The plaza was still heavy with silence.
The flames of the Celestial Cauldron flickered softly, reflecting in the marble beneath everyone's feet. The Imperial banners swayed in the breeze, and the scent of incense lingered in the air. The spectators—students, nobles, guards, teachers—still hadn't recovered from what they had witnessed.
Staryo stood quietly, his breath steady but body pale, traces of the Cart Method rebirth still lingering in the faint cracks of golden light across his skin.
Aru stood before him, her expression still touched by worry, though her eyes shone with relief and pride.
Her father, Emperor Vaelorn, stepped forward.
His footsteps were slow—measured.
This time it was not as a ruler.
Not as the cold judge of trials.
But as a father.
He stopped just a few steps away from Staryo.
When the Emperor spoke, his voice was not loud—but it carried like thunder.
"The Trials are complete."
The courtyard stirred. Whispers rippled.
Aru's hands tightened slightly at her sleeves.
The Emperor continued, gaze resting on Staryo alone:
"Strength. Mind. Heart.
You have passed all three."
He drew a breath.
There was no longer distance in his tone.
"Staryo. You are worthy… of my daughter."
Gasps broke out. A few nobles nearly dropped to their knees in shock.
Kaelith's hand clenched into a tight fist—jaw trembling.
But no one spoke.
The Emperor lifted his hand.
Servants stepped forward—rolling out a long crimson carpet toward the raised ceremonial dais.
The courtyard musicians lifted their instruments.
A soft, celestial melody began to play—strings and wind flutes harmonizing like drifting starlight.
Aru blinked, realizing what was happening.
Her father was not only acknowledging Staryo—
He was announcing the engagement.
He lifted his voice so that the empire itself could hear:
"Let all who stand witness—
Today marks the engagement of Princess Aru Vaeloria and Staryo, bearer of the Celestial Cart Path."
The crowd erupted like a tidal wave.
> "It's real—?! The engagement!"
"Princess Aru and him…!"
"They're like gods in human form…"
Lanterns were lit around the plaza.
Soft golden petals began falling, carried by arrays.
Aru's face flushed—but she did not look away from Staryo.
She stepped closer, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath.
She spoke softly:
"Staryo… You always walked beside me. Even when I feared losing you."
Her fingers trembled as she reached for the ring offered to her by a maiden.
It was carved from moon-silver, reflecting faint constellations.
Aru lifted Staryo's hand—the one that had endured death and rebirth.
Her voice was gentle, but unwavering.
"From this moment, wherever your path leads, I will walk it with you."
She slid the ring onto his fourth finger.
For a moment,
Time stopped.
A faint star-light pulse rippled outward—gentle, warm, undeniable.
The plaza hushed instantly.
Staryo lifted the second ring—formed from condensed star-crystal, shimmering with quiet cosmic radiance.
His voice was not loud.
But everyone heard it.
"Aru…
Even in the void, I remembered you."
Her breath caught.
Tears gathered—but she did not let them fall.
Staryo slid the ring onto her finger.
The sky responded.
Not figuratively.
The heavens dimmed, stars brightened—like the night itself bowed to them.
Gasps filled the courtyard. Some fell to their knees in reverence.
Even the Emperor—who had seen wars, miracles, and divine beings—felt his heartbeat stumble.
He whispered within:
This boy… no… this soul… stands beyond fate.
Kaelith looked away, eyes shadowed—but deep inside, something new ignited.
Not hatred.
Resolve.
---
The Ceremony Feast & Night Festival
Musicians played. Lanterns floated upward like drifting spirits of light.
Food stands filled the outer court. The academy students rushed about, whispering with excitement.
> "Look! They're sitting together—"
"They really look perfect…"
"Do you feel that presence? Like… like two stars orbiting each other."
Staryo and Aru sat beside each other beneath the blossoming starlight trees.
Their hands remained intertwined—not because they had to, but because neither wanted to let go.
Aru leaned gently against his shoulder.
Staryo did not move away.
He just looked up at the sky—quiet, thoughtful.
Aru whispered:
"Staryo…are you happy?"
His answer was simple—but deeper than any oath:
"…With you, yes."
Aru's face warmed—soft, bright, full.
The world seemed still.
---
But deep in the star-sky—
A crack appeared.
So small, so faint, that even the strongest cultivators did not notice.
But Staryo's Cosmos Eyes flickered.
Someone…
Something…
Was watching.
A whisper echoed from beyond the heavens:
"…the one who returned… has finally been found."
Staryo's gaze narrowed.
A storm is coming.