"Uncle!"

At the mention of his honorary title, the platinum-haired man whirled his body. A smile materialized across his lips as a familiar blob of pink, brown and yellow entered his field of vision. "It's wonderful to see you again, my dear," Alexei greeted, approaching the pair. He then glanced at his right-hand lieutenant who in return bowed his head in respect. "Thank you, Captain Schwann, for escorting them."

The brown-haired man tipped his head, silently acknowledging his words.

"We're so happy to have you here, Uncle!" Estellise cried, suppressing the urge to run up to him and squeeze him to death. "It has been too long since you visited."

Alexei let out a low chuckle. "Alas, you have not changed one bit." He commented, earning a pouty look from her. "Though I wouldn't miss this for the world," He replied, stretching his hand forth to ruffle the strands of her hair fondly. "Wouldn't you agree, Drake?"

At the mention of her instructor's name, Estellise quickly raised her head, her seafoam eyes widening at the sight of another older man standing behind her Uncle. "Master Drake!"

"Lady Estellise," The general addressed his student, thrusting his arm over his thick armored chest and lowered his head in respect. Shortly after, he mimicked the same gesture to the younger man before him. "And His Majesty, Ioder." As he raised his head, his wrinkled facial features softened. "It's wonderful to see you both once again."

"Now that Estellise is present, the party shall officially commence," Alexei began, straightening his posture and folding this hands behind his back. Wasting no time, he led the way with his right-hand man, Schwann, on his left and Sir Drake on his corresponding right.

Ioder held out his arm to his female cousin and asked, "Shall we?"

Taking note of this, Estellise bit her lower lip. Inhaling deeply, she firmly nodded and looped her arm with his. Together, the two-marched forward, silently following after the three older men who led them to the center of the ballroom where the large birthday cake was located.

Some of the wandering guests and polices stopped what they were doing, their full attention directly on the Heurassein cousins as they passed through the crowd.

Estellise blushed, feeling embarrassed by the many eyes on her. Even so, she made sure to keep her shoulders relax, hoping not to overstep and make a mistake in the process. She snuck a glance at her younger cousin who seemed to be completely oblivious with the situation and displaying an air of sophistication.

Unlike her, Ioder was always level-headed—the calm and composed one.

With his vast array of expertise which included horseback riding, military tactics, and worldly knowledge of Terca Lumireis, there was no doubt that he was far more entitled to be the true heir to the Zaphias throne—the perfect king that everyone deserves.

Not her.

If anything, all she had were swords and a bunch of books.

She closed her gloved hand and gripped the hem of her teal dress.

…No, not even once did the thought of ascending as the next Queen of Zaphias crossed her mind. Remove the perks, benefits, lavish dresses, and her title as a nobility and she's nothing more than a typical woman like the rest.

Oh, how she dreamt to run away as fast as her legs could take her, away from the manor and away from her predetermined fate…

…If only it was that simple.

Once the pair arrived at the epicenter of the flock, Alexei took hold of the microphone which was handed to him from a passing butler. Tapping on the round piece of the device a few times, he finally received the attention of the entire room.

Clearing his throat, he opened his mouth, "Ladies and Gentlemen—thank you all for coming in this wondrous occasion. For the first time, our dearly beloved Princess, Estellise Sidos Heurassein, has officially reached her twenty-long-years. Thus, marking her a legitimate candidate to ascend the Zaphias throne."

On cue, a massive round of applause and cheers vibrated throughout the area.

Alexei glanced over to the young woman a mere distance away from where he stood and smiled.

"Lady Estellise has become the beautiful, intellectual, and clever princess we have all come to know and love. On behalf of all the guests and the Imperial Police Force present, we wish Her Highness all the best in the coming future." His smile widened, his eyes sparkling with adoration. "Your late father, King Perseus the IV and late mother, Queen Selena, would be so proud of you." A pause. "I, Alexei Dinoia, am proud of you."

He then raised his other free arm high above his head and raised his voice. "Cheers for Her Royal Highness! May she reign forevermore!"

Once more, the unanimous applause and cheers erupted from all directions.

Estellise blushed, biting her lower lip. She then felt something nudge her on the shoulder. She turned her head, a tiny smile appearing across her lips as she caught Ioder flash her a pleasant smile.

