The morning sun kissed the spires of the Azumano castle, its warm light stretching across the cobblestone streets below. The air smelled of dew and blooming flowers, and the gentle chatter of townsfolk brought a comforting rhythm to the day. Princess Reille, clad in a simple green dress with her hair tied back in a low ponytail by her favorite ribbon, stepped out of the grand front doors of her castle, eager to leave behind the weight of royal duties for a while.

Reille was a sight to behold, not just because of her striking beauty—her heart-shaped face framed by loose strands of fiery red hair or her bright green eyes that always seemed to carry a spark of life—but because of the way she carried herself. Her walk was purposeful, her chin held high, though she occasionally brushed back those rogue strands of hair that refused to stay in place. It was a small, habitual gesture, one that revealed both her poise and her occasional nervousness when engaging with others.

Today, her destination was the small, ivy-covered cottage of her best friend, Christy. Nestled at the edge of town, Christy's home was surrounded by vibrant gardens brimming with every type of plant imaginable, and the faint aroma of fresh stew greeted Reille before she even knocked on the door.

Christy looked up from her bubbling pot as Reille entered, holding a small burlap pouch of spices in one hand and a tiny potted cactus in the other. "I found you those spices you wanted, and I brought you a baby cactus!" Reille said, grinning as she held the plant out.

Christy clapped her hands in delight, her cheeks already flushed from the heat of the stove. "Oh, put the spices in the stew, quick! And that cactus is perfect. I don't have many desert plants."

Reille stepped to the counter, adding the spices to the pot before handing over the tiny cactus. "It's so peaceful here, Christy. Have you got anything new for me to do?" she asked, brushing those loose strands of hair from her face again.

Christy laughed, wiping her hands on her apron. "Not since yesterday. This is a quiet town, Reille. Best that it stays that way."

Reille shrugged, though there was a flicker of restless energy in her eyes. "That's all right. I've been practicing with my sword in the meantime. But if anyone gets sick or injured, call me right away—I want to help."

Christy leaned against the counter, arching a brow. "Sword practice again? Aren't you already an expert?"

Reille laughed lightly, smoothing the skirt of her dress. "Well, it is my favorite thing to do. Besides, I want to be ready for anything."

"You're acting like you're preparing for a war!" Christy teased. "Or… are you in training for something else?"

Reille's expression softened, her hands fiddling with the green ribbon in her hair. "Not a war. A future. I want to be a great queen one day—a queen who protects her people. A queen who can forge alliances and bring strength to Azumano."

Christy tilted her head, smirking. "Let me guess, you're still thinking about him."

"Him?" Reille's cheeks turned faintly pink.

"Lord Bakugo, of course," Christy said with a knowing grin. "The mysterious 'Beast of the East.' You still believe he's out there?"

Reille's voice grew quieter, tinged with a rare vulnerability. "I don't just believe it. I know it. I saw him myself, Christy—when I was a child."

Christy paused, the teasing grin slipping from her face. "You're serious."

Reille nodded, her green eyes gazing out the window as if seeing something distant. "He wasn't a beast when I saw him. Not truly. He was cruel, yes, but there was something underneath all of that anger. Something lost." She took a deep breath, as if steadying herself. "I'll never forget the way he looked at me when I said love was real. It was like he wanted to believe me… but couldn't."

Christy hesitated before responding. "Reille, that was years ago. You were just a little girl. And the stories say he's cursed to remain a beast forever. You can't spend your life pining for someone who—"

"I'm not pining!" Reille said quickly, though the flush in her cheeks deepened. "I just… I feel like his story isn't over yet. And if I could help him somehow, maybe… maybe I could change things for Azumano too. An alliance with him could strengthen both our lands."

"Or it could break your heart," Christy said gently.

Before Reille could respond, Christy turned away and rummaged through a cabinet, pulling out a long, beautifully crafted sword. Its hilt was adorned with subtle engravings of vines and flowers, and the blade gleamed even in the soft light of the cottage.

"Speaking of swords… I want you to have this," Christy said, holding it out. "Kenyon. My father's sword."

Reille's eyes widened as she stepped back. "Oh, I couldn't! This is too precious."

Christy smirked. "Really? Because your hands are already reaching for it."

Caught red-handed, Reille laughed, taking the sword in her hands and marveling at its balance and craftsmanship. "This is incredible, Christy. Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Besides, you'll put it to better use than I ever could. You're the one with the dreams of becoming a warrior queen, after all."

Reille held the sword close, a rare smile gracing her lips. "Thank you. I'll treasure it always."

As she left the cottage, the weight of the sword at her side felt like a promise—a promise to herself, to her people, and to the mysterious Lord Bakugo, whose shadow lingered over her thoughts like a restless ghost.