The return to Asteruya was the most intense moment of Seraphine's journey. Seraphine, Kael Arisugawa, and Lionel Kisaragi stood before the King, Seraphine's father, in the grand throne room.
The King's Blessing
The King, a man of duty and formality, looked tired. He had feared the worst for his careless daughter.
"You ran away and broke an alliance, Seraphine," the King sighed, his voice heavy.
Seraphine stepped forward, no longer shrinking. "I ran away to find my heart, Father. I found it with Kael."
Kael stepped up, his flirty manner gone, replaced by a sincere, unwavering devotion. He didn't ask; he promised.
"Your Majesty," Kael said, meeting the King's eyes. "I know I am not the royal prince you wanted, but I possess the pure love since childhood that she deserves. I promise to protect her at any cost—from pirates, from her own clumsiness, and from any man who would dare make her unhappy. My love is her true home."
The King looked at his daughter's radiant, happy face, then at Kael's honest, determined eyes. He saw the fierce loyalty of Lionel standing behind them, ready to defend their choice.
The King sighed deeply, the sound conveying both resignation and immense relief. "Very well, Kael. If my daughter's heart is truly set, then I will grant my blessing. Just... try not to let her trip over the altar on your wedding day."
Seraphine burst into happy tears, and Kael smiled, pulling her into a tight, relieved embrace.
Reunion of the Rivals
Later that evening, Lionel stood outside the castle gates, breathing in the non-flour-dusted air. A dark, elegant carriage pulled up. Yuzael Valestrian stepped out, looking perfectly composed.
"Prince Yuzael," Lionel muttered, instantly fierce.
Yuzael gave a subtle nod. "Lionel. I heard the news. They made it."
Lionel scoffed, kicking a pebble. "Yeah. That flirty idiot won. I tried to warn the Princess, but she only has eyes for his stupid face."
Yuzael simply watched the castle, his expression nonchalant. "He won because he was honest with his feelings from the start. You and I, Lionel, were too afraid to show our soft hearts." He paused, a flicker of genuine respect in his eyes. "You're a good friend, Lionel. You protected her well."
Lionel's cheeks turned a familiar red blush at the compliment. "Hmph. I'm going back to the bakery. I'm needed there."
Yuzael gave a cold, faint smile. "I believe your mother will be pleased. I have duties to attend to as well." The rivalry was over, replaced by a shared, quiet understanding—they had both loved her, and they both wanted her happiness.
The Festival of Starlight: The Official Kiss
One year later, the City of Asteruya was celebrating its own version of the Festival of Starlight, held in honor of the royal wedding.
Seraphine, no longer the runaway princess, stood beside Kael. She wore a beautiful gown, and her unique star-like pupils shone brighter than the lanterns floating in the night sky.
The moment arrived. The priest finished the final words.
Kael turned to Seraphine, his handsome face filled with the deepest devotion. He gently lifted her veil.
"Ready for the official kiss, Princess?" he whispered, his voice warm with the flirty charm she loved so much.
"Yes," Seraphine whispered, her kind-hearted eyes shining with tears of joy.
Kael kissed her then—a deep, final kiss under a beautiful canopy of floating starlight. It wasn't a practice kiss or a teaser; it was the sacred, promised moment. It was the moment the princess who ran away to avoid duty finally claimed her destiny, her freedom, and her home in the arms of her true love.
From the crowd, a fiercely smiling Lionel and a subtly respectful Yuzael watched the happy couple. Their journey was over.