"Happy birthday, dear cousin." He muttered lowly under his breath.

"You are too sweet," She mouthed softly, playfully nudging her elbow back at him for payback.

Exchanging mischievous grins, the two laughed earnestly.

"Estellise."

The familiar voice of their Uncle caused the two to cease their laughter and freeze abruptly.

The pink-haired woman averted her attention to the Commander. She tipped her head to the side, her eyebrow raised in curiosity.

Smiling, Alexei slowly approached her. "Here," And presents her the microphone to which she took graciously. "Your turn."

Estellise's grip on the microphone tightened.

Sensing her anticipation, Ioder gently released his hold on her cousin, though not before stroking her shoulder blade for support. "You can do this," He encouraged her, flashing her another soft smile.

Hearing this, Estellise smiled. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.

While making her way to stand next to her towering birthday cake, she failed to notice a police officer hastily walking toward Alexei and Schwann in the background. Leaning forward, he placed a hand over the latter's ear, muttering a few words lowly under his breath.

Alexei's eyes slowly widened, though was quick to revert back to his usual composed expression.

Once the officer left, the platinum-haired man darted his eyes around the ballroom as if searching for something. His right hand stealthily slid to the leather brown strap on his waist where his large blade remained at the ready.

None except Schwann, Drake, and Ioder took notice of this sudden change.

Tapping the microphone a few times, Estellise brought the device to her lips. She inhaled a deep breath.

"G-good evening." She began, forcing a smile on her flushed face. "I am Estellise Sidos Heurassein. I just want to say that— "

All of a sudden, a loud crash erupted from the halls.

Alarmed, everyone turned frozen in their spots.

Frightened, the children raced to their parents who quickly ushered them to hide under their wing for protection. The other guests, on the other hand, remained high on alert, their fearful expressions apparent by their trembling forms.

Instinctively, Alexei quickened his steps before finally halting in front of the pale pink-haired heiress.

"Stay close, Estellise," He warned her, unsheathing his blade and raising it forward. His amber eyes narrowed as he carefully scanned the ballroom once more. "Schwann!"

"On it," His right-hand captain replied, rushing forth to stand close to his superior.

"Estellise!"

Estellise quickly whirled her head around, just in time to catch her younger cousin and Master Drake running towards her. Once they were a few feet away from each other, a sudden thump erupted above their heads.

All eyes and ears veered up towards the slightly swaying chandelier.

In response, the police officers and other lieutenants stationed in the same area automatically equipped themselves with various weapons ranging from small knives, spears, bow, and so forth.

"Prepare men," Alexei cautioned them, getting into a battle stance. "We must protect House Heurassein at all cost…"

A flurry of shattered glass exploded from the other side of the ballroom.

Screams of anguish and agony echoed throughout the ballroom as one by one, the colossal stained glass windows broke into million glass shards and raining down on the guests and police officers. A few bodies dropped to the ground as a pool of dark blood circled around them.

A silhouette hastily jumped inside, successfully landing onto the shiny, hardwood flooring. Moments later, more darker silhouettes appeared, multiplying by the number.

At this point, all hell broke loose.

More screams and sobbing intensified, causing Estellise and Ioder to squirm in their spots. The sound of heavy metal, fired gunshots, and battle cries pierced their ringing ears. So many things were happening, they couldn't tell which to turn their focus on.

"BRING THE SURVIVORS TO THE NEAREST EXIT!" Schwann ordered, unsheathing his large broadsword as he battled it out with two assassins nearby.

Maids, butlers, and police force scattered about as they attempted to seize any of the remaining guests alive and usher them to safety.

From the corner of her eye, Estellise took notice of a little girl hiding under the sheets of the table. As she attempted to crouch down and assist the child, an eerie noise erupted from above.

"TAKE COVER!"

Once more, ear-piercing screams and sobbing resonated thunderously as the large chandelier which hung from the ceiling plummeted to the ground.

A sudden jerk from the arm caused Estellise to stumble backward. Her eyes widened as the chandelier hit the cake, along with the table and a muffled scream below the sheets.

Pieces of glass and large layers of white bean frosting piled along the slightly bloodied ground.

Estellise's heart stopped beating.

She peered downwards to meet her gloved hands, her mouth agape.

