Xingqiu's Diary

October 9th

Today marks the anniversary of my birth. My elder brother gifted me this diary, explaining that it is for documenting my thoughts. I thanked him for it, though I'm not entirely sure what to write about. My life is rather uninteresting, in my opinion. I suppose I could recount today's events so far. When I awoke, I was greeted by the warm sunlight lighting up my bedroom. I had forgotten to shut the curtains the previous day. I got up and changed out of my nightgown, putting on something more appropriate for the day. I combed through my hair fixing my bedhead, then waited to be called for breakfast.

As I waited, I picked up the novel I had fallen asleep reading. It was about someone who was on a quest traveling alongside a wizard and many dwarves, aiming to reclaim the home and treasure of the dwarves from a dragon. I was enjoying the story thus far. I didn't get to read much though, for it was then time for breakfast. A servant knocked on my door, informing me that the food was served. I set the book aside on my bedside table and exited my bedroom, first washing my hands in the restroom, and then making my way to the dining room.

The servants had prepared porridge, boiled eggs, and sliced bread with butter. Certainly not what I prefer, but it would be rude to complain. My family ate in silence, apart from a bit of small talk. My parents left the table early to do whatever they were busy with. I really don't care for royal affairs. I would much rather spend my days reading. Unfortunately, I'm a prince, and I have duties as well. Though it's mostly only showing up as a representative of the kingdom at formal gatherings when the rest of my family is unavailable.

Once I finished my meal, I retreated to my bedroom, picking up my book once more. Then, there was another knock at my door. I told them they could enter, and surprisingly, it was my brother. He wished me a happy birthday and handed me this diary. I truly thought he had forgotten, but I suppose what they say is true: expect the unexpected.

He left the room and I looked over the book in my hands. It had a plain white cover and blank pages. I had always been told that my handwriting was illegible, so I don't have to worry about anyone finding out about my deepest, darkest secrets if I were to write about them. I grabbed a quill and ink from my desk and sat down once I had an idea of what to write. And that brings this to the present moment. I am certain my parents have forgotten about my birthday, but it's understandable why they would. They're busy, after all.

I think I shall spend the rest of my day in the castle library. It's a bit stuffy in my room, and I need a change of scenery. I might write more later.

-----

It is currently the evening and I'm back in my bedroom. I ended up finishing the book I was reading, and I plan to read the rest of the series when I get hold of it. Unfortunately, the castle library doesn't contain the other volumes, so I will attempt to track them down myself. Perhaps I could sneak out some time and check if one of the street vendors in the village sells copies of the remaining books.

It wouldn't be my first time sneaking out of the castle. I had done so before. When in the village, I mainly just visit the vendors who sell baked goods and books, which is how I acquired some of my favorite novels. The food in the castle is very bland, which is why I have to buy sweets myself. Other times when I abscond, it is simply just to have some time to myself. There is a quiet, whimsical garden near the kingdom. When I run away, I typically spend the time there, a book in hand, of course.

I long to fight evil like the heroes in the stories I read. Not too long ago, my father hired a professional swordfighter to train me, though I heard him talking to my mother about it, telling her it was only so I'd spend my time anywhere other than the library or my bedroom. Not that I'm complaining, of course. This means once I master the art of the sword, I'll be as skilled of a fighter as my favorite book characters.

I forgot to mention the rest of today's meals, but it honestly seems unimportant, since they were just as bland as my breakfast.

Before I go to bed, I feel like I should write about this, knowing that it is unlikely that anyone else will get hold of my new diary or even be able to read its contents: a certain someone has caught my eye lately. He is one of the royal guards, and he really fascinates me. If I were to describe his appearance in one word, I think "snowy" does it justice. I have heard some of the servants talking about him, and from what I could tell, he is a young man around the same age as me who takes his duty as a guard very seriously and is proud to serve the kingdom. In fact, he has trained hard to also become a knight. I find that very admirable. It's not often that a guard also gets knighted. If I remember correctly, his name is Chongyun. I would like to know more about him. I should find a time to approach him and speak with him in private. I am not usually one to engage in social interactions willingly, but something tells me it may be one of the best decisions I would ever make, so I will make an exception.

I find myself getting more drowsy by the second. I'll write more when something more eventful happens.