The gates of the Ascirick Manor slowly opened as the afternoon breeze swept across the cobblestone road.
Bereshith, Cyte, Yareach, Mia, and Head Maid Sarah made their way into the lively streets of the fief.
Seven years of prosperity had transformed the once modest settlement.
Merchants displayed baskets overflowing with fresh vegetables and fruits.
The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted from nearby bakeries.
Blacksmiths hammered glowing steel while children chased one another through the streets.
People laughed.
Traded.
Worked.
Lived.
It was a peaceful day.
Yareach happily skipped beside Bereshith while holding his hand.
"Brother! Can we buy those sweet buns later?"
Bereshith smiled.
"If Sarah allows it."
Yareach immediately turned toward the Head Maid.
"Lady Sarah?"
Sarah chuckled softly.
"One each."
"No more."
Yareach beamed.
"Yay!"
Meanwhile, Mia tugged on Cyte's sleeve.
"Elder Brother Cyte! Look!"
She pointed excitedly toward a wooden toy stall.
Cyte smiled.
"We'll visit there after we're done walking."
Mia nodded energetically.
"Promise?"
"I promise."
The little girl grinned from ear to ear.
The group continued strolling through the crowded marketplace, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
As they neared the central market...
Bereshith and Cyte's expressions subtly changed.
Not because something dangerous had happened—
But because of a conversation occurring several stalls away.
Their years of training had sharpened not only their bodies...
But also their hearing.
A peasant carrying sacks of grain spoke to another merchant.
"A traveling merchant will arrive. They said they came from Kingdom Cartha."
The other man nearly dropped the basket in his hands.
"Cartha Kingdom?! Aren't they famous for their navy and rare metals? I heard they own a lot of trading companies!"
Another passerby stopped to join the discussion.
"Is it true that traveling merchants will arrive here? And they said they're from Cartha Kingdom?"
The first peasant nodded confidently.
"Yeah, it's true! I heard it from the Enician Company!"
The third man widened his eyes.
"No way! I have bought something from them before! I heard they sell rare metals for a cheap price! Do you know when they'll arrive?"
The peasant scratched his head.
"They said it was supposed to be today..."
He paused before laughing.
"But according to my source, it'll be delayed for some reason."
"Hehehe... maybe they got into trouble."
The three men laughed together before continuing their conversation as they disappeared deeper into the marketplace.
Bereshith remained quietly watching Yareach and Mia playing near a flower stall with Sarah keeping a careful eye on them.
Without taking his eyes off the girls, he spoke calmly.
"Hey, Cyte."
"Do you know where Cartha Kingdom is?"
Cyte was watching the children as well.
He answered almost immediately.
"According to my father..."
"They're in the south."
"And just like those men said..."
"They're famous for their precious rare metals."
"As well as their naval strength."
Bereshith nodded thoughtfully.
"Correct me if I'm wrong..."
"But according to history and recent reports..."
"I heard our kingdom and Cartha Kingdom have been in quite a dispute."
"Especially since the famous Enician Company hated Carthan merchants."
He folded his arms.
"So what changed for them to come to our kingdom?"
"Especially here?"
Cyte smiled knowingly.
"No."
"You're right about that."
"But here's the interesting part."
"There was a recent report saying that the Fourth Princess and Fifth Princess of Cartha Kingdom are personally accompanying this trade delegation."
"And of all places..."
"They chose our territory."
Bereshith's brows furrowed.
"Eirene..."
He fell silent for a moment before continuing.
"Our fief isn't even that large."
"Sure..."
"Our food production has increased over the past seven years thanks to Mister continually expanding the farms."
"But aside from food..."
"We really don't have much else to offer."
Cyte let out a small laugh.
"Idiot."
"It's exactly because of the food."
"Our crops are famous for being pure and free from contamination."
"That's why they're coming."
"They're interested in making a trade agreement."
He paused as another thought crossed his mind.
"And considering..."
"The farmlands technically belong to you..."
"They're supervised by the 'Mister Farmer' himself..."
Cyte slowly turned toward Bereshith.
Bereshith looked back at him.
A grin spread across Cyte's face.
"So..."
"You'd better be ready."
"Lord Lucas might call for you the moment they arrive."
The words landed like a bolt of lightning.
Bereshith visibly shivered.
A strange chill ran down his spine.
"H-Hey..."
"Don't say things like that."
"Why would they need me?"
"Can't Father handle the negotiations?"
