The sunshine danced on the most extravagant balcony of the palace, gleaming from head to do with a flair of rich and expensive taste. This sort of taste, would only be found in the emperor himself. Who, ever since he was a child, was as picky as one could be. He only ate carrots when they were cooked with rosemary herbs, harvested two days earlier than usual and when the sun was upright. He only wished to go outside when it was before one in the afternoon or after four in the afternoon, in order to keep the sun from ruining his fair complexion. He only agreed to wear certain styles of clothing on certain days of the week, and refused to wear certain colours if the weather was even slightly different from what was predicted. The young emperor refused to listen to classical music on a X.F. Xu record player, only accepting the sound quality of the limited edition V.P. Xu record player.

His peculiar and specific tastes made nearly all who worked for him go mad. Even if something was slightly off, he would still rant about it and hold it against one for the next era. In despite of this, the Emperor these days had changed drastically. He didn't mind whether or not the curtains had been tied to the side at a specific angle, or what time of day he went outside, or what colour he wore during any weather and during any day of the weak. To the palace staff, it seemed like a miracle. Little did they know, it was all to do with the fact that the Emperor had something else resting in his mind. Something else that bothered him much more than such petty things. Yes, the black snake group was something he focused on daily, however he found that he could not keep this other issue off of his mind. Bothered deeply, he could be seen spacing out throughout the palace here and there.

Of course, as expected, this strange behaviour halted and his usual picky self returned as being all the more picky. Perhaps, it was because his parent's death anniversary was nearing. He wanted to make sure that as they watched him from over the heavens, that he was living the lavish lifestyle that they had wanted for their little man, and he made sure that his grandmother's retirement from the spotlight of the crown was all the more lavish than anything he could give himself. However, above all, although it didn't seem like it, he raised his people's expectations and wishes above his own.

This can be found truthful in the fact that in his short rule, he managed to abolish underpaid workers and slavery, as well as extreme poverty in all nations he ruled over. Although mysterious, he was an emperor that all would wish for. One who truly looked after his people before himself.

This heavy weight on his shoulders caused them to slope as he sat at his desk, face resting in his palms. The curtains blacked out the sunlight, and only barely peaked in. Not a single light was on inside though, a cold and blue feeling resting in the emperor's study. Being emperor was indeed the greatest blessing and the most horrid curse. Ever since he was little, the young man was never able to even display emotion.

When his parents had passed away, the young man could not shed a tear. The royal advisors trained him strictly, sixteen hours a day before it all begun again.

Every day of every week, the young heir to the throne would wake up at five in the morning, go through vigorous studying for four hours straight, then proceed to have breakfast if the royal tutor saw it fit as a suitable reward for doing decently at his work. He would then practise some sort of fighting or sword techniques, depending on which type of day of the week it was before practising etiquette then on for another four hours after the two hours of sword fighting. Then of course, many other things were on his schedule. Things that would shape him into becoming the perfect emperor, things that would have to be paid with childhood trauma. For example, when his three-legged bunny Sparkles was executed because the young heir could not remember the different war tactics used.

His deep train of thought was interrupted by an abrupt and clear knock on the door. "Your majesty, it is time for your tea." A lowly servant says through the thick, beech wood.

"Leave it. Bring my tea to the royal tailor, I have too much work to do since the incident." The emperor responds. After hearing footsteps disappear, he drops his quill and rubs his eyes violently. "Just a little bit more." He reassures himself, as he could feel fatigue feel his veins. He had been working for 36 hours straight since what had happened.

"Brother, we're going to die!" Cried Oriin, squeezing his eyes shut as the black snake group drew closer. "Never have I met savages as persistent as they! They've been on our tail for the past two hours. Brother, do something!" Oriin yells, tears beginning to form in his eyes.

"You little crybaby. It is nothing to worry about. An urgent message has been sent, and the emperor's first knight will be here in no time. We need to hold out though, until he arrives." Octavi responds. However, all things lovely were ended when a member for the black snake group managed to crawl himself onto the back of their horse.

Oriin screamed hysterically in his elder brother's ear, only making it all the more difficult for Octavi to try and push the man off. Soon enough, other members were jumping onto the successful member's horse in order to come closer.

Octavi feared that it might be the end, before he saw a shadow fly over him. "Only an hour late." He sneered, looking up to behold the first knight of the emperor, dressed in magnificent grey and blue, with a blindfold to match. The young knight had seemed to have jumped from out of nowhere, and bravely into the pile of members trying to catch ahold of Octavi and Oriin. Soon, the member's horses halted and some even turned around, fearing what the knight could do.

