Lusian spent the rest of the night in quiet rest, reflecting on the recent events. The tournament had been a challenge—but more than that, it had exposed the cracks in the kingdom's security and the growing tension between the nobility and the forces of the Empire.
At dawn, he returned to the capital, where the official award ceremony for the tournament participants would be held.
On the day of the royal banquet, Lusian arrived accompanied by Emily. The atmosphere was lively and festive. Inside the grand hall, King Felipe Erkhan Kessler sat upon his throne. To his right were Queen Adelina, Crown Prince Andrew alongside his fiancée Roxi Briggs Byrne, and Princess Elizabeth. To his left stood the royal concubine Alessia Ferrussi, Prince Leonardo, and his younger brother Micael.
Clusters of nobles filled the hall, chatting animatedly as they shared their experiences from the hunting tournament.
Lusian made his way to a table lined with fine wines.
Emily followed at a slight distance, a knot tightening in her stomach. She couldn't ignore Lusian's presence—every movement of his unsettled her.
"You don't have to drink anything if you don't want to," Lusian said calmly, measuring his words.
Emily held the glass with slightly trembling hands and nodded, grateful he wasn't pressuring her. She took a small sip, trying to steady the nerves running through her body.
Lusian watched her in silence. His gaze seemed to study every gesture, every reaction, as though he were trying to understand her. Emily felt her heart race and lowered her eyes, caught between fear and curiosity. She knew that sooner or later, she would have to accept Lusian as part of her life—but she wasn't ready to lower her guard.
The silence between them was heavy with meaning. Not uncomfortable—just intense. Neither rushed to break it.
Every glance, every small movement carried more weight than words.
Sofía soon approached, pinched Lusian's cheek, and warned him not to drink too much. After a brief exchange filled with affectionate reproach, she left them alone once more.
Emily watched him quietly, trying to figure out how to approach him. Noticing her hesitation, Lusian gave a small gesture, inviting her to follow him toward the center of the hall.
"Don't worry," he said calmly. "Just stay with me."
Emily nodded, cautious. Her fingers brushed against the glass as she struggled to steady her hands. With each step, her inner conflict grew stronger—fear, respect, and an undeniable curiosity.
Across the hall, Kara Bourlance stood beside her father, Duke Keiler. Though she appeared engaged in conversation, her eyes never left Lusian, burning with a mix of irritation and determination.
"It's not fair, Father," she said firmly. "Using magical beasts in a competition should be forbidden."
The duke sighed with a faint, knowing smile.
"Easy, my dear. That family always finds a way to bend the rules."
Kara frowned, staring at Lusian.
"Look at him. He doesn't even care that he won with his mother's help. He's not a real fighter."
"Yes, well, he's his mother's pampered son," the duke replied casually. "I'd wager that if he faced you, he'd end up humiliated."
A tight smile formed on Kara's lips—the kind she wore before a challenge.
"You'll see, Father. I'll give him the welcome he deserves at the academy."
"Just don't go too far," the duke warned. "Remember how sensitive Duchess Sofía is when it comes to Lusian. We already had trouble when you broke Prince Andrew's arm."
Kara didn't flinch, though her tone softened slightly.
"Don't worry. Just a few fractures this time."
The duke chuckled.
Elsewhere, Isabella Armett was growing increasingly irritated by Caleb's relentless attempts to court her. To make matters worse, Prince Leonardo approached and asked her for a dance—only for Caleb to step in immediately, tension rising in an instant.
"Lady Isabella, would you really prefer a substitute prince?" Caleb said with a mocking edge.
"Interesting words coming from someone who can't compete with his younger brother," Leonardo replied evenly.
The tension between them crackled.
Princess Elizabeth, passing by, paused as she noticed the situation. She understood the conflict all too well—and the arrangement that allowed Isabella to choose her own future.
"Come with me, Isabella. I'll show you somewhere quieter," she said, extending her hand.
Isabella accepted without hesitation.
"They still won't leave you alone?" Elizabeth asked as they walked.
"I'm desperate," Isabella admitted. "I can't reject them outright, and my family doesn't have the power to intervene."
"I understand," Elizabeth said with a faint sigh. "If it weren't for my father, I wouldn't know how to deal with those who try to take advantage of my status."
Her gaze briefly darkened as it passed over Lorenzo Denisse, who always seemed to find excuses to approach her.
As they walked, they crossed paths with Lusian, who was heading toward the lounge, his expression marked by fatigue and quiet detachment.
"Lord Lusian, what a pleasure to see you," Elizabeth greeted him with a soft smile.
"Your Highness. Lady Isabella," Lusian replied with a slight bow.
Some of his weariness seemed to fade at the sight of Elizabeth. There was something about her that always caught his attention—though he did his best to hide it.
"Heading off to rest? Don't tell me you plan to dream about a certain lady," Isabella teased, puzzled by his subtle attention toward Elizabeth.
"Not at all," Lusian replied. "I just want a break from the crowd."
Still, his eyes betrayed a flicker of interest—something Andrew would have despised noticing.
Meanwhile, after parting from Lusian, Emily found Clarisse Stanley near a window overlooking the torchlit garden.
"How are you? And my brother?" Emily asked, trying to sound casual, though concern slipped through.
"Hello, Emily. He went to get drinks," Clarisse replied with a faint smile.
Emily studied her expression.
"You look down. Did something happen?"
Clarisse sighed softly.
"My family wants me to break off my engagement with Manuel."
Emily's hand rose to her chest in shock.
"This is my fault… because of my engagement to Lusian," she whispered, guilt weighing heavily on her voice.
"It's not your fault," Clarisse said firmly. "My father just doesn't want to get involved in complicated matters."
Emily lowered her gaze, thinking.
"What will you do?"
Clarisse lifted her chin slightly, determination clear in her eyes.
"I'm not breaking the engagement. Not because of pressure. Not for anything. This is my choice."
At that moment, Manuel arrived with Alejandro, greeting them with easy smiles, unaware of the tension that had just passed.
Their conversation turned light, almost normal.
But for Emily, the calm felt fragile—
because deep inside, she could feel another conflict beginning to take shape.