The Beginning Adventure of the New Monarch

After greeting the guards stationed at the palace gates, our small group entered the majestic royal castle the hallways were adorned with sumptuous tapestries depicting battles and historic moments of the kingdom.

The air carried a subtle blend of incense and beeswax—a fragrance that, despite its softness, reflected the solemnity of the place.

We quickly arrived at the grand doors of the throne room two guards in gleaming armor opened them with synchronized gestures, revealing a vast, light-filled space.

The ceiling, supported by massive columns, seemed to reach the heavens, while the throne itself, golden and encrusted with precious stones, sat atop a marble platform.

The moment we stepped inside, applause erupted the king stood before his throne, surrounded by several advisors.

His imposing figure and wise gaze revealed a profound love for the people he protected.

Beside him, members of the court smiled with relief the news of our victory had clearly brought peace back to their hearts.

To my surprise, Raelia, Gilbert, and Lord Robert all knelt in unison a bit unsure, i hurried to mimic their gesture, lowering one knee and bowing my head slightly.

The king observed us for a moment before raising a hand to signal the end of the protocol.

"Enough of this formalities are unnecessary today," he said warmly.

We rose to our feet, and Raelia, always poised, stepped forward and spoke with respectful confidence:

"My king, we have defeated the last enemy contingents, along with their reinforcements attempting to land on our shores."

The king listened silently, but as soon as she finished, he descended the steps of the dais and embraced her with the strength only a protective father could muster.

"Rael… my daughter, I was so worried. I feared harm would come to you," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Raelia, visibly surprised by the embrace, blushed faintly, looking slightly embarrassed.

"Father… you're squeezing me too hard. But I'm fine, I promise," she murmured, trying to suppress a smile.

The king gently released her, though his gaze remained locked on hers.

"I will never stop worrying about you, Rael. Not as long as I live," he said with sincere affection.

Raelia responded with a radiant smile—the kind of smile born only from pure happiness.

After their brief exchange, the king turned to all of us, his tone becoming more formal yet still warm:

"You all must be exhausted. Return to your quarters and rest. Tonight, we will hold a banquet in your honor."

We all nodded in respect and agreement. A feeling of relief and gratitude hung in the air, shared by everyone present.

Gilbert and Lord Robert bowed one final time before taking their leave, followed by Raelia. As for me, I lingered for a moment, watching the scene before my eyes.

The king and his daughter exchanged a few more words—words I couldn't hear but whose tenderness and joy were unmistakable.

I made myself discreet, leaving the throne room last to give them this moment of shared happiness.

As I walked through the hallways, my thoughts drifted back to everything that had happened.

The weight of battles, moments of doubt, and fear that had gripped us at times—all of it now felt distant.

It was no more than a memory, erased by the warmth of applause and the brilliant light of the throne room.

Raelia and her father deserved this moment.

In a world so different from my own, where responsibilities seemed to weigh heavily on everyone these instances of familial tenderness felt almost sacred.

I walked slowly toward my quarters,

appreciating the newfound calm within the palace.

The vast windows offered an impressive view of the city of Amiria, bathed in the golden light of the afternoon.

The citizens, still celebrating, danced and sang in the streets.

Tonight, the banquet promised to be lavish, a feast befitting the accomplishment we had achieved. But at that moment, I simply savored the privilege of being here

witnessing these moments of victory and joy.

For while war may forge heroes, it is these moments of peace that remind them why they fight.