[The Prince and the Pirate]

Chapitre 1 : The Commencement

The sky was a clear blue, and the villagers went about their daily routines in the peaceful town. However, if one listened carefully, the sound of a crying infant could be heard. It was the Princess of the realm, Ran Kudo, experiencing her first bouts of distress. Next to the crib was Prince Shinichi Kudo, who, unlike his sister, slept peacefully.

The mother of the two little ones was Queen Eri Kudo, trying to soothe Ran by ordering all the maids to bring plush toys. In no time, the room was filled with stuffed animals. Beside the Prince was his father, King Yusaku Kudo, observing with a stoic expression. It was a shock when Shinichi opened his bright azure eyes.

The Faux twins were the wig and the wang, as the Prince read, the Princess demanded a pony at the tender age of 3. Moreover, Ran was obsessed with the attention she received. Fortunately, she was the favorite of her parents, and she would remain so at all costs.

Yet, in the past, Ran and Shinichi used to play together a lot, but after a certain event, their rivalry grew day by day.

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It was a long time ago, in the dark corridors of the castle, an invisible tension began to weave between the parents of the Faux twins, Queen Eri and King Yusaku Kudo.

While Ran and Shinichi played in the gardens, the adults gathered in secret in the grand throne room, discussing the future of their children in hushed tones.

Queen Eri, fueled by boundless ambition, had long harbored the dream of seeing her daughter Ran ascend to the throne. She knew that to make this dream a reality, any potential obstacle, even her second child, had to be eliminated.

King Yusaku, a cold and calculating man, saw Shinichi as a threat to the royal legacy. The boy, with his features too reminiscent of his real mother, was a constant reminder of past pain for the king. He was determined to shape Ran into a worthy leader, even if it meant sacrificing the sibling bond between the children.

Thus, the parents of the Faux twins had devised a Machiavellian plan to sow discord between Ran and Shinichi. Under the pretext of preparing them for their future roles, they subtly encouraged rivalry between the children, favoring Ran and relegating Shinichi to the background.

Orchestrated incidents multiplied: preferential gifts for Ran, praise for her minor achievements, and constant reproaches for Shinichi. Gradually, an artificial distance formed between the faux twins, fueled by the machinations of their own parents.

That day, in the castle gardens, the childish quarrel between Ran and Shinichi was just the beginning of a long series of conflicts. They had paved a path full of obstacles so that, in the future, Ran would become the future heir to the Throne of the Tokyo Realm.

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The castle where the royal family resides is immense, and other nobles live in more modest dwellings where the Kudo family resides.

Ran decided to explore the vast gardens and settled by the fountain in one of the courtyards. But a few steps away, Sonoko, a little maiden with blond hair and a blue dress, watched the scene with fascination.

When Sonoko timidly approached Ran, her curious eyes were met with a warm smile from the little princess. Both were captivated by the beauty of the gardens and the fragrance of the flowers wafting through the air. An invisible bond seemed to be forming between the two little girls.

Friendly and sociable, Ran extended her hand to Sonoko, inviting her to play. Quickly, they became accomplices, sharing laughter and discoveries. Ran showed Sonoko the secret corners of the garden, while Sonoko enthusiastically shared her stories and dreams.

The fountain became their favorite spot, where they discussed childish topics, and Ran taught Sonoko to make wishes by tossing petals into the sparkling water. A sweet and spontaneous friendship blossomed between the two little girls, with each day spent together strengthening their bond.

The parents, witnessing this budding friendship, observed with satisfaction. Perhaps in this genuine bond between Ran and Sonoko, they saw an opportunity to shape the social relationships of the little princess. Perhaps in this friendship, they saw a way to influence Ran's future according to their aspirations.

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The first time Shinichi met Sonoko was special. Initially, he thought Sonoko was kind, but the next time, she showed the same cruelty as Ran.

Sonoko often crossed paths with Shinichi in the castle corridors, both sharing a tense atmosphere due to the complex relationship between Ran and Shinichi. One day, as Sonoko strolled in the castle gardens, she encountered Shinichi sitting under a tree, engrossed in a book.

"Ah, Shinichi-kun, you're here. What are you doing all alone?" Sonoko asked, her tone tinged with curiosity.

Shinichi looked up from his book and glanced at her briefly. "I sometimes prefer solitude to the hustle and bustle of the castle. Books are more reliable companions."

Sonoko sat beside him, casting an intrigued look. "You're really different from your sister. Ran-chan loves the excitement of parties and gatherings."

"Yes, we are different," admitted Shinichi, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Faux twins, but so distant from each other."

Sonoko chuckled lightly. "It's like you're from different worlds. Yet, opposites attract, don't they?"

Shinichi gave a wry smile. "In our case, I'm afraid that's not true. Ran and I are like water and oil. Incompatible."

Sonoko raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's a shame. You could make a formidable pair if you set aside your differences."

Shinichi sighed. "Our differences go beyond mere preferences. It's a deep-seated issue, something that can't be resolved by mere will."

Not wanting to press further, Sonoko changed the subject. "Anyway, your birthday is approaching."

Shinichi simply nodded, diving back into his book. And Sonoko rejoined Ran in the flower garden.

___

According to Shinichi, it is likely that when Sonoko joined Ran, the Princess told her lies about him. Moreover, Sonoko had mentioned their upcoming birthday celebration; he remembers that day very distinctly.

To be continued...