One noble carriage after another rolled through the towering gates of the Royal Castle, each bearing the crest of a distinguished house from every corner of Valenford. The cobbled roads echoed with the rhythmic clatter of horses' hooves as guards welcomed the arriving guests with ceremonial precision.
The castle itself had been transformed into a magnificent spectacle. Royal banners fluttered proudly from its towering walls, vibrant flowers adorned every balcony, and countless golden streamers danced gently with the summer breeze.
The festive spirit was not confined to the castle alone.
Across the capital, every street seemed to radiate joy. Markets bustled with cheerful voices, merchants decorated their stalls with colorful fabrics, and families filled the roads dressed in their finest attire.
Laughter echoed from every corner, children ran through the streets waving tiny royal flags, and musicians filled the air with lively melodies. It felt less like an ordinary day and more like a grand festival that the entire kingdom had been waiting for.
Amidst the joyful crowd stood Malta, her daughter Anu holding her hand as they watched the endless procession of noble carriages pass by.
Anu tilted her head in curiosity, her bright eyes fixed on the beautifully decorated streets.
"Mother... is something special happening today? Everyone looks so happy, and everything feels different."
Malta smiled gently before stroking her daughter's hair.
"Yes, Anu. Today is a very special day for our kingdom. It is the Blessing Ceremony for our future King and Queen."
"The Blessing Ceremony?" Anu blinked. "What's that?"
"It is the day when the people of Valenford offer their blessings to the future rulers of the kingdom. Families pray for their happiness and prosperity, and many send gifts as a symbol of their goodwill."
Anu listened carefully before another question crossed her innocent mind.
"So... is the King someone who protects everyone?"
Before Malta could answer, Anu shook her head with complete certainty.
"No... only big brother Arin is good. He's still sending us food."
A warm smile appeared on Malta's face.
"Mumma... when brother Arin will come?"
"He'll be here soon, dear."
"Really ?"
"Yes..."
As Anu happily turned her attention back toward the decorated streets, Malta looked silently toward the Royal Castle standing proudly above the city.
A faint smile formed on her lips.
"Thank you... Mr. Arin."
****
I sat quietly in my chamber, fully dressed in the ceremonial attire prepared for today's occasion.
For some reason, my heart refused to settle. Every passing moment seemed to make it beat faster.
Was it excitement?
Or was I simply nervous?
Today was supposed to be a day of celebration...
Yet I couldn't shake off the strange feeling lingering in my mind.
"Your Majesty... are you nervous?"
I turned toward the familiar voice.
Pristin stood beside the chamber door, his posture as straight as ever.
I smiled awkwardly.
"Not really... I'm just not used to events like these."
"That is perfectly understandable, Your Majesty."
I let out a quiet sigh before asking,
"How are things outside?"
"The ceremonial hall has begun filling with nobles from every corner of the kingdom. It shouldn't be long before you and Princess Elisa are invited."
"I see..."
Pristin was my personal royal guard.
Although he looked to be around my age, appearances could be deceiving. His swordsmanship had already earned him a place among the Royal Guard's Elite Ten—an achievement few soldiers could ever hope to accomplish. Rowan had personally assigned him to my protection.
Despite his status, however, Pristin never carried himself with unnecessary pride. Around me, he behaved more like an ordinary person than an elite royal guard, making conversations with him surprisingly comfortable.
Just then, three gentle knocks echoed through the chamber.
"Your Majesty."
A royal attendant stepped inside before bowing respectfully.
"Everything is ready. You and Princess Elisa have been summoned to the ceremonial hall. Her Highness has already departed from her chamber."
I slowly rose from my seat.
"So..."
"It's finally time."
Glancing toward Pristin, I gave a small nod.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Sire."
Long before the ceremony itself had begun, the grand ceremonial hall had already come alive.
Noble families from every corner of Valenford filled the magnificent chamber, exchanging greetings, renewing old acquaintances, and discussing recent affairs over refreshments served by royal attendants. Beneath glittering chandeliers, elegant floral decorations and royal banners transformed the hall into a fitting venue for one of the kingdom's most important ceremonies.
On the surface...
Everything appeared peaceful.
Among the gathering stood Commander Lopel.
Having only recently returned from his domain to attend the ceremony, he had barely exchanged greetings with a few guests when another noble approached him with a pleasant smile.
"Commander Lopel."
Turning around, Lopel immediately recognized the familiar face.
"Lord Saum Rainar."
A polite smile appeared across his face.
"It's good to see you again."
"The feeling is mutual."
The two exchanged a courteous handshake before a passing attendant offered them refreshments. Accepting a glass of wine, Saum glanced around the magnificent hall.
