I am Vale Forsberg.
My father, Douglas, the lord, is powerful and cunning. He always get what he wants, what I want. Even though I'm aware that he's part of something shady, I can't complain about it.
That is how he keeps us alive.
High and mighty among others.
High and mighty among others except for the king, of course.
The King, he owns the largest kingdom in the country, controlling all the other places, including Forsberg.
I don't like him.
Flashback
" Vale, get ready. We're going to Krathus. " Father said.
" What? Why? "
" The King is currently in search of a perfect partner for his daughter. As one of the princes, you are to come and try your best to get the King's approval. "
Princess Rina, she's a light magic user which is very rare. Being an heiress to the throne of Krathus, that girl must be a spoiled brat.
Not that I'm one to speak...
I dressed up in my best attire and got the maids to groom my hair.
We soon departed to Krathus. Forsberg is mountains away from it so it would take long for us to arrive.
" Son, remember. This might be your only chance to get the princess' hand so make sure to do it perfectly. "
" But what if I don't like her... " I glanced away from the carriage's window and looked at my father.
My eyes met with his fierce glare. " It's not about liking her or not, it's about how you will help the family, OUR family. Do you understand? "
I clenched my fists and looked down. " Yes, Father. I'll do my best.."
" Good. "
At dawn, we arrived at Krathus. The citizens looked at us as our carriage passed them on the way to the King's castle. We saw the King himself waiting in front of the castle's gate.
" Douglas, my friend! I'm glad you decided to take part in this important event. " the King greeted my father with a handshake.
" Of course, King Albert! We're glad to be here!" my father responded with his biggest smile.
The King noticed me. " And you must be Vale, you've grown so much since I last saw you. "
I didn't respond to him.
" S-Shall we go inside, my king? "
" Of course, the other princes are waiting. "
We all went inside and headed to the throne room.
There, I saw the other candidates.
Oriel from the Mellan Kingdom, they're known for their flying inventions.
Horus from the Vulcan Kingdom, the main source of weapons and armors.
Adrian from Aquadine Kingdom, they're famous for their huge underwater bar, the PearlZone.
and me, Vale, from Forsberg Kingdom. The trading place of the whole region.
" Lord Douglas Forsberg arrived and his son, Vale, will join you as a candidate. " A tall guy with stylish clothes said.
" And I, the one and only, Vladimir Vladik will be the host! I'll make this a competition to remember! Ohohoho~" he announced while striking a pose in front of us.
He's the only one enthusiastic about this.
We then headed to the waiting room while they set the field.
" Hey, whaddya think the competition would be? " Horus asked Oriel.
" I don't know and I don't care." Oriel said while tinkering with what seemed to be a small sphere-shaped device.
Horus snatched the thing out of Oriel's hand. " Why'd ya bring a ball in here? We ain't gon' play catch. "
" Give it back. " Oriel said, reaching out to grab the device from Horus' hand, but he lifted it high above his head, keeping Oriel from reaching it.
" You want it back? Here, fetch! "
Horus threw it in Adrian's direction but it instantly exploded and filled the whole waiting room with thick smoke.
We bolted for the door and luckily managed to get out of the smoke-filled room.
" What the hell was that?! " Horus exclaimed while coughing and gasping for air.
"I'm supposed to use that to get rid of the other contestants-" Oriel said angrily while dusting off his clothes.
"What?!"
"But thanks to you my plan is ruined." Oriel glared at Horus.
"Thanks to Prince Horus, indeed. "
Vladimir approached the group from behind. "Prince Oriel, I hereby declare you disqualified."
"W-What? Why?!" Oriel taken aback from the announcement.
"The use of anything lethal is strictly prohibited." Vladimir explained.
"But it's just smoke-"
Vladimir leaned close to Oriel in a very intimidating manner.
"But you did know you're going through a cave, didn't you? The tight space..." Vladimir stared directly into the prince's eyes. "The lack of oxygen..."
Oriel stumbled back, horrified after realizing the actual nature of his own plan. "I-I didn't mean- I didn't know that!"
Vladimir leaned back up and returned to his usual expression. "Don't worry, you can still enjoy the competition as an audience." he said as he smiled at Oriel.
"Now that the issue is settled, the King awaits the remaining candidates at the cave entrance! Put up your game face because the game is on! Ohohoho~"
[ To be continued... ]