"ESTELLISE!"

Blinking away her tears, she turned to the direction that called out her name. "No!" She replied back, releasing his hold on her arm and running back to the wrecked chandelier. "No!"

Suddenly, she felt her right wrist being held back, causing her to be flung back with force. To her discouragement, it was her cousin again.

"Please, Ioder!" She cried in desperation, "Let go of me!"

Ioder furrowed his eyebrows, trying to make sense of his cousin's words.

Estellise opened her mouth to respond only to close it again. Bringing her hand over her mouth, she sank down, burying her face on her hands and cried.

Shocked, Ioder quickly rushed to assist his cousin. "Estellise! Please, you've got to stand up!"

"Your Highnesses!"

Sniffing, Estellise peered upwards, her seafoam eyes glistening with freshly salted tears. "Master Drake…" She addressed her instructor. She slowly rose up, only to stumble backward.

Ioder quickly reached out, assisting her as she regained her balance.

"Come, we must hurry!" Drake cried, pulling them forward.

"Wait!" Ioder exclaimed back, exasperated. "What about Uncle?"

"There's no time!"

Grabbing their wrists, the older man rushed forth, dodging past the officers dueling against the dark-clothed assassins, the fallen dead bodies, and into the narrow halls.

Hoping to drown the chaos around her, Estellise shut her eyes closed.

The West Wing of the manor was bombarded with a sea of guests, imperial officers, and staff— frantically rushing and trampling others about as they attempted to get close to a nearby exit.

Hoping to avoid the crowd, Drake hastily angled his body to the right where he found himself face-to-face with the entrance to the cafeteria. Thrusting the door open with his armored boot, he pulled Estellise and Ioder's wrists and ushered them to head inside.

Fortunately for them, the cafeteria remained untouched by the horrors of the chaos.

"What's going on?" Ioder spoke up, breaking the silence.

Drake turned to face them and frowned. "It's them again." He began, unsheathing his blade from its scabbard and thrusting it forward, his hazel brown eyes locked on the closed door in front of them.

"Who's them?"

"Leviathan's Claw, I believe." He then nodded his head a few times to confirm himself. "Yes…for many years, they've been trying to take control of the Zaphias throne. To ensure that House Heurassein does not fall to ruin, Sir Alexei Dinoia thought it'd be best to briefly erase your existence from the public eye. For a while, there was tranquil…" As his words slipped past his lips, Drake firmly gripped the helm of his blade. "That is, until two weeks ago, we've received notice of their supposed hideout…Manor of the Wicked."

"Manor…of the Wicked?"

"A recently built vicinity located beyond the outskirts of Heliord," Drake continued, "Sir Dinoia ordered spies to head inside and gather more intel…unfortunately, none of them made it. We are surprised just as you are that they planned to use Her Highness's birthday celebration to initiate their assassination."

"I don't understand. Why hide something so big from us?" Ioder suddenly cried, "Why now?"

"Sir Dinoia ordered us to hide this information," Drake muttered, his eyes hardening. "To protect you both."

Ioder deeply frowned. "Still…"

"I'm tired of hiding!" Estellise suddenly exclaimed, alerting the two. "I'm tired of running! And by that, we have the right to know everything!" Inhaling a deep breath, she brought a hand over her beating chest. She reopened her eyes, looking more determined than ever. "How do you expect us to ascend the throne, to protect our people if we lack such knowledge?"

Both men turned to stare at their courageous princess.

"I'm afraid I'll have to agree with the little lass."

The unfamiliar German accent caused the three to freeze still in their tracks.

Looking around, they finally caught sight of a mysterious lean figure standing on top of the elevated cabinets. Though their entire form was bathed in complete darkness prior to the cloudy window, the humongous scythe-like weapon in his possession was clear to the naked eye.

Determined, Drake immediately went on his battle stance, raising his blade high. "GET BEHIND!"

In response, the Heurassein cousins did what they were told, their eyes never breaking away from the human shadow which loomed over them.

A minute later, the clouds were no more and moonlight entered through the closed window. The light shone over them, including the human shadow.

Deadly, crimson eyes.

Purple hair slicked in the middle.

Shark-like teeth, followed by a wicked smirk.

