The royal castle was wrapped in an aura of splendor that defied the night itself. The proud towers, adorned with the banners of the twelve noble families, cut through the dark sky, illuminated by thousands of floating lanterns that cast a golden glow over the obsidian-black fortress. The tall, narrow windows of the main hall shimmered with the light of crystal chandeliers, their flames dancing in a slow rhythm, as if swaying to the symphony of harps and violins echoing from within.
Carriages drawn by majestic creatures, midnight-black horses with eyes glowing like embers, filed toward the grand iron gates. From them descended imposing figures, dressed in garments that blended elegance and power.
Representatives of the twelve demonic families were present, each led by their heads and heirs, their very presence radiating an energy that made the air feel heavier. The colors of their attire—blood-red, royal purple, emerald-green—contrasted against the backdrop, creating a regal aura.
Glenn walked beside Lesley, his expression shadowed, out of place amidst the surrounding festivity. His eyes, once full of determination, now seemed lost, fixed on the polished marble floor that reflected the hall's shimmering lights.
Dressed in a sleek black suit with silver runes embroidered on the lapel, his bowtie neatly fastened with a golden brooch, he looked every bit as refined as the kingdom's most elite. His gloves, also his Nexus, gleamed, adding to his striking appearance. His jet-black hair swayed with his movements, framing a face carefully groomed by Dália and Hera.
Lesley, walking beside him, seemed unshaken. Her long, sensual dress in deep indigo accentuated her poised posture, flawless curves, and sun-kissed skin, her warm brown eyes gleaming. Her blue hair, styled into an intricate floral updo, cascaded elegantly, adorned with golden jewelry at her neck, wrists, and ears. She glanced at Glenn, noting the tension in his shoulders and the storm in his expression.
"Glenn," she began, her voice soft yet firm, like the wind before a storm.
"Hmm..." I murmured in response.
"You need to pull yourself together. This isn't the time to show your inner turmoil," she chided.
"Phew... I know. It's just... I... I..." My words stuck in my throat.
"Glenn, let me ask you something. What do you truly want?"
"What do you mean?" The question caught me off guard.
"Exactly what I asked. What do you really want? Freedom? Glory? Power? Wealth? What is it?"
"I... I... I want to live!" I answered uncertainly.
"What kind of life? With what ambitions?"
"I... I..." The questions disarmed me. Until now, I had only fought to survive, my only goal being the next day.
"Exactly, Glenn. You're a talent walking without direction! Have you ever considered that perhaps she is the only thing that truly gives your life meaning?"
"Huh...? What do you mean?"
"Have you ever wondered why she's been alone all this time? With so many qualified candidates throwing themselves at her feet?"
"I... I really don't know."
Lesley stopped walking and turned to face me.
"Selene isn't like the others," she continued, lifting my chin with her fingers so I'd meet her gaze. "She carries a burden few can comprehend, let alone share. But you... you might be the only one who, in the end, can truly stand beside her," she said earnestly, her words laced with genuine sentiment.
"What are you trying to say?"
"You've already proven yourself different. You've faced what many would call impossible. But above all, you were chosen—and being chosen by someone like her surpasses everything. Being chosen by an existence like her is more than enough to have a path."
"But... but... I couldn't even withstand twenty percent of what she is. How can I think of standing beside her? How can such a thought even linger in my mind?" I vented my frustration and anger.
"Because you're the only one who tries."
"I..."
"Perhaps that's your most praiseworthy trait since we've met. You simply keep trying."
"The others only see the throne, the power, the crown. But you... you see her, as if everything else were superfluous."
"I... I..."
"And that's something even she can't ignore. As long as you remain true to your principles, without succumbing to lust, power, greed, or whatever the others seek."
Glenn's eyes clouded, his mind drifting to the scene that had become his newest nightmare: a woman shedding a tear, cradling his dying body in her arms. The one who seemed untouchable and distant to everyone else was, in truth, just someone carrying an unbearable burden alone.
"Maybe you can't do it now," Lesley continued, her voice low but weighty. "But you have something others don't: the capacity to grow. And growing isn't just about power, Glenn. It's about understanding, adapting, becoming someone who can share the burden with her, not just bear it for her."
A lump still in my throat, I wanted to believe her words, but the memory of last night haunted me, the crushing weight, the pain, the helplessness.
"What if I'm not strong enough?" I whispered.
Lesley smiled, gentle yet challenging.
"Then you become stronger. You've already done the impossible. Why stop now? Remember, you were literally a dead man walking until she gave you another chance at life."
Her words tore down the walls I'd built within myself.
There was no point in tormenting myself over what was impossible now. I'd been given a new life, and whether by the design of some sadistic deity or fate itself, my path was tied to Selene. The original owner of this body was already dead, his family extinct—I should have followed the same fate. So if everything led back to her, then I would live accordingly, live as myself, someone who had done everything possible to survive.
"Maybe you're right," I said, my voice steadier now. "Maybe I need to grow. But not just to stand beside her. To become someone who deserves to be there." The first true goal of Glenn's new life had taken shape.
Lesley took a step back, her smile widening. "Now you're starting to understand."
The moment of clarity lifted a weight that had been pressing on me, loosening the knot in my throat.
'What matters is to keep trying. To keep growing! I have a path—now I just have to walk it.'
"But I must complain, you've forgotten your manners since we last met!" she scolded.
"Huh... what?" I blinked in confusion.
"How could a knight like you fail to compliment his companion's beauty on such an elegant evening?" Lesley spun gracefully, showcasing her radiance.
A small smile tugged at my lips. I'd been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't noticed the beast who routinely beat me in training had been replaced by a beauty worthy of legend.
"Ahem... ahem..." I cleared my throat. "Let's start over!" I bowed respectfully, offering my hand. "You look dazzling, Master Lesley. Your beauty outshines even the stars!"
"Hahaha... Your master tonight is Elian. Just call me Lesley. And... no unnecessary flattery, just be yourself!" she corrected.
Meeting her eyes again, I spoke sincerely. "Thank you... for everything, Lesley. You're beautiful."
Caught off guard by Glenn's rare sincerity, Lesley's cheeks tinted slightly as an involuntary smile formed. Taking her arm properly, we headed toward the grand ballroom doors.
Walking with measured steps, the banquet hall came into view. A deep, polished voice announced:
"Young Master Glenn, the royal representative, and his companion, Lesley Vanadius Bellator."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the luxurious hall as all eyes turned toward the pair. Whispers rose, particularly from the representatives of the demon kingdom's noble families.
The entire aristocracy was present or had sent suitable diplomats, and every one of them knew Lesley's reputation, the queen's right hand.
Glenn entering with her as his escort sent a clear message: the crown was nurturing him for a place of prominence in the future.
Some speculated silently that this event marked the rise of a new power under the queen, a plausible theory, given the uproar of the past thirty days. Glenn had proven himself remarkably capable.
"Alright, let's begin," I murmured to Lesley, exuding newfound confidence. She nodded calmly at my side.