Evalie's pov:
Cough-cough-cough-
Favian's face flushed a deep shade of red as he struggled to suppress his coughs, his hand quickly covering his mouth in embarrassment. I couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at the sight, relishing in this rare moment of vulnerability from a man who exuded unbridled confidence in every other aspect of his being.
Just two weeks ago, he had stood so tall and proud as he presented the head of Alzaroth for all to see. And now here he was, grabbing a cup from a servant and downing its contents in one gulp, with droplets of wine spilling onto his chin.
As the chaos around us settled, Favian took deep breaths and wiped away the stray crumbs and wine with the back of his hand. It's strange how quickly his demeanor had shifted from fierce warrior to clumsy drinker, as no one would expect such a youngster to be the one that killed the high demon Alzaroth
I was tempted to tease him about the spectacle I had just witnessed, but knew better than to interrupt my father's upcoming speech. He strode ahead confidently, all eyes fixed upon him as he cleared his throat before speaking in his coarse and rough voice.
''Noblemen and noblewomen, it is both an honor and a relief to see our kingdom united once again, particularly on this momentous occasion. After years of constant threat from the demon king's army, we have finally emerged triumphant thanks to the courage and bravery of one man - Favian Delecroix, son of the Count of Renia.
For a decade, the demon king has been gathering his forces at our doorstep, but with the discovery of such a plot and a strong and united army , we were able to strike at the heart of their operation and decimate their ranks. And after a grueling battle, we stand here today as victorious champions, with the demon commander's head rolling at our feet alongside those of his soldiers.
It has been far too long since we have tasted victory, and this event serves as a reminder that demons can indeed be defeated - Lord Favian himself is living proof of that. But let us not forget the sacrifices made by all those involved in this quest for our safety and freedom. It is with great pride that I call forth our heroes, starting with my own daughter Evalie and her cousin Alistair Narai, along with the fearless expedition leader Sir Victor, and last but certainly not least, the youngest demon-slayer in all of history - Favian Delecroix.''
Favian's pov:
''Well here comes my moment'' I muttered as I stepped forward, brushing off any traces of my earlier struggle with the back of my hand. Eyes followed my every move, some filled with curiosity, others with reluctance or suspicion. To many, it must have seemed strange that a seemingly unassuming young man was the hero everyone was talking about.
But I paid no mind to their gazes as I made my way to the front, standing proudly in line with the other honorees. A wave of applause erupted from the crowd as the king approached us, medals in hand. First, he bestowed one upon his daughter, placing it delicately around her neck before planting a kiss on her forehead. Then he moved on to Victor and Alistair, offering them hearty handshakes and warm smiles.
As I extended my hand for a shake, the king's grip tightened and he pulled me closer to him. With a quiet murmur in my ear, he whispered, ''I have given much thought to your words, and you were right.'' He released my hand and turned to the guests, gracefully hanging a medal around my neck before walking away.
As he stepped onto the stage, he prepared himself for the final speech he was about to deliver. The weight of his sword clanked against his side with each step, the sound of steel meeting steel could only be heard by those standing close by. He paused at the center of the stage and took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before beginning his powerful delivery.
''Let it be known that our kingdom stands proud and united against the threat of demons,'' his voice rang out, commanding attention from all in attendance. ''Today is a day to remind the world that we are the unbreakable wall that separates civilization from those lurking on the other side of our borders. And let us never forget that it was the brave men of Narai who sacrificed their lives and youth to defend against their invasion.'' With each word, his hands clapped together in strong emphasis, and like well-trained chickens, the rest of the guests followed suit with applause.
At long last, the signal was given for the feast to continue. A new wave of servants arrived, their arms laden with trays of sparkling alcohol and delectable dishes. My senses were overwhelmed by the tantalizing scents and sights before me, and I eagerly indulged in the feast. It seemed that the servants were attuned to my insatiable hunger and unquenchable thirst, for there was always one at my side, offering me a tray or refilling my cup with wine. Their attentiveness only added to the luxurious atmosphere of the feast, as if they were dedicated solely to ensuring my satisfaction. In that moment, I felt like royalty, surrounded by endless bounty and pampered by attentive servants.
My banquet came to an abrupt halt as the familiar sight of snow-white hair, a trademark of the royal family, appeared in front of me. "It's a pleasure to see you here," she spoke, effortlessly grabbing a cup of white wine from a nearby servant. The liquid flowed smoothly into her mouth as she continued, "I would have come to welcome you inside the court, but alas, I had other duties to attend to. I hope you are enjoying the feast." Princess Evalie spoke as a smile hung on her lips
"Most certainly, Your Highness," I replied with a smile, gesturing towards the abundant treats surrounding us. "The servants serving the court are as attentive as hawks. As you can see, my hand is never empty."
As we engaged in polite small talk, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the opportunity to discuss my and Frolacht's plan with the princess. After all, she was always seeking excitement and adventure. A military campaign would surely pique her interest and provide some much-needed entertainment for her.
She gazed deeply into my eyes, her piercing red irises seeming to bore into my very soul. "In just one month, the academy will begin," she stated firmly. "I do hope you will be joining me there."
"I will certainly be in attendance, your highness," I replied, trying to come up with a way to steer the conversation in a different direction. But before I could, it was Evalie who changed the subject. "I heard that my father requested a meeting with you before the feast. May I know what was discussed between the two of you?"
"Not much, really," I answered cautiously. "I simply shared some insights with your father and it seems he took them to heart." My eyes shifted to the king's figure, who appeared more self-assured now than before. It was a positive change.
"Your highness, may I ask you something?" I ventured believing this was my chance
"Well, until now it has been me asking questions. I don't see why not," she replied with a small smile as she placed her now empty cup on a nearby table.
As I was about to speak, however, it seems that somebody had another idea , as apparently when I was to come down to business, something bothersome was always bound to happen