The Regression Of A Grand Mercenary

As the sun was setting and the moon was rising, out to one of the highest balconies found at one of the towers of the castle was an old man staring far into his own kingdom. The sight of the lights shining and the small sounds of children cheering out of joy could be heard even to how far he was.

The old man…gray hair, golden eyes…and yet, not a single smile found in his expression. Despite the joyous occasion, a troubling sight boggled his entire thought.

“…To think that his legacy continues even to this day.” said the old man. A man who has the highest authority known to the country.

“Are you certain of this?” asked his wife who stood behind him in the room as she was seen fixing her self in front of the mirror.

“My eyes can’t be fooled. For ever since I ruled this kingdom, these eyes blessed by God has never failed me once.” he said as he grips his hand hard on the railings of the balcony.

“Then what will you do?” she asked in return as she turned to her husband.

“That depends solely on the boy’s decision…but it must be said. He must learn the truth of his legacy.”

“…So the boy doesn’t know?” she asked as her eyes furrowed in curiosity.

“Surely not.” he said without hesitation.

“And why is that?”

“Because the old man run away from this life. It was his dream to live in peace and away from all troubles. If the old man did live his life and created descendants down the line, then that boy now surely carries his blood. My eyes don’t lie.”

“If that was the case, then why bring it up again? Wouldn’t you want to respect their decision in hiding the truth?”

“…It must be said, because a rising threat is coming to our country, and action must be taken yet again. It must be God’s decision to have me see him with my own two eyes…so I must guide him back to his true legacy where his great grandfather left behind.”

“…Is it the demons?”

“Yes, their armies are growing…and soon, it won’t be long before war will be reignited once again. To counter these rising conflicts, God has given the responsibility of fending off evil to four families…”

“…”

“…he must learn the truth and decide on joining this war. It must be done for the fate of this country.”

“And what if he says no.”

“…It doesn’t matter. God has done ways to the world where it will follow his will. Whether he choose to cooperate or not, it will already be done in God’s will.”

“I fear for what will happen to our kingdom. Its future is uncertain and the demons continue to grow in numbers…”

“Do not worry my love. I will fight for this kingdom…I will fight for our home.”

As the two elderly lovers stared into the night where the cheers of their people could be heard, all of aa sudden, the sound of a three knock were heard on the other side of the door.

“My lord Majesty, all of the guest have arrived at the ballroom.” said the high servant.

“I see…entertain them with the festive carnival play, It’ll help pass the time while Velorria has yet to finish her business in the other room.”

“As you wish my lord.” said the servant as he quickly left to fulfill the orders given by the king.

“You know, from what I’ve heard yesterday…both Vello and Velorria have visited the Ambers. It seems their trying to appeal to the merchant masses in choosing their side. Don’t you think this battle for the throne has gone far enough? Have you yet chosen a child to inherit the crown? I’m proud to say this but anyone of our children are perfectly capable of ruling the kingdom. ” she said.

“That may be so…but I must consider their willingness to rule.”

“…If this goes too far, our children will one day fight one another. And I would hate myself for letting that happen. We are both old, we don’t have long before we both lose our lives to time…so it must be said.”

“…” the king was silent in her words. His words those arguments over and over again for the past year…and yet he has said nothing.

“I’ve said this to you over and over again…choose one. Just simply choose one and let our lives fall down to peace. I’ve yet to see a single grandchild because each and one of them are too scared to raise a family because of the fear of them being victims to the fight for the throne.”

“…a grandchild…I would love to see one before I die.” he said softly.

“Everything is at stake here…and it hinges on you to choose dear.” she said as she stood up and grab him by the hand.

“…Fine, within this year. I shall choose.”

And hearing that, the queen smiled and kissed her husband in the cheek.

“Thank you.”

The old man—gray hair, golden eyes, and a gaze that once brought kings to their knees—stood silently, looking out over his kingdom.

In the public’s eye, he was a man of steel—cold, commanding, and unbending in faith. Many whispered that he ruled his family no differently than he ruled his court: through discipline and divine law.

But behind these walls, the truth was gentler.

The same hand that gripped the balcony rail in silent worry was the hand that once rocked his children to sleep, years ago, whispering stories of courage and grace. His sternness had never been born from cruelty—but from love, from fear that one day, his children would inherit a world far harsher than the one he built.

And the Queen, standing just behind him, shared that same burden. Her smiles in court were formal, practiced—a mask she wore to balance his stern reputation. Yet in the quiet of their chambers, she was warmth itself, her words often the only light in his long nights of prayer and strategy.

***

Inside the grand hall where the youthful generation had gathered, the sight of Princess Velorria Goldensun standing at the balcony instantly drew every gaze.