"I was beginning to think you had forgotten what the capital looked like."
A quiet chuckle escaped Lopel.
"I'm afraid my responsibilities haven't allowed me that luxury."
"So I've heard."
Saum gently swirled the wine in his glass.
"They say you've spent almost the entire week overseeing the shipyards."
"That would be correct."
"And how are things progressing?"
"Slowly... but better than expected."
Lopel's expression softened ever so slightly.
"When the armistice was signed, most people only saw the war ending. What they didn't see were the damaged merchant vessels left sitting idle in the docks. Some required only minor repairs, while others needed almost complete reconstruction."
"I imagine that's no easy task."
"It isn't."
"The craftsmen have hardly had a moment to rest."
Saum nodded thoughtfully.
"I passed through your domain few days ago."
"Oh?"
"It certainly feels different."
"For the first time in months, I saw merchants preparing cargo instead of staring at empty warehouses."
A faint smile appeared on Lopel's face.
"Seeing ships return to sea again has done wonders for the people. Trade won't recover overnight, but at least the harbor no longer feels lifeless."
"And the merchants?"
"Cautiously optimistic."
"They're still hesitant, which is understandable after everything that's happened. But every ship that leaves the harbor gives confidence to the next one."
Saum smiled.
"It sounds like His Majesty's decision is already bearing fruit."
"I believe it is."
"The kingdom has always depended on maritime trade."
"It has."
"And perhaps..."
Lopel continued,
"...we had simply forgotten how important it truly was."
For a brief moment, neither man spoke.
Their attention drifted across the bustling ceremonial hall, where laughter echoed between old friends reunited after months apart. Servants moved gracefully through the crowd while musicians quietly filled the hall with elegant melodies.
Saum eventually broke the silence.
"You've always been devoted to the Crown, Commander."
Lopel smiled modestly.
"I've merely done what my position requires."
"Even so..."
Saum took another sip from his glass.
"I hear His Majesty values your counsel."
Lopel shook his head.
"His Majesty values everyone's counsel."
"An admirable quality."
There was another brief silence.
Then, almost casually, Saum asked,
"Tell me honestly, Commander."
"You've spent enough time around the new King."
"What kind of man do you think he is?"
Lopel thought for a moment before answering.
"Different."
Saum raised an eyebrow.
"Different?"
"He listens more than he speaks."
"He asks questions before making decisions."
"And unlike many rulers..."
A faint smile appeared across Lopel's face.
"...he isn't afraid to admit when he doesn't know something."
"Hmm..."
Saum lowered his gaze toward the wine swirling inside his glass.
"An interesting answer."
Several moments passed before he looked back at Lopel.
"But tell me..."
"Do you truly believe someone who wasn't born into Valenford's royal blood should be entrusted with its future?"
Lopel's expression remained calm, though his eyes sharpened ever so slightly.
"What exactly are you trying to say, Lord Saum?"
Saum took another slow sip before replying.
"The late King's passing left this kingdom vulnerable."
"Under normal circumstances, shouldn't the throne have remained within Valenford's own royal bloodline... or at the very least, within one of its great noble houses?"
His gaze briefly shifted toward the grand entrance through which Arin would soon arrive.
"Instead..."
"An outsider now wears the Crown."
Silence settled between them.
Lopel finally understood where the conversation had been leading from the very beginning.
"So..."
"You want me to change sides."
A faint smile crept across Saum's lips.
"I knew a man of your experience would understand."
"You want me to help overthrow His Majesty."
"Exactly."
For several seconds, Lopel simply looked at him.
Then he calmly placed his glass onto a nearby servant's tray.
"I think..."
"...you're the one who has misunderstood the situation."
Saum's smile slowly disappeared.
"And what might that be?"
"You'll understand soon enough."
Lopel adjusted the cuff of his uniform before offering a courteous nod.
"As for joining you..."
"I'm afraid I have no intention of betraying either my oath..."
"...or my kingdom."
"If you'll excuse me, there are still many guests I have yet to greet."
Without waiting for a response, Lopel calmly disappeared into the crowd.
Saum remained standing where he was.
His eyes followed the commander until he was no longer visible among the gathering nobles.
"Tch..."
He quietly clicked his tongue.
"You've made the wrong decision, Lopel."
"You'll regret it."
Meanwhile, across the hall, Lopel continued greeting the arriving guests as though nothing had happened.
Even after parting ways, Commander Lopel couldn't help but glance toward Lord Saum from time to time.
Years of military service had taught him that a man's words often mattered less than his actions.
Saum moved through the ceremonial hall with the same composed smile he had worn throughout their conversation, greeting nobles one after another as though nothing had happened. Yet, the more Lopel observed him, the more unusual it seemed.
