Prelude to Ceremony 2

"I've gathered you all here today for a very simple reason." Eins started. "I want to hear your thoughts on the upcoming event."

"Didn't we already go over this when Her Majesty introduced Earl as her assistant? I don't really care." Zwei leaned back into her seat and answered nonchalantly.

"Quite some time had passed. I figured some of you might have a change of thoughts."

"Well, why don't you tell us what you think first?" Vier grumbled.

"Princess Alea has shown many qualities of an outstanding ruler. I am in full support of her as the next ruler of this nation. However, the interest of this kingdom is a different measure. If her husband cannot prove himself worthy, the interests of this kingdom will be harmed. Thus, I will continue to evaluate him."

"That's an awfully long way to say that you'll kill him later." Vier chuckled as his eyes narrowed.

"That's if he is not worthy."

A brief silence took over the room.

"Then, who is worthy of being the Princess's chosen?" Funf finally spoke.

"The younger generation has yet to develop fully. A qualified man is bound to appear eventually. That's if the current one is unqualified, of course."

"I see." Funf stood up. His large body towered over those who remained seated menacingly. "That's a silly thought you have. When the engagement becomes officialized, it is officialized. The thing I hate the most is... internal conflict."

With his words lingering in the air, Funf left the meeting room. His lack of presence also signalled the end of the meeting as the knights left one by one.

---

Luka looked out the window of his carriage. The antique, time wrought capital city of the elves stretched far across his vision, protected under the umbrella of the Tree of Life. This was Venroris.

Today was the engagement ceremony of Princess Alea.

Princess Alea was an extraordinary figure among the youths. Growing up, the princess was always a hotly debated topic the moment her presence became public. But to Luka, she was just another person he had nothing to do with.

That was until the Spirit Festival.

He could remember like it was yesterday- the vivid scene of the princess defeating all her competitors during the Spirit Festival. He was among those that she defeated.

Hailing from the ancient family of Ailos, he was the predicted winner of the Youth Competition. From the moment he first started training, he was undefeated. Without a doubt, he was the most popular after Alea in his generation. However, prediction and reality were often incongruent.

In a way, he was proud of his loss. This was the challenge that he had been looking for. This insane gap in ability was getting his blood pumping. Princess Alea's talent in magic weaving was incomparable. In a couple of years, her fame was bound to reach across every corner of the continent. He would have a good story to tell.

His mind flashed back to the day of the Spirit Festival.

Magic control that was incomparably fine and clear. The sheer precision in her magic was close to that of the older generation of elves. But that was not the most astonishing part. The most surprising element was her variety and vocabulary of spells that she could seamlessly weave into her Spirit Magic.

It almost felt like he was facing an army of skilled mages rather than a single person.

Her beauty was like the moon. Cold, untouchable, and unreachable. He found his respect for her growing. How could someone like that be engaged to anyone?

Luka was beyond curious.

The carriage finally halted before the Tree of Life, where numerous guards stood to check the invitation letter.

This was a grand event for the royal family.

Numerous nobles and village chiefs were invited to this event.

Luka glanced at his family members. His great grandfather, grandfather, father, and sister had all come.

Elves had an unbelievably long life span, especially for an ancient family like his own. It was no surprise to see several generational figures in a single-family.

His eyes lingered on his older sister for a moment. Without a doubt, she was someone he respected the most.

Previously known as Reina, her name was changed to Zwei when she became a Spirit Knight. There was a hundred-odd years gap between them, but it did not stop her from being the kind, reliable older sister that she was. His current strength was the product of her strict teaching that assisted him in quickly learning the family arts.

His fame and reputation was the result of her care and support.

Entering the Royal Palace became simple after the invitation letter was received and confirmed. The guests were guided and teleported directly to the event hall.

The size of the event hall was enormous, illustrating the beauty of elven architecture. Beautifully sculpted pillars held up the ceiling, which stretched beyond where the eyes could see.

The event hall had a semi-circular structure. A the end of the semi-circle was the main focal point- the elevated platform where the ceremony would be taking place.

Attendants led guests to stand around the platform.

There, the standing figures of Princess Alea and Earl could be seen. Behind them, Saryll and Abelis sat on their thrones.

Alea stood with an air of tranquillity. Her beauty far exceeded any rumours and songs of praise. Light blue hair cascaded down her shoulder. Green eyes that glimmered with the spirits of nature and a princess crown that bestowed her divinity and elegance.

Luka only spent a few seconds observing the princess before turning his attention to Earl. He was much more curious about the man who would soon become engaged to the princess.

What kind of man could possibly handle the ice princess, who was capable of sending shivers down his spine?

He soon received his answer.

Earl Roth- that was his name. At first glance, he was a man of elegance. His eyes were gentle and yet, unfathomably profound. A faint smile hung from his lips, and his stature was ramrod straight. Yet, alongside his air of nobility was a comforting aura.

From then, Luka understood. This was a man with charisma. He was a man capable of garnering respect without the need to lift a finger.