Kevin replied:
"Very well, my lady. Don't worry… I'll keep an eye on him."
And so, everyone headed to their rooms, awaiting tomorrow's celebration.
---
The Next Morning
Arthur woke up early, as usual, to train.
He ran for a long time, sweat pouring down his forehead. Panting, he said:
"This is good… my physical strength is improving slightly.
I need to increase it as much as possible before going to the academy. At least I should be able to endure the training and not collapse on the first attempt.
I'm really excited to go… there I will learn to release and control my aura."
He smiled to himself:
"Unlike my previous life, where I studied magic… here everyone learns aura.
Luckily, I have some experience in this field, though it's nothing compared to mana."
While he was deeply focused on his training… she suddenly appeared before him.
Arthur jumped back instinctively and said in shock:
"You scared me!"
She replied coldly:
"Coward… were you scared just because I appeared?"
He asked her:
"What are you doing here this early? Shouldn't you be asleep?"
She answered:
"I couldn't sleep."
He looked at her for a moment and said:
"Hmm… you look like you're carrying mountains on your shoulders."
She sighed:
"Even heavier than that."
He prepared to return to his training and said:
"Well… I hope you can lighten that burden soon."
She replied:
"Thank you… and you as well."
Irina thought to herself:
Not bad… he really works hard.
Arthur thought as he walked away:
A smart girl despite her young age… to bear such responsibility at this age means she has a strong character.
Arthur continued his usual training, then returned to his room, changed clothes, and went to breakfast.
---
A Surprise Visit
While he was seated, there was a knock at the door.
Leila was still asleep and muttered in annoyance:
"Arthur… open the door, it's annoying…"
He replied sarcastically:
"You fool, you're my servant, not I yours."
Arthur opened the door… and found Victoria.
"Good morning," she said with a calm smile.
"Good morning… please, come in."
She asked lightly:
"May I really enter?"
He smiled:
"Of course."
She entered, noticing Leila:
"Looks like she's still asleep."
Arthur said with annoyance:
"Yes… that fool. And she orders me to open the door too! What a careless girl…"
Victoria laughed:
"Your relationship seems good."
Arthur replied:
"Don't be fooled by her calm appearance… she's dangerous."
She laughed again:
"You truly are mischievous."
Then she asked:
"Do you need me for anything, my son?"
He answered:
"Yes, today we have a celebration. You need to prepare well, and we also need to choose a proper ring for your fiancée. Even though it's a political marriage… we must not slack."
Arthur smiled:
"Good idea. We must show our seriousness… and our influence."
---
Choosing Clothes
Victoria and Arthur went to the hall where the merchant displayed his clothes.
The merchant greeted them:
"Welcome! I'm Fenom, the greatest fashion merchant. Please, have a look."
He looked at Arthur enthusiastically:
"This outfit suits you perfectly, sir… a black shirt with silver clasps, black trousers, and black shoes as well. Your fair skin will look magnificent with it."
Arthur entered to try it on.
Leila arrived at that moment and said:
"My lady… where is Arthur?"
Victoria smiled:
"Sleeping beauty… he's trying on his outfit."
Leila said shyly:
"Sorry… but I'm eager to see him."
---
Arthur Appears
Arthur looked at himself in the mirror:
"Damn… truly amazing… my muscles look great… I look like a hero from a novel."
He finally stepped out.
Victoria froze for a moment and then said:
"He is… stunning."
Leila, with childish astonishment, said:
"I didn't expect him to be this handsome!"
Arthur's face turned slightly red:
"Really?"
Victoria said confidently:
"Yes, my son… truly wonderful."
Leila laughed:
"I can't wait to see your fiancée's reaction!"
Victoria lightly tapped her on the head:
"Not the time for jokes."
Leila shouted:
"Ah! That hurt!"
Arthur laughed to himself:
I didn't expect them to be this close…
---
In the Other Wing – Irina's Preparations
Irina was trying on a dress with Elena and Luna.
Irina said shyly:
"Sorry for bothering you, my lady."
Elena replied:
"Don't worry, I want you to look beautiful. Besides, you're lucky… your fiancé is a wonderful boy."
Irina thought:
Really? He seems different from what I've heard…
Luna pointed to a white dress:
"Try this… it will look amazing on your skin."
Irina entered to try it on, then came out blushing.
Elena said:
"How beautiful… it suits you perfectly."
Luna laughed:
"Looks like you're going to win Arthur's heart."
Irina blushed even more.
---
Victoria Enters
She knocked on the door.
Luna opened it… surprised by Victoria's commanding presence.
"Welcome, my lady," Luna said.
Victoria replied:
"Relax, girl… no need for 'my lady'."
She entered, and when she saw Irina in the white dress, she said:
"Ah… this is what I expect from my son's fiancée. Very beautiful."
Irina's face flushed with shyness.
Elena asked her:
"Is Arthur ready?"
Victoria said:
"Yes… absolutely wonderful. I was surprised myself.
A cub from that lion… though he resembles me more than his father."
Then she approached Irina in a motherly tone:
"From this day forward… you are my son's fiancée.
Whatever affects you, affects me.
If you need anything, tell me."
Irina replied respectfully:
"Thank you."
Victoria, however, paused at the door, turned toward her seriously, and said:
"Irina… listen carefully.
I know that being forced into this engagement is difficult. Even Arthur understands that.
But I want you to know… my son is not weak as they say.
I guarantee that in a one-on-one fight, you will not be able to defeat him."
She paused for a moment, then added:
"Do not be sad… and do not blame yourself. This is a trial, and it will pass.
Treat him with respect… and he will do the same.
And I repeat, never… I mean never, speak ill of him behind his back, or I will not forgive you."
Irina remained silent for a moment, feeling as if her thoughts had been read completely.
Of course, I will not speak ill of someone who saved our lives…
Finally, she said:
"Don't worry… I will fulfill my duty as a fiancée."
Victoria smiled:
"That's exactly what I want."
She left amidst the astonished looks of everyone present.