Every noble Saum approached belonged either to House Riener's long-standing allies or to families that had openly supported them in the past. Their conversations were brief, subtle, and accompanied by expressions that seemed strangely out of place on a day meant for celebration.
Lopel frowned ever so slightly.
Something isn't right...
Before he could think any further, the deep sound of ceremonial trumpets echoed throughout the grand hall.
The lively conversations came to an immediate halt.
"The Queen Mother!"
The royal announcer's voice resonated across the chamber.
"The Queen Mother of Valenford... Her Majesty, Queen Charol!"
At once, every noble present respectfully lowered their heads.
The massive doors slowly opened.
Queen Charol entered the ceremonial hall with the dignity expected of the kingdom's matriarch. Dressed in an elegant royal gown adorned with subtle golden embroidery, she carried herself with quiet grace rather than overwhelming authority. Every measured step reflected decades of experience standing at the center of Valenford's royal court.
Without haste, she walked toward the elevated royal platform prepared for today's ceremony.
Unlike the throne room's permanent arrangement, today's ceremonial platform had been specially prepared for the occasion.
At its center stood the largest chair, reserved for Queen Mother Charol.
On either side rested two nearly identical royal seats, slightly smaller in stature, prepared for the future King and Queen.
Reaching her seat, Queen Charol turned gracefully to face the assembled nobles before taking her place.
Her calm gaze swept across the entire hall.
"Raise your heads."
The nobles obeyed as one.
Silence soon settled over the magnificent chamber.
Queen Charol allowed her eyes to travel across the gathering before speaking with a warm yet dignified voice.
"I sincerely thank each and every one of you for taking the time to attend today's ceremony."
A gentle smile appeared upon her face.
"Today is not merely a celebration for the Royal Family."
"It is an important day for all of Valenford."
"As you all know..."
"Following the passing of my beloved husband, His Majesty King Leki, our kingdom endured one hardship after another."
Her voice softened slightly.
"There were moments when the future of this nation itself seemed uncertain."
A brief silence filled the hall.
"But..."
"By the grace of the Gods..."
"...we were fortunate enough to meet someone who extended his hand when Valenford needed it the most."
Several nobles quietly exchanged glances.
"As many of you already know, a few days ago the engagement between my daughter, Princess Elisa..."
"...and the hero who stood beside our kingdom during its darkest hour..."
"...was formally announced."
She looked toward the grand entrance.
"It is my hope that today's Blessing Ceremony will not only celebrate their union..."
"...but also mark the beginning of a brighter future for Valenford."
The moment she finished speaking, the ceremonial hall erupted into applause.
The sound echoed beneath the towering ceiling as nobles politely applauded the announcement.
Not everyone, however, shared the same enthusiasm.
Standing among the crowd, Lord Saum Riener watched the scene with an unreadable expression.
Then Queen Charol gently raised her hand.
The applause gradually subsided.
"With that..."
"I hereby declare the Royal Accord Ceremony officially commenced."
Her voice echoed proudly throughout the hall.
"It is my honor to present before you..."
"Princess Elisa of Valenford..."
"...and the future King of Valenford..."
"Arin."
The moment Arin's name echoed through the ceremonial hall, a wave of whispers spread among the assembled nobles.
"So that's him..."
"The foreign hero..."
"I've heard many stories..."
"Is he truly worthy of the throne?"
Curiosity spread from one noble house to another.
At that very moment...
The grand doors on opposite sides of the ceremonial hall slowly opened.
From one entrance, Princess Elisa appeared.
From the other...
I stepped into the corridor leading toward the ceremonial hall.
The moment my eyes met Elisa's...
The moment my eyes met Elisa's, the sounds of the bustling ceremonial hall seemed to fade into the background. For a fleeting moment, everything else simply disappeared.
She was breathtaking.
Dressed in an elegant white ceremonial gown adorned with delicate silver embroidery that shimmered beneath the grand chandeliers, she carried herself with the grace and elegance befitting Valenford's princess. Yet, it wasn't the gown or the jewels that held my gaze.
It was her.
I found myself completely speechless.
As we reached the center entrance where our paths met...
One word escaped my lips before I could stop myself.
"...Beautiful."
Elisa froze.
A deep blush instantly spread across her cheeks.
She had already been visibly nervous...
And somehow, I'd only made it worse.
Realizing what I'd just said, I couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
Without saying anything further, I simply extended my hand toward her.
"Shall we?"
For a brief moment, Elisa looked at my hand before slowly placing hers in mine.
"Yes"
Together...
We turned toward the ceremonial hall.
And stepped forward.