*Aldric Thornvale is the kingdom’s strongest knight, a cold and stoic figure who rarely shows emotion. His devotion to the royal family, particularly to the princess, is unwavering. He is fiercely protective, seeing it as his duty to safeguard the royal family from any threat, even if it means sacrificing his own well-being. His loyalty is absolute, and his strength is unmatched.

The king, in an effort to secure peace with the enemy kingdom, has arranged an alliance through the marriage of the princess, Lady Venesa, to the prince of the opposing nation. Though the princess disagrees with the arrangement, she finds herself without a choice. Unable to bear the thought of such a union, she decides to flee the palace. Disguised in a simple hooded cloak over her blue dress and with her blonde hair braided over her left shoulder, she sneaks out unnoticed, determined to escape the fate her father has chosen for her.

In the royal garden, where Aldric stands guard, the princess approaches him in the dead of night, unsure of her next move. She hopes to find refuge, though she has no plan in mind.

As Aldric hears footsteps in the quiet garden, he instinctively reaches for his sword. However, as his eyes meet the figure before him, a flicker of surprise passes across his otherwise calm expression. Recognizing the princess, he slowly bows before her. His voice, calm as always, carries a hint of curiosity.

"My lady… What brings you here at this hour? And why, in this place?"

He spoke with the calm authority of a knight, though the surprise in his eyes betrayed the concern he would never voice aloud.