The Lake Who Swallows The Moon

Once upon a time there was a handsome young man who was loved by all. His name is Balmir. Everyone adored him. Men and Women. Young and Old. He was haughty since he received favors from Gods because of his beauty.

Balmir is an orphan because of war that is why he loves the attention that people give him. Good and bad. After all, his striking appearance caught the eye of his wealthy adoptive merchant parents.

One look at him when he was a young boy and they know his worth. His eyes were as green as a lush spring forest, vivid and alive, while his jet-black, flowing hair cascaded gracefully past his shoulders, shimmering like polished obsidian.

They live in a town called Marindu. He grew up in an upscale city situated near the capital, positioned along a key trade route. To the north lay the bustling metropolis, while to the south stretched rural villages. This city served as a vital hub for the flow of goods between smaller towns and major cities.

The couple have a daughter, and she is undeniably beautiful. The first time he laid eyes on her, his breath was stolen away. Her name is Amanda—Amanda Lovardi. The only surviving daughter of the Lovardi couple, whose vast wealth could effortlessly sponsor three wars without batting an eye. Her face is the very image of an artist's muse, ethereal and otherworldly, with her striking pale skin and hair, a rare and haunting beauty shaped by albinism.

Her parents shower her with love, sparing no effort to adorn her with the most precious things from head to toe. The finest fabrics, glittering jewels, and rare treasures filled her life, as they sought to give her everything money could buy. Every need was met with the utmost care, and yet, despite all the wealth they possessed, there is one thing they could not provide: her eyesight. No matter how many doctors they consulted or how much gold they spent, they could not bring back the vision she had lost.

The Lovardi couple knew that anyone who sought to marry their daughter was likely drawn to her wealth, and while they understood this reality, it wasn't the issue that weighed on their hearts. What truly terrified them was the thought of what might happen to Amanda when they were gone. They feared that, without their protection, she would be mistreated, taken advantage of by those who saw only her inheritance. This fear was what led them to Balmir.

When Amanda was just a child, she was 7 at the time; she had witnessed something terrible—something so horrific that it haunted her. The images of that day remained burned into her memory, so much so that she never opened her eyes again, unable or unwilling to face the world that had turned so dark and cruel. The trauma of that moment consumed her, and her mind chose to shield her from the horror by locking away the memory, along with her sight. 

After that day, she never opened her eyes again, as though in a deep, unspoken vow to shut out the world. Since that day, she lived in a world of darkness, her only connection to the outside world through the voices of those around her and the touch of those who loved her.

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In a few years, Lovardi earned a title of Marquis after aiding their kingdom of Periya against Pagan invaders. The crown granted them Marindu and acres of arable land in the south. 

Amanda Lovardi was only ten years old when she first met Balmir, a boy of seven who would grow to become her closest companion and, eventually, her betrothed. The Lovardi couple had adopted Balmir as a gesture of kindness, but also with the future in mind. He was a boy of great potential, and the couple saw in him as an opportunity. Amanda and Balmir grew up inseparably; they played together in the sprawling gardens of the manor, laughed under the canopy of southern oaks, and shared secrets no one else would ever know. He would often braid her long, white hair with clumsy but endearing care.

From a young age, their lives were marked by purpose. Both Amanda and Balmir were groomed to be successors worthy of the Lovardi name. Amanda, despite being blind, displayed an extraordinary intellect. Her memory was near-perfect, allowing her to retain everything she heard even though she could not write. Balmir, for his part, proved diligent and capable, excelling in his studies of management, swordsmanship, and high society's etiquette.

They were pitted against each other by their instructors and the competition was fierce but they were aware of their shared destiny: they were to marry when Balmir came of age. 

The Lovardi couple, despite Balmir being adopted, treated him with genuine affection and never allowed him to feel like an outsider in their family. He grew up surrounded by love, with Amanda at the center of his world.

In a way that some might find peculiar, Balmir was drawn to Amanda's blindness. It was not pity that shaped his feelings but rather an unspoken appreciation for how her inability to see rendered her immune to the superficial. Amanda cherished him not for his striking appearance, as so many others did, but for who he truly was—a sentiment that Balmir held onto with fervent devotion.

The servants, however, saw things differently. They believed Amanda's blindness and sheltered life would doom her to the role of a wife in name only, leaving Balmir free to indulge elsewhere. Emboldened by these assumptions, some even dared to seduce him, their stolen glances and coy smiles betraying their intentions. But they were gravely mistaken.