The emperor's knight gracefully took out his sword and jumped from horse to horse, fighting the members off of their stallions. "Run, you fools! Get back to the palace, quickly!" Yelled the knight at the duo of brothers, before proceeding to fight the members. Punches, blows and darts were thrown, however he allowed none to pierce his perfectly snowy skin.

The brothers ran off to the nearest village for safety in order to regain their composure and plan out their next move before returning to the palace. While they ran away on their steed, the knight sliced and cut at the members, with great precision even though he had a blindfold around his eyes.

"There was once a famous man who said, 'Do not slice, yet stab'. This is especially important when the opponent has thick armour. A stab just two inches deep is usually fatal." The knight says while blocking all the attacks from the men who had launched attack on Octavi and Oriin. "Listen here, fools. I am the emperor's first knight for a reason." He states confidently with great pride, before continuing to fight them off.

Several hours later, Octavi and Oriin arrived to the village on their steed. Octavi had managed to calm down his little brother's nerves. Octavi however was barely even shaken by this incident, due to the emotional training he had gone through and the fact this had happened before to him. It was no surprise that an important asset to the monarch would be under target, so Octavi was always alert. Oriin falls off of the horse and spreads himself out on the ground.

"Big brother, I think I do not want to work at the palace for definite. If those evil guys follow me around everywhere, I'm bound to go mad. It's difficult enough already having to behave at school." Oriin whines, enjoying the ground after the terrifying incident he had experienced on the horse. "Oh sweet, sweet dirt.." He whispers.

Octavi rolls his eyes and ties the horse to a tree before kicking his little brother's side. "Listen here, numb-skull. You do not behave at school at all, I've seen your terrible grades."

"Excuse me, I got a 100!" Oriin yells back in objection, an angry look on his face as he sits up, rubbing his side gently after Octavi had kicked his sibling.

"Yeah, if you add all your test scores together. Seriously, how sad do you have to be that the teacher feels such pity- enough to give you a mark just for writing down your name?" Octavi scolds his younger brother.

The brothers' small quarrel is interrupted by the strikingly handsome knight as he slides down from the tree and onto the back of the horse. "Ah, to be young." The knight whispers, leaning back and relaxing as if nothing had happened at all just several hours ago.

Oriin screams at the knight's sudden presence while Octavi looks around confused. "How-?"

"Curiosity killed the cat, young gentleman. I am wise, yet not old. I am graceful, yet violent. Do not ask questions. You will not get an explanation by asking around." He responds mysteriously, before gently shaking his head as if it was in disappointment. "Listen here, young boy. You have much to learn. When I was your age I was already finishing my swords fencing training and many other things. I honed many skills such as dance, piano, violin, hand to hand combat and so much more. The thing that makes you the best at a skill isn't just with practise. It is also with the talent your other skills have gifted you. The skills you have learned, ever since you were young, are building blocks for your future self. So, do not be lazy. I am sure your mother and father are waiting patiently for you at home and expect you to come back with badges, trophies and stories that will truly make them proud. Octavi here, when he was young, he was just like you. So rebellious, gosh. He didn't listen to a single thing that I said. All he wanted to do was play all day or pick flowers like the little coward that he was. Despite of this, that little boy pushed himself and has grown into a fine young man. Wouldn't you agree?" He lectures the young boy before looking at the sky.

"Ah, the emperor has heard about the urgent news and wanted me to deliver a message. He says that you must hurry back to the palace as soon as possible with Oriin before any drastic measures are taken by those snakes. On the other hand, I must go and help in the medical ward now. Many palace guards just to protect you Oriin, so make sure to look after yourself. You were born with the Kirayo name because you have the potential. Now, farewell." The white knight finished, before rolling off the tree and walking out of sight steadily and without a care in the world.

"How is that guy always so carefree? He literally nearly loses his like every single day. What has he got to smile about?" Oriin questions his older brother, a detestable look upon his face for the knight. The young boy did not like being lectured and preferred to be independent. He did not want to do what he was told, rather he wanted to do whatever he wished to do. The family name of Kirayo gave him the power to do so. Of course though, he had no choice but to listen to his brother and elders.

You were currently sitting on one of the luxurious seats on the balcony, a blanket made from white fur wrapped around your torso. You stared drearily into the wild night sky, finding it funny how it was the same one that Octavi was looking at too. Even though you were concerned for Octavi, you realised that you felt more concerned for the knight you had met. You did not know his name, and he was as pale and mysterious as the moon. Sometimes, he felt as cold as the night or as distant as the moon. Right there in front of you but out of reach. You could always reach out to him physically but you felt like you couldn't reach into the young man's depths of his soul. You were so curious about him. Curiosity was taking over your body until your mind reminded you of Octavi's situation. Octavi was reputable man who was intelligent. He used to be distant as well but now he was as warm as the sun. The moon, the sun. Two men, representing each. Then, what was the emperor?

