Two Weeks Later – Imperial Ball Night
The grand ballroom of Arcadia Imperial Castle was filled with lively festivities. Guests from all over the world gathered to celebrate the Empire's victory in pushing back the demon army.
Nobles, royal heirs, elves, dwarves, and beastmen filled the hall, illuminated by dazzling crystal chandeliers. Gallant knights and renowned adventurers from various lands were also present for the occasion.
From the main entrance, a man with black hair appeared, dressed in an elegant black suit. Arthur stepped into the ballroom, scanning the surroundings with an indifferent expression. To him, this scene was all too familiar.
A ballroom dance.
"I've searched the entire castle, but I still haven't found her." Arthur sighed in frustration before taking a sip from his glass of milk.
"I should just leave if I don't see her. Coming here was pointless."
He downed the rest of his milk and raised his glass toward a passing servant.
"Servant, refill my drink," he said casually.
"Ah, right away, Hero."
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed from the main entrance.
"Attention, everyone! The Emperor and the Princess have arrived!"
The atmosphere instantly turned silent. The guests gracefully stepped back from the center of the hall, preparing to welcome the Emperor and the heir to the throne.
Arthur merely glanced toward the entrance and let out a quiet sigh.
"So, the rumors were true," he thought.
"The Emperor's direct descendant was kidnapped by demons, while the prince is under a deep sleep curse with no known cure."
As he pondered, a man suddenly stood beside him, casually drinking from a nearby glass.
"That's why the Emperor must seek an heir from his concubines," the man remarked. "At least, until the prince awakens or the kidnapped princess returns."
Arthur turned to him in slight surprise. The man beside him had a strong build, a handsome face, and distinctively long ears—an elf.
"Ah, I apologize for speaking so suddenly. I haven't even introduced myself," the man said, setting down his drink before offering a formal Imperial greeting.
"I am Rafael Milhelm, Crown Prince of the Northern Elf Kingdom."
"Pleasure to meet you, Hero."
Arthur looked at him blankly. "So, what do you want here? Are you here to propose to the 'Puppet Princess'?" he asked bluntly.
Rafael chuckled. "So, the rumors about you are true." He took another sip of his drink before smirking. "Ah, human-brewed wine truly has no equal."
Arthur sighed and relaxed his shoulders. "Turns out you're just another fool," he remarked.
"Heh, you're quite the rude hero!" Rafael laughed. "But, well, you're not wrong. I was indeed sent here to propose to the Puppet Princess."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "But you don't want to, do you?"
"Of course not!" Rafael scoffed. "If I did that, my lover would be furious and break up with me!"
Arthur looked at Rafael with mild disbelief. "I have no idea how you became a prince."
"Hey! Watch your words!"
Before their conversation could continue, the Emperor began his speech. Arthur finally noticed that the Emperor and the Princess were now standing in the center of the ballroom. The room fell silent as all guests attentively listened.
His speech consisted mostly of gratitude and celebration. But then, the real announcement came.
"Now, before I conclude my speech, I have one important declaration to make," the Emperor announced.
"Given the current state of the Imperial Family, the leadership of the Empire's military will be entrusted to my granddaughter, Serena van Arcadia—the current heir to the throne."
"Her achievements on the battlefield have demonstrated exceptional skill in defending our lands from the demon army."
---
"The narrative is a bit confusing, so I'll piece it together myself," Arthur thought.
The current Emperor was the father of the previous Emperor, who had perished in the war against the Allied Forces ten years ago. At that time, the Crown Prince was only ten years old—far too young to rule—so leadership was handed back to the former Emperor.
However, six years ago, demons attacked the castle. The Princess was kidnapped, and the Crown Prince was cursed into an eternal slumber.
In this dire situation, the Empire sought out other descendants from former concubines. Unfortunately, the demons caught wind of this and eliminated nearly all remaining Imperial bloodlines.
Except for one survivor.
Serena van Arcadia.
With her mother, she managed to escape and rebuild her own forces. She defended the lands entrusted to her and waged war against the demons for years.
However, despite her achievements, she was still viewed as the "Puppet Princess" by the Imperial Council.
Arthur sighed. "Why are councils always such a headache?"
---
"In recognition of her contributions, I, as Emperor, hereby name her the rightful heir to the Imperial throne," the Emperor continued. "I also grant her full authority to command our military forces in the war against the demon threat."
Rafael whispered to Arthur, "Seems like even the Emperor can't do much against that council."
Arthur nodded. "Poor woman," he murmured. "Cast out from the Imperial Family, yet now she must protect the very people who abandoned her."
Rafael suddenly panicked. "Ah! I didn't mean to insult the current Emperor!"
"You still insulted the previous one," Arthur replied flatly.
"Please, keep this a secret!"
Arthur smirked. "No."
Rafael groaned and attempted to slip away, but Arthur stopped him with a firm pat on the shoulder.
Arthur's gaze shifted to Princess Serena, who stood in the center of the hall.
"If… if someone were to save that girl, would she be grateful?"
Rafael eyed Arthur warily. "Hey, what are you planning?"
Arthur didn't answer. He slowly stepped forward, weaving through the crowd, and emerged before the Princess.
Princess Serena looked at him in confusion.
"Who are you?" she asked.
Arthur gave a small smile. He knelt before her, pulling out a luxurious jewelry box from his pocket and opening it.
The guests gasped as they saw the ring inside.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Is he… is he proposing to the Princess?!"
"How dare he!"
Imperial knights moved to intervene, but they couldn't get close. Arthur had already erected an invisible magic barrier.
He lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Princess Serena.
Then, with a firm voice, he declared:
"Princess Serena van Arcadia, I love you."
"Marry me."