1 Prologue: Father

'Son, do you know what's the most precious thing in one man's life?'

'Hmmm… Is it Power? Prestige? Honor?'

'Not… quite right, my son. Think harder.'

'Ummm… I don't know what you are talking about, dad?'

'Think harder. Every question has an answer, every puzzle has a solution, every tunnel has a way in and a way out. Find your way out. Well, think it this way, what is your most precious thing?'

'Umu… I think that's mom… and you too.'

'Haha! Now, you get it, you idiot. The most precious thing in a man or a woman's life isn't wealth, fortune, fame or power. Its family and honor.'

'Wrong dad! You just said that honor isn't the correct option, so, how come you're telling me that honor is precious?'

'Well, honor is … a bit complicated. You see, it's a bit like emotions. Humans stick to it when they feel like it and don't when they don't like it. But for us Wardens, honor is our second virtue after truth and honesty. But …. If you're really asking about what's most precious, I would say, that it comes second, after family.'

'Hmmm… I don't understand dad.'

'What is it, son?'

'You always said that honor is a man's pride and that one must protect it at the cost of his life, so how come it's not more precious than his family?'

'Haha!! Like I said, honor is like emotions, you lose it sometimes and gain it other times. But family…. That is not something intangible. Once you lose your family, you will be left with nothing but a cruel world and a hollow self. You will become a toy for the world and others to play with. Only people with love for their family can hope to change something in this corrupted world. As for those lone lions and heroes, they are just weeds. It doesn't matter whether you smoke them or step on them, as long as you have your virtues, honor and family, I can guarantee you that scores of heroes will flock towards you. That is the world, my son. You are born a Lord and as a Lord, you will reign. This is Audenia, the world where blood runs deeper than steel and virtue the will. Remember, you have the Blue Blood in your veins… A Lord by Blood.'

'Never lose it, my son. Neither your virtues, nor your honor or your family. Wreck the world if needs be. But you must promise me to protect your mothers and siblings. Like a Lord.'

'Never lose it, never lose it….'

'Dad!'

'Dad!'

'What is happening? W-what is – dad!!! dad!! DAD!!!'

…

To: Felix Dean

From: Sir Aston Dean

Date: 23rd of Month of Festivities.

Place: Crimson Fort, Crimson Plains, Outskirts of Capital Aysal, Sultannate Capital.

35th Holy Crusade

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