Avelyine Marnata Rosaliana.
That was the name of the girl who lost her mother after giving birth to Cain, Avelyine's now little brother. Her father, the Emperor, loved them both. But due to his sickness, he knew that he couldn't stay with her for long. So he sent Avelyine to the Imperial Academy to study while Cain stayed by his side.
There, she became stronger and stronger. Even though her real talent was in being a mage, her sword skills were unmatched. In physical strength, she was a monster. Everyone avoided her.
After her father, the Emperor died, she took the throne. The Emperor left one message for her.
"Find a good partner for yourself, my child. And take care of Cain for me. He's too innocent to succeed the throne."
After reading that message, she started looking for a partner for herself. Many Princes came from many Kingdoms. But all of them got scared of her due to her overwhelming aura.
She was sure that there was no one who was bold enough to even talk to her without hesitating. All everyone did was just try and marry her for their benefits.
She had given up. Given up on searching for a partner. And right now, she had long passed the appropriate age to marry someone. She was now 30-years-old.
She was sure that there wasn't anyone bold enough to empress her.
She thought.
She really did.
Until now...
That man. Sakatu Izaru. He stood before her, calm, composed, adn talking casually like he didn't fear her.
"I wanted to ask something." Avelyine said, her curiosity level rising. "Are you not scared of me?"
"Why would I be scared of you?" Izaru replied, still calm, scratching his head. "I didn't do anything for you to try and kill me, right? And not that your Imperial laws will work on me. I'm not even from this world."
"Soo Bold!!!!" Avelyine screamed inside her head. "How can he say that with such a straight face?! He's so cool!!
"Oh," she composed herself. "Please don't mind. You can go wait in the guest chamber. You must be tired after that carriage ride and fighting a Drake, right?"
"Yeah. I sure am. Thanks."
"AGAIN!!! He's just sooooo cooool!!!!"
Then Avelyine noticed Liora staring at her. She instantly understood that Liora has found out.
"Oh," Liora said, putting a finger on her lip. "So that's what it is, huh?"
"What do you mean, Miss Liora?" Avelyine said, her brow twitching.
"Should I just kill her? No. She's his companion." She thought in her head.
"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just really excited for the time we'll be staying here."
"Oh, just don't mind it. But, you know..."
"I know."
"What are you guys going on about?" Izaru asked, confused.
"Nothing." They both said in together.
And just like that, Izaru and Liora left. Cain went with them to show them around.
"Leave me alone for some time." Avelyine said to the nobles and the guards.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Everyone said in perfect union and left.
Avelyine got up and turned around to face the throne.
"Father," she said. "I think I've found your Son-in-law. Only if you could see how cool he is."
Then she remembered him locking eyes with her and still stay calm.
"He was just so... just so..." her voice trembled.
"Just so cool!!!" she said as she covered her face with her hands and started screaming, her voice muffled with screams and weird voices of a girl who fell in love at first sight.
And that too, after staying single for 30 whole years.