Abel Remno knew he was a second-class loser.

The Kingdom of Remno puts great importance on swordsmanship. They dont have history and prestige, like the Kingdom of Sankland. They dont have the power and a big nation like the Tearmoon Empire. They dont have the influence and respect of the surrounding countries like the Duchy of Belluga.

Having none of that to rely on, they are barely able to compete with the top countries around by strengthening their military power.

Therefore, all men of Remno polish their sword skills and compete for honor.

A member of the royal family, like Abel, was no exception and was taught swordmanship rigorously since an early age. As a direct descendent of the king, he was always told he should be the best.

However, he had never been able to win against his older brother, the first prince. Not even once.

Still, he didnt give up. He worked hard, striving to beat his brother and be the very best.

And then, he found out. A entirely different level of talent exists in this world. A level impossible to reach, no matter how much effort and hard work he puts in.

It was when he visited the Kingdom of Sunkland and saw the swordmanship of Sion Saul Sunkland.

It was terrifying.

A level of skill that could overwhelm even the knights of the kingdom.

Disregarding the weight and reach difference, one by one, he completely overpowered his sparring opponents, who were all adults. The owner of such unbelievable natural talent was so strong, that he couldnt even be compared with Abels older brother, who he was never able to defeat. And he was just a boy, the same age as Abel himself.

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When Abel learned that the boy was the first prince of prestigious Kingdom of Sankland, something broke inside of him.

Ah, so it is true there are people who are chosen by God No matter how hard I try, I wont be able to reach that point, he thought.

Second-rate is all I can be.

When thinking like that, the thought of trying his best became ridiculous.

If that is the case, there is no need to do anything painful. Fortunately, he had a neat look, inherited from his mother. The Kingdom of Remno was a country with a strong tendency of placing men above women, so, if he gave them a little bit of kindness, he would be pampered.

Abel was very popular among the mainds.

But then, in front of Abel, a playboy who was supposed to follow the fate of the second-rate prince and take dozens of concubines during his life, a girl shone brightly.

The princess of the Tearmoon Empire. Mia Luna Tearmoon.

A wise woman, first daugher of the powerful empire, and considered by some as a saint. She has completely rejected Abels frivolous future.

She declared loudly in front of the surrounding students.

She told them that Abel was her dance partner. And not only that, .

[That is why, Prince Sion, I am truly sorry, but I cannot accept your invitation.]

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Of all things, she refused the invitation of Sion Saul Sankland, Gods chosen one and top-class royal.

(Youve gotta be kidding me!)

Abel panicked.

This couldnt be happening. He knew he and Princess Mia would not be a good match. That was undeniable. That is why,

[Princess Mia!]

As soon as the commotion died down, he chased after Mia.

[Thank you for your help earlier. But you dont need to go that far. It is best for Prince Sion to be your partner at the dance party.]

[Oh? So, are you turning me down?]

[No, that is not it! Of course not. It is just that it is no use dancing with me. You are far too good to be wasted on me!]

[Then, you should improve youself. Become a better person for my sake, so I wouldnt be wasted on you.]

[Wh?]

Abel opened his mouth wide, with a blank expression.

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[B, but. Unfortunately, I dont have any talent, Princess Mia. No matter how hard I try, I cant even defeat my brother, let alone Prince Sion.]

His words seemed to be cutting him from the insides as they came out. The words filled with regret and frustration were Abels true sentiments, that he never showed anyone.

If you can achieve what you want, no matter how much time and effort you put in, it is hard not to feel frustrated.

However, Mia smiled gently at Abel.

[Prince Abel, you forgot to say for now right? You are no match for them, for now, right?]

[.Eh?]

[If you cant match them today, you can match them tomorrow. And if you cant match them tomorrow, you can match them the day after. No human knows where dilligence and effort will lead them to. Who is to say that, at the end of your life, you wont stand toe to toe with Prince Sion, if not above him.]

Then, Mia gently closed her eyes.

[If I may, I will vouch for you. I have chosen you as my dance partner. It is totally impossible that you wont be able to stand against Prince Sion, and lets not even talk about that brother of yours. I, Mia Luna Tearmoon guarantee you of that.]

These words ressonated with Abels soul like a thunderstrike.

(I need Prince Abel to do his best. If I need him to send reinforcements in case of emergency, his actions shouldnt be restricted by that bad brother of his. Hehe, Im so happy I got to reject prince Sions invitation in public! He deserves it!)

On the inside, Princess Mias heart was pitch black though.

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Regardless of her true intentions, Abel Remnos fate began to change dratically from that day onwards.