The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

They began their journey.

A clatter of hooves against cobblestone echoed through the streets of Starlight Region, the most populated Region in the entire Realm.

Riding on a Silverwolf and a brown horse was Aeric and Delva, moving side by side. The main road wound through villages and hamlets, stretching beneath the expansive sky that shimmered with the faint glow of the magical stars that forever hung extremely high above the clouds over the Region.

Delva led the way on her chestnut mare, her posture relaxed and soothing. She was determined in taking her time to show things like this to the Prince as someone as open-minded as him could make some change, compared to the Princesses who only believed in one way.

"This," she began, gesturing to the village they were passing, "is Sundale. It's small but prosperous. Most of the people here are craftspeople — carpenters, weavers, and smiths. They contribute tools, clothing, and other necessities to the Region."

Aeric's sharp eyes scanned the village. The streets were modest but well-kept, lined with small houses and workshops. A blacksmith paused mid-swing at his forge to bow deeply, his face etched with surprise. "The Son of Starlight," he muttered.

A woman carrying a basket of bread curtsied before hurrying away, her gaze lingering on the Prince. Others merely stopped and stared, their faces filled with both awe and uncertainty.

Aeric's face showed no direct expression at all as he rode past. 'They truly don't even know what to make of me,' he thought. 'Some see the Son of Starlight. Others see the abomination from above.'

Delva continued, leading him further down the road. They passed through villages with sprawling farmland, where families worked tirelessly under the morning sun. Children waved enthusiastically, and farmers tipped their hats or called out polite greetings.

"These are the farming families," Delva explained. "Their crops feed not only Starlight but other Regions as well. Most of our exports come from here — grain, fruits, and vegetables. It's hard work, but it keeps the region alive."

Aeric nodded, observing the fields of wheat swaying in the breeze. It wasn't surprising to see many farmers and blue collar workers filling the streets of Starlight. Not just because it was a populated Region, but because it was the Region with the least availability of Divinity.

This made it so that many job opportunities such as Healing, Potion Making, Weaponcraft, and other things involving Divinity were harder to come by. And so people had to rely on more traditional and important jobs.

This was why many believed Starlight to be the true heart of the Realm because them being the only Region producing these important foods, furniture and goods needed for day to day life was the only reason other Regions could go ahead with more career establishments.

Aeric thought about this a lot. Perhaps there should be more respect given to his motherland. He began to think that Starlight should be even more powerful that Moonlight itself, it had all the justification to be.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

They moved deeper and the vibrant life of the farming villages was an extreme contrast to what came next. The road grew bumpier as they approached a poorer settlement. Houses were smaller, some in disrepair, and the fields were sparse, their soil cracked and dry.

"This is Gulydurk," Delva said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "One of the famine villages. The land here isn't as fertile, and the taxes hit them harder than most. Many families here struggle to survive."

Aeric's gaze hardened as he took in the sight of hollow-cheeked children playing near crumbling homes and beggars sitting at the roadside, their hands outstretched. A few villagers glanced at him but quickly looked away, their expressions a mix of fear and hopelessness.

"Why does it have to be this way?" Aeric asked, his voice quieter now.

Delva sighed. "The Food and War Tax," she explained. "It was established after the war against the Snake Queen, the Drakes, and the Titans. Every year, we prepare for their return, gathering resources to survive the famine they bring. The Tax is necessary, but it's also cruel. The amount demanded is too much for some, and even with the preparations, people still die or starve. So it's difficult for them to believe it was worth it."

Aeric's jaw tightened. Necessary? Perhaps. But fair? Not in the slightest.

'Something must be done about this. I have to be the one to do something about this.'

They rode on, passing a mining village where soot-covered workers toiled under the watchful eyes of overseers. The air was filled with excessive dust, and the sound of pickaxes striking rock echoed through the valley.

"These mines provide the metals for weapons, armor, and tools," Delva said. "Without them, we couldn't defend ourselves. But the conditions are harsh, and the miners are often overworked."

Further down the road, they came upon a village ravaged by a recent monster attack. Crumbling buildings and scorched earth told the story of a desperate battle. The land was ugly and black. The people looked like they had given up on life a long time ago.

"Monsters have plagued this village and the knights who defeated the monsters are yet to help to rebuild the village from what the war did to them," Delva said, her tone bitter. "Other villages are still filled with monsters with no intervention at all from knights. They are left to fend for themselves. And there is no one to rescue them."

Aeric's mind churned as they rode. He was seeing so many things and it was like his mind was opening. The Starlight Region was not just beauty and gold and the blessings of the stars, there were some gritty parts with so much darkness and sadness. So much suffering.

'I'm part of the Royal family so this Region is my responsibility as well,' he thought. 'But how can I lead when I've been so sheltered from its realities? And what change can I make now?'

The scenery began to change as they approached the Region borders. There was the famous Sea of Stars which stretched out before them, its surface shimmering like liquid silver under the beautiful light of the magical stars above.

In the center of the sea, a bridge rose: a breathtaking structure made entirely of swirling elements.

This was the Bridge of Elements. A masterpiece of magic and craftsmanship. Water formed its base, flowing in a continuous stream, while columns of fire flickered on either side, their flames warm but harmless. Gusts of wind spiraled upward, creating an invisible handrail, and shards of crystal embedded in the bridge's surface reflected the starlight in dazzling patterns.

Aeric and Delva urged their mounts forward, the bridge's magic humming beneath their hooves. As they crossed, Aeric looked at the structure, undeniably awed.

"I've never been to the Bridge of Elements," he admitted, his voice barely audible over the gentle roar of the elements. "I must say it is beautiful."

"It is," Delva agreed. "It was actually created by fairies."

Aeric looked at her, surprised. "Starlight Region had fairies?"

Delva smiled. "There's still a lot you have to learn about this Region, Master Aeric."

Lowering his head in thought, Aeric agreed. And he was willing. He was willing to learn, but he was also willing to do something about what he'd already learnt.