Six years ago…

  Leonardo led an expedition through the northwestern province of Easenna, a highly contested territory between Easenna and Albion. With ongoing border skirmishes and a de facto war brewing, the mission was fraught with risk. In the end, Leonardo was killed in an explosion caused by an Albion Mage Corps member while protecting his troops. Albion denied any aggression, but with their continued encroachment, Easenna pushed for harsh retaliation. Tensions between the nations had reached an all-time high, and a full-scale war loomed on the horizon.

  Carol and Sonia laid flowers on Leo’s grave. “Why…” Sonia repeated like a broken record. “Why did they have to kill my baby?” Her voice broke, raw with anguish. Carol held her mother tightly, rubbing her back in comfort. “I know, Mom…” she whispered, though no words could ease the pain.

  Nearby, Samuel leaned against a wall, his gaze fixed downward as he watched over his mom and sisters. “Damn it…” he muttered under his breath. Unknown to Aria at the time, the ever-strong, ever-resilient Samuel had silent tears streaming down his face beneath his military cap. He kept his head low, unwilling to let his family see his grief. You promised to be my wings when I ascended to Father’s role… Always saying how you’d eclipse me and take the role for yourself... So how can you do that if you're gone?!

  As the Corvo family mourned, the skirmishes with Albion escalated, teetering on the edge of full-scale war. Nicolas sat at the foot of the grave, a small glass of wine in hand. “We promised to drink together, not just as father and son, but as comrades...” His voice was barely above a whisper. “Sorry I wasn’t good enough to keep you safe, Leo… Please don’t hate Dad too much.” He tilted the glass, letting the wine trickle into the soil.

  “You’re not going to leave flowers?”

  Walking toward him was Benjamin Watts, an old friend and rival. He was dressed in a formal black three-piece suit, a bowler hat resting neatly atop his head. Despite being from Albion, Benjamin’s wife was Easennian and kept a good relationship with the Corvos. Nicolas shook his head as he placed Leonardo’s sword at the foot of the grave. “Flowers are for strangers. I’m honoring my son as the soldier he was… He lived and died serving this nation, so this is the least I can do is send him off.”

  Benjamin sighed, pulling out a flask and offering it to Nicolas. “Want some? Might help with the pain.” Nicolas closed his eyes for a moment before stepping forward. “I can’t accept, you know that.”

  Ben let out a soft chuckle. Even in grief, Nicolas held onto that same unshakable pride. “Yeah, I know… World’s changing, ain’t it?”

  “It always is,” Nicolas said simply, his gaze fixed on his family moving through the cemetery. Aria did her best to distract herself with Mary and her baby sister. Samuel, as always, hid his emotions behind a stoic mask, while Carol stood strong for their mother’s sake.

  “This isn’t right…” Nicolas muttered bitterly. Benjamin sat beside him.

  “Albion is a lot of things… Right isn’t one of them.” With a soft sigh, Benjamin Watts shook his head. “War is coming, Nicolas. I don’t know when, but Albion won’t stop with just this. Make sure your family is ready when the time comes, old friend.” He patted Nicolas’ shoulder before rising and making his way toward his own son and daughter.

  I’m sorry for your loss.

  Those five words echoed relentlessly throughout the day. Aria remembered seeing her family crying for hours, the weight of grief pressing down on them. Leo had been killed in battle and her entire family was shattered by the massive loss. She had never seen her mother cry like that before. All her life, Sonia had seemed unshakable, strong and composed, but watching her break down at the burial was unforgettable to her. Now, as Aria swung her sword, she tried to bury the pain. Each strike was a somber echo of the time she had spent training with her brother.

  "Swing quick and fluid."

  "Ari, you need to keep a steady posture."

  "Focus your aura through your hands, like you're painting the sword with yourself."

  Aria took a deep breath, replaying Leo’s lessons in her mind. A soft teal aura coated her sword as she steadied her stance, keeping her movements smooth and controlled. As her blade began to glow, she flowed through a series of precise, aura-infused slashes. Each motion was effortless, refined by her training under her grandmother alongside her brother’s guidance. When the routine ended, Aria turned around half expecting her brother to have been watching, only then did she realize she was alone. Tears streamed down her face. Even if she could still hear Leo’s voice in her head, he was no longer there.

