Victory Banquet

The banquet at Hwaeryun was no ordinary affair. The mere presence of Archduke Leopold Astoria elevated it to an event of monumental importance.

Among the eleven humans who had reached Radiant-rank, one reigned as emperor. Of the remaining ten, seven bore the title of "King," a mark of their unmatched power and sovereignty. Yet, three had chosen to reject that title: Lloyd, the enigmatic Headmaster of Mythos Academy; Charlotte, the indomitable Head of the Tower of Magic; and Leopold Astoria himself, known as the Radiant Lion.

Leopold's refusal of the title did nothing to diminish his standing. In truth, he held enough power to claim kingship at any moment and carve out his dominion, splitting from the Slatemark Empire entirely. This unspoken possibility loomed over the empire's politics like a specter, influencing decisions at the highest levels. Even Quinn Slatemark, the current Emperor, had made several desperate and ill-considered choices to secure Astoria's loyalty—or at least prevent his rebellion.

One such decision was the ill-fated engagement between the Crown Prince and Elara Astoria, the archduke's beloved daughter. What had begun as a strategic alliance eventually spiraled into a civil war that threatened to fracture the Slatemark Empire itself.

The archduke's motivations were as complex as his reputation. He was one of the weaker Radiant-rankers by raw power, but his mastery of a Grade 6 art and achievement of Sword Unity placed him far above all but the strongest of humanity. His tactical mind and fierce love for his family only heightened his legend. It was that love—unyielding and all-consuming—that nearly brought an empire to its knees.

And now, this formidable figure was coming to reinforce the Eastern front. His arrival would tip the scales dramatically, doubling the number of Radiant-rankers on humanity's side, outnumbering the enemy's two to four. For the forces of the East, his presence was not just a reassurance—it was a turning point.

For me, however, his arrival signified something more. Beyond the immediate boost to our defenses, I saw an opportunity. One of my long-term goals was to prevent the civil war that had marred the Slatemark Empire's future. To do that, I needed to earn the archduke's trust, to build a rapport with the man who held such sway over the empire's fate.

Over the years, I had crossed paths with most of the Radiant-rankers, with varying outcomes. Among them, the one I shared the closest bond with was, without a doubt, Magnus Draykar—Rank 1, the pinnacle of human strength.

Alastor Creighton, on the other hand, was a different story. Once, we'd shared a certain camaraderie, but I wasn't so sure where I stood with him now. His protective nature over his daughter, Rachel, was legendary, and I hadn't seen him in over a year. The uncertainty lingered like a shadow in the back of my mind.

I couldn't help but smirk wryly as a thought crossed my mind. 'Dating the daughters of three overprotective Radiant-rank fathers might not be my wisest life choice. 'The thought was as amusing as it was ominous.

Adjusting my black tie, I inspected my reflection in the mirror. The tailored suit was sharp, the cut precise. It was fitting for the occasion—a banquet of considerable gravity and, undoubtedly, endless politics.

With the final tug on my tie, I stepped back, my expression composed. The evening promised to be eventful, and I intended to make the most of it. Whatever tensions or trials awaited, I would face them head-on. After all, that was what I had always done.

But first, I had the honor of escorting my two dates for the evening—both of whom just happened to be princesses.

Not that their titles mattered to me.

I smiled at the thought. Seraphina and Rachel could have been anyone, royalty or not, and I would still feel the same way about them. It wasn't their crowns or lineage that drew me to them; it was who they were—every word, every glance, every unspoken moment we shared.

Once, I adored them as characters in a novel, distant figures etched in imagination. Now, I loved them as people, real and vibrant, shaping the moments of my life in ways I never expected.

As I made my way to the first destination, a flicker of anticipation sparked within me. Tonight wasn't just about the banquet or the Archduke's arrival—it was a rare reprieve from the chaos of war. A chance to breathe, to reconnect, to let the weight of responsibility ease, if only for a few hours.

Seraphina was waiting for me first. The sight of her stole my breath for a moment. She wore a flowing dress of pale silver, the fabric catching the faintest light and shimmering like moonlight on water. Her hair, always perfectly cascading down her shoulders, was pinned back just enough to reveal the graceful line of her neck. When her ice-blue eyes met mine, they softened with a warmth she reserved for only a few.

