The air in the room was still — thick with tension and unspoken judgment.Aurelion's gaze lingered on Youri, sharp and cold, as though he were staring at someone who had stolen something precious from him.
Then, in a low, deliberate voice that filled the hall, he said,"Leonora… who is the other guest you've brought with you?"
Leonora had been expecting it. She had felt her father's eyes on Youri since the moment they entered. She straightened, her fingers tightening for a brief moment before she answered — her tone light, but her eyes steady.
"He is my soon-to-be fiancé."
The words struck Aurelion like a thunderclap. His composure wavered; it was as if a boulder had fallen upon him. For years, he had sought worthy husbands for his daughter — nobles, heirs, men of lineage and power — and for years, she had refused them all. Eventually, he had stopped trying, quietly surrendering the dream that his only daughter would ever marry.
Perhaps it was age, or perhaps disbelief, but when he finally spoke again, his voice trembled with fragile disbelief."Dear… are you perhaps not feeling well these past few days?"
Leonora had braced herself for an outburst — anger, rejection, the old man's wrath.But instead, his calm, almost tender words cut far deeper.
Her heart ached, but she stood tall, meeting his dark gaze."No, Father," she said softly but firmly. "I'm feeling very well. In fact… I haven't felt this well in a long time."
Youri had remained silent until now, his hands clasped behind his back, watching the two of them. For most of his life, he had walked alone — no home, no family, no warmth to remember. He had never known the fear or comfort of a parent's judgment. But this moment… this mattered.
He took a step forward."Mr. Aurelion," he began, voice calm yet carrying the weight of conviction. "Forgive me for not introducing myself properly. My name is Youri Kronos — an Orbiton pilot for the Empire."
He paused briefly, his eyes locked on Aurelion's."I come from no noble house, nor am I a pure-blooded Terran. My past is… shrouded in misery and destruction. People tend to say that whatever I touch, I destroy."
His voice tightened — but his resolve did not waver."Yet through all that darkness, one thing has never left me. Sixteen years ago, I met your daughter — and the last good thing I ever did… was for her. I've never regretted it, not for a moment. If I were asked to do it again, I would not hesitate."
Leonora's heart fluttered. She had not expected him to speak — not here, not now — and certainly not with such open vulnerability.
"Someone like me," Youri continued, his eyes softening, "is not meant to know kindness… or love. But somehow, through everything, she managed to reignite the fire I thought had long died in me."
He took a deep breath."I'm sorry to come here unannounced, but I must ask — selfish as it may be — for your permission, Lord Aurelion Kaelthorn… to marry your daughter, Leonora."
Silence.Even the air seemed to stop moving.
Leonora could only stare, stunned — not at her father, but at Youri. He had spoken with such honesty, such dignity, that even the walls of this house seemed to listen.
Aurelion's expression darkened. He said nothing at first — simply sank back onto the sofa where he had been sitting before, his brows furrowed deeply. The room seemed to hold its breath.
Roland felt the tension rise like a storm. His stomach turned; he knew what his father was capable of when his pride was challenged. But before he could speak, Aurelion slowly turned toward him.
"Son," he said quietly. "I have a question for you."
Roland stiffened. "Y-Yes, Father?"
Aurelion gestured slightly toward Youri. "You have stayed with this man. You've fought beside him, spent time with him. Tell me… is he worthy of being your sister's lifelong companion?"
The question hit Roland like a hammer. His father — the man who never sought his opinion, who saw him as too fragile, too inexperienced — was now relying on his judgment. His hands trembled; he hid them behind his back.
He thought of all the times he had seen Youri protect Leonora — without hesitation, without fear. Of the way his sister's eyes softened whenever Youri was near. Of how, for the first time, she looked… truly alive.
"Father," Roland said, voice trembling but firm. "I have seen, firsthand, what Youri is capable of doing to protect my sister. As her brother, I would be proud — honored — to call Youri Kronos my brother-in-law."
Youri and Leonora turned to him, both surprised and moved. In that instant, the timid boy who once hid behind his sister's shadow had spoken like a man.
Aurelion's eyes softened. Slowly, he turned toward Leonora.
"My dear daughter," he began, his voice quieter now, almost trembling. "I never thought the day would come when you would bring someone to introduce to me."
He exhaled, shoulders sagging slightly. "It pains me to admit it, but the laws of nobility have long chained the hearts of good souls who simply wished for happiness."
Leonora's heart pounded, her throat dry, every muscle tense with hope and fear.
Aurelion looked between them both — the proud daughter who had inherited his fire, and the man who had earned it through courage rather than blood. Then, finally, he said the words she had never expected to hear:
"I, Aurelion Kaelthorn, hereby accept and support your decision… to marry Youri Kronos."
Leonora gasped softly — tears welling unbidden in her eyes. Roland smiled faintly through his own disbelief.
And for the first time in many years, the great hall of the Kaelthorn estate did not echo with command or sorrow — but with the quiet, fragile sound of peace.