The boy was seated quietly in the center of the room, surrounded by fluttering hands and soft voices. Maids moved around him as if he were a porcelain doll—adjusting fabric, smoothing creases, fixing every tiny detail. Makeup was brought out, then quietly set aside; it wasn't needed. His features were already ethereal, untouched and luminous without any adornment.
He frowned slightly, fingers tapping against the armrest, clearly irritated by the endless fuss.
The man stood a short distance away, arms crossed, watching him with a steady gaze. He noticed every flicker of annoyance, every impatient sigh, yet said nothing.
A knock broke the air.
A guard stepped in and bowed. "It's time. You're requested in the main hall."
Before the maids could react, the man lifted a hand. "That's enough. You may all leave."
The room emptied quickly, the noise and movement fading until only the two of them remained.
The boy stood up and turned slowly, giving himself a once-over before glancing at the man.
"Well?" he asked. "How do I look?"
The man didn't hesitate. "Beautiful."
The boy scowled immediately. "Don't say that." He straightened his posture, chin lifting with pride. "I'm a man. I'm twenty-two now. Say I'm handsome."
For a brief moment, the man looked taken aback—then the corner of his lips twitched, amusement softening his expression as he met the boy's gaze.
The man stepped closer, his presence calm and grounding. His voice softened as he spoke, meant only for the boy to hear.
"Happy birthday, Nael," he said quietly. "I pray to God that all your wishes come true."
Nael's eyes lit up instantly, the earlier irritation vanishing as if it had never existed. He looked up at him, searching his face.
"Then… you've agreed to my plan leo?" he asked, hopeful yet daring.
Leo smiled—small, resigned, but genuine—and hummed in agreement.
That was all Nael needed.
He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Leo without hesitation, holding him tight for a brief moment. Pulling back, a familiar smirk curved his lips, confidence shining in his eyes.
"Then let's go," Nael said firmly. "We'll conquer this hurdle together."
Leo offered his arm without a word. Nael slipped his hand through it naturally, as if this was how it had always been meant to be, and together they walked out of the room.
The corridor grew quieter as they approached the entrance of the main hall. Tall doors towered before them, guards standing at attention on either side, hands resting on the hilts of their weapons, waiting for the signal to open.
Just before they reached the threshold, Nael leaned closer and whispered, his voice light but edged with sincerity,
"Don't regret this, Leo. You still have a chance to back out."
Leo didn't slow his steps. His gaze stayed forward, steady and unshaken.
"It's my duty to protect you," he replied calmly, "even if the opponent is my master."
Nael's fingers tightened around his arm for a brief second.
"Father won't be displeased," he said with quiet certainty. "I'm sure of it."
Leo finally turned to look at him, searching his face for a moment—resolve meeting resolve. Then, without another word, he lifted his free hand and gestured toward the guards.
The doors began to open.
The guards straightened instantly.
Steel-tipped staffs struck the marble floor in unison, the sharp sound echoing through the vast hall. An inner guard stepped forward, voice carrying with ceremonial clarity, ringing from wall to wall.
"His Serene Highness, the Sun-Blessed Omega of Elyndria,"
the guard announced, pausing just long enough to let the weight of the title settle,
"has given his presence—"
The doors were fully open now, light spilling inward.
"—with his knight, the Mighty One, Leonar Velcrest."
Every conversation inside the hall stilled.
Heads turned. Whispers died mid-breath.