A powerful, tranquil pressure swept through the grand hall, forcing every noble to straighten instinctively.
"His Majesty the King, accompanied by the Crown Prince and Their Highnesses, the Princesses!"
The towering doors opened.
The King stepped forward first, his golden cloak flowing behind him like sunlight given form. His sharp gaze silenced the hall without a word. Beside him walked Crown Prince August—tall, composed, and calm. Behind them followed the two princesses.
A collective gasp rippled through the hall.
Princess Seraphina moved with dignified grace, her sapphire gown shimmering beneath the chandeliers, her presence cool and commanding. Beside her, Princess Elowen smiled warmly, her ivory-and-gold dress glowing softly.
The King raised his hand.
"My lords and ladies of Astralis," he declared, voice resonating through the hall, "today we celebrate the birth of my son—the Crown Prince."
He turned toward August.
"He was raised not for glory, but for duty. Not for praise, but for responsibility."
The King lifted his goblet.
"To Prince August—may his strength protect the kingdom, his wisdom guide the people, and his resolve never falter."
"To the Crown Prince!" the hall echoed.
Music resumed. Nobles surged forward, offering congratulations.
As the princesses greeted the aristocracy, their eyes drifted—
And stopped.
Kael Valcrest stood beside his family, white hair catching the chandelier light.
"…Kael," Elowen whispered.
Seraphina's lips curved faintly.
"So it was you."
The princesses stepped away from the nobles and approached him.
A ripple of shock spread.
Elowen gently took Kael's hand.
"Thank you," she said softly. "For saving us."
Seraphina placed her hand over his.
"We owe you our lives."
Kael felt his heartbeat thunder.
"I only did what was right."
Whispers erupted.
"Who is he?"
"How dare a noble touch the princesses?"
Jealous eyes burned—especially Roy Ashborne's.
Lucian stepped forward smoothly.
"Allow me to formally introduce—my younger brother, Kael Valcrest."
Prince August studied Kael for a long moment.
"So you're the prodigy everyone speaks of."
Elowen smiled teasingly.
"You look different without your hood."
Kael returned a faint smile.
"So do you."
A Moment of Calm — Before the Storm
As formalities continued and the pressure of attention mounted, Kael quietly excused himself.
"I need some air."
Lucian nodded.
Kael stepped onto the balcony. Cool night wind brushed his face, muting the noise behind him.
Princesses.
Light and Dark.
What were they doing alone in the market?
Heat crept up his cheeks.
I never expected this…
A shimmer appeared beside him as Hat dispelled his invisibility.
"Master," Hat said, amused, "your face is red."
"It's not," Kael replied quickly.
Hat floated closer, flame flickering.
"You're thinking about the princesses."
"H-Hat," Kael hissed. "Lower your voice."
"…Understood," Hat replied. "But yes—Seraphina possesses Dark Magic aptitude. Elowen wields rare Light Magic."
Kael summoned his item box. Two rings gleamed softly.
"…That explains everything."
"Master?" Hat tilted.
"Let's see what happens next."
Behind the Curtains
In a sealed chamber deep within the palace—
Prime Minister Edric Vaelmont stood with Duke Roland Ashborne and Knight Commander Lucien Draegor.
"The report is confirmed," Edric said grimly. "Shadowvale is moving."
A knock interrupted them.
A knight whispered urgently.
Lucien's face hardened.
"Monsters in the western forest. Black-robed figures among them."
"No coincidence," Duke Roland snapped.
"Cancel the gathering," the Prime Minister ordered.
"Seal the gates. Alert the Adventurers' Guild."
"Yes, sir!"
The Sky Breaks
Back on the balcony—
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"You feel it too?"
"Yes," Hat replied. "Monsters… and controllers."
Hat stiffened.
"Master… something else."
"From the north," Kael said quietly. "And it's big."
The clouds parted.
Moonlight revealed an immense silhouette descending—wings spread wide, presence crushing.
A dragon.
Upon its back sat a hooded figure.
"…That's big," Hat muttered.
Kael's mana stirred.
"Be ready. If things worsen, I'll evacuate Mother and Lyria. The princesses too."
"They're here."
Kael raised his hand.
"Fire Magic—Fireball!"
The spell shattered against a barrier.
The dragon roared and dove.
"Magic-resistant scales," Kael muttered.
The mage lifted his staff.
"Wind Magic—Tempest Cleaver!"
A compressed blade of wind tore through the night.
Kael crossed his sword—
—and was blasted through the hall doors.
Tables shattered. Glass exploded. Music died.
Gasps filled the hall.
"Kael!" Lucian shouted.
Before Kael could speak—
His instincts screamed.
A massive spell—aimed at the royal seats.
"The King—!"
Boost and Strength Enhancement flared.
Kael vanished.
He appeared before the princesses.
"Forgive me."
Teleportation flashed—
🔥 BOOOOOOM 🔥
The royal seats were annihilated.
Lucian's barrier held.
Aelric shielded the King.
Kael released the princesses.
They stared at the crater—where they would have died.
Not finished.
"Hat."
"You know the plan."
Kael produced two rings.
"Teleportation and Defense—pre-enchanted."
"Mother—what's happening?!" Lyria cried.
Elara met Kael's eyes and understood.
"I'm sending you home," Kael said firmly. "Hat stays with you."
He turned to the princesses.
"You're coming too."
Outrage erupted.
Kael ignored it.
He slipped the rings onto their fingers—gentle, steady.
"Take them," he said to Elara. "Even if you must force them."
Light swallowed them.
They vanished.
Chaos followed.
"WHERE DID THEY GO?!" Prince August roared.
Another explosion rocked the palace.
"We're under attack!" Kael shouted.
The Prime Minister's voice cut through the panic.
"He's right!"
Kael turned.
"Father. Lucian. Stay with His Majesty."
He faced the sky.
"Is there anyone who can fight a dragon?!"
Silence.
Then—
A boy stepped forward.
"Riven Calder."
A girl followed.
"Alisiya."
Lucian stiffened.
Kael nodded once.
"Come with me."
Mana erupted around him.
"I promised…"
He tightened his grip on his sword.
"Let's hunt a dragon."