The first rays of dawn spilled through the window, painting the room in soft golden light.
Kael slowly opened his eyes.
Today was no ordinary day.
Today, Kael Valcrest would stand before His Majesty, King Althemir Voren Astralis — face to face.
A gentle knock echoed at the door.
"Kael… are you awake?" came his mother Elara's voice.
Before he could answer, the door opened slightly. Elara entered, followed by Lilith, carrying finely tailored clothes folded neatly in her arms.
Elara smiled warmly.
"Kael, I brought you new clothes for today."
Kael rubbed his eyes and sat up.
"Thank you, Mother."
Lilith stepped forward with a polite bow.
"Master Kael, allow me to assist you."
Kael nodded. "Sure, Lilith."
A few moments later, after changing into his formal attire, Kael looked more composed than ever — like a young noble ready to stand before a king.
Kael turned to Elara.
"Mother… are you coming to the castle?"
Elara shook her head gently.
"No, my son. I must stay here. But your father Aelric and your brother Lucian will accompany you. Remember — be respectful and composed."
Kael nodded seriously. "I understand."
Departure to the Capital
Soon, Kael, Elara, and Aelric walked toward Aelric's study.
They knocked once before entering.
Inside, Aelric was already prepared.
"Lucian has already reached the castle," Aelric said. "It is time for us to depart."
They moved toward the main entrance, where a grand carriage awaited them.
Before stepping inside, Kael whispered to Hat, who was hiding near his collar.
"Hat… stay hidden. If someone sees you, it will be troublesome to explain."
Hat simply flickered with a tiny flame in response.
The carriage moved.
They passed through the forest, then entered the bustling capital market — crowded with merchants, nobles, and commoners alike.
Finally, the towering gates of the royal castle appeared before them.
A formal announcement echoed:
"Count Aelric Valcrest has arrived!"
Nobles turned, whispering among themselves as Kael and Aelric entered the grand royal hall.
Lucian was already there.
He approached them quickly.
"Father… Kael… After the ceremony, His Majesty and the Crown Prince wish to meet us personally."
Kael nodded silently.
The hall was filled with nobles dressed in extravagant attire. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation.
Suddenly—
A trumpet sounded.
The doors opened.
His Majesty King Althemir Voren Astralis entered alongside:
Crown Prince August
Duke Roland Ashborne
Prime Minister Edric Vaelmont
The hall instantly fell silent.
Prime Minister Edric stepped forward.
"We gather today in the presence of His Majesty to reward those who defended the kingdom during the recent attack."
Whispers spread through the crowd.
Edric called first:
"Riven Calder — step forward."
Riven knelt before the king.
Edric spoke clearly:
"Riven Calder, son of Baron Calder — for your bravery in healing injured nobles and knights, including Crown Prince August, His Majesty grants you 100 gold coins and 5 platinum coins."
The King spoke:
"Riven Calder… may you continue to serve the kingdom with honor."
Riven bowed deeply.
"I shall serve the kingdom with my life, Your Majesty."
He stepped back.
Then—
"Kael Valcrest — step forward."
Kael walked calmly and knelt.
Edric announced:
"Kael Valcrest, son of Count Aelric Valcrest —
He saved Princess Seraphina and Princess Elowen,
Defeated the dragon alone,
And ended the monster invasion almost single-handedly."
King Althemir rose from his throne.
His voice echoed across the hall.
"For your valor, I grant you land in the East — along with the noble rank of Baron.
I also grant you 20 platinum coins to develop your territory."
Kael lifted his head.
"I will not disappoint Your Majesty."
The hall erupted in whispers.
A noble suddenly stepped forward.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty… but he is only twelve! How can he govern land?"
The King's gaze turned sharp.
"Can you slay a dragon alone?"
The noble fell silent.
The King continued coldly,
"Then do not question his worth."
A knight approached with a ceremonial sword.
Kael placed his own sword from his item box beside it.
Prince August's eyes widened slightly — he clearly recognized Kael's blade.
The King touched the sword to Kael's right shoulder, then left — officially bestowing his rank.
Kael was now Baron Kael Valcrest.
Private Meeting with the King
Later, a royal knight approached Aelric.
"His Majesty requests your presence in the private chamber."
Aelric, Lucian, and Kael followed.
Inside, they found:
King Althemir
Prince August
Princess Seraphina
Princess Elowen
All four stood together.
Kael, Aelric, and Lucian bowed respectfully.
Prince August gestured.
"Please, sit."
Kael asked cautiously,
"Your Highness… why have we been summoned?"
The King stood.
He bowed slightly toward Kael.
Kael panicked immediately.
"Your Majesty! Do not bow! You are the King!"
Althemir smiled faintly.
"I thank you — not only for saving my daughters, but for protecting this kingdom."
Kael knelt.
"It was my duty to protect the people."
The King sat again.
Then his tone turned serious.
"Kael… what do you think about your future?"
Aelric and Lucian exchanged uneasy glances.
Kael tilted his head.
"I… do not understand, Your Majesty."
Prince August spoke calmly,
"You are now a Baron at twelve. You are also an A-rank adventurer. No one in history has achieved this so young."
A brief silence fell.
Then August added:
"So… what do you think about marriage?"
For a moment — Kael's brain stopped working.
Silence.
Total silence.
Aelric blinked.
Lucian froze.
Kael slowly stammered,
"M-Marriage…?"
King Althemir stood again.
He raised Seraphina's hand.
Then Elowen's.
On both of their fingers — the rings Kael had given them shimmered.
The King's voice grew firm.
"Kael Valcrest… explain these rings."
Kael gulped.
"I… I gave them the rings."
The King corrected him sharply,
"You did not simply 'give' them. You placed them on their fingers — in front of the entire court."
Then he added:
"And after the battle, why did my daughters hug you so tightly?"
Kael's face turned completely red.
He dropped to his knees.
Hat suddenly popped out from Kael's collar.
"Master, why are you so nervous? You've been thinking about them since the market, haven't you?"
Seraphina and Elowen both turned crimson.
The King raised his voice slightly.
"Kael… does this mean you accept?"
Kael waved his hands wildly.
"N-No! I mean— I don't know— I mean— Your Majesty— I—!"
The King laughed softly.
"Calm down. I am not asking you to marry them today."
Kael froze. "…Eh?"
King Althemir continued:
"You will be officially engaged to Princess Seraphina and Princess Elowen when you all reach the proper age. The marriage will come later."
Prince August looked genuinely shocked for a second.
Then he turned to Hat.
"…And who exactly is this talking bird?"
Hat crossed his tiny wings.
"I am not a bird. I am a Flame-Bound Spirit."
Prince August immediately rushed to a bookshelf and pulled out an ancient tome — a book written by the First King.
His eyes widened.
He turned back to Kael.
"…Then that sword you carry… may I see it?"
Kael hesitated.
Slowly, he summoned his blade.
The room fell into complete silence.
What will happen now that the truth is before the King?
What does Kael's sword truly represent?
And how will the kingdom react to his hidden power?
"The King's Proposal has been made. The ancient truth is about to be revealed. And Kael's destiny… has just begun."