The grandeur of the temple ceremony spilled over into the courtyard where joyous celebration awaited Princess Amara and Ryutaro. King Haruki, flanked by his loyal knights, welcomed the duo with a regal nod, the echoes of his royal cough signaling for decorum among the assembled nobles.
Kaito Rokujou, in a moment of unchecked enthusiasm, swept up Ryutaro in his arms. Laughter erupted from the gathered nobility, but King Haruki, ever the emblem of discipline, raised an admonishing hand.
"Maintain the decorum, Kaito. This is a royal ceremony," King Haruki reminded, his eyes twinkling with both camaraderie and caution.
Kaito, feigning innocence, whispered to the king, "But Haruki, they both have the same auras! Surely a sign from the gods. Perhaps a future alliance?"
King Haruki chuckled, embracing Kaito in a playful manner. "Save your matchmaking for another day, my old friend."
Ryutaro's mother, Elysia, infused with magical prowess, noticed the playful banter and decided to put an end to Kaito's jesting. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a small rock hurtling towards Kaito, who deftly dodged it.
"Enough of your foolishness, Kaito," she chided with a wry smile. "There are more serious matters at hand."
The king, standing before the assembled nobles, declared with regal authority, "Jokes aside, let the main event commence. As of today, Ryutaro, you shall be the personal guard and caretaker of Princess Amara."
A round of applause and cheers echoed through the courtyard as the nobles joined the celebration. The announcement set the stage for a jubilant party, where the clinking of goblets and the laughter of revelry filled the air.
However, amidst the festivities, a discordant note was struck. The son of House Hinata, a noble known for arrogance, insulted Ryutaro, challenging him to a duel. The courtyard fell silent as the knights, nobles, and even the king awaited the resolution of this unexpected confrontation.
Lady Hiraka and her husband, Fusitomo, approached the king with apologetic bows. Kaito, always eager for a challenge, suggested letting the young nobles settle their differences in a duel. The tension in the air thickened as the king weighed the decision.
King Haruki, after a thoughtful pause, conceded, "Very well, let the duel proceed. But remember, this is a matter of honor, not a spectacle for the court."
As the courtyard transformed into a battlefield of honor, the clash of blades seemed to echo the unspoken challenges that destiny had laid before Ryutaro. The tale of Princess Amara and her guardian unfolded amidst the intricate dance of nobility, honor, and the shadows of the unknown future.