The grand dining hall of Veldenar Castle shimmered with gold and silver. Long tables were lined with food, wine, and candles that flickered against the high ceilings. The newly arrived heroes—the students from Earth—sat together, enjoying themselves after the difficult journey.
"Man, this food is way better than what the academy gives us!"
one laughed, stuffing his mouth full of roasted meat.
"Yeah, feels like royalty already. Guess being summoned as heroes has its perks."
another said, raising his goblet.
Laughter, chatter, and clinking cups filled the room.
Then, the doors opened.
Princess Elira and Princess Celis entered gracefully, their gowns flowing under the torchlight. The chatter quieted for a moment as the students turned their eyes on them.
One of the male heroes leaned to his friend, whispering,
"Whoa… they're gorgeous…"
Another smirked, adjusting his uniform before standing up and bowing.
"Good evening, Princesses. Allow me to say—you shine brighter than the stars themselves."
Celis frowned slightly, but Elira simply gave a polite nod.
"Thank you for your kind words. We are here to welcome you all on behalf of Veldenar."
But soon more of the heroes began approaching, trying to charm them with smiles, exaggerated manners, and clumsy attempts at flirting.
"Princess, if you ever need protection, I'll gladly be by your side."
"Your beauty alone could inspire us to win the war."
"Forget guarding you—why not let me take you on a walk tonight?"
Elira and Celis exchanged uncomfortable glances.
Before one of the boys could reach for Elira's hand—
SLAP!
A gloved hand was suddenly grabbed and stopped midair.
Everyone turned.
The masked guard stood between them and the princesses. His grip was firm, his presence sharp.
Renji.
"That's far enough."
His calm but commanding tone silenced the hall.
The hero whose hand had been caught glared, yanking back.
"The hell are you doing, guard? You dare lay your hands on me?"
Renji's voice remained steady.
"My duty is to protect the princesses. Not to entertain your arrogance."
Gasps rippled across the room. The other students began murmuring.
The boy sneered, his pride wounded.
"You think some low-ranked guard can talk down to me?"
"Do you know who I am?"
"I'm a hero—chosen by the gods. Know your place."
He ripped off one of his white gloves and hurled it at Renji's face.
The hall froze.
"I challenge you to a duel."
Elira's eyes widened.
"Wait, stop this—!"
But Renji calmly adjusted his mask, brushing the glove off his shoulder.
"If that's what you want… then I accept."
The boy smirked triumphantly, already imagining his victory.
"Tomorrow, at the training grounds. I'll crush you publicly, guard."
Renji's tone didn't waver.
"Tomorrow, then."
Before things escalated further, two other heroes quickly grabbed their angry friend by the shoulders.
"Hey, calm down! Not here!"
"You're gonna get us in trouble with the King!"
They pulled him back, forcing him to retreat while he cursed under his breath.
The dining hall remained heavy with silence, broken only by whispers.
Celis clutched her sister's arm, whispering softly.
"Renji… are you really going to fight him?"
Elira glanced at the masked figure who stood so calmly, her heart tightening strangely.
Renji finally turned his head slightly toward them.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you, no matter what. Even if it means fighting heroes."
The princesses' eyes widened at his words.
The hall buzzed again, but this time with unease. Tomorrow… a storm was coming.