CHAPTER - 22

❈ MORNING ❈

After a dark and sorrowful night, this morning brings new hope to the people. Though the rain has subsided, traces of its presence remain on the slowly drying ground.

However, the sunlight piercing through the retreating clouds casts a ray of hope. The bright blue sky welcomes the morning with open arms, driving away the shadows that had ruled the night before.

In the Kingdom of Celestia, the crisp morning air greets its citizens with a pleasant warmth. Gentle sunlight illuminates the royal streets, creating playful shadows along the now-busy pathways.

Birds chirp merrily, singing their melodious tunes to welcome the dawn. They soar freely across the boundless sky, dancing in the air with pure joy, filling the morning with nature’s breathtaking beauty.

Along the streets, villagers step out of their homes, smiling as they embrace the bright morning. They walk with light steps, breathing in the fresh air and gazing at the clear sky in admiration.

At the royal palace, King Aldric Celestia steps out onto his balcony, taking in the magnificent view before him. The firm expression he had worn the night before now appears more at ease, his lips curling into a faint smile as he basks in the warmth of the sun against his skin.

❈ THE THRONE ROOM ❈

With a commanding stride, King Aldric Celestia enters the grand throne room, flanked by his guards. The chamber falls into solemn silence as his court awaits his arrival.

As Aldric steps in, his subjects kneel in deep reverence, showing their utmost respect for their ruler. The atmosphere is heavy with solemnity, and Aldric feels the weight of both pride and responsibility as their king.

With steady steps, he advances toward the royal throne at the far end of the hall. The grand seat stands tall, adorned with intricate carvings, and the kingdom’s crown gleams above it.

Aldric lowers himself onto the throne, his posture firm yet devoted. He scans the faces of his people with warmth, feeling the trust and loyalty they place in him.

"Thank you, my brothers and sisters," Aldric speaks, his voice calm yet authoritative. "I am deeply grateful for your unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Kingdom of Celestia. Together, we have overcome hardships, and together, we shall forge a bright future."

His subjects lift their heads with pride, honored by their king’s personal acknowledgment. They stand ready to follow his command and defend their kingdom at all costs.

Aldric nods, visibly pleased. "Very well! I shall now bestow the Bravery Medal upon my valiant knights!" the King declares.

With measured steps, the Prime Minister approaches the throne, a scroll in hand. He raises his voice, reading aloud with clarity and conviction.

"Today, before us all, we recognize the courage and devotion of the knights who have defended the Kingdom of Celestia with their very lives. As a token of appreciation for their service, King Aldric shall award them the Bravery Medal—a symbol of honor and unwavering dedication."

Applause erupts throughout the hall, a tribute to the knights who fought bravely. All eyes turn to the selected warriors as they step forward to receive their well-earned recognition.

Aldric watches them with pride, seeing the gleam of honor reflected in their eyes. He feels moved and grateful for their sacrifices and silently vows to always support and uphold them.

As the ceremony concludes, only a few remain in the throne room—Prime Minister, General Red, several royal guards, and Duke Valentine.

The real meeting is about to begin.

❈ A GRAVE REPORT ❈

"What report do you have for me, General Red?" Aldric turns to his trusted commander.

Standing beside the throne, General Red promptly delivers a detailed account of the previous day’s monster attack.

He outlines the defensive tactics they employed and their preparations should such an event occur again.

"We are ready for any possibility, Your Majesty," General Red declares with confidence. "Our forces are well-trained and prepared to fight for the kingdom’s safety."

Aldric nods in approval, reassured by his army’s readiness. He knows they will face any threat with bravery and resolve.

"Thank you, General Red," Aldric says. "The safety of this kingdom is in your hands, and I trust you will uphold Celestia’s honor and strength."

As the report concludes, a shadow darkens General Red’s expression. A deep frustration flickers in his sharp gaze—an unspoken anger and disappointment over the situation.

"And the next report..." After a brief pause, Red speaks again. "This concerns the destruction of our Left Wing, Your Majesty."

The air in the throne room grows heavy as tension thickens. King Aldric remains seated, his face grave as he listens intently.

"It is reported that our Left Wing was decimated by a single individual—a figure clad in a black cloak," Red explains, his voice level despite the turmoil beneath.

Aldric’s eyes narrow. "Continue, General."

Red recounts the survivors’ accounts, describing how their defenses crumbled almost instantly against the mysterious figure’s immense power. Worse yet, after obliterating their forces, the individual vanished without a trace.

"Vanished?" Aldric questions, his disbelief evident.

Red nods grimly. "Yes, Your Majesty. No one knows where this person went after the attack. None of the remaining knights saw them again."

Aldric falls into deep thought before responding.

"It is hard to believe that a single person could accomplish such destruction," he muses, his expression troubled. "We need to investigate this further—discover their identity and their motives."

General Red nods. "I agree, Your Majesty. We must launch a full investigation at once. We cannot allow a threat of this magnitude to linger over our kingdom."

Aldric meets his commander’s gaze with a firm resolve. "I will provide all necessary resources for this investigation. We must ensure that Celestia’s safety is never compromised again."

Everyone in the room agrees with the King’s decision.

Red inclines his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will immediately assemble a special unit to lead this investigat—"

Before Red can finish his sentence, the grand doors of the throne room burst open with a deafening crash, shattering the silence.

BOOM!! CRASH!!

The thunderous noise sends a jolt through the room. General Red instantly snaps to alert, eyes sharp and senses heightened, prepared for an ambush. He steps forward, positioning himself defensively in front of King Aldric.

"All of you! Form a defensive line! Protect His Majesty!" Red commands, his voice cutting through the chaos.

With practiced precision, the royal guards move into formation, their weapons drawn, shielding the King from any imminent danger.

Red unsheathes his sword in a swift motion, gripping it firmly. His stance is unwavering as he prepares for battle.

From behind the dust and debris of the shattered door, a group of figures clad in black cloaks emerges. Their eyes gleam with an air of arrogance and menacing power, leaving no doubt that their arrival spells trouble.

And among them, one figure stands out—a man whose presence sends a shock through everyone in the room.

Edward Celestia.

The exiled prince—the very man who had once fled from house arrest—had returned in the most dramatic and alarming way possible.

A smirk plays on Edward’s lips as he sweeps his gaze around the room, his expression dripping with contempt and defiance. There is no doubt—his return brings chaos and danger to the Kingdom of Celestia.

Red’s grip on his sword tightens, his eyes blazing with determination. He will defend the King. He will protect Celestia.

No matter what it takes.