Chapter 2 THE BEGINNING

The mighty Kingdom of Solstice is one of the most resource-rich and powerful kingdoms in the world. Solstice is renowned for its hospitality and abundance, and the Kingdom was ruled by King Nicolas and Queen Dorothy. The King and Queen are all adored by their people for the way they look after the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Solstice is powerful due to its defense; Its knights and mages have all been educated to safeguard the kingdom from any attacks. The Holy Archmage Knights are in charge of the Kingdom's defense.

Yule McGregor is the captain of HAK, the one in charge of keeping the kingdom secure, the most powerful in the kingdom, and a role model to everyone. Yule McGregor leads HAK, which comprises Elijah Chestre, Jack Whitlock, Leo Wixx, and Annah Swindleheart. Other Kingdoms seek to make them an ally since interfering with their Kingdom would be disastrous for them.

All of the Kingdoms must go to a location known as 'Bronzeshear.' This location has no owner, and no kingdom can seize it. It's not because they can't, but because it's against the rules. That is why it is the ideal location for the world peace treaty since it prevents partiality.

The world peace treaty eliminates disagreements, wars, and conflicts between kingdoms. Every two years, the world peace treaty must be conducted at Bronzeshear to discuss all of the Kingdom's problems, as well as an opportunity to create an alliance and do business throughout the Kingdoms.

The people of Solstice are busy decorating in preparation for the arrival of the King and the Holy Archmage Knights. They will return to the Kingdom from Bronzeshear since the world peace treaty was held there two months ago, and now, it's time for them to return.

The Kingdom, particularly the royal capital city of Solstice, is as vibrant as ever, the people have scattered around, enjoying the festivals, the markets, and other exciting activities. The King and the Holy Archmage Knights are expected to arrive.

"I'm glad the King will be back."

"Yes! I'm thankful they're going back safely."

"Of course, the HAK is the one guarding his highness throughout their travel, so the King is safe in the hands of Yule."

"The world peace treaty went fine, I'm glad no other Kingdom wants to conquer us or have a dispute in our kingdom."

The citizens are constantly chatting about the King and HAK, and even the children are getting enthusiastic about their arrival.

"Yule McGregor!!!"

"Yes, I want to be like her someday."

"A hero!"

"When I grow up, I will marry Yule."

"No! I'm the one who'll marry her!!!"

"what? but you're a girl. how can you marry her?"

"I don't care, I'll marry her someday!"

"No! Yule is mine, if you want, you can marry master Elijah."

"No! I want Yule!"

When they heard the bell ring, the Kingdom began to become more agitated. It only signifies they've arrived in the kingdom.

Yule and the other members of HAK are riding the horse that is leading the carriage carrying the King. Because the roads are congested, the Knights are stationed along them to ensure that no one interferes with the carriages.

All of the civilians are waving and chanting their names, and Yule smiled sincerely as she saw everyone's joy and delight as they arrived in the kingdom. All the innocent children are waving at them, so she smiled and waved back.

"Looks like they simply waited for you and purposely ignored us," Eli chuckled, and Yule grinned back.

"Of course, what do you expect from the famous captain?" she laughed. "I just want to rest in my bed all day; riding this horse hurts my back."

"That's because you didn't ride the horse appropriately; I told you, you could ride with me, but you keep refusing," Eli said and take away his gaze from Yule. "So hardheaded..." he mumbles to himself.

"That would be humiliating, I'm the captain but can't ride a horse properly?" she remarked, looking around at the faces of the citizen. her demeanor suddenly becomes serious "Eli, remember the smiles and happiness on their faces; this tranquility will not last forever; we must safeguard them, their smiles and happiness."

Eli shifted his focus to her, enjoying her beauty and caring about the others. 'Was it self-centered of me to say I only cared about one person?' he murmured to himself while observing her, the wind softly blowing her Silvery-White long hair, fair skin shimmering through the sunlight, and her frigid blue eyes flashing like it can see into your soul

"Ahem! Elijah, pay attention to the road," Jack muttered behind his back. Eli gave him a sour look, and he immediately averted his gaze.

They will soon arrive at the royal palace, when Yule notices a weeping kid. She instantly comes down and comes to a halt on her horse. putting a stop to the carriage and the other members

"What's wrong, Yule?" Eli asks, but she gives him a "Wait a minute" look.

Yule walks towards the child who's crying.

"Hey! what's wrong? are you harmed somewhere?" she inquires. The child's eyes widened as he realized the person in front of her was the captain of HAK. He screams louder because of happiness.

"H-hey, what's wrong?" she worriedly asks again.

"B-because I can't become a hero like you." the boy said and tried to wipe his tears.

"and who said that?" she ask and felt bad for the kid.

"My friends claimed I couldn't become captain since my magic wasn't Ice and wasn't as strong as yours," the youngster explained.

"Oh, is that right? Then tell your buddies they're wrong," she murmured to the boy, wiping his tears. "Even if your magic was not Ice, you can be a captain. you've gonna prove them wrong"

"But I can't be like you. I want to be like you" he sadly said, Yule let a sigh.

"As I said, you can be a captain even if your magic isn't Ice," she continued, wiping his tears away, "you're still a youngster, you have more room to grow and train till you are stronger. maybe you'll surpass me one day."

Yule level down to match the height of the boy.

"You are a hero to yourself, remember that. You are a nice youngster, you have hopes, dreams, and power within you, and I hope to see you take the title of HAK captain one day," she remarked. widens the boy's and everyone else's eyes who can hear them The kid has stopped weeping.

"Am I capable?" he asks widening Yule's eyes, she smiled and gently pinches his chubby cheeks.

"Of course you are. even if you don't have magic, you can become someone amazing. and it all starts within yourself," Yule stated as she stood up. "Believe in yourself, I hope we'll be able to collaborate when you're older and stronger."

Yule smiled at the boy, patted his head and rushed up to her horse. Because of what Yule stated, the youngster was too astonished to speak. leaving an amazed look in his eyes.

"Was there a problem?" Eli asks worriedly.

"Nothing, Let's go. hyah!" she said and starts to get moving.

When they returned to the Kingdom, everything returned to normal. because it has been two months since Yule has been unable to complete her duties in the Kingdom, and her work has collected and piled up on her desk and are unable to rest. Eli suddenly entered her office, which startled her.

"Captain, is there something wrong?" Eli asks, when he noticed her stress.

"Eli, I said you can call me Yule. drop the formalities," she said without looking and with an exhausted tone in her voice while silently reading documents.

"But I want to call you that way to show my respect," Eli said and sit down at the edge of her desk, looking at her genuinely.

"Well don't, you don't have to. I'd prefer to be called Yule," she said. look at him and stand up, pick up the documents that needed a review, and give them to Eli. "Help me, it looks like you have some free time."

"what? I just came by--" Eli said while holding a lot of documents but she cut what he was saying.

"No excuses, you came here because you didn't have anything to do, so I offer you something to do," she stated and patted his shoulder, and returned to her chair.

"No--Fine. at least command Jack to help you too." Eli said. Yule look at him

"I summoned him to the northern border to remedy something for me," she explained. as well as did a doodle on the paper.

"Fine," Eli responded as he walked out of her office. He grinned as he walked away, holding all of the paperwork that needed to be completed.

Yule lay down on the sofa to rest for a moment. she gave him all of her paperwork and chuckled.

"Idiot." she mumbled as she closed her eyes.