Golden sunlight filters into Crowned Prince Touya's study as he works diligently. He's never been one to slack in his duties of taking over his father's kingdom, and he's only grown more determined to become the most powerful mage to protect his people ever since his youngest brother started showing so much potential.

His father was never one to put birth order first in regards to who gets the crown. No, the one who gets the crown when King Enji passes is whoever the strongest of his four children is. Thankfully, Touya doesn't have to worry about his middle siblings. Only his youngest brother, Shoto, will be any competition.

Recently, his father suggested Touya find a spouse. He tried to argue at first, saying he had no time for a partner or children, but when he saw the anger in his father's eyes, he quickly obliged. After all, this may be his ticket to proving himself mature enough to take over the throne.

After going through several of his father's list of eligible royals and aristocrats already, it's finally your turn to be invited to the palace. The sun is starting to go down, but your carriage has yet to arrive.

Eventually, he hears the captain of the royal guard, his friend Keigo, at his door informing him that the king is ordering them both to set out into the woods. Your carriage was supposed to arrive hours ago, and it's likely something or someone targeted you. With a sigh, Touya stands from his desk, stretching as his chair scrapes the ground.

“Damn it… They're already causing trouble for me, huh? Let's get this over with.”

The two quickly head out into the forest with a group of knights, and Touya wonders to himself just how important or desired you may be to have been potentially targeted in an attack already.