The moment Kael stepped through the gates of the clan estate, silence rippled outward like a wave.
Guards stiffened, eyes widening as his aura pressed against them. Even though Kael had suppressed it as best he could, the sheer density of his qi—honed to perfection after his breakthrough—leaked out like the heat of a blazing furnace.
One guard swallowed hard, whispering, "H-he's only just returned… but his presence feels… terrifying."
Another muttered, "Is this still the same Kael we used to think of as a commoner's son?"
Kael ignored them. His father, Clan Head Veynar, appeared at the top of the stone steps leading into the manor. A rare smile curved his lips, pride glittering in his eyes.
"Welcome back, son."
Kael inclined his head. His father's approval warmed him, but Kael had learned to temper emotions—too much attention only drew jealousy and strife. He gave a faint nod and walked past, not pausing.
Still, his father chuckled. "Prepare the hall. Tonight, we feast!"
---
The Feast Interrupted
By evening, the estate blazed with lantern light. Servants bustled, laying out dishes rich with aroma—braised spirit-beast meat, fragrant rice, honeyed fruit, and wines that sparkled with qi.
Kael dressed simply in dark robes. When he entered the hall, conversation faltered. His aura, even restrained, clung to him like a second skin, an invisible crown that marked him apart.
He sat quietly at the table, eyes calm, expression unreadable. His father made small talk, but Kael mostly gave short answers, gaze wandering elsewhere.
It was then that the great doors opened.
The announcement echoed: "Her Highness, Princess Elira of Azura!"
Gasps swept the room.
The princess entered, clad in flowing azure silks embroidered with silver phoenixes. Her beauty drew every gaze—the delicate curve of her features, the proud bearing that came only from royal blood. A subtle aura of nobility surrounded her, making the richly decorated hall suddenly seem plain.
Kael's elder brother, Darius, happened to arrive at that exact moment from the academy. He froze on the threshold, jaw slack.
The Princess of Azura?! Here? At our estate?
His heart pounded. In an instant, his mind spun an entire story: clearly, she had come for him, a rising star of the clan. He nearly laughed in glee.
Without hesitation, he bolted upstairs, tearing off his dusty academy uniform. He rifled through his wardrobe, muttering, "No, not this. Too plain. This—yes!" He donned bright silk robes, slicked back his hair, and doused himself in cologne so strong that servants gagged as he passed.
By the time he returned, his smile gleamed wider than the lanterns. He strode proudly toward the princess—only to watch her sweep past him without the faintest glance.
Her eyes scanned the hall. "Where is Kael?"
The words struck like thunder.
Kael's father faltered, coughing into his sleeve. Darius froze mid-step, a smile still plastered awkwardly on his face. She… she came for Kael?
Elira's gaze sharpened. "No answer? Hm. Don't trouble yourself. I'll find him myself."
---
The Royal Visit
Ignoring the stunned clan head and the smoldering glare of Darius, the princess gestured to a servant. "Take me to Kael's quarters."
The poor servant looked like he wanted to vanish, but he bowed and led the way.
Upstairs, Kael sat cross-legged on his bed, meditating lightly. His door slammed open.
"—What's wrong with you?!" Kael snapped, jolting upright.
Elira stood framed in the doorway, unruffled. Her lips quirked in amusement. "Is that how you treat your guest?"
Kael pinched the bridge of his nose. "You could have knocked."
She stepped inside without hesitation, her silken robes whispering against the floor. The air shifted with her presence, faintly perfumed with lotus.
When she stopped only an arm's length away, Kael instinctively leaned back—so far that his head thunked against the wall with a dull thud.
"Ow," he muttered, rubbing his head.
Elira laughed lightly, the sound clear as bells. "You really are amusing. A man who defeated a Tier Three intruder, yet you shy away from a princess standing near."
Kael scowled faintly. "I'm not shying away. You startled me."
Her eyes gleamed. "No, you're different. Stronger than they think, yet still… human. I like that."
---
The Betrothal Revealed
Before Kael could retort, Elira's tone shifted, her voice calm but firm.
"I can't let you slip away. A man who can shatter limits and defeat odds is not one I'll lose."
Kael blinked. "Lose…? What are you talking about?"
She tilted her head, eyes narrowing with mischief. "Didn't your father tell you? Our marriage has already been arranged. Before he departed for the God Domain, my father, the King of Azura, settled it himself."
Kael shot to his feet, nearly toppling the table. "What?!"
"Yes," she said smoothly, as though discussing the weather. "In two months' time."
Kael's mind reeled. Marriage? To a princess? Without his say?
He bolted past her, down the stairs two at a time. Bursting into the hall, he demanded, "Father! Is this true?"
The entire feast stilled. All eyes turned toward the clan head.
Veynar coughed, then nodded. "It is true. The arrangement honors our bond with Azura, and… you as well. It is decided."
Kael gaped, speechless.
---
The Brother's Fury
Darius's face turned red as wine. He slammed his fist against the table, rattling the dishes. "That bastard! First he steals all the glory in the trials, and now he steals the princess?!"
The room filled with tense silence. Servants shrank against the walls, afraid to breathe.
Elira descended the stairs gracefully, her voice carrying like a melody. "Correction. No one 'stole' me. I chose Kael."
Her words cut deeper than any blade. Darius's jaw dropped. His carefully prepared robes, his cologne, his rehearsed smiles—all useless.
Kael pressed a hand to his forehead. "This is insane."
Elira smirked. "Get used to it. You're stuck with me."
---
A Feast of Awkwardness
The feast resumed, though the air buzzed with gossip. Every glance darted toward Kael, whispers spreading like wildfire.
Kael sat stiffly, staring at his food, as Elira casually took the seat beside him.
When she leaned close enough that her hair brushed his shoulder, Kael shifted away—straight into a servant carrying soup, who yelped and stumbled. The pot splashed, narrowly missing Kael but soaking Darius's robes.
The hall erupted in laughter. Even Kael's usually stern father chuckled behind his hand.
Darius sputtered, face purple. "This is not funny!"
But Elira only laughed again, her gaze never leaving Kael.
---
Closing
By the end of the night, Kael had lost his appetite, his patience, and most of his composure.
His father clapped him on the shoulder. "Accept it, Kael. This is a great honor."
Kael muttered under his breath, "Honor or trap, I can't even tell anymore."
Darius stormed out of the hall, fury burning in his eyes. This isn't over, Kael. I'll make you pay.
And above it all, Elira smiled to herself. "Two months," she whispered, just enough for me to know kael better .
Kael groaned. "Why me?"