Six hours had passed since Jonady's return to Ednia, and already, the entire kingdom was abuzz with the latest news from the Alderia continent .
In a lively tavern in Amiria, the atmosphere was festive.
A drunk man raised his mug and laughed loudly:
Hahaha! Long live to Ednia!
Another sitting beside him, nibbled on a piece of cheese.
I tried to catch a glimpse of the new young monarch earlier, but the royal guards had set up barricades…
He looked at his empty glass and raised it toward the barmaid.
Fill me up with wine.
Right away! she replied with cheer.
The euphoria was contagious. Everyone raised their drinks in a toast:
— Long live the king!
Meanwhile at the Regalia Castle, a grand hall was decorated in the colors of Ednia.
The kingdom's banners fluttered proudly along the walls, and a central platform dominated the room.
Soldiers, generals, and nobles had gathered, their eyes fixed on Jonady standing on the platform.
Behind him stood Raelia silently watching in a crisp white shirt.
Jonady placed his hands on the podium and addressed his audience:
My dear loyal subjects, thanks to your strength and determination, Ednia has emerged victorious from the Three-Day conflict .
A murmur of approval rippled through the assembly.
We have proven to the rest of the world that no nation will ever impose its will upon us!
Fists clenched, heads nodded in solidarity.
— Our kingdom is open to cooperation, but we reserve the right to defend ourselves with the fiercest resolve against anyone who would threaten our safety.
He paused, then raised his fist.
— Glory to Ednia! Glory to our army! Glory to our motherland!
A thunderous applause erupted in the hall.
— Glory to the monarch!
— Long live King Kaya!
Twenty minutes later, the room had transformed into a scene of celebration.
Laughter and animated conversation echoed through the golden hall.
Two nobles sipped their wine as they chatted.
— My dear friend I must admit, when the previous king passed the crown to this young man, I was skeptical.
— Indeed… But now, I know that none other than His Majesty Jonady could have set Ednia back on the right path.
They raised their glasses.
— Prosperity to Ednia!
In a corner of the hall, couples danced to the rhythm of an enchanting waltz.
Jonady approached Sylena, seated in a violet gown.
— May I have this dance? he asked, extending a hand.
She blushed slightly before accepting.
They began to dance, drawing every eye in the room.
Sylena, flustered, whispered:
— They're staring at us… It's because of my elven appearance, isn't it?
She lowered her eyes, anxious.
Jonady gently tightened his hold and smiled warmly:
— It's nothing. They're just curious. After all, you're the first elf to step into this castle.
She seemed reassured, a soft smile forming on her lips.
But before she could reply, Jonady sealed her lips with his.
Time seemed to freeze for her.
Her heart pounded, and a sense of comfort and safety washed over her.
When they finally parted, Jonady spoke firmly:
— If anyone has a problem with you, they can come see me. I'll be waiting.
A shiver ran through Sylena.
With tears in her eyes, she whispered:
— T-Thank you, Jonady…
She took a deep breath before murmuring with trembling voice:
— I love you.
At that moment, Nilyna and Raelia, dressed in green gowns, approached.
Jonady turned to Nilyna and offered a sincere compliment:
— You look stunning, Nilyna.
She smiled softly.
— Thank you, Your Majesty.
Then she turned to Sylena.
— Come, I'll show you around Regalia.
The two of them walked off together.
Raelia staying by his side, crossed her arms and asked:
— So, how is she?
Jonady replied calmly:
— A little anxious. It's her first time leaving Azulferia… She just needs some time.
Raelia nodded.
— Don't worry. Nilyna and I will make sure she feels at home.
She smiled, then added:
— I like her, Sylena. She reminds me of… well, a younger version of myself.
She gently took Jonady's hand and asked:
— By the way, where are Kaylen and Sienna i don t see them ?
Jonady chuckled lightly.
— Oh, Kaylen has a trial of his own.
....
Meanwhile, in Amiria, a grand estate stood proudly.
In a rustic lounge, Kaylen stood tall before Auguste Cerkol, a powerful noble and Sienna's father.
Beside him stood Eric, Sienna's brother, watching nervously.
Kaylen had decided to marry Sienna, and they had come to ask for her father's blessing.
Eric knew his father, a man known for his stern nature, might present a challenge to their union.
He tried to break the silence:
— Father… Kaylen is a good match for Sienna. He works closely with the monarch…
But Auguste remained silent, his gaze unreadable as he studied Kaylen.
Kaylen, meanwhile, wondered what thoughts ran through the man's mind.
Would he refuse the marriage?
Would he react angrily, enraged that someone dared ask for his precious daughter's hand?
Auguste didn't seem physically intimidating, but that didn't mean he couldn't cause a scene. Kaylen silently hoped to avoid upsetting Sienna.
Finally, after four minutes of silence, Auguste spoke:
— Do you truly wish to be with my daughter?
Kaylen stood up and answered firmly:
— Despite her wild ways, I love her.
A sigh of relief escaped Auguste's lips.
He said:
— Thank you.
Kaylen and Eric exchanged surprised looks.
Eric said:
— You're actually a good father. You approve?
His father replied:
— What do you take me for, son? I'm tough in business, yes—but above all, I want what's best for your sister. And for you.
Sienna wore a playful expression.
Auguste continued:
— Ever since Sienna was a child, she's rejected the traditions of nobility. I was afraid she'd never find a man who could truly match her.
Sienna crossed her arms and pouted.
— That's harsh, Dad.
Kaylen smiled.
— I know she can be a handful… but I love her, regardless.
Sienna blushed.
— Don't you start too, Kaylen…
Auguste gave a sincere smile.
— Well, Sienna… you've found yourself a fine man. Now hurry up and give me a grandson!
Sienna turned crimson and shouted:
— D-DAD!
A burst of laughter echoed through the room.
— Hahahahaha!