HIT: Tale of the Eternal Flame

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Miravalia Kingdom, Stanley trudged through the front door of his family's mansion, exhausted from a long day's work. The streets had been eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the usual bustle that filled the air.

Stanley made his way to his room, dropping onto the plush bed with a sigh. He closed his eyes, letting the softness envelop him, but his mind refused to quiet. Thoughts swirled, a jumbled mix of worries and concerns that had been plaguing him for days now.

After a while, Stanley's stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten dinner. He reluctantly got up and headed to the mansion's dining room, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the empty halls.

As he sat down to eat, the door swung open, and his father, Lord Derek, strode in. Derek's face was etched with lines of fatigue, but his eyes sparkled with warmth as he smiled at his son.

"Evening, Stan," Derek said, taking a seat opposite him. "How was your day?"

Stanley shrugged, pushing a piece of meat around his plate. "It was fine."

Derek's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "You're not feeling well, are you?"

Stanley hesitated before shaking his head. "I actually am. You need not worry."

The conversation flowed easily enough, but Stanley couldn't help feeling like they were just skirting around. He and his father didn't always see eye-to-eye, despite their deep love for each other. It was as if they were two opposing forces, constantly butting heads.

As they ate, Stanley's mind kept drifting back to the one thing that had been bothering him for his whole life: his desire to become a cadet, then a mage. Things became harder as he had to prepare the arena where young men of same age range would battle to climb a major step in their journey to become a mage. He had always dreamed of serving the kingdom, just like his father, but Derek had been adamant in his refusal.

Stanley's frustration boiled over, and he blurted out the question that had been burning in his mind. "Father, why won't you let me become a mage?"

The words hung in the air, a challenge that Derek didn't seem prepared to meet. He opened his mouth to respond, but then closed it, his eyes darting away.

Stanley's anger flared. "You don't want me to become a cadet because you don't like me, do you? You're just trying to keep me from doing something I love because you hate me!"

Derek's face paled, and he looked like he had been slapped. "Stanley, that's not true—"

But before he could finish, a servant burst into the room, bowing low. "Lord Derek, forgive the interruption, but you're needed at the palace immediately."

Derek's expression turned grim, and he pushed back his chair. "I'll be right there."

As he stood up, Stanley felt a surge of resentment. "You're running away again, aren't you? You don't want to answer my question!"

Derek's eyes flashed with a mixture of sadness and frustration, but he didn't respond. Instead, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Stanley feeling frustrated and abandoned once again.

I hope this expanded version meets your requirements! Let me know if you need any further changes.

•••

Princess Evelyn stood at the window of her lavish bedroom, gazing out at the moon casting its silvery glow over the kingdom. Her room, adorned with intricate tapestries and plush furnishings, seemed to fade into the background as her thoughts consumed her.

Elara, her personal maid, entered the room, a look of concern etched on her face. "Your Highness, you seem troubled. What's weighing on your mind?" she asked, setting down a tray bearing a steaming cup of tea.

Evelyn's shoulders sagged, and she turned away from the window, her eyes drifting downward. "It's just...I don't know, Elara. I feel like I'm suffocating under the weight of my responsibilities sometimes."

" And what responsibility is that?" Elara asked, knowing the princess was lying. She had no particular responsibility at the time but she's bothered... Something must be really off. Elara's expression softened, and she poured a cup of tea, handing it to Evelyn. "Perhaps, it's the secrets you're keeping?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed, her grip on the cup tightening. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of defensiveness.

Elara's smile was gentle. "I mean, Your Highness, that sometimes it's hard to bear the weight of our own secrets. We feel like we're carrying the world on our shoulders, and it's crushing us."

Evelyn's gaze drifted back to the window, her thoughts swirling. She knew Elara was right, but she couldn't bring herself to reveal the truth just yet.

As they sipped their tea in silence, Evelyn's mind wandered to Stanley. She had grown to care for him deeply, but the weight of her deception threatened to tear them apart.

Elara's voice broke the silence, her tone gentle. "Your Highness, I've known you since you were a child. I've seen the way you've been struggling lately. Whatever it is, please know that I'm here for you."

Evelyn's eyes welled up with tears as she turned to face Elara. "It's Stanley," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I've been lying to him, Elara. At least, can't really say lying because he didn't ask but... He doesn't know about all this." She gestured around the room as she said the last word.

Elara's expression was understanding, and she nodded encouragingly. "Go on, Your Highness."

Evelyn took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I'm afraid of what might happen if he discovers the truth by himself. What if he hates me for not telling him? What if...what if he doesn't want to see me again?"

As Evelyn spoke, Elara listened intently, her eyes filled with compassion. When Evelyn finally fell silent, Elara spoke, her voice gentle. "Your Highness, the truth might be difficult to reveal, but it's the only way to truly be free. Perhaps it's time to take a chance and trust Stanley with the truth?"

Evelyn's eyes searched Elara's face, seeking reassurance. As she looked at her loyal maid, she knew that Elara was right. It was time to reveal the truth, no matter the consequences.

With a newfound sense of determination, Evelyn set her cup down and stood up, her eyes locked on Elara's. "You're right, Elara. It's time I told Stanley the truth. I mean...he trusts me. He finally told me that he wasn't a cadet but a cleaner."

Elara's smile was warm, and she nodded in approval. "I'll support you every step of the way, Your Highness."

As they spoke, Evelyn's thoughts turned to Stanley's safety, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She had seen Bryan Kage lurking near Stanley earlier, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

"Elara, I need to tell you something else," Evelyn said, her voice low and urgent. "I saw Bryan Kage near Stanley earlier today. I think he might be in danger."

Elara's expression turned grave, and she nodded. " Did you tell him? You know what? That doesn't really matter, now. For now, let's focus on lifting your spirits, Your Highness."

With a sly smile, Elara coaxed Evelyn into sneaking out of the palace, and they made their way to the stables under the light of the moon. As they rode horseback through the kingdom, the wind whipping through their hair, Evelyn felt a sense of freedom and joy.

For a brief moment, she forgot about her worries and simply enjoyed the thrill of the ride, the moonlight casting a magical glow over everything.

As they rode, Elara pointed out the constellations twinkling above, and Evelyn felt a sense of wonder and awe wash over her. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.