:
"If I hear that you've hurt her again… blame no one but yourself."
He smirked when she flinched with fear.
---
To be continued…