The Kingdom of Zion covers most of the Earth (a new Earth, just the name is the same) with a thriving population of around 100 million people. There are four other kingdoms, but Zion is the largest one by both area and population.
Its capital, Narva, located at the heart of the kingdom, has more than 5 million people residing in it.
The capital is thriving with trade and commerce; many merchants travel around the globe to get here all throughout the year. But around this time of the year, due to the Holy Festival, the capital is especially crowded.
The Holy Festival is celebrated every year in honour of the Hero Escanor. On this very day, the hero defeated the demon lord and freed the world from its evils and magic.
In the Kingdom of Zion and in the whole world, magic is considered the most vile phenomenon in existence. It is hated by everyone, regardless of class, gender, hierarchy, or anything.
Magic is hated so much by the people because it was used by the demon lord Diablos to wreak havoc throughout the world—or so the story goes.
??? POV:
I am returning to my country for the celebration of the Holy Festival after completing my studies in the Kingdom of Kuhut, known for its vast collection of knowledge, scholars, and teachers.
The Holy Festival is celebrated over the course of 5 days, ending on the day the demon lord was defeated.
I am in a horse-driven carriage, staring out the window at the breathtaking view of the Castle of Narva, which is visible from outside the city because of its massive size. Then the carriage is stopped by the city guards for some checking. After a few minutes or so, the guards realize that a royal family member is sitting inside it. They quickly lift the barricade, made of wood, to let the carriage through.
A man around 22 years of age opens the carriage door. He has black mid-length hair cascading down his face. One can easily see the years of hard work put into his muscles, albeit not visible beneath the white shirt he was wearing. He was also wearing sleek black pants that exuded finesse and a gray cloak draped over his shoulders. Overall, he was quite handsome. His name is Silas Drexel.
Silas: "We are ready to enter the capital, Princess Hazel."
His voice woke me up from the daze of his beauty, and I answered, flustered.
Hazel: "Thanks for informing me, my dear knight."
Silas is my knight, guarding me at all times possible from any and all things possessing even the tiniest threat towards me.
He climbed up the stairs of the carriage and sat across from me. We've been together for more than twenty years. My father introduced him to me when I was two. I don't even remember the moment, so for me, we've been together for our entire lives, and I've always considered him just a knight and maybe a good friend of mine—but nothing else. But for some years, since I turned 19, I have started noticing his presence more and more. I've started noticing how he cares for me, how he protects me, and many more things.
I turned 21 last month, so it's been around 2 years... I won't say I'm deeply in love with him, but I will say that it is more than just "liking."
I don't know about his feelings though. He is ever the stoic knight, expressing barely any emotions except when with me. And it's not like he is a completely different person with me, but just that he shows slightly more emotion when with me than with others. Still, it makes me feel good knowing that he is comfortable with me.
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Silas's POV:
We have entered the city of Narva. The city is bustling with people; there are many demihumans and carriages containing various types of goods ranging from food and clothes to armour and swords. This is to be expected because today is the start of the 5-day Holy Festival and any businessman would not miss such a great opportunity.
After a three-hour journey we reached the castle. During these three hours, I was mostly focused on the city, observing the overall decorum, but my princess had other plans. She would start staring at me at any random moment and would continue to do so until I made eye contact. The second our eyes met, she would start looking out the window. I cannot understand the slightest bit about her intentions.
The golden castle rose with tall walls that shone in the sunlight. Its towers had pointed tops, and the large gate stood firm at the front. Small windows lined the walls, and banners drifted in the breeze. The warm glow made it look proud and welcoming.
The moment we stepped into the castle, Princess Hazel took off to her father. The king affectionately welcomed his daughter back by patting her head when the princess jumped for a hug.
Lucien Zion (king): "Welcome back, my little daughter."
No one would agree that the stern king everyone knew was like this in front of his daughter except for those who actually saw this scene—which was only him at the moment.
Lucien: "Go meet your mother, she has been waiting for you."
Princess Hazel frowned slightly at the mention of going away from him but accepted because she also wanted to meet her mother. And it was not like she would never see her father again.
Hazel: "Okay, then I'm going. Silas, come with me."
Lucien: "No, he will stay here. I have something important to talk about. You go and meet your mother."
I was surprised at the mention of an important talk because I was also getting ready to leave with the princess. Princess Hazel reluctantly went out of the room, although her face said "I want him to come with me," because she understood that whatever it was must be important.
Silas: "Yes, Your Highness. How can I be of help?"
The king, regaining his authority—or to be precise, reasserting it—said:
Lucien: "Silas, it's not something very important. I just wanted to talk about my daughter. Like how she was in the Kingdom of Kuhut, how her studies went, and many more things."
The king, taking a pause and adopting a more serious tone, said:
Lucien: "I would also like to know anything unusual that happened out there."
I very well know how much the king loves his daughter and that he will not hesitate to remove any thorns in her path. The way he put pressure on the word 'unusual' made it seem very terrifying, but I know the king means no harm—he just wants assurance that his daughter was safe.
I explained everything that had happened in the Kingdom of Kuhut. There were not any unusual things that happened while we were away, but regardless, I gave a complete report to the king.
Silas: "And that's all, Your Highness."
The king fell into thought, analyzing the report, and responded thoughtfully.
Lucien: "Hmm, very well then. You have done your job. You may go."
As I turned to leave, the king stopped me and said:
Lucien: "Wait just a moment."
I stopped, looking confused as to what the king was about to say.
Silas: "Yes, Your Highness?"
Lucien: "I am also giving you the job to escort the princess to the festival and take care of her."
As it happens, I was already thinking of taking the princess to the festival. Smiling knowingly, I responded:
Silas: "It's my pleasure, Your Highness."
After this conversation, I left the room to find Princess Hazel and tell her about tomorrow's schedule.