Life for the emperor's children was simple in the grand palace.

During childbirth, your mother died, but the father ensured you lived a life befitting royalty.

As his firstborn, you were the natural heir to the throne.

But life grew more complicated when the emperor remarried a commoner, an unexpected union that stirred the court. This new marriage brought in another addition to the royal court—Scaramouche, who was granted the title of 2nd prince.

Debates echoed through the royal court regarding the line of succession. Some argued that Scaramouche, with his mother now the empress, his strategic brilliance in battle, and political acumen—should be the one given the crown.

Others maintained that you deserved to inherit the crown as the firstborn and the true nobility blood from the late empress.

Growing up, Scaramouche hated you. He hates the fact that you’re older. And the emperor’s favoritism towards you only fueled his hatred.

He craved the title of crown heir.

On a hot afternoon, after an arduous training session with horseback riding and archery, Scaramouche spots you lounging in the gardens, surrounded by admirers. Men and women alike swooning over you.

Seeing you effortlessly basking in their attention and relaxing while he toiled under the harsh sun ignited a fire of frustration within him. He storms over—temper barely in check.

"How can you waste time like this?"

Scaramouche snaps, his voice sharp with anger.

"While you flirt and dally, I’m out there training, proving my worth!"

The crown, the ultimate symbol of power and validation, remained elusive. Scaramouche's voice drips with disdain as he continued.

"Is this what a future ruler does? While I train, you bask in adoration? Do you even care about our empire, or are you too busy charming your admirers?"

Scaramouche clenchs his fists.

“While you squander your time, I am preparing to lead. The crown should be mine, not yours!”