"Yeager," Drake muttered lowly under his breath.

The male assassin emitted a light chuckle. "Surprise, surprise!" He greeted back, setting one hand on his hip and the other under his sharp chin. "And my, are we in for some fun, ja?"

Drake leered at him. "Don't you dare take a step closer!" He exclaimed, retreating a few steps back though not too close as to hurt the pair hiding behind him.

"I assure ya…I am not here for you…" Yeager sang flippantly, hopping out from the cabinets and onto the ground. He began twirling his large scythe around to and fro, almost as if he was playing around with it. Finally, he set his weapon forward, its large metallic blade mere inches away from the older general's thick neck.

"I am here to do business…" His sharp crimson eyes averted its focus from the man in front of him and to the huddled pair. "…with them."

"I WON'T ALLOW IT!" Drake cried, brandishing his sword forward. "OVER MY DEAD BODY!" Tiny sparks ensued as the two metallic weapons made contact with each other.

Registering his words, Yeager's smirk widened. "Well, why didn't you say so!"

Jumping backward, he pressed the helm of his weapon over the right side of his chest and clicked the trigger. In a matter of seconds, the weapon transformed from that of a scythe to a formidable sniper. "Beautiful, no?" He commented, caressing his hand over the weapon rather fondly. "I polished her yesterday for the sake of tonight."

Peering over his shoulder, Drake softly whispered to them, "You must run from here."

Estellise quickly shook her head. "No, we're not leaving you!" She mumbled back, her gloved hands gripped firmly over her chest. "We can fight too! Let us help you!"

"No, Estellise," Ioder interrupted her, "Sir Drake is right. We need to make haste."

Again, Estellise shook her head.

"Lady Estellise, you must listen…" Drake began, darting his focus back to the male assassin. He quickly dodged as his opponent swooped in, though not too far as to keep an eye on the Heurassein cousins.

Seconds later, a merciless kick was thrown at him. In retaliation, he thrust his armored arm high, blocking it in the process.

"You must get out of here no matter what! The fate of House Heurassein and the Zaphias throne rests on your hands."

"But…"

"I will be fine," Drake assured her with a soft smile. "For now, focus on your escape." He then let out a grunt as he felt himself beginning to sink from the weight of the attacks. "You must hurry! I cannot hold him much longer!"

The sudden desperation in his tone brought Estellise back to her senses. She turned to her cousin who looked back at her with the same determined expression. Taking hold of Ioder's gloved hand, she turned back to her teacher and softly mumbled, "Please be safe."

Drake firmly nodded. "Go! Run!"

Nodding their heads, the two cousins bolted out of the kitchen and into the hallways.

Wasting no time, Yeager drew back before rushing toward the open entrance, pulling out his sniper and aiming at their retreating figures. Before he could set his finger on the trigger, a massive weight hit him from the side. He growled as he was brutally shoved into a cluster of barrels. Groaning, he brought a hand to nurse his aching temple and propped his head upwards.

Drake took a few steps back, his blade directly pointing at the German male. "You forgetting something?"

Yeager let out a light-hearted laugh.

"Oh, I never forget."

After what seemed like an eternity, Estellise and Ioder finally reached the chamber halls.

Collecting her breath, Estellise released her hand from the latter and strolled forward. She then pressed a hand over her doorknob and pushed it open. Her eyes narrowed for any signs of anything suspicious. Once she realized that there was nothing, she quietly ushered her younger cousin to enter her domain.

When both of them walked inside, Estellise quickly twirled around to lock the door. She let out a sigh of relief.

So far, so good.

"Come here," She mumbled softly as she walked over to her bedside table. "Take this," And gave him the silver-tinted candelabra.

Ioder nodded and did what he was told. Afterward, she ushered him over to her large wardrobe. Opening its contents, she crouched down and threw her arms inside. "Come here a little closer," She muttered, narrowing her eyes as she tried to make sense of the pit of darkness. When the light from the tiny flickering flames entered, she smiled and continued on her search.

"What are you looking for?" Ioder asked, peering over to see what she was doing.

"You'll see," She replied back before finally withdrawing two rapiers and two shields.