  "You want to be a swordsman?" Leo asked casually. He was watching as Aria tirelessly worked to perfect her technique in the training area. His arms raised over his head nonchalantly as she used her aura to increase her agility. Aria paused, considering the question before nodding with determination. "Of course! I want to be there with you, Dad, and Sammy." She beamed.

  Leo leapt down from the nearby wall, his usual confident grin spreading across his face. "Well, you're already on the right track." He ruffled her hair. "Listen, Ari. I’ve seen plenty of swordsmen in our nation, but do you know what separates someone like Dad from the rest?"

  Aria shook her head. Leo’s smile softened as he unsheathed his sword. His movements were precise, perhaps even more refined than their father’s. The blade caught the light as he spoke. "What separates us from other families isn’t just skill. It’s that we want to succeed more than they do."

  Aria furrowed her brows, confusion evident in her expression. "I don’t follow…" To her, it didn’t make sense. Other families trained to be fighters just like them, so why were they different? She had never questioned it before. To Aria, her family's abnormal strength was simply normal.

  Leo chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Everyone in our family picked up a sword for a reason, Ari. Other families do it out of duty to the king, maybe others do it for money. Maybe a few enjoy it. But us Corvos? We have passion!" He grinned. His eyes gleamed with determination as he continued. "We've fought for Easenna since the nation existed! With our history we still have passion for why we fight. Of course, having our family ability helps but you don't need it. Unlike Samuel, I intend to prove to the world that I don’t need a Spell Art or a massive aura reserve to be strong!"

  Aria’s sword slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground as tears streamed down her face. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t push the grief away any longer. Leo wouldn’t come back from a mission to excitedly tell her all about it. They wouldn’t sneak out to talk late into the night. She wouldn’t hear his voice again. Every little detail about him, his laugh, his warmth, the way he ruffled her hair. It was now just a memory waiting to fade. A single thought echoed in her mind, one that had been there for many years...

  It’s not fair…

  Something shifted in the Corvo family after Leonardo's death. Despite their obligations to the nation and the weight of their responsibilities, there had always been a sense of warmth in the estate with him around. No matter the danger, Leo had inherited their father’s unwavering optimism, his ability to brighten even the darkest days. Now, the estate felt hollow. As the months passed, Aria saw it before her eyes. Leo’s absence had changed their family in ways no one could have predicted. To Aria, her fear had been realized. Officially Easenna and Albion were at war sometime after Leo's death.

  “I’m surprised, my lady… You’ve been quite diligent these past few months.” Aria’s tutor had noticed her newfound focus on studies. Her math and writing skills improving rapidly as she applied herself to her work. Sonia saw something else. Since the funeral, Aria had refused to train with or even look at a sword.

  A part of Sonia was relieved to see her daughter apply herself so diligently. But another part of her ached. She knew why. The loss had stolen something from Aria; something she had once loved.

  “You know, Grandma is pretty lonely,” Sonia said softly, sitting beside Aria at the table. Books were strewn across the surface of the table as her and Mary quietly worked through the assignments. Aria glanced at her mother curiously. Sonia sighed. “It’s because of what happened, isn’t it?”

  Aria lowered her gaze, setting her pen aside. “I… can’t.” Her voice was low, strained. “Every time I look at my sword or try to practice, all I’m reminded of is Leo…” Sonia saw the pain in her daughter’s eyes.

  “B-besides,” Aria continued, forcing a small smile, “I’m enjoying being a big sister to Melody. So even if I suck at this… I want to get better at studying. I now have more time to be with Mary, and even Samuel stops by now and then…”

  Sonia pulled Aria into a gentle hug. “I miss him too, But do what makes you happy. Leo was proud to be your big brother. He loved every moment he spent with you, Aria, his letters often talked about you as well when he was out in the field.”

  Aria’s eyes watered as her mother stroked her hair, silent tears slipping down her cheeks. “How is this fair…” Her voice was strained, cracking under the weight of everything. To place not just the burden of fighting Eldritch, but an entire war, on their family; it felt impossible. She had seen how her father was always away now, how he sometimes returned home battered, bloodied.

  Sonia let out a quiet sigh. “It isn’t. But what’s fair and what’s right aren’t the same.” She ran a comforting hand through Aria’s hair. “Dad, Samuel, and Leo… they did this so we could live. They aren’t thinking about fairness. Every day they’re away they want to come home and go out thinking about protecting the ones they love.”