You scoffed slightly at the thought of the young father of the nation. The stars reminded you of him. He was divided. It seemed like he was different every time you met him. Sure, he was always formal yet rude but he was the emperor. The clouds of responsibility hid his true light and all the different parts of his personality seemed to be stretched out the whole galaxy.

Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the thick silence in your room. You take a moment to process this sound before jumping slightly and yelling, "Come in!" As clearly as you could.

Several seconds later, the maid comes in with tea for you. "Still worrying, my lady? Do you need my comfort once again?" She questions, gently placing the silver tray onto the metal coffee table next to your seat. On the plate was a titanium white teapot with pink flowers carefully painted on with a small, matching teacup.

"My lady, this tea is slightly alcoholic. I am aware it is quite rare for a tea to have alcohol, however it is tradition in Yunoaiu. When one is worrying, our ancestors say to wash away your worry with this tea. It tastes slightly strange and not very much like the local kind because it uses expensive alcohol made exclusively for residents in the palace. It is also fairly strong. Drink it with small sips." She says before bowing her head to you.

"I will take my leave now, there is much preparation required for Sir Kirayo to have a comfortable return to the palace, especially after what happened to him." She communicates before keeping her head bowed slightly and leaving hastily. You shrugged off her unfamiliar behaviour and disclosed a quick thank you as she left so quickly, which you weren't sure of whether she heard you say thanks or not.

You poured yourself a glass of the brew and gently lifted it to your nose. You discovered the drink's aroma was very strong and bold. It made your nose sting slightly, evoking your body to pull the cup away from your face. The cup was now a suitable distance away and your body took itself a moment to muster up the courage to take a sip from the strange beverage. You lifted it back up to your lips, only to have the cup gently swiped out of your fingers.

You jump slightly in bewilderment before looking around flabbergasted. "You should be careful who you accept drinks from, little tailor." A warm, familiar voice tells you. You look at the source to find no other than the knight. "Sir knight! I am glad you returned to the palace unscathed. The emperor was locked up for the whole time in his office for safety precautions and to take care of all the urgent matters surrounding the incident." You respond.

The knight, who was perching on top of the balcony wearing his usual clothes, threw the cup over his shoulder carelessly into the garden below.

"Oh my. Are you sure it's okay to do such a thing? That was certainly expensive, wasn't it?" You question the knight. "Well, little tailor. You are gullible to no end. This tea contains impure snake wine, meaning the snake was not prepared properly and so the venom remains in the wine. When mixed with jasmine pearl tea, it is quite the deadly combination. I'd advise you to be more careful around that maid. She is a-" The knight was cut off by a loud, resonating knock at the door. You turn your head to the door and look back to the knight, who had now disappeared. Slightly rattled by the knight's words, you yell in an unsure voice, "Come in!"

You are confounded by the person who steps in. Your long awaited Sir Octavi Kirayo gives you a complex gaze, his sky blue locks in a mess. "Well, look at you. I'm sorry that my return was delayed."

You give him a gentle smile and wave, "Octavi! I am so glad you returned safely!" You chirped at the sight, jumping out of your seat to go and greet the young man. He clears his throat, remaining formal as always. "I have brought you something." He murmurs, his gaze trailing away shyly. His hand presents to you a small, purple velvet box. "It is nothing special, just something I picked up on the way here. I thought I would give you this and let you know I was alright before turning in for the night. I am quite worn out after my trip." He explains.

You giggle slightly and take the box from his hands. ".. Please open it after I leave." He whispers nervously, sweating slightly with a light pink dust upon his cheekbones. "The emperor wishes to see you in his office. Farewell, Fuyomui." He says abruptly before hurrying out of the room in embarrassment.

You couldn't help but chuckle at his timid behaviour before opening the box. You found a small fairy with the same features as yourself twirling around as a played. It was a miniature music box from far away. The only sold music boxes at the industrial centre of the country, where the greatest inventors lived and sold their awe-worthy goods. You smiled gently, as if Octavi was calling you some sort of dream-like fairy. You placed down the music box and let it play for a bit more as you enjoyed the tune before venturing out of your room and towards the Emperor's office.

Soon, your body was towered over by the large doors. The guards at either side slides them open for you, revealing the emperor at his desk, forehead on palm. At the sound of the doors opening, he lifts his head. "Greetings, little tailor." The emperor says in a weak voice, seemingly overstressed.

There was a woman in one of the leather seats in front of his desk who stared at you judgementally. "Who is this, your Majesty?" She questions, a tinge of disgust in her voice.