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm preparing for battle," Estellise stated matter-of-factly, rising up from the ground with a brown leathered belt and boots in her possession. Unbuckling it, she proceeded to put the belt around her thin waist, refastening it and tapping it a few times for good measure. She then leaned over to remove her pink heels, clenching her teeth as she tore them off from her swollen bare feet and replacing them with a more comfortable wear. Taking her silver rapier, sheathed it through one of the open sockets. Afterward, she took the heart-shaped shield from the carpet flooring and raised it high.

"…Battle?"

"Indeed." She replied, bending her knees slightly to take the other available rapier from the ground and presenting it toward him. "Here. For you."

Ioder looked at her as if she grew two heads. "Estellise, you know more than anyone that I cannot handle weapons, much less a sword!"

"I know," She agreed, her voice unwavering. "But we cannot take any chances. We cannot rely on Uncle, Captain Schwann, Master Drake nor the Imperial Forces all the time…" Once more, she offered him the available weapon. "And we cannot stand around and do nothing."

Ioder glanced down at the rapier in her hands, then back at his cousin. Seafoam and emerald eyes meeting solace for a brief moment. Finally, he sighed. "Alright then." And took the helm of the sword.

Seeing this, Estellise smiled. "Good," And offered him the other shield. "Take this as well."

Eyeing the strange heart design, Ioder gave her a sheepish grin. "Do you have anything else that might suit me more?"

"You get what you get and you don't get upset," She replied, rolling her eyes. "Besides, that's the only one that's been proven to be useful. The rest is purely made out of cardboard and wood." And pushed the large material toward his chest.

Ioder lowered his head in dismay. "Estellise, you know I'm not strong when it comes to combat."

"I'm not either." She assured to him with a sweet smile. "But whether we like it or not, we still need to do this."

"True words from our future Queen." Ioder humored her.

Estellise glared. "Ioder, that's not funny." She warned him. "Anyway, there's a secret staircase behind the painting over there—" She then gestured her chin over to the floral painting from across the room. "Head down the stairs and you'll find yourself in the abandoned dungeons. From there, you should know where to go."

Ioder turned to face the painting as well and nodded. "What about you?"

No response.

"Estellise?"

"…I shall remain here." She said finally with a wistful smile. "And do what I can to help the others escape."

Ioder's eyes widened. "Are you mad?" He cried, completely taken aback by her declaration. "Why would you— "

A finger was pressed on his lips, silencing him from speaking any further.

"Someone's coming…" Estellise pointed out, her eyes directed toward the moving shadows from under her doorstep. Removing her finger, she lifted her shield and drew out her silver rapier. Inhaling a deep breath, she proceeded to impersonate the same stance which Master Drake taught her. "You should go now."

Out of nowhere, the door burst open, causing the tiny flames on the candelabra to die out in an instant.

Footsteps entered the darkened room, followed by a cynical laughter.

"What do we have here, eh?" The assassin wondered, licking his lips. He raked his red and yellow spiky hair, his eyes glowing with a predatory gleam as he registered the pair's presence. "Fresh meat?"

"Ioder, flee now!" Estellise called out, startling the younger man standing next to her. "Take your weapons and go! Before it's too late!"

Ioder opened his mouth, only to close it again. Instead, he nodded firmly in agreement. Placing the candelabra on the ground, he quickly grasped the rapier and shield in his possession and rushed off to the other side of the room.

"OH, HO, HO! AND WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, AHH?"

As the male assassin chased after the latter, Estellise ran faster. At the sight of Ioder pushing the painting away and entering the hidden entry, she quickened her pace, outrunning the latter in time before he could dare touch her cousin.

She held her shield forward, evading the numerous slashes he kept propelling with his dagger-like blades. Whipping her head to the right, she glanced at her cousin who stared back at her through the tiny cracks of the painting.

"Go!" She mouthed to him in urgently.

Ioder nodded, veering his eyes downwards as he let go of his grip on the painting, allowing it to hide his presence from their sight.

Jumping back, Estellise groaned through ragged breath. She snuck a glance over to her right and a tiny smile appeared across her lips. Letting Ioder escape from here was all that matter to her. And now that he was out of the way, she could finally turn her full attention to the assassin before her.

"What's your name?" She called out to him, sporting her rapier toward his general direction.