  Protect… Aria’s thoughts swirled, heavy and unrelenting. How are we supposed to protect ourselves if they’re all gone? What happens if dad isn’t around to keep us safe? Who will be the one to protect Melody and mom then?

  One of the servants stood in the doorway, visibly shaken as she led Sonia toward the foyer. Sonia’s eyes widened the moment she saw who stood there. Without hesitation, she dropped to a kneel. “Y-Your Majesty. Welcome.” Aria barely had time to process before she spotted him to. Entering the Corvo’s manor was the king of Easenna himself. He had pale blonde hair swept back, his sharp features marked by age, yet his expression was warm.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “Sonia, please.” His voice carried an easy familiarity. “We’ve known each other for decades. Enzo is fine.”

  “You know that’s improper…” Sonia replied briskly, her composure returning.

  Aria quickly joined her mother, giving a short curtsy. “Greetings, Your Highness.” King Enzo’s kind smile deepened as he turned his gaze to her.

  “Lady Aria, you’re growing older by the day! I remember when you barely reached my knees.”

  Aria smiled softly, her thoughts drifting to the few times her father had taken her to the royal court in the capital. Despite being the highest authority in the land, she had always held fond memories of the king.

  “Are you still training with a blade?” He asked. The question caught her off guard, and Aria’s smile slowly faded as she looked down, unsure how to admit that she hadn’t been training recently. Sonia, sensing her daughter’s hesitation, quickly stepped in to answer for her. “

  She’s been focused on her studies. You know how hard things have been with the war and everything.”

  Enzo quickly realized the insensitivity of his question, especially considering the recent circumstances with their family. He softened his tone. “My apologies, Miss Aria. That was rude of me.” Enzo straightened himself, his expression becoming neutral. The lightness in his voice faltered as he turned his attention back to the business at hand. “Nicolas is here?”

  Sonia nodded, her posture more composed now. “He’s upstairs. He’s been busy managing the troops and opperations for a while now.”

  Enzo understood. The loss of Leonardo had affected Nicolas deeply. Not only had he been his father, but also his commanding officer. Nicolas, bearing the weight of leadership and responsibility, would likely feel the most guilt. Living with the knowledge that his decisions had a direct impact on the his sons life. “I’ll go and see him.”

  Entering the study, Enzo found Nicolas hunched over a stack of reports, his face drawn with exhaustion. The weight of command was evident in every line of his face as he poured over the numbers, completely absorbed in the logistical nightmare of the war. Enzo, knowing how grim things had become, couldn’t help but crack a smile as he walked in. “No hello?” He said casually, making Nicolas jump.

  Nicolas blinked, startled, before his surprise gave way to a weary smile. “Enzo, welcome. I didn’t expect a visit from the king.”

  Enzo leaned back into the plush chair opposite Nicolas, his eyes scanning the study with an almost nostalgic gaze. “You’ve seen better days, my friend.” Nicolas shook his head, his exhaustion hanging heavy in the air.

  “We all have.” His tone was bitter, but resigned. “I take it you didn’t leave Selenia for idle chit-chat, though…” He gestured to the reports scattered before him, the reality of the situation pressing down on them both.

  Enzo gave a small smile, knowing Nicolas saw right through him. “You’re right,” he said, his voice turning serious. “We need you back in the field. Albion’s Mage Corp is mobilizing quickly. While our army is doing its best, it’s not enough.”

  Nicolas let out a long, heavy sigh, his gaze distant as he looked over the reports again. “I can’t object to a royal order, but we don’t have the manpower to withstand Albion forever. I’m not even sure if I can protect everyone.” His voice cracked just slightly, betraying the burden of his thoughts. He paused for a moment, his fingers tracing the edge of the parchment.

  Before the weight of the moment could settle too heavily, Sonia entered the study, a tray of drinks in hand. “I figured you hadn’t had anything to eat or drink,” she said gently, her voice a quiet comfort in the tension-filled room.

  Nicolas smiled warmly, his face softening at the sight of his wife. “Thank you, my love.” He accepted a glass, grateful for the small gesture. Enzo, too, nodded his appreciation as she poured the wine.

