Chương 2: THE BEGINNING

~~~~~~~~~~~11 Years Ago~~~~~~~~~~

The mighty Kingdom of Solstice is one of the most resource-rich and powerful kingdoms in the world. Solstice is renowned for its hospitality and abundance; the Kingdom was ruled by King Nicolas and Queen Dorothy. The King and Queen are all adored by their people for how they look after the Kingdom.

The people of the kingdom are known for their warmth and hospitality. They embrace a spirit of unity and celebration, coming together to honor the changing seasons with grand festivals and feasts. These joyous occasions are marked by vibrant parades, lively music, and delectable delicacies that tantalize the taste buds.

Magic is woven into the very fabric of the kingdom, with skilled mages and knights practicing their craft in hidden alcoves and grand academies. The air hums with the whispers of ancient spells and the glow of mystical energy can be seen dancing in the night sky. But beyond the beauty and magic, the kingdom of solstice is a realm of harmony and peace. Its wise and just rulers govern with compassion and fairness, ensuring the well-being of their subjects. The people, in turn, live in harmony with nature, cherishing and protecting the land that sustains them.

Yule McGregor is the captain of HAK, the one in charge of keeping the kingdom secure, the most powerful in the kingdom, and a role model to everyone. She leads the HAK, including Elijah Chestre, Jack Whitlock, Leo Wixx, and Annah Swindleheart. Other Kingdoms seek to make them an ally since interfering with their Kingdom would be disastrous for them.

The people of Solstice are busy decorating in preparation for the arrival of the King and the Holy Archmage Knights. They will return to the Kingdom from Bronzeshear since the world peace treaty was held there two months ago, and now, it's time for them to return.

Bronzeshear: This location has no owner, and no kingdom can seize it. It's not because they can't, but because it's against the rules. That is why it is the ideal location for the world peace treaty since it prevents partiality.

World peace treaty: Eliminates disagreements, wars, and conflicts between kingdoms. Every two years, the world peace treaty must be conducted at Bronzeshear to discuss all of the Kingdom's problems and an opportunity to create an alliance and do business throughout the Kingdoms.

In the Kingdom, particularly the royal capital city of Solstice, the streets are adorned with vibrant banners and colorful ribbons, fluttering in the gentle breeze, as a symbol of the kingdom's unwavering loyalty and love for their king. With hearts full of joy and anticipation, the people gather from every corner of the kingdom to celebrate this momentous occasion.

"I'm glad the King will be back."

"Yes! I'm thankful they're going back safely."

"Of course, the HAK is the one guarding his highness throughout their travel, so the King is safe in the hands of Yule."

"The world peace treaty went fine; I'm glad no other Kingdom wants to conquer us or have a dispute in our kingdom."

The citizens are constantly chatting about the King and HAK, and even the children are getting enthusiastic about their arrival.

"Yule McGregor!!!"

"Yes, I want to be like her someday."

"A hero!"

"When I grow up, I will marry Yule."

"No! I'm the one who'll marry her!!!"

"What? But you're a girl. how can you marry her?"

"I don't care, I'll marry her someday!"

"No! Yule is mine, if you want, you can marry Master Elijah."

"No! I want Yule!"

When they heard the bell ring, the Kingdom began to become more agitated. It only signifies they've arrived at the capital. Yule and the other members of HAK are riding the horse that is leading the carriage carrying the King. Because the roads are congested, the Knights are stationed along them to ensure that no one interferes with the carriages.

All of the civilians were waving and chanting their names, and Yule smiled sincerely as she saw everyone's joy and delight as they arrived in the kingdom. All the innocent children were waving at them, so she smiled and waved back.

"Looks like they simply waited for you and purposely ignored us," Eli chuckled, and Yule grinned back.

"Of course, what do you expect from the famous captain?" she laughed. "I just want to rest in my bed all day; riding this horse hurts my back."

"That's because you didn't ride the horse appropriately; I told you, you could ride with me, but you keep refusing," Eli said and took away his gaze from Yule, and mumbled, "So hardheaded..."

"That would be humiliating, I'm the captain but can't ride a horse properly?" she remarked, looking around at the faces of the citizens. her demeanor suddenly becomes serious "Eli, remember the smiles and happiness on their faces; this tranquility will not last forever; we must safeguard them, their smiles and happiness."

Eli shifted his focus and couldn't help but be mesmerized by her, long flowing white-silvery hair riding atop a majestic horse, creating a vision of ethereal beauty. The sun casts its golden rays upon her, illuminating her porcelain skin and enhancing the enchanting glow in her captivating blue eyes. Her hair, like strands of moonlight, cascades down her back in gentle waves, catching the light and shimmering with a silver radiance. It dances in the wind as she guides the horse with delicate yet confident movements, creating a mesmerizing sight dressed in attire befitting her celestial nature.

