Chapter 118: Arrival of the Princess
Three days later, on the outskirts of a certain city, a temporary camp for White Star Radiance members was abuzz with light activity. From the sky, a sleek unmarked flying magical vehicle descended and gently touched down on the grassy plains. As its hatch opened, three figures stepped out—one of them being Princess Helga Helmsley.
She was met by a welcoming party composed of Seralily, the two Fanged Elf Spearwomen, and Sophia.
"Princess Helga! I'm so glad you could join us," Seralily greeted her with a bright smile.
"The pleasure is all mine, Sister Seralily," Helga replied with a dignified tone. "These two veiled individuals are my Royal Phantom Guards. They do not speak to anyone but me—orders from my father, given his standing as a disciple of the Great Brawlman Sect."
"Oh? That's perfectly fine," Seralily chuckled warmly. "Now, let me introduce you to some of the others."
"I'm Willowna. A pleasure to meet you," said one of the Fanged Elves with a polite nod.
"And I'm Sakurana! Welcome to the club!" beamed the other.
"And I am Sophia. It's an honor to meet you, Princesa Helga," Sophia said with a small bow.
"Truly a pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to working with you," Helga said with a sincere smile.
"Great. Now, I'll take you to meet the others once their scouting duties are wrapped up," Seralily added. "Oh! But before that, you'll need this."
She handed Helga a white-starred mask and the Radiant Banner—the emblems worn by all members of White Star Radiance.
"E-Ehh?! I've already been accepted?!" Helga gasped, trembling as she held the items.
"Well… not officially yet," Seralily laughed. "But you're a special case. With your royal status and our support, it's only a matter of formality."
"Ah, I see… that makes sense," Helga replied, still overwhelmed.
Later, they made their way through the high-alert city. Tensions remained tight—many individuals had been expelled, arrested, or executed for ties to the Three Most Wanted Organizations. After arriving at the building currently occupied by White Star Radiance—a structure resembling a large inn or militarized pub—they were greeted by a few servants.
Inside, only a handful of members remained, with most still out on patrolling . As they moved deeper into the building, a loud commotion echoed from a nearby room.
Two men were locked in a fierce arm-wrestling match, their arms trembling as sweat poured from their brows.
"Hahaha! You've grown too big for your britches, segundo hermanito!"
(Translation: Second little brother)
"Hahaha! Is it me, or have you gotten smaller, el gran jefe?!"
(Translation: The great boss/big brother)
"Haaaah??!"
"Ooooh??!!"
"You gorilla-like brat!"
"Takes one to know one!"
The competition, though playful, was intense. Seralily and the others walked in just as the final push occurred.
Boom!
One hand slammed down on the table.
"Ha! Even though you've grown stronger and bigger than me, I'm still the strongest for now!" one of the men said triumphantly, his face drenched in sweat.
"Kuuuuh… Next time for sure, I'll beat you, Jefe…"
The two men were none other than Ramiro Leon and his eldest brother, Carlos Leon Jr.. They had recently arrived along with other Leon family members at Prince Hunter's request to support the White Star Radiance.
"Hahaha! You've got some fine women around you—eh?" Carlos paused as he noticed a blushing figure standing behind the others.
"Ah, y-y-yes!" Helga stammered. "Greetings, noble Leon brothers. I am Princess Helga Helmsley, daughter of 3rd Prince Hamlet. I come under the orders of Prince Hunter to integrate into the White Star Radiance. I also received a personal invitation from Ms. Seralily. I hope I won't be a burden…"
"Oh! So you're that Princess Helga!" Carlos Jr. exclaimed with a grin. "It's a pleasure, Your Highness."
"Nice to meet you. Though I haven't heard much about you," Ramiro said with a broad, carefree laugh. "You do kinda look like that gloomy Prince Hunter, hahahaha!"
"Oi, Segundo Hermanito! Show some decorum around royalty!" Carlos Jr. scolded, only to stop as he noticed Helga's reaction.
She was trembling slightly, her face flushed, eyes shining.
"He… He called me sweet…" she murmured dreamily. "A-Ah! Yes! I do resemble my uncle a little. And no worries, Sir Carlos. Sir R-Ramiro may speak freely around me. I don't mind."
"See, Jefe? Told you she's sweet!" Ramiro chuckled. "You haven't even met Elton and the rest yet, but don't worry—I'll make sure you're taken care of. Just stick with me!"
"I-I will follow you forever then… Hehehe," Helga whispered, as she fidgeted around making a bunch of on and off glances at Ramiro's frame.
The Royal Phantom Guards exchanged helpless glances but said nothing.
Seralily and the others smiled knowingly. Even Sophia wore a slightly jealous, but warm, smile.
"What the fuck…" muttered Carlos Jr. "Oi! Any of you got single female friends? Send them my way!"
"Aren't you already seeing someone?" Ramiro asked with a raised brow.
"Bah! That's just some pretentious aristocrat from Garffle Country trying to curry favor with our clan. I'm not interested in that political crap," Carlos Jr. said with a snort.
The others stared at him in silence.
The conversation quickly shifted, but soon more and more White Star Radiance members returned from the field, filling the massive inn-like building with warmth and camaraderie.
Members began to share updates and chatter:
"Looks like the Anti-Brawlmanica Alliance and that witch cult have finally been wiped out here."
"I heard Vice Captain Black Devil Blades and the Black Reaper Corps crushed the last remnants of the Night's Light Devouring Church."
"We've done well so far, especially under Captain Blue Heavens and his leadership. Time to prep for the next move."
Though far from peaceful, the growing unity was palpable. Helga watched in silence, feeling her earlier nerves melt away. She smiled—genuinely impressed by the diversity and harmony among the humans, Elves, demi-humans, and cultivators gathered here.
A sudden cheer erupted from the building.
"We greet our Royal Margrave and Princesses!" cried the Elven warriors as they bowed.
"We greet Daoist Blue Heavens Sword!" proclaimed demi-humans and cultivators from the Longbi Clan.
"We greet Blue Heavens Aniki! Zoro Aniki!" chorused the Black Reaper Corps, kneeling in reverence.
"We greet thee, Captain Blue Heavens!" the rest cried in unison.
It was melodious—a unified chant of respect and loyalty. Helga felt goosebumps trail down her arms. She turned to see Elton and the core members entering, their presence commanding attention.
When her eyes fell on Elton, her face flushed deeply.
If Ramiro is a hero of legend, she thought, Elton is like a mythical figure from the stars—beyond reach, meant to be admired from afar…
"Oi, Elton! Yo, guys! Come meet this sweet Princess we got over here!" Ramiro called out loudly with his usual wide grin.
Helga froze, then nearly fainted outright.
Fortunately, Willowna and Sakurana caught her again, gently propping her up so skillfully that almost no one noticed.