  Enzo’s expression shifted slightly, his usual confidence faltering just enough to show how much he valued the Corvo family. “Actually, Sonia, I’d like you both to be here. You are the lady of the house.” His voice was sincere, and there was something heavier behind it, as though he knew the conversation ahead would be one that required the presence of those who were closest to Nicolas.

  Sonia blinked in surprise, not expecting to be included in the conversation. “Me?” She looked between the two men, almost hesitant, but saw the importance in Enzo’s expression. After a moment of hesitation, she settled into the chair beside Nicolas, her posture dignified and composed as always.

  “Your eldest son, Samuel, is rising quickly. Additionally, we have other people in his age range close in strength. I suppose a silver lining of everything going crazy is we’ve seen an upswing in people with magic potential,” Enzo began, clasping his hands tightly. “The issue is Albion and the other nations are also growing quickly. I expect a new generation of magic users to be on the horizon, whether it’s because of the Eldritch or just sheer luck, I’m unsure. But if that occurs, then, numbers-wise, I don’t know if Easenna will survive.”

  Nicolas' eyes narrowed as he considered his words. “You aren’t wrong… Easenna, before the calamity, was on the path to being the major power of the continent. Albion’s military was on the decline, and we obviously had you and the other family heads. If not for you alone, Easenna wouldn’t exist as we know it.”

  He hummed in thought, unsure where Enzo was going with this. Sonia nodded also aware that her husband was the one who united Easenna under Enzo. “I’m worried as well, but even if we foster a new generation of fighters, Albion has a much larger population; some of our estimates suggest it’s more than twice ours. Even on the international stage there are talks that other nations are beginning to align with them too.”

  “We have quality over quantity; family crests are unique to our people and we have some of the best weapons users in the world,” Sonia added. Enzo let out a small sigh.

  “Your right of course… It’s a shame we don’t have more families like yours, Nicolas. Samuel is talented and shares your ability. Other families are also strong; Aldelo, Fontaines, even the southern regional families like the DiAngelos, but I don’t know if it’s enough… Before the Eldritch return I’d have been confident in our ability to win something like this.”

  Nicolas let out a low sigh. “It’ll be fine, as long as I’m around I’ll make Easenna is safe.”

  “Nico, I know better than anyone what you’re capable of, but you can’t shoulder an entire nation on your own!” Sonia spoke up. She’d seen how hard he’d been pushing himself, both with the Eldritch and now with the series of battles. The toll it had taken on his body. Even Nicolas Corvo had a limit.

  “Nicolas, I’m certain you can defend us, but even with your ability, are you sure it’s enough?” Enzo sounded skeptical. He had relied on Nicolas for so long, but winning a war on his own felt impossible, even for Nicolas Corvo. “Can your body withstand it all?” Enzo asked the pressing question out loud. The downside of his ability was the massive toll it took on his aura reserves. Expecting Nicolas to endure that on his own was a tall task. It was a burden that only he could consider…

  “Given what happened to your boy, I’m not sure if we’re in a position to win at the moment. Are you certain you can withstand taking on more responsibility?” The Corvo’s eyes narrowed at the question. Both were silently aware that without Leo, the military had lost a portion of its manpower. Samuel and Nicolas weren’t going to be enough if a new generation of magic users from Albion joined the war soon.

  “I’ll do it,” a voice said. Looking toward the door, they saw Aria standing there. She looked down as the king and her parents stared at her.

  “No. Absolutely not. I will not send my child into a war!” Sonia snapped. Nicolas looked shocked at Aria’s words, while the king looked intrigued.

  “Your twelve now, Miss Aria?” Enzo asked. Aria nodded as she stood in the center of the room.

  “I… I'm capable of using our family’s ability and I’ve been training with a sword since I was six…” Aria said quietly.

  Nicolas closed his eyes as he clasped his hands. “Aria, reconsider what you're suggesting...”

  “I… If I can help, then I should,” Her voice wavering as she felt all the adults looking at her in mixed reviews.

  I don’t want Dad or Samuel to shoulder this burden any longer. Why does Dad have to become a monster just to protect us? I don’t want Mom to cry like she did with Leo, or for Dad to lock himself away or bring himself close to death for us. If the nation needs a sword to defend us, then I’ll become that sword.

  Sonia looked horrified. “Aria, listen! Training is one thing, but you can’t suggest you’ll become a soldier! We have people to defend us. Your father, Samuel, the other families!”