"Somebody who you must have respect for, fool." He uttered to her, however it came out louder than intended.

The woman seemed to be hurt by the words, and stood up angrily. "Please excuse my behaviour. However, please take me up on the dinner invitation. It's in a restaurant quite difficult to reserve such a table, especially in the VIP section." She mutters back in a small voice, before bowing her head deeply.

She stood in that position for several moments, waiting for the emperor to dismiss her. The woman's legs began to tremble dye to how long she was being forced to hold them position. The emperor grumbles, "You are dismissed by your emperor, fool."

The woman then proceeds to speed out of the room, shouldering you with great force. You stumble slightly, falling against the frame of the door.

The emperor quickly looks up at you in panic, before immediately becoming his cold self once again. Despite how hard he tried to hide his exhaustion, he failed miserably. There were bags under his eyes and his hair was in a mess. His hand was red from how much he had been writing and his eyes were barely being kept open. He must have been awake for several days straight at this point.

"Please, take a seat." The emperor says. You walk to the leather seat where the woman once sat, taking her place. The doors closed behind you and only now were you able to take a look in the room. It was quite dark, containing dark wood and red with hints of gold here and there. The thick, red curtains made it difficult to see anything, especially since the only source of light was the small lantern on the emperor's desk that illuminated his perfect features.

"I would like to thank you, for still staying here." The emperor mumbles, writing while he speaks as if using it as an excuse to not look you in the eye.

"..It is quite alright, your majesty. I'd like to apologise for my behaviour-""It is nothing to concern yourself with. It is quite eye opening and new. Not many speak to me like that. It was refreshing to say the least." He responds immediately, acting incredibly insistent on your apology.

"The reason I give you thanks is because.. most of my tailors leave by now. My temper seems to be exhausting and well. Once they hear of the black snake group, they leave. It seems to be the final straw for them. I guess my desperation has lead me to the correct tailor who is perfectly loyal and provides comfort to my first knight." He pauses for a second before continuing, "The first knight is quite lonely and doesn't fully understand how to behave himself around others in an informal manner. He was raised to be formal and look down on others after all. Especially since he had entered the palace. Nonetheless, please do not pity him or hate him for this." He states, his voice weak as his fatigue begins to get the better of him.

"I'm sure the first knight has many of his own hardships in daily life. I was wondering why he sounded quite awkward when he talks informally. It's quite amusing. I'm sure you haven't heard him speak in such a way since well, you are the emperor."

"Well, you'd be surprised. Thank you for visiting me." He finally looks up at you and takes out a small red flower charm. "This is a lucky charm for royalty. I'm giving this to you, because you acted very calm during the incident. You quite deserve it. You are dismissed.." He mumbles before closing his eyes and slumping onto the desk. You laugh slightly, and gently remove the charm from his slender fingers, accidentally running your fingers over the scar covering his pink palm. You wondered how he had gotten such an injury, but decided not to press him on it if you were to meet again. It was quite lovely to have a chat with the emperor, even if the air was still stuffy and your hands were sweating buckets due to the large power dynamic. You cradle the charm in your hands before standing up, bowing your head and quickly leaving the room after the guards open the door for you once again. You hurry past Eli, who gave you a small smile and eyed the charm in your hands as you left.

"How peculiar," he muttered to himself. "That's the charm the late dowager. Why did he give that tailor his mother's charm?"

As you returned to your quarters, you lay the charm on your bedside table and reach for the telephone on the side of your bed. However, you place the telephone back down as you look at the clock by the phone. It was already three in the morning. Knowing your brother's workload, you didn't dare call him at this time to interrupt his beauty sleep. You hastily change and prepare for bed, before sitting down on the duvet.

You sigh and look at the ceiling before your eyes gently close, and you lose yourself in the world of dreams. Just several moments later after you had fallen asleep, the troublesome maid stepped into your bedroom. She tiptoes quietly towards the balcony, grabbing the tray with the tea set on it. She checked the inside of the teapot and scoffed.

"Did she even drink any? Her skin is still pulp with life. I am growing tired of my failed attempts. Perhaps, a more slow death is what she deserves." The maid whispers to herself before angrily throwing the tray over the balcony. "I hate being a darn maid!" She whisper shouts, before staring at your sleeping figure.

"Ah, [Name]. My master will be coming to the palace soon. Everyone you love will soon be dead." She sings quietly before walking over to your bed. Shortly, she was standing over your motionless figure, plotting in her head a way to make you unwell, and eventually, lead you to your death. "Your lucky my master told me to do this discreetly, or else you would've been dead the moment I saw you. My twin sister may have failed, but I refuse to. I won't lose my life in the same way." She murmurs before leaving rapidly.