"I mean..."
"Sure, I own the farms..."
"But Father is still the Lord of this fief."
"My being there wouldn't help with trading."
Cyte burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"Don't look at me like that."
"I'm only talking about the probability."
"You know how Lord Lucas is."
"If someone asks about the farms..."
"Guess who's getting dragged into the meeting."
Bereshith groaned dramatically.
"...Please no."
Cyte couldn't help laughing even harder.
"You look more terrified of paperwork than sword training."
"I am."
"I'd rather fight ten knights than sit through a merchant meeting."
Cyte wiped a tear from laughing.
"I actually believe you."
The two friends continued their quiet conversation while keeping one eye on the children.
Around them, the marketplace bustled with life.
No one noticed that two future warriors were casually discussing matters that could shape the politics of kingdoms.
Not long afterward...
Two familiar voices rang out across the square.
"Elder Brother!"
Yareach waved both hands enthusiastically.
Beside her, Mia bounced excitedly.
"Elder Brother Cyte!"
"Come hurry!"
Bereshith and Cyte exchanged amused smiles.
Their conversation about kingdoms, politics, and trade instantly faded into the background.
"Coming."
Bereshith answered warmly.
Cyte chuckled.
"Looks like our meeting with royalty can wait."
"Our princesses are calling first."
Bereshith laughed.
"They're far more demanding."
The two young men walked toward the girls.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent exactly as children wished it to be.
Helping Yareach choose ribbons.
Lifting Mia onto their shoulders so she could see puppet performances.
Buying sweet buns after Sarah reluctantly approved.
Watching street performers.
Playing simple games in the town square.
Listening to endless stories only children could invent.
The rumors of distant kingdoms...
Trade agreements...
Princesses...
And politics...
Were, for a little while, forgotten beneath the joyful laughter of two little girls enjoying a peaceful harvest season.
Then...
The golden hues of the afternoon slowly faded into the warm orange of dusk.
After spending the entire day wandering through the streets, watching performers, buying sweets, and playing countless games, the children had finally exhausted themselves.
Yareach slept peacefully against Bereshith's shoulder, her tiny arms loosely wrapped around his neck.
A content smile rested upon her sleeping face.
Beside him, Cyte carried little Mia in both arms.
She had fallen asleep while clutching the small wooden rabbit he had won for her from a festival game.
Cyte smiled helplessly.
"...She didn't even get to say goodnight."
Bereshith glanced toward his little sister.
"Yareach didn't either."
Sarah walked quietly behind the two young men, carrying the bags they had accumulated throughout the day.
"It seems both Young Lady Yareach and Young Lady Mia had quite the adventure."
Bereshith chuckled softly.
"I'd say they did."
The four slowly approached the familiar gates of Ascirick Manor.
Waiting there—
As though he had expected their arrival—
Stood the Head Butler.
Cyse's father.
His posture remained as perfect as ever.
Hands folded before him.
Back perfectly straight.
His calm yet serious gaze settled upon Bereshith.
"Young Master Bereshith."
Bereshith shifted Yareach slightly in his arms before answering politely.
"Yes?"
The Head Butler inclined his head.
"Lord Lucas is calling you to his office."
Bereshith blinked.
"...Father is calling me?"
His expression quickly turned puzzled.
"Why?"
The Head Butler maintained his composed demeanor.
"He said it is urgent."
He stepped aside and gestured toward the manor.
"So please, Young Master..."
"Please follow me."
Bereshith stood silently for a brief moment.
"...Urgent?"
He glanced toward Cyte.
Cyte merely shrugged.
"I wasn't expecting that."
Bereshith reluctantly nodded before carefully handing the sleeping Yareach over to Sarah.
"Lady Sarah."
Sarah accepted the child with practiced care.
"I'll take Young Lady Yareach to her room."
Cyte adjusted Mia in his arms.
"I'll bring Young Lady Mia to Lady Maria."
Bereshith smiled gratefully.
"Thank you."
Without further delay...
He followed the Head Butler.
The manor was unusually quiet.
Only the sound of their footsteps echoed through the long corridors.
Step.
Step.
Step.
The closer Bereshith came to Lucas' office...
The heavier the atmosphere became.
His heartbeat slowly quickened.
Then—
A certain conversation from earlier that day resurfaced in his mind.
Cyte's teasing voice echoed inside his head.
"Lord Lucas might call for you the moment they arrive."