Balmir had no desire for anyone but Amanda. To him, she was not just a future obligation but an irreplaceable part of his soul. He could not imagine a life where she was absent, nor would he ever allow her to be sidelined or neglected. The idea of taking another was inconceivable; in his mind, he was already, and only, Amanda's husband. His devotion was steadfast, unwavering, and rooted in a profound connection that others could neither understand nor diminish.

And yet, there were moments of bitterness. Balmir wished Amanda could see him—not just for his striking looks, but for the man he had become. 

Balmir entered high society with a confidence and charisma that quickly made him a sensation. While the Lovardi couple were reserved and hesitant to engage deeply in the volatile world of politics, Balmir was undeterred. He thrived in the social arena, captivating noble circles with his wit, charm, and shrewdness. Invitations to the most exclusive gatherings of the season flooded in, and while others clamored for recognition, Balmir carefully chose which events to attend, ensuring his presence was always anticipated and never overexposed.

His silver tongue and natural ability to navigate the complexities of high society earned him not only admiration but also influence. Over time, his eloquence and strategic mind positioned him as a trusted advisor to the crown prince, a role that elevated the Lovardi name to new heights. What the family lacked in pedigree, Balmir more than compensated for with his political acumen and growing prestige.

Despite his adopted status and the fact that he bore no Lovardi blood, Balmir was eventually named heir to the marquisate. This decision, which might have sparked scandal in other noble houses, was met with surprising acceptance. The Lovardis, after all, were nouveau riche—newcomers to the aristocracy who had earned their title only recently. Their lack of lineage had already set them apart, making Balmir's adoption a minor detail in the eyes of those who valued results over tradition.

Moreover, Balmir's position as a man gave him an edge in a world that prized male successors. Unlike Amanda, who was viewed with skepticism due to her blindness, Balmir was seen as a capable leader who could elevate the family's status further.

Balmir always accompanied Marquis Lovardi on his regular inspections of their lands, ensuring they remained attuned to the welfare and struggles of the common folk. Together, they observed the daily lives of the people, and their presence brought some hope to those who dared to believe someone in power cared for their plight. 

In the bustling territory of Marindu, justice was swift and merciless, much like in other domains. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing often led to execution by hanging or beheading. These grim events became so routine that they were treated as macabre public spectacles. Crowds gathered not out of revulsion but for entertainment, and some even found ways to profit from the gruesome aftermath. Superstitious beliefs drove people to collect the blood or severed fingers of executed criminals, believing these grisly tokens were charms for a long life. Yet, despite the frequency and spectacle of death, such harsh punishments failed to deter crime. Hunger and desperation proved more potent motivators than fear.

Marquis Lovardi, having risen from humble beginnings himself, understood these struggles deeply. Born a commoner, he knew what it meant to go hungry, to fear the crushing weight of taxes, and to endure the indignities of poverty. This empathy shaped his view of justice and fairness, and he found the prevailing system deeply flawed and cruel. He often reflected on how it seemed that the inability to pay taxes or feed one's family was treated as a crime worthy of death. The poorest citizens suffered the harshest penalties, with some executed for stealing nothing more than a loaf of bread. 

Worse still, the justice system showed no nuance in its punishments. A thief stealing to survive, a man beating his wife, and even a murderer will face the same fate despite the vastly different severity of their crimes. 

The wealthy, however, were immune to such brutal consequences. For the right price in gold, a nobleman or merchant could escape punishment entirely, buying forgiveness and continuing their lives of indulgence and sin. In this system, the poor were condemned to die for their misfortunes, while the rich thrived, insulated from accountability by their wealth.

For Marquis Lovardi, the stark inequality that plagued his lands was not merely unjust—it was an affront to the very principles of decency and governance. He could no longer stand idly by as the weight of oppressive taxation crushed the spirits of his people. With decisive action, he reduced the taxes across Marindu and the other territories under his rule. The effect was immediate and profound. Markets bustled with renewed vigor, families found hope where despair had lingered, and the air of festivity returned to villages that had long forgotten how to celebrate. The people revered him, hailing his name as a beacon of fairness and compassion.

Yet, while the Marquis sought to alleviate suffering, Balmir, his trusted advisor, turned his focus to the darker challenges of governance. Crime had steadily risen in bustling territories, threatening to undermine the peace Lovardi had worked to restore. 