  “Y-you said it yourself, it isn’t enough…” Aria’s hands shook as she met her moms gaze.

  Enzo let out a low sigh. “I do admit, accepting a twelve-year-old to fight for us is… different. However, if she were to attend the military academy, we could have her ready in a year or so.” Sonia glared at Enzo and her husband, praying they’d talk her out of it. “No… I will not have my daughter throw herself into a war! Nico, please say something!”

  “Aria… I can’t, as a father, agree with my daughter fighting in a war.” Nicolas saw Aria’s conviction waver slightly, but he knew deep down that Aria truly believed in what she was saying.

  “You people are forgetting your history.” Tapping into the room, Aria’s grandmother, Mellori Corvo, joined them. The elderly matriarch strutted to a nearby chair as King Enzo bowed. “Madam Corvo, it's an honor. Do you believe Aria is strong enough to fight?” Enzo asked. Mellori looked at Aria before shrugging.

  “She has terrible form and over relies on her aura to keep up. Though I suppose she’s better at her age than that one.” She gestured lazily at Nicolas. "Honestly if not for his ability Nico would've been third rate at best."

  “Thanks mom...”

  Mellori hummed in thought as she tapped her cane. “Do you forget who founded our nation? Treating a sword and fighting as exclusive to men is insulting. You call yourselves Easennian? Selene, our blessed founder, was the one who originally fought the Eldritch alongside the Gold and Silver Grimoire. Not a man, but a woman. Stupid children... As for that one,” Mellori gestured at Aria with her cane. The elder Corvo had a small contemplative smile as she took a sip of wine. “She might be awful with her swordsmanship, but she has a unqiue ability and youth on her side. Give her time and who knows? However you all are forgetting to ask the one person capable of answering that question.”

  All eyes returned to Aria. She placed a hand over her face, feeling the weight of everyone’s expectations on her. “I… I want to help,” she said softly. “You always said to find a purpose for using a sword… Then I want my purpose to be to protect everyone. I don’t want mom to cry anymore. I don’t want our family to end up destroyed.” Aria met their gazes. I don’t want mom to cry, for Carol to look empty and lonely. I want Melody to have everyone around her as I did. I don’t want dad and my brothers to carry this burden any longer…

  Sonia cried into her hands, Nicolas rubbing her back gently. “Aria, you understand this isn’t an easy decision. Attending the military academy is one thing, but you’re signing up to go to war. To kill people.”

  Since Leo died to keep our family safe. I don’t want any more tragedy... I want our nation to remain as it is. Sam, and Dad fight to protect us but who will protect them now? Aria’s thoughts were cold, resolute. She clenched her fist as she looked down. Why can’t I fight to keep us safe too? It isn't fair to put and treat us like we're nothing more then a sword and monster they can call on any time they need... If we're expected to be a monster simply because of our name then I'll become one to keep everyone alive too

  “I’ll do it… I-I’ll fight for Easenna,” Aria said softly, forcing a smile. Everyone could see the fear in her eyes, but more than that, Nicolas understood the weight behind her decision more then anyone. Her fear wasn’t just about fighting; it was about losing her everything. Losing them because of their responsibilities. Her mother, father, Mary, Carol, and now her sister Melody. Leo's death had been the final blow. But as he looked at her, he also saw something else. Inside her was a faint but determined resolve. Aria had found her purpose to use a sword. Taking a deep breath, Nicolas Corvo stood up.

  “Aria. I won’t bar you from joining,” Nicolas said, his voice low and firm. “However, I need you to promise me one thing.” He looked down at his daughter, his expression unreadable. “Promise me you’ll always remain who you are. You're an Easennian and above all you’re a Corvo. If you don’t lose sight of that, then… I’ll trust your conviction to join the military. But if, in those two years, you begin to waver, you’ll come home.” Aria steeled herself as she met her father’s gaze, her heart pounding but resolute.

  I won’t let our nation fall… I won’t make mom sad, and I won’t let you or Samuel suffer alone any longer. Even if I have to become a sword for our nation, I will fight for Easenna and our family for as long as I must.

  I’ll keep this promise until the very end.

  Chapter Preview:

  Per Easennian tradition for Aria to graduate she must win a dual against an opponent hand selected by the academy. In order to join the war Aria must defeat none other then Nicolas Corvo, the Legend of Easenna.

  Next Time:

  Aria's Past Part 2