The atmosphere inside the royal chamber grew heavy.
Kael stood before the King, his expression serious.
"Father… two days ago, Hat infiltrated the Shadowven Kingdom."
The King's eyes narrowed slightly but he remained silent.
"Before the Hero appeared, monsters were rampaging across their borders. Entire regions were under attack. There is a possibility the First Prince was involved."
The room went still.
"But the moment the Hero appeared… the monsters vanished. As if nothing had ever happened."
"And the Hero?" the King asked quietly.
Kael's jaw tightened.
"The Hero is none other than the Second Prince himself."
A faint crease appeared on the King's forehead.
"They are very close brothers," Kael continued. "Too close. It feels staged. Like a scheme."
He paused.
"And there is a possibility the Second Prince and the First Princess will visit Astralis in a few days."
The King slowly stood and walked toward the window.
Outside, the capital lights shimmered in the night.
"So," he said calmly, "you discovered it."
Kael frowned.
"What do you mean discovered? You already knew?"
He stepped forward, frustration rising.
"Father, I told you—if anything concerns Seraphina and Elowen's safety, you must tell me."
At that exact moment—
"Ahem."
Prince August cleared his throat.
Kael froze.
He turned slowly.
Prince August and Prince Lucian were standing at the entrance.
When did they come in?!
Realizing his tone, Kael immediately knelt.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I apologize for my rudeness."
The King waved his hand.
"There is nothing to apologize for. I understand your feelings. Stand up."
Kael rose, still tense.
"I did not tell you," the King continued, "because I was not certain."
August stepped forward.
"Father, there is something urgent."
"Go ahead."
August took a letter from Lucian.
"The news is true. The proposal we received from Shadowven is official."
Kael's eyes sharpened.
Proposal?
August hesitated for a moment, glanced at Kael, then at the King.
"Please listen calmly, Kael."
Kael's voice lowered.
"What happened?"
August exhaled.
"They wish for me to accept Princess Elise's hand in marriage."
Kael blinked.
That part was… expected.
"But," August continued, "they added something new."
The room felt colder.
"They request that one of our princesses—Seraphina or Elowen—be given in marriage to the Second Prince of Shadowven."
Silence.
Kael lowered his head.
His mana began to rise unconsciously.
The air trembled.
The windows rattled.
Pressure exploded outward.
August and Lucian instantly dropped to one knee.
Even the King staggered.
The room felt like the sky itself was crushing down.
Hat rushed toward Kael.
"Master! Please calm down! Look at them!"
Kael blinked.
His vision cleared.
He saw August and Lucian kneeling—not in respect, but under pressure.
The King gripping the edge of a table.
The floor cracked beneath his feet.
Kael's mana vanished instantly.
"I—"
He rushed forward.
"I'm sorry! Are you all alright?"
August let out a shaky laugh.
"Your mana… truly impressive. You forced me—the top magician of the academy—and Lucian, the strongest swordsman among students, to our knees."
Lucian smirked.
"And you say you cannot face us in battle?"
Kael scratched his cheek.
"That's different."
They both understood.
It wasn't different.
Kael raised his hand.
"High Heal."
Golden light filled the chamber.
The cracks in the floor sealed. Their fatigue vanished.
The King steadied himself.
Kael muttered, "If Hat hadn't stopped me, these two looked ready to kill me."
August blinked.
"Two? There are only four of us here."
Kael sighed.
"You already know Hat."
August's eyes widened slightly.
"So you noticed."
Kael nodded.
"I noticed the first time we met."
Lucian shook his head.
"Unbelievable."
The King cleared his throat.
"This is only a diplomatic letter. We must respond properly."
He turned to Kael.
"Do you remember your punishment?"
Kael narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Yes."
"You will personally escort the Shadowven delegation."
"…That's the punishment?"
"You caused a palace-wide panic. You handle the political headache."
Kael sighed.
"Understood."
"But," the King added, "your engagement to Seraphina and Elowen is not officially announced. You must act appropriately."
Kael's face paled.
"Who is going to tell them?"
The King smiled slowly.
"You."
"What?!"
"They are currently at your mansion."
Kael looked horrified.
"You want me to tell them someone asked for their hand in marriage?"
"Yes."
Kael pointed at the King.
"If anything explodes, it's your responsibility. This is diplomacy."
The King folded his arms.
"You will handle it, my son."
Kael felt betrayed.
"When are they arriving?" he asked.
Lucian answered, "During the debut party."
"Debut party?"
"You did receive the invitation, correct?" August asked.
"…No."
"It was likely delivered to the Valcrest mansion."
Kael rubbed his forehead.
"So what is this party exactly?"
"A gathering of all noble sons and daughters who have reached fourteen. A formal introduction to society."
"When?"
"In one week."
Kael nodded slowly.
"Fine. I will escort them."
The King looked satisfied.
"But," Kael added calmly, "I will not escort them as a knight or noble."
All three stared at him.
"I will go as a carriage driver."
"…What?" they said in unison.
Kael crossed his arms.
"You want me to escort them? I'll be there. The Shadowven Princess is coming to marry Prince August. So it's his responsibility to escort his bride."
August choked.
"And big brother Lucian is his close friend. He should help him too. Am I right?"
Lucian stared at him.
"…You are pushing this onto us."
Kael smiled innocently.
"I'm simply reducing my responsibility."
The King suddenly laughed quietly.
"Well played."
Kael bowed slightly.
"My work here is done."
Golden light flashed.
Kael and Hat vanished.
Silence lingered in the chamber.
August slowly turned to the King.
"Father… what just happened?"
The King smirked.
"He involved both of you deliberately. After all, he will be your brother-in-law. Better you share the burden."
The King left the room.
August and Lucian looked at each other.
Lucian sighed.
"So… we start preparations?"
August rubbed his temple.
"Yes."
Then he muttered,
"…But I'm more curious about something else."
"What?"
"What will happen when Kael tells Seraphina and Elowen?"
Lucian shivered slightly.
"…The capital may need repairs."
Far away—
In Aurevale—
Two princesses were laughing under the fading fireworks.
Unaware.
And Kael had to return… and explain everything.
What will happen when he faces them?
To be continued…