She smiled with quiet grace — a smile that carried both warmth and the unmistakable strength of royalty.

And yet… she stood alone.

While every noble youth had their personal guard standing beside them, Velorria had no knight at her side.

No sword, no shield — only her presence.

Whispers began to ripple through the room. Some murmured in awe, calling her courage admirable. Others whispered in fear, questioning her boldness.

But Velorria ignored them all.

Calmly, she stepped forward, greeting one youth after another, her voice as soft as silk yet carrying the confidence of command.

Minutes passed.

And soon enough… she stood before us.

Both Sherry Cotton and Evelyn Amber immediately curtsied with practiced grace — their movements fluid, elegant, and full of respect. I followed their lead, lowering my head just slightly.

“It is an honor to meet you again,” Evelyn said, her voice polite yet sincere. “Although yesterday’s visit was abrupt, we were still deeply honored by your presence.”

Velorria smiled faintly. “I’m glad you didn’t mind my sudden arrival. My intentions may have been… direct, but I’m thankful for your understanding. And you,” she turned her gaze to Sherry, “you must be Sherry Cotton. I’ve heard much about your family’s work. Your wagons are practically the lifeblood of trade throughout the realm. I imagine your services will soon be vital in delivering messages across the kingdom.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Sherry replied with a beaming smile. “Though our business is still growing, please know that we humbly accept any order that comes our way. Especially the orders of the kingdom. No matter where or how far — we can deliver anything, anywhere. And I guarantee the success of every task entrusted to us.”

Velorria gave a soft, approving nod. “…Of course. I see great potential in your family’s work. I’ll be sure to remember that when the time comes.”

And then — her eyes turned to me.

For a heartbeat, perhaps five seconds, we simply… looked at each other.

No words were spoken.

No gestures made.

Just silence — the kind that weighs heavy, like a thought unspoken yet understood.

It was as if the entire room had faded into the background for that one moment.

Then—

*Smack!*

Something hard landed squarely on the back of my head.

I winced and turned slightly, only to see the culprit: Berny, Sherry’s old knight, staring up at me with a disapproving frown.

Right. Royalty.

Snapping back to my senses, I quickly bowed low.

It was custom, after all. No common man, let alone a foreigner like me, should meet the eyes of one born into the highest bloodline.

I said nothing. I didn’t even dare breathe too loudly.

But then—softly, just loud enough for me to hear—

“Ha… hehe.”

It was a chuckle.

I glanced up just barely — enough to see Velorria cover her lips with a gloved hand as she turned away, her violet hair swaying like silk in the light.

And just like that, she moved on, gliding effortlessly to greet the next circle of nobles and heirs waiting for her attention.

I straightened my posture, rubbing the back of my head.

“…Did she just laugh at me?” I muttered under my breath.

Sherry snorted. “Well, you did just get smacked by a grandpa in front of the princess.”

Evelyn sighed, smiling despite herself. “You really can’t help it, can you?”

“…Guess not.” I said quietly. But even so, for reasons I couldn’t explain, her laughter lingered in my mind longer than it should have.

***

*Evelyn’s POV*

I shouldn’t be worried about Thill’s behavior.

In fact… throughout this entire event, he’s been wonderful — calm, composed, dependable. Just as he always is.

But… for some reason, something about the way he interacts with her — the princess — unsettles me.

Every time their eyes meet, I feel a strange twist in my chest.

It’s not anger. Not exactly.

But something close to it.

Jealousy, maybe.

But why should I be jealous?

Thill already promised me his heart. He said he would take my hand — that we would walk the same path together.

That one day… he would marry me.

And I believe him. I really do.

I can see it in his eyes whenever he looks at me — that quiet sincerity, that unshakable resolve.

So why… why does it bother me so much?

Why does the princess look at him like that?

That gaze — soft, knowing… almost nostalgic.

And worse… why does he look back the same way?

It’s subtle, but I can feel it — as though they share something I can’t see.

Something unspoken, buried somewhere between familiarity and longing.

It doesn’t make sense. They’ve only met twice.

Twice.

And yet, the air between them feels heavier than it should.

Like they’re remembering something neither of them should be able to remember.

I don’t understand it…

But what I do understand is this uneasy feeling clawing inside my chest — the kind of feeling that tells me I’m being left behind.

I don’t want to admit it, but… I feel threatened.

And whatever this strange connection between them is… I can’t just ignore it.

I have to do something about it.

I need to ask him straight out.

After being able to interact with the princess, things died down for a bit…and soon, it was announced that we were allowed to gather with the rest of the other guest. That means that the ballroom gathering was now going to fully start.

I know this chapter seems short…i just didn’t really have the strength to write anything as of this moment. I’ve been approaching the slump again…sorry in advance.