Location: Royal Academy – Victory Ceremony Hall
Trumpets blared across the Academy grounds, the sound of triumph echoing into the blue skies.
Kael stood atop the grand stage, wearing the ceremonial crimson-and-gold cloak of the tournament champion.The Academy Headmaster, a wizened man with long silver hair, personally placed a jeweled medallion around Kael's neck — a symbol of absolute victory.
The students erupted into cheers.
Even nobles who once sneered at Kael now clapped, their faces forced into smiles by the overwhelming reality of his strength.
But Kael knew better.
Behind those smiles… lurked ambition, fear, and greed.
And sure enough, as the ceremony ended, a man cloaked in royal purple approached, bowing deeply.
He held out a scroll sealed with the Imperial Phoenix Crest — the personal mark of Emperor Solvane Solaris, ruler of the Empire… and Kael's own distant grandfather.
"By Imperial Decree," the messenger intoned, "His Majesty summons Prince Kael Solaris to the Royal Capital."
The Hall fell into stunned silence.
A summons from the Emperor himself?
It was unheard of for a "failed" prince!
After the Ceremony: Harem Meeting
Later that night, Kael gathered with his closest companions at the secret rooftop garden.
The moon bathed them in silver light, their faces serious.
Zara, the tsundere knight, tapped her sword against the ground impatiently.
"It's obviously a trap. The Royal Court hated you even when you were 'useless.' Now that you're strong? They'll be terrified."
Mira, the genius mage, adjusted her glasses, her violet eyes sharp.
"But it's also an opportunity. At court, power is the only language they understand. If you can win hearts—or break enemies—you can rebuild your family's name."
Velcia, the mischievous noble lady, grinned.
"Plus, think of all the fun scandals we could cause…"
Selene, the ice-cold strategist, nodded.
"The Empire is unstable. Factions are gathering. The fallen gods have agents everywhere. You need to be at the center if you want to control the storm."
Evelyne, the gentle healer, placed a hand on Kael's.
"No matter what you choose… we'll stand with you."
Kael looked at them — his girls, his pillars of strength.
He smiled faintly.
"Then it's decided."
The Road Ahead
The next morning, Kael stood at the Academy gates, a black carriage bearing the Imperial Crest waiting for him.
Sword on his hip.
Cloak billowing behind him.
His companions disguised as his 'personal retainers.'
The Academy students bowed low as he passed.
Even the Headmaster watched from the towers, eyes glinting with strange satisfaction.
As Kael stepped into the carriage, the doors closed with a heavy thud.
The wheels began to turn.
Toward the Royal Capital.Toward the throne.Toward destiny.