"Why does it matter, huh?" The assassin barked at her, getting into a battle stance. "We both know how this battle's gonna end!" And just like that, he lunged right at her.

Once more, Estellise raised her shield at him.

One after another, the slashing of his daggers kept coming at her. She retreated a few steps back until she felt something hard behind her. Ignoring this, she remained still in her position, her shield still raised up as he continued to slash at her.

Two minutes passed the assassin finally withdrew back, though kept his eyes on her for any slight movements.

Estellise huffed, feeling her strength beginning to drain away. Biting her lower lip, she shook her head, refusing to give up. She needed to buy more time for Ioder to escape. Inhaling another deep breath, she stretched her arm forward, the tip of her rapier barely touching the assassin's daggers.

"What's wrong? Scared of me, huh?" The assassin provoked her. He threw his head back as he laughed mechanically.

Taking note of his unguarded stance, Estellise took this opportunity to draw out her rapier and counter. Alas, the assassin became aware of her intentions and evaded her attack…though in the process, a few strands of his reddish-yellow hair fell off as her blade managed to graze over the top of his head.

In an instant, his expression quickly returned to that of a predator.

"YOU BITCH!" He cried, whipping out his daggers and lunging at her once more. "UGHH! YOU'RE GONNA PAY!"

Again, Estellise raised her shield in defense only to feel her grip on the handle slipped away. Her eyes widened as the shield was seized by the assassin and was later thrown on her bed.

Refusing to give in, she held her grip on her rapier. "Don't come any closer!"

Hearing this, the assassin smiled, his narrowed eyes staring at her dead in the eye.

As he kept advancing toward her, Estellise squirmed in her spot. Even so, she remained still in her spot. Closing her eyes shut, she inhaled a deep breath as she mentally prepared herself to die right then and there.

In response, the assassin laughed. Elevating his arms up high, he then thrust it downward. "NOW…DIE!"

Suddenly, a flicker of light exploded in the space between them.

The assassin howled, backing away as the sheer of light strengthened, invading and disrupting his sight.

Meanwhile, Estellise continued to brace herself, gripping her rapier close to her chest.

Once the light diminished within the entirety of the room, the assassin shook his head and forcedly opened his eyes.

In amidst of his blurry vision and the now darkened room, he could sense an otherworldly presence in his company.

Gritting his teeth, he proceeded to lung in and aim his daggers toward the pink-haired woman.

…Something metallic countered back.

But it wasn't coming from her.

Perplexed, the assassin narrowed his eyes.

And then he saw it.

"…WHAT THE HELL?"

Hearing the assassin's words, Estellise frowned and slowly opened her eyes, propping her head upwards.

She blinked once, then twice.

And here he was—defending her from an incoming attack, his signature blade already unsheathed and making contact with the assassin's daggers, which producing an ear-piercing, metallic sound and tiny, fiery sparks.

Long, shiny ink hair in a tight ponytail.

A knight suit as dark as midnight.

Estelle held her breath.

"…Yuri Lowell?"

Hearing his name, the dark-haired swordsman peered over his shoulder.

Ebony and seafoam eyes clashed.

His lips crinkled to form a bold smirk.

"You called?"

...And here we are! Second chapter! Woohoo!

Hello, everyone! This is Kroissant!

I apologize for my lateness! Due to my coming finals, I had to keep track of my assignments. The good news is that I managed to finish all my assignments yesterday which means more time to write this bad boy!

Now, we have finally come to the introduction of Master Drake, Yeager, Zagi and finally, Yuri! In the next chapter, the battle between Yuri and Zagi (the assassin) would commence! Also, expect a lot of interactions with Yuri and Estelle.

Also, I would like to assure everyone who is reading this fanfiction that you don't have to worry about the pairings listed above. I assure you, I will do what I can to deliver. Please, have patience, relax and enjoy!

The other pairings will naturally pop up in no time!

For least, I hope I was able to keep you all satisfied as I need to plan out for the next chapter.

If you'd like, read my other work, Start of Something New, where it's more of a complete opposite to this one.

Thank you so much for reading!

Updates are up in the air!

Comments/kudos are welcome!

See you later!

P.S. Songs I suggest listening to -

Future King from the Crown Netflix series (or basically, the entire second season soundtrack since the majority of the songs helped me become inspired to write this)