Chapter Text
Soft music played as couples danced in the ballroom, the shine of the moon peeking through the curtains as he lay on his bed. As the night progressed and more and more people left the ballroom, the more irritated he felt.
It wasn't fair. How could all these peasants have lovers, someone who truly cared about them, but not him? It was unfair. The only thing he truly wanted in life was to not be alone.
Lovino's brows furrowed as the orchestra below him began to play louder as the night progressed. The brunette turned his head to look at the big clock hanging next to his bed. The time read 11:45 p.m.
He shot up before rushing to the library. His feet tapped against the floor as he raced up the stone stairs, rain beginning to patter against the roof, becoming harsher by the minute. He raced all the way to the top of the castle and into the dark library.
For days, an old man, whom Lovino had never properly met before, had been giving him books that he found rather interesting. Though it was odd, Lovino found himself trusting the man. They would talk for almost hours about books and folklore.
Lovino swung the library door open. He was met with a dark room and a single candle on the other side of the room.
"...What the..?"
Lovino took a step into the dark room, reaching his arms out to grab hold of the silhouette of a table that lay in front of him.
"H-Hello..? Is anyone there...?"
Lovino took another cautious step, making his way toward the candle on the other side of the room.
When Lovino finally made it to the other side of the room and the candle, he was met with a book, as usual. Lovino picked up the candle and read the cover, dusting off the dusty surface before doing so.
"...Misty Creek..."
A silence fell over the dimly lit room.
Lovino rubbed his forehead in annoyance, trying to decide if this was one of the jester's tricks. He wanted to call the guards and have them find whichever jester decided this was funny, but at the same time, he was intrigued.
Whoever had been leaving these books for him pretty obviously knew him. They would leave books he actually enjoyed, like The Sacred Text, Killing Stalking, and PEAKtalia, all written by the most intelligent people in history.
Misty Creek was a known book, sure, but it was also a book full of spells and forbidden mana spots, like the Misty Creek itself.
Lovino picked up the dusty book and flipped through the pages.
Summoning riches, an invisibility spell, a transformation spell, and a spell to locate jewels instantly. All spells that benefited peasants, nothing that intrigued someone of Lovino's status.
Lovino kept flipping until he saw something that actually might be of interest to his own desires. In the back of the book was a letter, almost completely decayed.
"In the back of the river, he fountian lies, folow the river, it will lead to the trail and head east from there the path shall reveal to all worthy. bewa--good luck"
Lovino read, mumbling under his breath.
Half of the letter was smudged, fingerprints all over it. Lovino's heart beat rapidly in his chest. He had heard the maids gossip about the creek when he was little, but nothing like this. Nothing about letters and a fountain?
It was all hard to believe, but in a world where dragons, magic, and monsters existed, it wasn't too far-fetched.
Lovino shoved the letter into his pocket, hesitating for a moment before grabbing the book and heading back to his room.
---
The next day, Lovino woke up early. The night before, he had gone through the book countless times, trying to find out more about the letter he had found and who left it for him.
Who knew him well enough to know exactly what he wanted and how to use it against him?
But in the end, it was all just wasted hope, as he found nothing all night.
Lovino had left the book and the letter in his bag in his lousy attempt to hide it. He had woken up to the sound of maids fawning over him as he slept.
"He's so handsome. I can't believe he hasn't found a wife yet!"
"Yeah, I know. It's such a shame..."
"Do you think today is the day..?"
"No way!"
"Julie, don't say it like that! Even if it is tru—"
Lovino slowly sat up, cutting off the blabbering maids' sentence. He glared at the once-giggly women, his hair messy and dark circles surrounding his eyes.
"...Did you ladies need something?" Lovino asked in a sassy voice, shaking his head slightly after he spoke.
"S-Sir," said the big maid. Lovino had never cared to learn their names. "Your father is calling for you. Please meet him in the garden."
The three maids bowed and ran off.
Lovino ran his hand through his hair, annoyed by what his useless maids had said and by the fact that he was being called out to the garden this early.
He barely had any energy left, especially after staying up all night. Despite his internal complaints, Lovino pulled himself up and got ready.
---
About an hour later, Lovino made his way to the garden. It was a cloudy day, not the best weather to be outside in, but Lovino persevered. No one could defy his father, not even him.
Lovino rushed over to the small table his father was sitting at across the garden and took a seat.
"Lovino."
The king's voice was stern, like everything he said was a demand. Just looking at him gave Lovino chills. He had never really seen him as a father. He didn't even know his name.
"Your Highness..." Lovino said, bowing down.
"Why haven't you been married yet?"
"I-I just haven't found the one yet..."
"Listen here."
Lovino's father took a sip of tea, then slammed his cup against the table.
"I don't care who you marry, as long as they are going to benefit us. People like you don't get to love."
"..."
