The competition for being my knight ended and everyone looks happy despite me not getting any knight at all. And guess who's more happier than anyone else? It's my family, who were the ones that thought about the competition! Seriously? I feel like they only did that to fill the weeks of this one month celebration. Still, my brother did said that we will held this competition every year until I get a personal knight.
Hah...
It looks like this celebration is coming to an end now. There's still next week, the time of the banquet. I mean...banquets, that will happen for five days for goodness' sake. Just how much money did they throw for this celebration? And how come the board of directors didn't even speak up about it?
Oh--well, I think I remember my father saying that those who refuse to agree with the one-month birthday celebration will be...what again? Exiled?
I took a deep sigh and prevented myself from shaking my head.
"What? Are you that tired for you to sigh that deep?" Asher asked, I nodded my head and looked at him.
"Yeah, I'm tired of thinking," currently, we're at my play room. I'm with Eli and Ziel who is now completely healed because of my brother. I told him to rest but he insisted on accompanying me today.
Asher is visible to the two, but still chose to use telepathy to talk to me.
"Then, don't think?" Seriously?
"Sometimes, talking to you just don't make sense,"
Thanks to this birthday celebration, I was able to relax my mind from all the problems that I've been trying to solve for the past two years.
"Your Highness, are you ready for tonight?" Tonight? I tilt my head and look at Ziel. What is he saying? Oh, is it about the knights ceremony that will happen tonight?
"Are you talking about the Imperial Knights Ceremony? I heard you'll be appointed as a knight tonight, right? Congratulations, Ziel!" I said cheerfully. Ziel was a bit surprised from what I said, and I don't know why.
Normally, he should be appointed as an esquire first before he can become a knight. But through my eldest brother and third brother's suggestion, he skipped being an esquire and will be appointed as a knight tonight at the Imperial Knights Ceremony. Surprisingly, my third brother agreed right away when Brother Heli spoke about it with our father. That means he acknowledged Ziel's strength. They said he's already qualified to be a knight after the performance he showed during the three days battle.
And, yes. He joined the battle without being an official knight yet.
"Thank you, Your Highness. However I am not referring to that, and it seems like the Princess had no idea about it? Then...I'll keep it a secret from you for now. I think the Crown Prince and Third Prince's intention is to surprise you," Hmm? Brother Heli and Brother Dae? Surprise me?
Oh wait, come to think of it, Brother Heli hasn't revealed his gift to me yet, right? Is he going to give it to me tonight? During the Imperial Knights Ceremony? But, what about Brother Dae?
"Seriously, Ziel? You just made me become curious about it," I replied and place another lego block on top of the one that Eli made. Eli has become quiet and focused on her task of building a house...
She's so cute!
"Haha, my apologies, Your Highness. I thought you already know about it," he responded. I wonder what it is...
I turned to Asher to ask him but he looked away from me just as I about to lay an eye on him!
"Asher, do you know?"
"I wasn't listening to your conversation, Your Highness. I have no idea what you are talking about," Ahhh...seriously?
No matter, I'm kinda looking forward to tonight's Imperial Knights Ceremony now.
"Haha, even after two years Your Highness' facial expression doesn't change," Ohh...
It seems like my face expressed my thoughts again.
"Eh, really? Hehe ~ it's just I am a bit excited about tonight's ceremony all of a sudden,"
Since Brother Heli and Brother Dae are already official knights, I wonder what they're planning to do later at the ceremony.
***
The ceremony had already started, and I am sitting on a throne beside my Dad's. He holds the ceremonial sword on his right hand as he bestow the knights their official positions.
I stared at Ziel--who looks extremely pretty right now! I feel like my heart is racing fast, oh my gosh. How can a person be that beautiful? Is that even possible?! Just look at his brushed up hair, it suits him so much!
I turned to my Brothers when I felt their gazes.
Why are they all staring at me like that? Did they noticed me looking at Ziel?
"Hehe...my brothers look absolutely amazing tonight," I spoke, causing them all to finally look away from me looking proud. Brother Dae is even smirking with his arms crossed.
They are so competitive...
Ah, one more thing. I wonder where Asher is? I haven't seen him since this afternoon. He didn't tell me anything, but he left earlier after I'm done playing with Ziel and Eli.
"Kafziel Laverde," It's Ziel's turn!
"I give you this sword as a symbol of your honor and bravery. You are now a knight, sworn to protect and serve this Empire. May this sword guide you as you defend what is just and right." That's some favoritism right there, Dad. Ziel was the only one who received a long proclamation.
