"Taigo, you have to do something for the kingdom, and marrying the princess is the bare minimum you can do!"

This simple, yet stern-spoken sentence that came from his father's lips was enough to make the feisty prince snap and argue. The words hung in the air, heavy and accusatory, and Taigo couldn't help but feel an overwhelming resentment as soon as they fell from the man who had married the person he loved. Why push the second prince to do the total opposite?

He also despised the argument of doing this for the sake of the kingdom. He was already doing so much by leading troops on the battlefield, honing his swordsmanship, and even risking his life. The mere thought of it not being enough for his father wounded not only his pride but his very soul. He didn't want to disappoint, nor did he want his siblings to suffer because of his own pride and selfish desires. However, he wouldn't obey so easily, not when he didn't want to end up in a loveless, arranged marriage.

The whole conversation had escalated into a shouting match before Taigo finally stormed out of the castle and left for the woods in the suburbs. Taking out his anger in such places was the best he could do, rather than unleashing it on poor servants.

"'Do something for the kingdom,' and what are you doing for the kingdom, damn old man?" Grumbling under his breath, Taigo unsheathed his silver, sharp sword, flicking it in his fingers. "I'll show you what I can do for Muidia, just you wa—"

His words were interrupted by a startled yelp when his foot slipped on the wet ground by the nearby stream, causing him to fall clumsily on his behind into it. Cold water immediately soaked his dark attire, sending a shiver through his body. He closed his eyes, as if telling himself he was an oasis of calm; his trembling hands betraying the fury that was at its peak. Blinded by his anger, he didn't even hear the careful approach of a commoner who had witnessed his embarrassing fall. Approaching Taigo at this moment was akin to nearing a ticking bomb.