Balmir proposed a daring solution: relocating convicted criminals to the hazardous and labor-intensive mining outposts on the kingdom's frontier. Though controversial, the plan served dual purposes. It removed dangerous elements from the population centers while addressing the critical need for labor in these treacherous but resource-rich regions.

He made punishments for crimes varied significantly depending on their severity, reflecting a system that sought to deter offenders while maintaining social order. For minor crimes like petty theft or public disorder, punishments often included public humiliation through the stocks or pillory, where offenders were exposed to ridicule and abuse from onlookers. Corporal punishment, such as whipping or branding, was common for slightly more serious offenses, marking criminals visibly to discourage repeat offenses. 

For debtors and others deemed reformable, imprisonment in workhouses or debtors' prisons was typical, where labor was coupled with attempts at rehabilitation. In some cases, particularly for moral or religious transgressions, fines or church penance were imposed. Despite these alternatives, hanging remained the ultimate penalty for the most serious crimes, but these lesser punishments reflect a growing diversification in the justice system of the period.

The results spoke for themselves. With fewer criminals roaming the streets and a steady stream of resources flowing from the mines, both security and prosperity began to flourish. Together, Marquis Lovardi and Balmir embodied a balance of compassion and pragmatism. Over time, Balmir's popularity and influence became inseparable from the Lovardi legacy. Where once the family was viewed as upstarts, Balmir's achievements reshaped their reputation, earning them respect and securing their place among the nobility.

Still, whispers persisted. Many believed Amanda's blindness and timid nature made her a liability in the cutthroat world of politics. Suitors from far and wide sought her hand, attracted by her reputed beauty, wealth, and perceived pliability. Some viewed her as an easy conquest; others saw her as a pawn in their political ambitions. 

Among the suitors was Prince Napoleon Buonapartes of Thrace, a contender for the throne of the vast Ajian Empire. Standing at an imposing 6'5", his presence alone commanded respect. His hair is dazzling like the sun, spun from gold, and piercing blue eyes as of the ocean at midday made him the object of admiration and desire for women across the continent. His features, however, were not without their imperfections. A long, jagged scar ran across his face, stretching from his left temple to his right cheek—a testament to the countless battles he had fought. Far from diminishing his appeal, the scar added to his mystique, marking him as a warrior who had earned his place through courage and resilience. His powerful physique, sculpted through years on the battlefield, spoke of a man who led not from behind but at the front lines, inspiring the troops he commanded.

He was not only all brute. He was as brilliant as he was brutal. Known for his tactical genius, he had led hundreds of soldiers to victory after victory. He was never one to shy away from bloodshed, his strength lying not only in strategy but also in his willingness to take risks and face danger head-on. Yet, beneath the hardened exterior of the warrior lay the soul of a poet. His verses, celebrated for their poignancy and depth, revealed a man capable of great sensitivity—a contrast that only deepened his allure.

Ladies in Ajia swooned over him. Nobles and commoners alike threw themselves at his feet, enchanted by his charisma and entranced by his enigmatic nature. Despite their best efforts, no one had succeeded in capturing his heart. 

It was this indifference that made Prince Napoleon an enigma to so many. How could a man so desired by countless admirers remain unmoved? His focus seemed always elsewhere—on the battlefield, on politics, on poetry—until he heard tales of Amanda Lovardi. The stories of her beauty, said to rival that of goddess Venus herself, reached even the farthest corners of the empire. 

He was never without women, their allure and whispers trailing him wherever he went, like moths drawn to an irresistible flame. 

He has a long trail of beautiful women at his beck and call. However, nobody compared to the goddess Venus herself. Maybe they were cursing her. After all, comparing a mortal to a goddess is ominous, especially that jealous goddess, and for the first time in years, his curiosity was piqued. He would love to see her portrait however Lovardi is very careful about their daughter. 

There was a chance to see her. It was the birthday of the crown prince. Of course, she would be there. 

And then, he finally saw her. In that moment, Napoleon was struck by an emotion he had dismissed as folly: love at first sight. The poets he had once scorned were right. It was not shallow desire but a profound yearning that took root in his heart. He resolved to claim Amanda as his own, convinced that no other could match her beauty and grace. Guided by Balmir, Amanda seemed to glide across the floor, her shimmering white dress adorned with silver and gold catching the light. Her closed eyes lent her an ethereal, almost otherworldly presence.

For once, the rumors were true. He didn't sleep that night. 

The next day, disregarding etiquette, Napoleon arrived unannounced at the Lovardi manor in Marindu. His status as a prince made refusal impossible.