Bereshith immediately frowned.
"...No..."
Another memory followed.
"They're coming because of the farms."
His expression slowly stiffened.
"...No way..."
The office door came into view.
The Head Butler stopped before it.
He gave two measured knocks.
Knock.
Knock.
"My Lord."
"Young Master Bereshith has arrived."
Lucas' calm voice answered from within.
"Let him in."
The Head Butler opened the door.
Bereshith stepped inside.
The very instant he crossed the doorway...
He felt countless eyes fall upon him.
His gaze slowly swept across the room.
Lucas sat behind his desk.
Beside him stood the Manager of the Enician Company assigned to oversee trade within the fief.
Near the window sat two young women dressed in simple peasant robes.
Their clothing concealed their status, but not their refined posture.
At the opposite side of the room sat another young man dressed no differently from the others.
Simple.
Plain.
Ordinary.
Yet...
His dignified bearing immediately revealed he was anything but ordinary.
Bereshith quickly composed himself.
He placed his right hand over his chest.
Lowered his head with the elegance Maria had taught him over the years.
"Pardon my manners, honoured guests."
"I am Bereshith."
The young man seated near the window raised an eyebrow.
His expression shifted into one of genuine curiosity.
"You haven't received your family name yet?"
He looked toward Lucas.
"I heard you were Sir Lucas' son."
"Or have I misunderstood something?"
Lucas answered with complete respect.
"Pardon me, Prince Rayryn."
"But he is my adopted son."
"Although he has not yet reached his coming of age, he will officially become a member of our family soon."
The young prince smiled faintly.
"So that's the reason."
Rayryn Leorel Leokas—
The First Prince of the Kingdom of Heirora.
And heir to the throne.
He leaned back comfortably in his chair, clearly intrigued by the young man standing before him.
Before another word could be spoken—
One of the two girls suddenly spoke.
She had short, smooth brown hair, sun-kissed skin, and bright blue eyes.
Despite wearing the same peasant robe as everyone else, her proud posture made hiding her noble upbringing nearly impossible.
She pointed directly at Bereshith.
"Hey, you!"
"So you're the owner of the farms?"
"We'll buy everything you have."
"So sell us all the food you've got!"
Her voice carried the confidence—and impatience—of someone accustomed to getting her way.
Before Bereshith could respond...
The older girl beside her immediately stood.
Unlike her younger sister, she carried herself with graceful composure.
Her long brown hair rested neatly over her shoulders.
Even hidden beneath the peasant robe, her gentle presence was unmistakable.
She bowed respectfully toward Bereshith.
"My apologies for my little sister's manners, Sir Bereshith."
"Please forgive us."
Bereshith looked slightly bewildered.
"...It's alright."
He smiled politely before asking,
"It may sound rude..."
"But may I know who you ladies are?"
The younger girl looked momentarily stunned.
"...Ah."
"We forgot."
The older sister smiled softly before placing a hand over her chest.
"I am Inoha Ghodru Amezu..."
"Fourth Princess of the Kingdom of Cartha."
She then gestured toward her younger sister.
"And this is my little sister..."
"Alesh Ghodru Amezu."
"Fifth Princess of Cartha Kingdom."
"It is a pleasure to meet you."
Alesh merely folded her arms and gave a small snort.
She clearly had no intention of introducing herself again.
Bereshith respectfully lowered his head.
"The pleasure is mine."
"Princess Inoha."
"Princess Alesh."
His gentle smile and calm voice carried neither flattery nor fear—
Only sincere courtesy.
Princess Inoha returned the smile.
Princess Alesh, however, looked away with an exaggerated huff, clearly displeased that Bereshith hadn't reacted to her earlier demand.
The silence lasted only a moment.
Then—
The Enician Company manager adjusted her spectacles.
Though officially present as the company's representative, everyone in the room understood that she was also attending on behalf of the First Prince.
She folded her hands atop the table.
"Since everyone has now introduced themselves..."
"Let us begin the negotiations."
Bereshith quietly walked toward Lucas.
He stopped beside his adoptive father.
Remaining standing rather than taking one of the empty seats.
Lucas glanced sideways at him with a faint smile before turning his attention back to the visitors.
The atmosphere inside the office shifted.
The casual introductions were over.
What remained...
Was a negotiation that might determine not only the future of Ascirick's flourishing farmlands—
But perhaps the first fragile bridge between two kingdoms long divided by suspicion.