This doesn't look so good…
Vivia now cursed herself. In the spirit of her pride and refusal to back down, she valiantly agreed with Zerath's offer. But she now held second thoughts, questioning her unnecessary pride.
After having shared that questionable moment with him and the days that had followed, being pressed against his chest in such close proximity while the stallion galloped towards Casca was the last thing Vivia had wished for.
Too close…
Her ear tickled with his warm breaths mildly brushing against it, while a faint pressure of his arm as he handled the reins jolted her back now and then.
Eurus sat comfortably on Vivia's lap, who was now beginning to feel the erratic thump of her heartbeats. Her arms would unconsciously tighten around his waist whenever the proximity between her and Zerath would fog her mind. He looked up, puzzled.
"Eurus, are you enjoying the ride? Is it too fast for you?" She asked, trying to divert her mind from unnecessary thoughts.
He shook his head.
Zerath didn't miss the tinge of red spreading across the tips of her ears. His gaze lingered at her happy face in a trance, who cuddled and chuckled with Eurus.
"I hope I didn't offend you earlier."
Vivia looked up. "Offend?"
Is he referring to our conversation at the gates?
"I wouldn't want to see Lady Vivia in a sour mood, especially today…" his voice trailed off at the end.
Her gaze flickered with loneliness for a brief moment before her expression swiftly brightened again.
"Not at all. You were being playful so I simply thought to return the playfulness," she laughed, albeit with a lump of sorrow forming in her throat which she tried to hide.
Zerath's lips parted slightly, uncertain and unsure. Eurus stared at him, mirroring Vivia's tension. An unspoken restlessness between them hung in the air, which he failed to understand.
As the stallion continued to gallop, Vivia began to see a faint outline of the capital city gates and the imagery beyond. A large crowd of citizens had gathered at the gates to welcome Zerath, and their excited cheers were growing audible with each passing moment.
The stallion neighed and came to a halt as Zerath pulled the reins. The crowd erupted into a cheerful and welcoming exuberance.
"Rise for the Crown Prince, Zerath!"
Their gazes, however, as they landed upon Vivia, became filled with perplexity. Suddenly, a collective gasp escaped through the crowd.
"T-That woman is a human!"
Zerath helped Vivia and Eurus safely climb down from the saddle. Vespera returned to Vivia's side with a grunt. The crowd exchanged fervent glances with burning questions filling their minds.
That woman is a human, right?
Who is she? How dare she accompany the Crown Prince!
A human has never stepped foot into Casca!
Vivia felt a familiar sense of déjà vu sensing their hostile gazes target her. It reminded her of Nethermoor and the caution with which they had kept their distance from her.
A large part of the attention then fell onto Eurus. It was the first time they were seeing a demon with ice-silver hair and eyes, which was a very uncommon color to have.
They stepped through the gates, walking along the central pavement. Casca's citizens lined either side, showering flower petals upon the Crown Prince.
"Rise for the Crown Prince, Zerath!"
"Rise for the Crown Prince, Zerath!"
The battle cries echoed throughout Casca as waves of joy and merriment reverberated in the air. The demonesses looked at him, starry-eyed, their voices ringing with zeal.
Eurus stayed close by Vivia's side, faintly deterred by the huge crowd. After years of solitude and silence in the cave, a big congregation like this was still enough to make him feel unsettling jitters.
Zerath stared at the grand podium built specifically for his address that sparkled with royal majesty. He looked at Valtor and whispered, "Was a grand stage like this really necessary?"
"It was upon His Majesty's command, my lord," he bowed and replied. "The Crown Prince's welcome and celebration must be as grandiose and lavish as possible - those were his exact words."
Zerath let out a soft sigh. He stepped up and took the center stage, facing the citizens of Casca.
As Vivia looked around, she felt genuine warmth and love towards Zerath as everybody's gazes shone with glee and contentment. It was impossible to look anywhere else but at Zerath. His presence and stature alone commanded all the attention.
Zerath thoughtfully scratched his chin. "The holiday was declared for everyone to enjoy some rest and peace, but I'm afraid my welcome preparations ruined the intent. Therefore, I declare tomorrow a public holiday as well."
"Rise for the Crown Prince Zerath!!!"
Everybody burst into a peal of hearty laughter. A second holiday uplifted the atmosphere to pure bliss.
"Second. I understand that everyone was shocked to witness the sudden surge of the ice tide threatening to consume Casca out of nowhere. Due to some unfortunate circumstances at the palace, the situation went out of control. I also know that the sudden evacuation procedures brought forth a lot of inconveniences. Some got injured as well. Hence on behalf of His Majesty and the Order of the Council, I humbly apologize," he bowed apologetically.
A cobbler from the crowd exclaimed. "Your Highness, I witnessed your battle with the ice tide! You fought and won all on your own, my lord. Your swordsmanship was breathtaking. It was a legendary battle! You need not apologize."
"Me too!" A florist raised his hand next. "I was taking shelter on the roof when I happened to see you battling the tide! You saved us all, my lord!"
"I witnessed your golden sword too, my lord! It melted the ice into surrender haha!" A hairdresser shone with pride.
An arms merchant expressed his joy. "My lord used his magic to save us all! You indeed deserve the Crown Prince's title!"
The demons erupted into another wave of excitement that the royal knights struggled to control. Zerath raised his palm and everybody quietened in response.
"I sincerely thank Casca's people for their forgiveness and understanding. However, I will clarify that I didn't use magic to battle the tide. I cannot use magic."
The air echoed with gasps and hushed whispers.
"I can read the confusion in your eyes. I know the aura and light my sword emitted might look like magic, but it isn't. I, myself, am trying to find the answer to it. That's why, I don't want my citizens to be under any false impression."
An elderly demoness came forward, supporting herself with a walking stick.
"Magic or not my lord, the fact remains that you saved us. I wasn't in any state to escape for my life. If not for you, I would've been frozen. So hold your head high with pride, my lord. Whether you can wield magic or not, it doesn't disappoint us."
"Rise for the Crown Prince Zerath!"
"Rise for the Crown Prince Zerath!"
Warmth filled Zerath's gaze, as golden as the morning sunlight. He bowed with gratitude once again, his lips faintly quivering with emotion. A bright smile lifted on Vivia's lips as well, a sense of pride welling in her chest.
Zerath raised his head and continued. "Third. By His Majesty's order, the jurisdiction of Casca has now been passed down to me. I accept the command with full responsibility," he said with utmost sincerity.
The demonesses particularly squealed with delight.
"Does that mean that my lord Zerath would visit Casca more frequently now?" They gushed among themselves.
"My eyes will be so blessed!"
Vivia looked at Zerath, her heart thumping as she met his beautiful golden eyes.
Indeed. Astaroth might be the blessed demon, but I think the true blessing is having to see Zerath's face everyday…
Her brow twitched incessantly at her own impure thoughts.
You better not blurt that out in front of Zerath!
"I'll serve Casca to the best of my abilities and vow to be fair and just. I'm hoping and looking forward to learning from all the people here."
The citizens cheered for him once again with bright smiles.
"And now…" Zerath said, "I'd like to introduce everyone here to our esteemed guest from the Human Realm - the royal princess of the Emberlain Kingdom, Princess Clairette Emberlain."
With that single announcement from him, sharp and pointed gazes immediately fell upon Vivia as she walked up to the podium.
Her lips held a polite smile as she made a graceful curtsy, slightly lifting the edges of her gown.
"Clairette Emberlain from the Emberlain Kingdom greets the citizens of Casca."