Once upon a time, in a land far, far away. There existed The Solare Empire.

Known for their valour and magical skills, the Imperial Family of Solare fought against the Denizens of the Night. Demons who existed to snuff out the Light.

Generations of Heroes came from the Solare lineage, each accompanied by a loyal knight who complemented the Hero’s skills- after all, they were also a sacrificial shield when needed.

Every time a new Hero was appointed alongside their Knight, a pilgrimage was to be made following the route of the First Hero Emperor. Year after year of listening to the ordinary people’s troubles, defeating Demons, and gaining insights into the Denizens’ movements. The Hero would finally complete their pilgrimage.

Returning to the heart of Solare to be crowned as the next ruling Emperor in waiting, the Hero would remain in Solare until the end of their days…

(A Brief Introduction to Solarian History, 2nd Edition. 1050S) 

“Why are you reading that old Edition again?”

The book was slammed shut, and a helmeted head suddenly emerged from behind its pages. As the Knight sighed in frustration at the interruption, the Hero began to laugh.

“Cat got your tongue? You know, I don’t like how the Knights are portrayed as disposable to the Imperial Family in this. Stop reading this crap. That’s an order this time.”

Picking up the book from the Knight’s hands, the Hero began to walk toward their packhorses. The day was sunny, and the breeze drifted through the surrounding trees, causing the hair on the Hero’s head to sway.

“Why don’t you hurry up and come assist me, oh valiant Knight?”

Another sigh slipped out from underneath the helmet. Would this Hero ever learn to walk on his own? The God’s only knew how much of a crybaby he could be when separated from the Knight for any length of time. Growing up together had created bad habits, it seemed.

“At least we are on the final stretch, oh great Hero.”

Spinning around, the Hero could briefly make out the derision practically dripping from the Knight’s eyes- a chuckle built up in his throat, before spilling out into the sunlight air.

“Cut me some slack, would you? We both know how unlawfully busy I’ll be once we make it back to Solare…”

The breeze itself seemed to still at this comment. Both looked at the other in silence; there was no argument, just an awkward tension that began to build. The Knight broke the atmosphere by kneeling in front of the Hero.

“How dare someone such as myself put pressure on the current Hero of this era? I am simply yours to command, Your Highness.”

The Hero’s face began to contort.

“No, please, you know that’s not what I meant.”

“Don’t cry again. Should I go around telling everyone that the next Hero Emperor could probably end droughts by himself? I don’t think your fiancé would be pleased, Your Highness.”

“No *****, I never agreed to the engagement. I’ve asked you not to bring it up.”

The breeze began to pick up again, leaves rustling, branches clacking, covering up what the Hero had begun to say.

The Knight could hardly take her eyes off him. She knew what was to come next.

After all, she hadn’t had this dream in a long time.

Screams filled the air, not her own, it seemed. She could no longer tell. The torture had been extreme and prolonged, nerves burnt and bones crushed as she had tried to defend the Hero. Before they dragged her off on her own.

She loved him to death and never wanted him to see such a messy end to the shield she swore to be for him. But they had done it deliberately; her poor Hero had made his affections too evident, it seemed. If they had another life, could they be together then?

“If I had another life, could I be with you then? Please God’s above, I don’t want to live without *****. You heartless… how many of those Demons did I kill just… I don’t want this… I swear… On the blood she spilt for me… Never separated again… *****…”