True Desire

The King's smile deepened as he asked, "So… what is it you desire, Kazuki? Land? Wealth? A title?"

Kazuki didn't flinch. "I want to marry your daughter. Princess Zephyr."

His smile froze — then faded completely. Across the table, Alvis choked on his drink, coughing into his sleeve.

Lady Meris's eyebrows knit in fury. "Have you no shame? To take the King's generosity and twist it to suit yourself—"

Sir Galen leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "You plan to return to your own world, don't you? Why ask for her hand?"

Zephyr sat rigid. Shock held her still.

Alaric turned his gaze to her. "Is this your doing? Did you ask him to say this?"

She shook her head quickly, unable to speak.

"Then why?" He pressed, his gaze drilling into Kazuki. "Why my daughter, of all things I could give you? I can grant you gold, land, command of armies — yet you ask for her."

Holding the king's gaze, Kazuki replied. "Your Majesty, you asked me to fight for this kingdom — I did and I'll do until its completion. You told me to save the princess — I did, with everything I had. And when you told me to name my true desire… this is it. I want her by my side. I've felt this way before, for someone else, so I'm not new to this feeling. I love her."

Zephyr's breath caught, her cheeks flushing crimson.

For a long moment, the King said nothing. Then, slowly, he leaned back and exhaled, placing his head in his hands.

"When I was your age, Zephyr," he began, his voice quieter now, "I was against my father's wishes to marry someone and take a wife. I didn't want to be king either. All I wanted was to have fun, to do whatever I pleased. I had never loved before, and I had given up on the idea — thinking it would only limit me from being true to myself."

His eyes turned distant. "Then one day, on my way back from an escort mission for the Divine High Priest, I saw her. The daughter of the High Priest. Mithra. She looked like an angel… and she acted like one— caring for everyone, everything. Just hearing her voice melted the ice around my cold heart.

After that day, I began visiting the church often, just to see her. She was important to the church because she possessed the light affinity. They called her the Goddess's Gift, and they rarely let her go out alone — she was always accompanied by someone.

One day, I volunteered to take her for a walk in the capital. Instead, I took her beyond the city walls for a little adventure. She was so happy that day — free from all her restraints, able to breathe without someone watching her every step.

When we returned, late at night, the High Priest scolded me harshly, calling my actions dangerous and irresponsible. I told him I loved his daughter. He slapped me and ordered me never to set foot in the church again."

He gave a faint, bitter smile. "I did the opposite. I went back over and over again — sometimes sneaking into the church just to see her.

Eventually, I returned to my father and asked for his help. I accepted my true role as heir to the throne, and with his support, we spoke to the church and secured her hand in marriage.

We were happy together. And when you came into our lives, Zephyr, you made it brighter than I could have imagined.

When I lost her… it felt like half of me went with her. So I clung to what I had left — you. The thought of losing you was unbearable. That's why I could never bring myself to let you marry, even Kael. I told myself it was to protect you… but maybe it was only to keep you close."

By now, Zephyr's eyes were wet with tears.

Alvis rested a hand on the King's shoulder. "It's part of life for children to grow and choose their own path.

The King looked at his daughter, his voice heavy. "Do you love him?"

Zephyr's lips trembled. "I… I…" She closed her eyes, tears spilling freely. "…Yes."

Kazuki met the King's gaze without hesitation. "As long as I breath, I will protect her."

The King closed his eyes briefly… then nodded. "If she does not oppose it, then I will not stand in her way."

Zephyr rose, rushing into her father's arms. He held her tightly, the hall silent except for the muffled sound of her sobbing. Around them, the gathered lords, adventurers, and soldiers watched the moment unfold in stunned silence.

The hall erupted in murmurs, the air thick with surprise, warmth, and no small amount of disbelief. Some smiled quietly at the rare sight of their ruler's vulnerability; others whispered behind raised cups. A few eyes even glistened with tears at the father-and-daughter embrace.

The moment was interrupted when the great doors swung inward. Maelen, chronicler historian, hurried across the floor, skirts gathered in her hands, and leaned close to whisper something in Alvis's ear.

"Are you certain?" Alvis asked.

She nodded without hesitation.

Alvis glanced at the gathered crowd, noting the mix of emotions swirling after the scene. He rose to his feet, his voice calm but firm. "Please — enjoy the feast. Tonight is a night to celebrate."

The noise returned, but Kazuki caught the faint tension in Alvis's expression as he left with the historian. Something was wrong.

Kazuki glanced once more at the King and Zephyr, still locked in their rare moment of closeness. Deciding to leave them to it, he stepped out into the corridor.

The corridor outside was dim compared to the glowing warmth of the hall. The cool night air from an open balcony greeted him. Beyond the archway, Master Ardent leaned on the railing, moonlight casting deep shadows over his face. His eyes were fixed on the stars and the far-off horizon.

Kazuki approached. "You didn't join the feast?"

Ardent didn't look at him. "Loud places and I have never gotten along. I'm not… the party type."

Kazuki stepped up beside him, resting his own hands on the cold stone. "Still, you fought harder than anyone out there. They'd be glad to have you at the table."

A faint smirk tugged at Ardent's lips. "I fight for the result, not the applause. Besides… the battlefield is where I speak best."

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the sounds of the distant feast muffled behind them.

Then Ardent said, "You did good out there. Held your own… and saved the princess. I'm proud of you."

The words hit deeper than Kazuki expected, a quiet warmth blooming in his chest. "If it wasn't for your training — and Master Alvis's — I wouldn't have been able to."

Ardent finally glanced his way, his sharp gaze softened.

Footsteps approached from behind. Alvis stepped into the moonlight, offering both men a brief smile. "Evening, gentlemen."

His eyes lingered on Kazuki. "Would you mind giving Ardent and me a moment? There's something we need to discuss in private."

Kazuki nodded. "Of course." He stepped back from the railing, offering a small wave. "Good night, both of you."

With that, he turned and walked toward his chamber. As he walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that whatever the historian had whispered was about to change more than just the mood of the feast.