The Goldlemier Empire, a beautiful nation with lush green fields, flowers that bloom all year round, and crops that last for weeks without going bad. It is an empire where everything from the land to the people to the leadership appears beautiful. But like any nation, there are flaws, and in Goldlemier, those flaws lie within the Imperial Family.
The Imperial Family is the most prominent in the empire. It includes the Emperor, who once defeated the great demon Hebeth; the First Prince, a master of both swordsmanship and magic; the Second Prince, a top graduate of Grandel Academy; the Third Prince, the youngest magic tower master born in over 200 years; and the Second Princess adopted, yet beloved by both the imperial family and the empire, blessed by the goddess Dihana, one of the empire's founders.
Yet, despite all their love for the Second Princess, the Imperial Family's love for the First Princess would always be greater.
The First Princess was the daughter of the Emperor and the late Empress, his only wife known for her kindness and beauty. Her life tragically ended after giving birth to the princess. The people mourned, some outraged, but as per the Empress's final wish that the princess would live happily even in her absence the royal family showered her with love and protection.
This love, however, became the empire's greatest flaw.
The First Princess grew up spoiled. She harassed the Second Princess constantly, and demanded the Emperor demolish homes to build candy shops, bakeries, and clothing stores for her amusement. Her misuse of power continued until she turned 18. After years of mistreatment, the citizens finally rose in rebellion. Heartbroken, it was the Second Princess who led them.
Even with the skills of the princes and the backing of noble houses, the Imperial Family was defeated for the divine power of the Second Princess was too great. Everyone except the First Princess perished.
As punishment for her misdeeds, the First Princess was sentenced to hang. Just before her final breath, memories of her family even the sister who led to their downfall flashed through her mind.
In her last moments, she prayed to the goddess:
"If I could have a second chance… I swear, I'll be good this time. I won't do anything evil."
As she exhaled her final breath, a radiant light enveloped her, and she found herself in a mysterious place. Standing before her were two familiar beings.
The princess bowed deeply.
"It is an honor to meet you both Goddess Dihana and Elder Dragon Ciannis."
Silence followed, until Ciannis spoke:
"There is no need to bow to us. After all, you are one of our children."
The princess fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
"How can I be one of your children?! I've caused so much pain and suffering to the people of the empire you built! I hurt the child blessed by the goddess out of jealousy. I caused my family's death! How can someone like me—"
She was cut off by Dihana, who embraced her tightly, also in tears.
"I don't believe you were solely to blame. But since you've taken responsibility, I have decided to grant your wish."
Dihana rose with grace and returned to Ciannis's side.
"Pardon… what do you mean by that?" the princess asked, confused.
Dihana and Ciannis spoke in unison:
"Aristea Rains Von Goldlemier we have heard your prayer. We grant you our power and protection. Use it wisely."
Suddenly, a giant tree, white as snow, appeared. A fruit fell from its branches and rolled toward Aristea. At first, she hesitated, afraid. But seeing Ciannis and Dihana's warm expressions, she picked up the fruit and ate it. It was sweet and then, everything went black.
---
"...incess…"
"Prin—"
"Princess!"
Gasp!
A younger version of Aristea jolted awake in panic.
"Oh my goodness, Princess are you okay?!"
"Huh?" Aristea stared in disbelief. "Bruna?"
"Yes, Your Highness, it's me. Are you alright?"
Aristea's face lit up but in an instant, she broke into tears.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
Overwhelmed with emotion, she apologized repeatedly, until finally, she fainted in her maid's arms.
"Someone, call the doctor quickly!"