"Find someone tonight at the ball, or we'll have to rely on your brother. Dismissed."
The king stood up and left without another word, leaving Lovino more worried than ever.
There was no way he could find someone in such a short notice. He didn't want to marry just anyone. He wanted to be happy, to enjoy his marriage, but it seemed like the more he wanted that, the more impossible it became.
Lovino sat at the table, thinking about what to do, when a raindrop fell on his head, forcing him to retreat to his room.
---
Lovino sat in his bed, trying to forget about the impending doom only hours away. His mind kept going back to the book, the letter, and the fountain.
Misty Creek wasn't too far away. He would be back before the ball even began to start.
Lovino glanced at his bag, then at his horse just outside his window.
"...I'll just be a second..."
Lovino knew it was stupid, putting this much faith in some rumor, but he had nothing else. This was his only hope, even if it was absurd.
Lovino grabbed his sword and his bag, which held the book and the only sense of a guide he had. He threw on a cloak and walked up to his window.
Lovino sighed, jumping onto his windowsill as he glanced at his clock. It was 10:14. He had more than enough time.
He would come back and prove that there was no need for his brother to get involved, that he was better than both his brother and the king.
Lovino felt smug as he jumped down from his window and hopped onto his horse. She was a German white-haired breed. He had named her Mitzi when he was only seven years old.
He gave her a small hug before setting off into the forest, hoping that this would work, hoping that this would be the end and that he wouldn't have to be by himself anymore.
---
It took Lovino an hour in the rain to find the creek. The ground was uneven and too muddy for Mitzi, so she was left near a village. The last thing Lovino wanted to do was lose his horse.
So many emotions were welling up in Lovino's chest. He already felt pathetic for even believing this story in the first place.
As Lovino walked closer to the bank, the mist grew thicker. He could barely make out the trees in front of him.
Lovino gripped his sword. Anything could sneak up on him, and he would have no idea.
After a few seconds of looking around, Lovino began walking east, anxiety creeping up his neck as he went deeper and deeper into the forest.
Every step felt too loud, reminding him of the unknown dangers around him. Lovino regretted his choice. He wanted to go home, back to his castle, all the way at the top, safe in the library.
Just as Lovino thought that, he heard rustling in the bushes. Something loud, big, and most likely dangerous.
Lovino spun around and pulled out his sword, his hands shaking.
"C-Come on out!"
"OK!"
Lovino was thrown off by the sudden reply when a pale, white-haired man jumped out of the bushes, lunging toward Lovino, sword in hand.
Lovino took a step back, almost losing his balance, but regained his footing as the man went for another strike.
This time, Lovino blocked it with his sword, causing the man to step back and allowing Lovino to point the tip of his sword at the man's neck.
"Ah, you got me," said the man, the sword still pointing at his neck.
"Who are you?!"
The white-haired man slowly reached into his pocket and pulled something out, holding it in front of Lovino's face.
"...What's tha—"
Before Lovino could finish speaking, dirt was thrown all over his face.
"YOU BASTARD!"
The pale man burst out laughing as he snatched Lovino's sword, disarming him in just seconds.
Lovino was confused. Who was this guy, and what business did he have here? Was he also looking for the fountain too?
"Why are you here?!"
"Well, you see... I'm looking for this fountain, but... I don't know where it is..."
Lovino perked up. This man was looking for the same thing he was, but he didn't know where it was.
A small smirk grew on Lovino's face as he wiped the dirt off his face, finally getting a good look at the man.
To Lovino's shock, he was wearing royal clothes, ones Lovino didn't even recognize. He was wearing a white cloak with crosses on each side.
With the information Lovino had gathered, he considered his choices. He could try to attack and lose, or he could take him to the fountain and gain allies from who knows where.
"...I-I know where it is..."
"You do!? Awesome, broha! Can you take me there?"
It annoyed Lovino to be talked to so casually. He was still a prince, after all.
"And why should I when you attacked me and took my sword?"
"Erm... I don't really have anything to give you... Do you, um, want your sword back?"
The man handed the sword back and stood awkwardly, waiting for Lovino to respond.
He didn't really have a reason to refuse the man's offer, or to decline it. Though it would be easier to travel with two people...
"...Fine... But don't try anything funny!"
"Really!? Thanks a ton, broha! My name's Gilbert, by the way!"
Gilbert...
Lovino thought for a bit. That name used to be famous for something, but Lovino couldn't quite put his finger on it.
He snapped out of his thoughts and replied to Gilbert.
"...Lovino."
The brunette began eyeing Gilbert, who was acting as if he wasn't a royal, jumping from trees and singing some tune Lovino didn't recognize.
As the two walked deeper into the forest, the more the mist grew dense and the louder Gilbert's singing got.
Lovino came to the realization that he would much rather just marry a rich woman than have to deal with this