Ziel, who is kneeling in front of my father while bowing his head, replied.
"I am humbled by this great honor, Your Imperial Majesty. I swear to uphold my loyalty towards the Empire and defend it with my life," Ziel answered, I saw him smiling a bit as he stand and bow in front of my Dad.
Really, he deserves the best. I know nothing about his training in Elda Region, but I can tell...just by looking at those hands that he worked really hard.
Since he's only eleven, he should be attending an Esquires Appointment Ceremony, but my family decided to make him a knight because of his power. No one can deny the fact that he's powerful because they've seen it themselves yesterday during the last battle, and my Father's decision is absolute. They can call it a special treatment for Ziel, but well...as someone who already have the power to protect, it's only natural that he get the position he deserves.
I can't decide if that was unfair or they just did the right thing.
Now, it's Brother Caelus!
"I name you, Knight Caelus Ciera, a protector of our people. Wear this sword with pride, and remember your oath to defend our people. You are now a part of our noble order of knights. May this sword strengthen your arm and your heart," Another favoritism, Dad.
"I am honored, Your Imperial Majesty. I, Caelus Ciera swear to serve with loyalty and valor. To only wield this sword with honor and justice. I will protect the innocent and serve our noble order,"
I feel so proud. Even though it's only been weeks since we met, I became closer to Brother Caelus and Eli right away. Seeing him ascend to knighthood, it makes me happy.
A long time had passed and my Dad finished appointing the knights. Is it done now?
"It looks like it's our turn now, Brother Heli," I turned to my third brother as he stood up. Their turn? Aren't they already a knights?
Brother Heli also stood up and walk towards our Father. Also, Brother Aeli went towards me and carried me on his arms. What the heck is going to happen?
"Eh?" I stared at my second brother but he just smiled at me. What...what?
Brother Aeli walks up to Dad and lined up with him, while my first and third brother also made one line, with Brother Heli in front.
"Helios Rishi de Ciera, you have stated that you wish to make a knight's oath to the First Princess. Are you certain about this?"
"Yes, Father. My decision is certain and absolute,"
Huh?
"How about the Third Prince, Diellzain Ray de Ciera?"
"Yes, Father. I already decided to swear my loyalty to my sister,"
What?
My eyes widened as I heard the words of Dad. Knight's oath?! Brother Heli? I understand Brother Dae, but Brother Heli...?
"Eh? Brother Heli? What? Knight's oath...to me? But, you're the Crown Prince, your oath should be towards your people--you're..." I stopped when I saw Brother Heli's soft smile and gaze. He's...determined about this!
But you're the Crown Prince though!?
"Dad?" My Dad only smiled at me.
"You've been waiting for Heli's gift, right?" I see...
So, this is Brother Heli's gift! That's why it's been so long and he haven't given me any gifts yet. It's because he's waiting for the Imperial Knights Ceremony...a chance for him to make an oath.
But...is this alright?
But Brother...you already have many burdens to shoulder. I should not be your responsibility...
My heart's racing fast, I don't know what to feel.
"Eh? Ali..." Both Brother Heli and Brother Dae walks towards me with concern written all over their faces. My first brother wiped away my tears as my third brother holds my hand.
"Ali. Do you know? Ever since we found you, I already swore to protect you. I am your eldest brother, it is natural that I protect my younger siblings, especially you, my one and only dear sister. It is because I love you so much, Ali," I feel like my heart became weak even more after hearing Brother Heli's words.
How did he even thought about this? He can protect me without taking the knight's oath though? He's already a crown prince and to take an oath for me...
"But--but you're the heir apparent to Dad's throne...you already have many responsibilities...I can't be a burden to Brother Heli..." I cried silently, trying not to sob. What should I do? What if the people refused this idea? My brother is their future Emperor after all...
But, how come there's no one reacting to this?
"You are never a burden, Ali. I will do everything for you," He gently touched my chin and gave me a peck on my forehead as he smile.
"That's right, Ali. Do you know just how much we want to protect you? We swear to always stay by Ali's side no matter what happen. You are the light of our life, dear sister," Brother Dae added, pinching my cheeks.
I sniffled and gulped.
"Aww, I'm jealous. I want to make a knight's oath too, but I'm not a knight," Brother Aeli spoke, kissing the top oh my head. Well, you're a doctor.
