ɪɴꜰɪɴɪᴛᴇ ᴠᴀʟᴏʀ: ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ'ꜱ ᴛᴀʟᴇ

ᴛᴡᴇʟᴠᴇ - ᴋɪɴɢᴅᴏᴍꜱ ᴜɴɪᴛᴇᴅ!

The evening was lively as the princes and princesses gathered together in a private alcove within the ballroom, away from the watchful eyes of the nobles and guards. Laughter and casual conversation flowed as they shared stories of their respective kingdoms, exchanging tales of their quirks and discussing their training. Leo felt at ease, enjoying the camaraderie. This was one of the rare times he could relax and laugh with others his age, each of them bound by similar responsibilities and expectations as heirs to their kingdoms.

As the conversation shifted, Leander, the prince of Wildfing Kingdom, tilted his head thoughtfully and, without much hesitation, asked, "So, Leo, how does it feel to be back in the kingdom again?"

Leo’s brow furrowed slightly, his mind catching on the word "back." Back? He thought of the palace, his parents and his sister. His training and the people who helped him warm up with the environment. Sure, he didn’t remember much before his training began with Cavalry Commander Aurora, but he’d been here as long as he could recall—this was home. Wasn’t it? Why would Leander phrase it that way?

Noticing Leo’s confused expression, the other princes and princesses exchanged wary glances. They each knew the truth—the tale of the lost prince of Glacialia was well-known across the kingdoms. Leo had been missing for ten years, only to return without his memories. But that wasn’t something anyone had dared bring up in his presence tonight. Leo doesn't know that he was Missing for 10 years, his family told him he was in a dangerous battle and was hurt, due to which he lost his memories.

Realizing his mistake, Leander’s face paled, and he quickly stammered, "I mean—I, uh—heard about, you know, the memory loss and everything. So I was just curious…how are you adjusting? I imagine it must be strange, having everything feel…new?"

The room fell silent, a weight settling in the air as Leo processed this. The other prince and princess' s watched him, some with concern, others with curiosity, as he tried to piece together what Leander meant. The uncertainty that gnawed at him in quiet moments suddenly flared up, stronger and more intense, as he thought back to the gaps in his memories—the empty spaces his family was careful not to mention, and the things that felt both familiar and foreign. He masked his unease with a small smile, even though his mind raced.

"Yes, I suppose it’s…different," he said slowly. "Everything here is…familiar in some ways and…like I’m discovering it for the first time in others. But I think I’m adjusting well,with the help of other."

Alice, sensing the tension, quietly activating his quirk to ease Leo's mind. “You’re doing wonderfully, Leo,” she said, her voice calm and reassuring. “Every kingdom has heard about you being in some dangerous battle where you hurt you head and lost your memories. It must be a lot of pressure, but everyone believes in you.”

Eleanor added with a grin, “And from what I’ve seen tonight, you’re handling it better than most of us would.”

The others nodded in agreement, and slowly, the mood lightened as they returned to sharing stories, steering clear of the subject that had briefly darkened their evening.

As the lively conversation continued, the grand doors opened, and the Empress of Glacialia, Leo’s mother, entered the room. Instantly, all the princes and princesses stood and bowed respectfully, their expressions filled with admiration and respect for the elegant ruler who carried herself with both grace and authority. Leo’s eyes brightened, and he stood as well, smiling as she approached.

With a gentle nod, the Empress acknowledged each of them before taking a seat beside Leo. Her presence brought a warmth that softened the room, and she looked at each guest with genuine kindness.

"I hope the evening finds you all well," she began, her gaze sweeping over each of the young royals. "I am grateful to see you here, united in friendship and fellowship. It is a rare thing for our heirs to come together like this, and it fills my heart with joy."