After the heated banquet ended, Renji was summoned to the throne room. The grand chamber stood silent except for the flicker of torches. King Aldros sat on his throne, his eyes sharp and unreadable
.
"Renji… I heard about the commotion at the meeting. Tell me exactly what happened."
Renji stood tall, his mask hiding his expression. He calmly explained the events: how the heroes had behaved, how the princesses were approached, and how the duel was challenged.
The King listened carefully, tapping a finger on the armrest.
"So… my honored guests, the heroes, have already clashed with my own guard."
His voice was heavy, carrying both disappointment and worry.
Renji bowed his head.
"Your Majesty, I ask you not to report this incident further. Let it remain within these walls. I'll take responsibility."
The King raised a brow.
"You wish me to leave this unspoken? Even though tomorrow you must duel one of the very heroes who were summoned?"
Renji's tone never faltered.
"Yes. There is no need for political trouble. A simple duel is enough to settle it."
Silence lingered, before the King finally sighed and leaned back.
"Very well. I will honor your request. But know this—your decision may bring consequences. Choose carefully tomorrow."
Renji bowed once more.
"I understand."
Later that night, the castle grew quiet. Moonlight spilled across the halls, silver and cold.
Renji sat outside the balcony of the princesses' quarters, as was his nightly duty. The soft creak of the door behind him drew his attention.
Princess Elira stepped out first, followed by her sister Celis. Both wore simple silk gowns, their expressions filled with unease.
"Renji…"
Elira spoke softly.
"Are you truly going to fight him tomorrow?"
Celis clutched her hands nervously.
"What if you get hurt? He's a hero chosen by the gods… you might—"
Renji's calm voice cut gently through their worries.
"I'll fight him."
He glanced at them, his eyes unreadable behind the mask.
"But don't trouble yourselves. I'll be fine."
Elira's lips trembled.
"But why… why risk yourself for us?"
Renji fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke.
"Because… I'm not just a guard."
Both sisters looked at him in shock.
Renji continued quietly, his tone steady.
"Well.. I came here with the other heroes. I was one of them. But… something happened. And I left the castle on my own. That's why I don't want you to worry about me. I've already walked this path alone."
The princesses stood frozen, eyes wide, their hearts pounding at the sudden truth revealed.
Elira whispered, almost trembling,
"So you're… one of them…?"
Renji nodded once.
"Yes. But now, I'm your guard. Nothing more."
He turned away, ending the conversation with finality.
"Rest well, Princesses. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Without waiting for their reply, he returned to his quarters.
The moonlight spilled across his room as he removed his coat, set aside his mask, and lay on the bed. His eyes closed, his breathing calm.
Outside, the night carried silence—yet an unshakable tension lingered in the air.
Tomorrow, the duel would decide everything.