"Heh, just leave Ali to our capable hands, Brother Aeli," Brother Aeli chuckled and nod his head.
"I trust you, Zain, Brother Heli. But I will do my best to protect Ali in my own way," I feel like crying again. This warm feeling that I've never felt before in my previous life is constantly visiting my heart.
I really love these brothers of mine.
After I calmed down, Brother Dae and Brother Heli went back to their lines. But this time, Brother Heli let my third brother go first.
Dad smiled at him as Brother Dae kneel down on one kne. He rested his right elbow on his right knee and bow his head, waiting for Dad to speak.
"I, the Emperor, Orpheus Raven de Ciera accept your offer," Dad pointed the tip of the sword on Brother Dae's left shoulder.
"This is sword," then to his right shoulder.
"This is the shield," then on top of his head.
"And this is strength. Now swear the oath of a knight to my daughter, The Princess. Pledge your loyalty to her and our Imperial Family," Dad said. Brother Dae placed his right hand in front of his opposite chest and spoke.
"I, the Third Prince of Ciera Empire, Diellzain Ray de Ciera, do vow to dedicate my life to your service, Your Highness Alina Devi de Ciera. I swear to be your faithful knight, your loyal protector, and your humble servant. I pledge to defend you with my sword, shield, and strength. To support you with my counsel, and to honor you with my loyalty, now and forever," I sniffled as I prevent myself from crying out loud. The tears just started escaping my eyes again...
Scratch that novel I read in my previous life. My family here is real and genuine, their love and affection to me is not to be taken lightly. I love them so much...
After Brother Dae, it's Brother Heli's turn.
Brother Heli kneel down as he bow his head and close his eyes. Father pointed the tip of the sword on his left shoulder shoulder.
"This is honor,", He then pointed to Brother's right shoulder.
"This is loyalty," and then he pointed to Brother's top of the head.
"This is the strength. I, the Emperor grant you permission to your request. Now take the oath of a knight and pledge your loyalty to my daughter, The First Princess,"
Brother Heli placed his right hand across his chest and spoke.
"By the honor of my family, by the loyalty of my heart, and by the strength of my arm, I, the Crown Prince of Ciera Empire, Helios Rishi de Ciera swear to protect and serve you, Your Highness Alina Devi de Ciera. I vow to defend you from all harm, to uphold the honor of our Empire, and to be your faithful knight, now and forever," Uhh...goodness gracious. The crowned heir to the throne swore loyalty to his sister instead of the empire's people...
Is this actually alright? Oh my gosh.
He even said 'now and forever'. How do you plan to do that?
I smiled at the both of them as the crowd goes wild. Cheering my and my brothers' name. I can't even figure out which one they are cheering on.
I can't believe this.
This will be one of my core memories with my family.
My eldest brother, who is the Crown Prince and heir apparent to the throne has vowed to protect and serve me instead of his people who are also here to attend ghe Imperial Knights Ceremony. Despite having so many duties and responsibilities, he still chose to take the knight's oath for me.
My Third Brother, who also have the responsibilities of a prince and a knight captain swore his loyalty to me despite his young age. I am amazed by his resolve.
"Happy birthday, Ali," Brother Heli walked towards me and my second brother handed me over.
"*sniffle* Thank you, Brother Heli...thank you, Brother Dae...I love you so much *sniffle*" I said, giving them both kisses on their cheeks.
"I'm jealous, I think I worked really hard tonight too," My Dad's getting childish again. I giggled and also gave him a kiss.
"Hmm, I'm sad that I don't get a kiss for not taking the knight's oath," Seriously, Brother Aeli?
"But I love Brother Aeli too!" And so he received a kiss as well.
The crowd became even more cheerful and I can hear a lot of people complimenting the way we show love for each other. Having this people as my family was never my wish, but the God gave them to me. I'm so grateful for whoever gave me the chance to live again.
And for my Mom, I still miss her so much. She's the one who opened my heart and made me realized my feelings towards my family. I will never forget her.
I smiled as we all face the audience. My family wave their hands to them which made them even more loud.
I saw Ziel looking at us with a smile on his face.
I saw Aunt Chantelle, Uncle Ran, and Eli too. And on the far left, there's Uncle Sigrid and Big Sis Kae.
My heart feels warm.
Even thought this ceremony should be for the knights, my brothers made sure that this will stay as part of my birthday celebration. Haha, really...
I'm beyond happy.
***