Ren's Determination

Kazuma leaned closer to Ren, grinning like he couldn’t believe what was happening. “Ren, are you serious right now? Her Majesty is asking to be your friend. Just say yes before you make this more awkward.”

Ren rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding Ariel’s eyes. “I… I don’t know. Are you sure? I mean, why would someone like you want to be friends with me? I’m just… no one special.”

Ariel’s smile softened, but there was a sadness in her voice. “Please… be my friend. I don’t really have any friends.”

Ren blinked, surprised. She doesn’t have any friends? A princess like her… and she’s asking me?

Before Ren could respond, Kazuma straightened up, bowing slightly like some nobleman. “Your Majesty, of course he’ll be your friend. In fact, we’ll all be your friends.”

Ariel’s face brightened instantly. “Then you should all join me for lunch at the castle!”

The entire group froze. Just minutes ago they were marveling at the sight of that massive castle from afar—and now the princess herself was inviting them inside.

One of the guards stepped forward, his voice cautious but respectful. “Princess Ariel, perhaps we should confirm with Sir first. He may have other plans for you at this hour.”

But Ariel didn’t even glance at the guard. Her eyes were still fixed on Ren, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “No. I must invite my friends to lunch with me. It’s my choice.”

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared oppose her. Finally, one bowed. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

Not long after, a royal chariot was brought forward—sleek, decorated with the crest of the royal family. The guards gestured for them to board, and even as they climbed in, none of them could quite believe what was happening.

Ariel insisted on sitting right next to Ren, her cheeks pink as if she couldn’t hide her excitement. Rachel noticed and raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

The chariot rattled forward, carrying them through the main gates of the capital. The closer they came to the castle, the more imposing it looked. The gates were massive, guarded by armored soldiers, and each checkpoint made them feel like they were being scrutinized.

“Uh… guys,” Alex leaned in, whispering nervously. “Are we sure they’re not about to lock us up or something?”

“Shh,” Melissa hissed, elbowing him. “Don’t ruin this.”

Once inside the castle walls, the mood shifted. They were greeted by butlers and maids dressed in immaculate uniforms, all bowing slightly as they passed. The group followed Ariel through halls lined with shining armor and portraits of past rulers, everything so polished it felt like stepping into a storybook.

Finally, they entered the main dining hall—a vast space with high ceilings and chandeliers that glowed like captured stars. At the center was a long table already prepared for a feast.

“Please, everyone, sit. Let’s eat together,” Ariel said, gesturing with a warm smile.

They took their seats, still a little stiff, while maids began bringing dish after dish—steaming plates of food so rich and beautiful it looked like something out of a fairy tale.

“Shall we start?” Ariel said softly.

They didn’t need to be asked twice. Hunger and curiosity won out, and soon everyone was digging in. The food was incredible—tender meats, spiced vegetables, sweet breads, flavors they’d never tasted before.

Partway through the meal, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. A man entered, dressed in royal attire, his bearing calm and commanding. His hair was the same pale blond as Ariel’s.

Ariel brightened instantly, rising to her feet. “Father! Come meet my friends!”

The King smiled faintly at his daughter’s excitement. “Friends? So you finally made some, Ariel. That’s good to hear.”

The group tensed, their hands still on their plates. None of them had ever sat at a table with a king before.

“Please, make yourselves at home,” the King said, his tone kind but curious. “This is the first time my daughter has brought anyone to lunch.”

They exchanged glances. Ariel was their age, and this was the first time she’d ever brought friends? Something about that felt strange, but none of them dared to speak it aloud.

But they couldn’t even process what just happened before Ariel suddenly spoke up, her voice cutting through the chatter. She was looking straight at Ren, meeting his eyes like she’d been waiting for the right moment.

“Father,” she said, calm but firm. “I want to get married. I’ve found someone I like.”

The King turned to her, raising an eyebrow, his tone light but curious. “My daughter’s already at that age, huh? So, who’s this guy you want to marry?”

Ariel didn’t hesitate. She kept her gaze locked on Ren. “I want to marry Ren.”

Ren nearly choked on the food in his mouth. He coughed hard, hitting his chest as if trying to push the air back into his lungs. Rachel quickly slid a glass of water toward him, patting his back while suppressing a laugh.

Kazuma, who was tearing into a leg piece like nothing could bother him, paused mid-bite. His eyes narrowed at Ren, his tone dripping with annoyance. “Ren, you bastard… getting all the girls, huh?”

The King’s attention shifted to Ren, studying him with a mix of curiosity and authority. “So this young man… this is Ren?” he asked, his gaze already weighing Ren like he was assessing his worth.

“Young man, do you think you are capable of my daughter?” the King said, his voice deep and heavy.

Ren froze. He wasn’t ready for something like that. He had just met the princess—marrying her wasn’t even something he wanted to think about so fast.

“I… I don’t know. I never thought about it,” Ren admitted honestly.

The King leaned forward. “If you wish to marry my daughter, you may enter the tournament happening tomorrow. If you win… I will grant the victor any request within my power.”

Ren’s jaw dropped.

Kazuma slammed his fist on the table, almost knocking over his cup. “Wait, what?! So if some random guy wins and asks to marry your daughter—you’ll just let him?!”

“Yes,” the King replied calmly. “That is how it will be.”

Ariel’s voice trembled as she looked at her father, her eyes glossy with tears. “But Father… what if it’s a bad man? What if he wins and you give me to him?”

The King’s gaze softened, but his tone remained stern. “I hear you, Ariel. But these matters are not simple. Politics are like this. We must accept it.”

Ren couldn’t take it anymore. He stood up, his hand slamming the table so hard the plates rattled. “How can you just let anyone marry your daughter without even knowing who they are?! She’s a person, not some prize!”

He didn’t say it because he was in love with her. He said it because he couldn’t stand seeing the princess cry. Ren cared about people—that was just who he was.

The King shook his head. “This has been decided by the elders. It is for the peace of the land. It must be this way.”

Ariel burst into tears and ran out of the hall. Rachel, Lisa and Melissa quickly followed her, calling her name.

Ren’s fists clenched tight. “I won’t let that happen. I’ll enter the tournament… and I’ll waste the wish on something so stupid it won’t even matter. As long as she’s free, that’s enough.” His eyes burned with determination.

Servants arrived and guided Ren, Kazuma, and Alex to their chambers. Rachel and Melissa still hadn’t returned from comforting Ariel.

Kazuma tossed himself onto the soft bed, staring at the ceiling. “Ren, why don’t you just marry the princess and become the next king? I mean, you’re probably gonna win anyway.”

Ren sat down, shaking his head. “That’s not what I want. I just want Ariel to be free. She doesn’t deserve to be forced into something like that.”

Kazuma grinned, scratching his chin. “Then how about you win… and ask for her to marry me instead?”

Ren and Alex both turned to glare at him.

“Shut up with your weird thoughts, Kazuma,” Alex said flatly.

Kazuma laughed to himself while Ren just sighed, laying back on the bed. The lavish room didn’t make him feel any more comfortable. His mind was already on tomorrow.

The tournament was about to begin. They didn’t know what kind of fighters would be waiting… but Ren knew one thing for sure—if anyone thought they could take Ariel away, they’d have to get through him first.

To be continued...