The royal palace had not seen such liveliness in years.
Golden lanterns illuminated marble halls, casting warm light across banners bearing the sigils of the kingdom. Music echoed softly through the corridors, accompanied by laughter, clinking goblets, and the hum of conversation that only emerged when nobles felt secure.
Tonight was different.
Tonight, the Red Flags Battalion had been invited.
Daniel Bellhem entered the grand hall at the head of his hundred warriors. They wore formal black Armor trimmed with crimson—not ceremonial, but clean and disciplined. Their presence alone caused conversations to falter, eyes to turn, and backs to straighten.
These were not knights raised by comfort.
These were warriors shaped by hardship.
The king rose from his throne the moment Daniel stepped forward.
His expression was openly pleased—something rarely seen by the court.
"General Daniel," the king said warmly, lifting his goblet, "you honour us with your presence."
Daniel inclined his head politely but said nothing.
The king laughed, then turned his gaze toward a young man standing calmly beside Daniel.
Prince Aaren.
For a moment, the king simply looked at him, and saw his appearance , he was much bigger and muscular than most young men his age,
Pride welled in his chest, unrestrained. I knew i didn't make a mistake, the king said to himself.
"I never thought this day would come," the king said aloud, his voice thick with emotion. "Never."
The hall quieted.
"My youngest son," he continued, "was once the weakest among my children. He cried easily. He was bullied openly within these very halls—and as king, I could do nothing without tearing my own family apart."
Murmurs spread.
Prince Aaren stood still, his face calm, eyes steady.
"I sent him to General Daniel," the king said, smiling broadly now, "not because I expected greatness… but because I wanted him to survive."
The king laughed—a genuine, booming sound.
"And now? He laughs freely. He stands tall. He returns to me not as a frightened child—but as a warrior."
Applause erupted.
Prince Aaren's mother, Queen Lynn, sat among the royal wives.
She was the last wife taken by the king—without a powerful backing house, without political leverage. For years, she had been bullied and pushed aside, spoken over, dismissed by the other consorts who held higher authority.
Tonight, her hands trembled as she covered her mouth.
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
Her son stood unbowed.
Alive.
Strong.
Respected. He had made a name for himself as a powerful warrior.
As the banquet continued, wine flowed, and music swelled. The Red Flags warriors were treated with cautious admiration. Nobles approached them with forced smiles, offering praise that barely concealed fear.
Then—
A sharp voice cut through the hall.
"So this is what the kingdom celebrates now?"
The music faltered.
All eyes turned.
Billy, the elder brother of Aaren—and the former crown prince—stepped forward. His smile was sharp, eyes burning with jealousy barely restrained.
He raised his voice deliberately.
"Prince Aaren," Billy said loudly, "the fifth-last prince. I challenge you to a duel."
The hall froze.
A mocking "Oooooh" rippled through the crowd.
Some nobles smirked. some slapped their fore heads in shame for the crown Prince.
Others leaned forward eagerly.
Prince Aaren turned slowly.
He looked at Billy as if noticing him for the first time.
Then he asked calmly, "Why should I fight a weakling like you?"
Gasps echoed. In disbelief
Billy's face twisted in rage.
"I am the crown prince!" Billy shouted.
Prince Aaren tilted his head slightly. "If you are serious about fighting me," then you must put something in line, this shocked most of the people in the room,
The room erupted.
Billy laughed bitterly. "And what would you put on the line?"
Aaren did not hesitate.
"If you defeat me," he said, voice clear, "I will offer you my life. You may slay me or do whatever you wish with me." But if you lose to me i will take on the role as the crown Prince,
The nobles inhaled sharply. and soon there was commotion in the great hall
."And," Aaren added calmly, "I will not use any weapon." so dont worry about your pathetic life, you can use any weapon you like.
this caused again another commotion in the great hall,
Then chaos.
Bets were shouted immediately.
The Red Flags started first.
Gold. Artifacts. Rare weapons.
Nobles followed.
Land deeds. Horses. Entire estates.
Daniel leaned back casually, eyes half-lidded.
"I'll wager Fort Nightfall," he said.
The hall exploded. and many nobles wanted to bet against him ,
A noble laughed nervously. "My lord, surely—"
"Is my castle not worth your new family mansion?" Daniel asked mildly.
Sweat poured down the noble's face.
"…The new mansion," he blurted out. "Both are mine anyway."
Daniel nodded. "Accepted."
Billy drew his sword.
Prince Aaren stepped forward—empty-handed.
Billy attacked immediately, pouring every ounce of energy into a furious charge, intent on ending the humiliation in a single strike. he moved with his sword towards prince Aaren
Aaren moved forward making quick dodges of the blade from even touching his body.
after 15 moves of swingging and missing Prince Aaren, Prince billy started showing Sighns of Fatigue. he became tired and the swings were slower , Prince Aaren showed a hint of disappointment on his face , he said already tired, am disapointed to here that you were the crown prince moments ago ,
He then punched prince billy in the chest the the face, he then out him down and started to release the fraustration and anger that he had been storing for all those years he endured , after some fifteen good punches in the face and he was satisfied with his sweet revenge, he stood up and warned if you target my mother after this, father wont be able to save you from my grasp, Prince billy remained laid on the ground his face swollen beyond recognisable..
The crown prince remained on the polished marble floor, screaming as pain wracked his body.
His sword clattered uselessly beside him. Under the watchful gazes of everyone
Prince Aaren did not pursue.
He picked up the fallen crown that belonged to the now fallen prince Billy.
The hall was silent.
He walked calmly toward the throne.
Before his father, Prince Aaren knelt.
He raised the crown with both hands.
"For the king," he said simply.
The king stood, trembling.
He took the crown—then gently placed it back onto Prince Aaren's head. Then said hail the new crown prince Aaren.
Thunderous applause erupted.
Cheers filled the hall.
Queen Lynn wept openly.
Billy lay broken on the floor—forgotten.
Daniel watched with a faint smile.
The board had shifted again.
And this time—
The crown had chosen its bearer. Prince Aaren was fit for such a divine role, the king said.