Yule wears a flowing cloak that billows in the wind, primarily in shades of silver and blue, and is adorned with exquisite patterns that resemble constellations scattered across the night sky.

'Was it self-centered of me to say I only cared about one person?' Eli murmured to himself as he still couldn't take his eyes away from her, wearing a soft smile on his face.

"Ahem! Elijah, pay attention to the road," Jack muttered behind his back. Eli was startled and gave him a sour look, and Jack immediately averted his gaze.

They will soon arrive at the royal palace when Yule notices a weeping kid across the street. She gestured a stop sign and instantly came down on her horse. putting a stop to the carriage and the other members. Eli and the others were exchanging looks at each other, confused as to what caused the sudden stop of the parade,

With a head tilted to the side and brows furrowed, Eli asked "What's wrong, Yule?" but she gave him a "Wait a minute" look.

Yule walks towards the child who's crying "Hey! What's wrong? Are you hurt?" she inquires. The child's eyes widened; eyebrows raised as he realized the person in front of her was the captain of HAK. He screams louder because of his happiness but his expression changes quickly, he sighs deeply, with downcast eyes and a quivering lower lip.

Startled, Yule ask worriedly "H-hey, what's wrong?"

"B-because I can't become a hero like you." the boy said and tried to wipe his tears.

"And who said that?" she asked, lowering her height to match the kid, and resting her chin in her palm.

"My friends claimed I couldn't become captain since my magic wasn't Ice and wasn't as strong as yours," the youngster explained.

"Oh, is that right? Then tell your buddies they're wrong," she murmured to the boy, wiping his tears. "Even if your magic was not Ice, you can be a captain. you're going to prove them wrong"

"But I can't be like you. I want to be like you" he sadly said with tears falling down

"As I said, you can be a captain even if your magic isn't Ice," she spoke softly with warmth and assurance, wiping his tears away, "You're still a youngster, you have more room to grow and train till you are stronger. maybe you'll surpass me one day."

"You are a hero to yourself, remember that. You are a nice youngster, you have hopes, dreams, and power within you, and I hope to see you take the title of HAK captain one day," she remarked. widens the boy's and everyone else's eyes who can hear them. The kid has stopped weeping.

"Am I capable?" he asks widening Yule's eyes; she smiles and gently pinches his chubby cheeks.

"Of course, you are. even if you don't have magic, you can become someone amazing. and it all starts within yourself," Yule stated as she stood up. "Believe in yourself, I hope we'll be able to work together when you're older and stronger."

Yule smiled at the boy, patted his head, and, rushed up to her horse. Because of what Yule stated, the youngster was too astonished to speak. leaving an amazed look in his eyes.

"Was there a problem?" Eli asks worriedly.

"Nothing, Let's go. hyah!" she said and started to get moving.

When they returned to the Kingdom, everything returned to normal. because it has been two months since Yule has been unable to complete her duties in the Kingdom due to the world peace treaty, and her work has been collected and piled up on her desk, though they've just arrived, she immediately works to lessen the papers and because of that she is unable to rest.

Eli suddenly entered her office, which startled her. "Captain?" Eli asks when he notices her stress.

Yule let out a sigh "Eli, I said you can call me Yule. Drop the formalities," she said without looking and with an exhausted tone in her voice while silently reading documents. The area under her eyes appears darker than usual, indicating fatigue and lack of sleep.

Eli noticed, the tiredness in her demeanor. He looked down while stepping closer to her table and leaned against the table, his weight was supported by his forearm, which rested casually on the tabletop. With a relaxed stance, he exuded an air of nonchalance and ease.

His gaze becomes a window to his soul, revealing a depth of emotion and affection that is undeniable, a genuine smile forms on Eli's lips, radiating warmth and joy and he says, "But I want to call you that way to show my respect,"

"Well don't, you don't have to. I'd prefer to be called Yule," she said, finally looking at him she stood up while picking up the documents that needed a review, and handed them to Eli. "Help me, it looks like you have some free time."

Eli was dumbfounded while holding a lot of documents in his hand, jaw-dropping in disbelief "What? I just came by--"

"No excuses, you came here because you didn't have anything to do, right? So, I offer you something to do," she stated, patted his shoulder, and sat down in her chair.

"No--Fine. At least command Jack to help you too." Eli said helplessly. Yule looks at him languidly

"I summoned him to the northern border to remedy something for me," she explained. as well as did a doodle on the paper. she got lots of lots of documents to review and yes, she chooses to doodle. The paper becomes a canvas for Yule's thoughts and emotions.

"Fine," Eli responded as he walked out of her office. He grinned as he walked away, holding all of the paperwork that needed to be completed.

As Yule gracefully settles onto the sofa, a serene smile graces her face, illuminating the room with warmth and joy, with a gentle sigh, she sinks into a plush cushion, finding comfort and relaxation. She rested her hand on her forehead, thinking about how Eli offers help every time, and said to herself with a soft smile on her lips, "Idiot"