"You clean up well," she teased, a playful smile curling her lips as her gaze swept over my attire. "Though I didn't expect you to make it on time."

"I aim to surprise," I replied, extending my arm to her. "Shall we?"

She slipped her hand into the crook of my elbow, her touch light yet grounding. "Rachel will never let you hear the end of it if you're late for her."

"Then we'd best not keep her waiting," I said, smiling as we set off together.

When we arrived at Rachel's quarters, I found her waiting by the door, a vision of golden elegance. Her gown was adorned with delicate embroidery that shimmered like starlight against the rich sapphire fabric. Her golden hair was swept up in an intricate style that framed her face, highlighting her striking sapphire-blue eyes. She looked ethereal, regal, and yet, in the way she glanced at me, there was a vulnerability that made her feel entirely human.

"You're late," she said, her lips pursed in mock irritation.

"Not a second," I countered, glancing at my watch. "I think I deserve some credit for punctuality."

Rachel's smile broke through her pretense of annoyance as she stepped forward. Her gaze flicked to Seraphina, who smiled back with a nod. Despite the complex web of emotions between us all, there was a sense of mutual respect and understanding between the two of them that always left me grateful.

"Well, don't just stand there," Rachel said, slipping her arm through my other. "We've got a banquet to attend, and I'll not have you forgetting who your first dance belongs to."

Seraphina chuckled softly. "You'll have to fight me for the second."

I shook my head with a laugh. "You two really know how to keep a man on his toes."

As we made our way to the banquet hall, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and gratitude. These two remarkable women had chosen to stand by my side, not just tonight but through everything. For now, I let the world's troubles fade into the background. Tonight was about celebrating, about holding onto the good amidst the storm. And with Seraphina and Rachel beside me, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

We entered the banquet hall together, and predictably, all eyes turned toward us. 

It was to be expected—walking in with two princesses, each luminous in their own right, was bound to draw attention. And, well, I wasn't exactly a wallflower myself. The whispers, the glances, the subtle nods of acknowledgment—it all blurred into a background hum I'd grown used to by now.

Scanning the room, my gaze landed on a familiar trio. Lucifer, Seol-ah, and Aria were huddled together, their presence a quiet statement of their status. Like us, they had obligations beyond themselves, mingling with nobles and other notable figures, performing the dance of diplomacy and alliances. It was the unspoken burden of those born into power, but for now, they seemed content in their little corner.

My musings were interrupted by the sharp chime of the speaker's announcement, resonating across the grand hall.

"His Grace, the Radiant Lion, Archduke Astoria, is now entering!"

All movement ceased as the room collectively turned toward the entrance.

Leopold Astoria made his entrance with the kind of quiet authority that demanded respect. His auburn hair caught the light, complementing the depth of his violet eyes, which seemed to take in everything and reveal nothing. His tailored three-piece suit was impeccably cut, adorned with subtle gold embroidery that whispered elegance rather than shouted it. Draped around his shoulders was a fur scarf, an almost regal touch that underscored his towering presence.

He exuded power—not the brash kind that clamored for attention, but the weighty, unyielding strength that spoke of mastery and control. A Radiant-ranker. A man who had achieved Sword Unity, a pinnacle that only a handful in the world could claim. His very existence shaped the course of history, and his future actions would undoubtedly send ripples far and wide.

Leopold moved with measured purpose, his violet eyes scanning the crowd with an unreadable expression. The first to greet him, as decorum demanded, were the heads of the Moyong and Gu families. Their interactions were poised and formal, a delicate dance of mutual respect and veiled agendas.

For my part, I simply observed. Archduke Astoria was not a man you approached lightly, even for someone like me. There would be time enough for introductions and conversations, but for now, I watched the room, feeling the subtle shifts in the air his presence brought. 

This banquet wasn't just about celebration—it was about power, alliances, and the quiet maneuvers that shaped the world. And Leopold Astoria was at its very center.