Chapter 1 Echoes of the past

In an old apartment filled with many beautiful things, sat an old woman in her seventies, still looking so graceful. She stood up with the aid of her cane and headed directly to the well-furnished kitchen, where a sweet aroma was wafting through the air.

"Aren't you done yet? I'm so hungry," Nicole said, sitting on a chair in the kitchen.

"Of course not, I'm not done yet," Elaine replied while chopping some vegetables.

"You have to be faster. Is this how you'll keep your husband waiting?" Nicole teased.

Elaine sighed, "Come on, Granny, you talk about this all the time!"

"That's because you always cook slowly, or maybe I just feel hungry all the time," Nicole responded with a smile.

Hearing this, Elaine laughed. "You're spot on, Granny. You do seem to feel hungry most of the time."

A few minutes later, Elaine served the meal she had prepared on the table, and they began to eat.

"Hmm... the ribs are cooked perfectly, and the ingredients are balanced so well," Nicole praised.

"I always love cooking your favorite," Elaine replied with a smile.

"I've loved this meal since I was a kid. My mom always made it for me," Nicole said as she reminisced about her childhood days.

Elaine, noticing the light in her grandmother's eyes, laughed in amusement. "So... you still remember your childhood?"

"Silly child! Do you think I've forgotten those beautiful memories?"

"I thought old age had taken over your brain," Elaine joked, and they both laughed.

"Hey! Stop talking and let's finish this meal before it gets cold," Nicole scolded.

"Okay, Granny," Elaine replied with a grin.

---

By noon, a cold breeze blew, making the leaves move in the direction of the wind. It was chilly outside, but many houses were warm, thanks to their chimneys. Elaine moved her chair closer to the fireplace to get some warmth.

"Elaine! Elaine!" Nicole called from her room.

"Yes, Granny... I'm coming!" Elaine quickly rushed to her grandmother's room.

"It's quite cold outside. Make sure to wear a sweater and don't forget to close your windows before you go to bed," Nicole instructed.

"Okay, Granny, I won't forget," Elaine said, giving her grandmother a kiss on the cheek before heading back to her room.

---

Back in the kingdom of Khorsan, the current king issued a command that had been decreed by his father twenty-six years ago.

~Flashback~

"Father! Are you sure this won't cause a lot of problems?" a young Bernard asked in a serious tone.

King Gill responded, "No, it won't. Since they won't give their daughters in marriage, we'll force them."

"But, Father! That's not right. We can form alliances with other countries that have beautiful maidens to be our wives instead of purging innocent lands and taking people into exile."

Filled with anger, King Gill slapped young Bernard. "You are still young and inexperienced. You know nothing about ruling, so keep your mouth shut. Understand?"

"Yes, Father," young Bernard replied in a flat tone.

~End of Flashback~

King Bernard sat on his throne, recounting the story to his son. "That was twenty years ago, and I'm bringing back that tradition now." He chuckled darkly.

"Yes, Father, I love that idea. I'm ready to have as many wives and concubines as possible," replied Prince Louis, who, like his father, was evil and corrupt.

King Bernard chuckled. "That's my son! I wish you could take the throne after me, but your brother is the rightful heir."

"Does that really matter? You know my brother doesn't follow your ways. He's different from you, and he'll change all of your policies if he gains power," Prince Louis said with a flash of anger and jealousy in his eyes.

"Hmm... what you've said is true, but I can't change the fact that he will rule after me," King Bernard replied in a helpless tone.

Prince Louis smirked and responded, "Well, let's see how that will happen."

Hearing this, King Bernard's brows furrowed, sensing the potential for conflict. "I hope you're not planning to stain your hands with royal blood. Don't be ruthless. He's your elder brother, and it's his right to rule, despite the changes he might make."

Prince Louis smirked and replied, "Yes, I know, Father." He bowed and left the throne room.

A few minutes later, the king summoned the captain of his soldiers.

"Captain Todd, I want you to send your troops to Elyria and capture all the beautiful maidens. Have you executed the other plan?" the king asked.

Captain Todd bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. I've sent some of my soldiers to assassinate their king, and it was successful."

Hearing this, King Bernard smirked. "Oh! I knew you'd always deliver! Yes, our plan worked!" He raised his hand. "Go and capture them now!"

Captain Todd bowed and left the king's presence.