The morning sun cast long shadows across the ornate study as Prince Damian E. Fiore adjusted his magic glasses, the enchanted lenses helping him focus on the mountain of reports spread across his mahogany desk. At seventeen, he carried himself with the poise of someone far older, his short dark-jade hair catching the light as he leaned forward to examine yet another document detailing guild-related property damage.
"Your Highness," came a gentle voice from the doorway. A servant bowed respectfully. "Princess Hisui requests your presence in the garden."
Damian's dark emerald eyes softened slightly at the mention of his younger sister. Setting down his quill, he removed his glasses and rubbed his temples. "Tell her I'll be there momentarily."
As the servant departed, Damian gathered the reports with practiced efficiency. Each page told the same story—guilds completing their missions successfully, but leaving destruction in their wake. Fairy Tail alone had caused nearly three million jewels in property damage last month. The Magic Council's response? A stern warning and a bill that barely covered half the actual costs.
*This cannot continue,* he thought, his jaw tightening. The kingdom needed order, structure, accountability. The guilds were powerful forces for good, but they operated like wild magic itself—unpredictable and often destructive.
Standing from his chair, Damian straightened his simple shirt and pants. Today was meant for relaxation, but the prince of Fiore never truly rested. Every moment was an opportunity to better understand his kingdom and its people.
He found Hisui in the royal gardens, tending to a patch of luminous magical flowers that glowed softly in the dappled sunlight. At fourteen, she possessed the same dark green eyes as her brother, though hers sparkled with an innocence that Damian both envied and fiercely protected.
"Brother!" Hisui beamed, wiping dirt from her hands on her gardening apron. "Look, the Celestial Lilies are finally blooming!"
Damian's stern expression melted into a warm smile as he approached. "They're beautiful, Hisui. Though you know the gardeners could tend to these for you."
"But then I wouldn't learn," she replied, that familiar determined glint in her eyes that reminded him so much of himself. "Besides, you always say that a ruler must understand every aspect of their kingdom, even the gardens."
"Smart girl," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Though next time, perhaps wear older clothes. Mother will have words if you stain another dress."
Hisui laughed, the sound like silver bells in the morning air. "You worry too much, Damian. You're seventeen, not seventy. When was the last time you did something just for fun?"
The question struck deeper than she probably intended. When was the last time he'd allowed himself to simply be a teenager? Every day was filled with studies, training, meetings with advisors, and planning for the future he envisioned for Fiore. A future where the magical guilds served the crown and the people, rather than their own chaotic whims.
"I find fulfillment in my duties," he replied diplomatically.
"That's not what I asked." Hisui fixed him with a knowing stare that was far too mature for her age. "Promise me you'll try to have some fun today. No reports, no meetings, no planning. Just... be my brother for a few hours?"
Damian felt his resolve weaken under her earnest gaze. How could he deny her anything? "Very well. What did you have in mind?"
"There's a book festival in Magnolia Town today! We could go incognito, browse the stalls, maybe find some new texts for your collection?" Her eyes lit up with excitement. "Please? The guards can follow at a distance, and we'll be back before dinner."
A book festival. Damian had to admit, the prospect was tempting. He'd been looking for some rare texts on ancient magic, and mixing with common folk would give him valuable insight into their daily concerns.
"Alright," he said, unable to suppress a small smile at her delighted squeal. "But we go in simple clothes, and you follow my lead. Agreed?"
"Agreed!" Hisui bounced on her toes. "This will be wonderful! Just wait and see, brother—today might change everything."
As they headed back toward the palace to prepare, Damian couldn't shake the feeling that his sister's words carried more weight than she realized. Change was indeed coming to Fiore, and he would be the one to guide it.
But first, perhaps it was time to see his kingdom through the eyes of its people.