Alex is awakened by the soft calls of the servants, announcing the arrival of a gala outfit sent by the king. As he wakes up half-drowsy, he opens the door and encounters Lyria, who carries the elegant attire for the celebration.
Unaware of his state, Alex receives the surprise in his underwear, leaving Lyria and the servants momentarily impressed by the hero's well-defined figure. The scars from his previous battles adorn his torso, silent witnesses to the challenges overcome. Faced with the unexpected scene, Lyria, visibly flushed, quickly closes the door, feeling a blush on her cheeks.
Embarrassed, Lyria urges Alex to hurry, providing him with the gala attire and reminding him of the promptness of the party. "Oh, for the stars! Sorry for the interruption, please get dressed quickly," Lyria babbles nervously as she walks away, unable to prevent her gaze from sliding back to Alex's marked scars that tell the story of his exploits.
As Lyria withdraws, Alex, amidst laughter, murmurs to himself, "I think the scars made more of an impression than the suit itself. But hey, at least they add a touch of intrigue to the party." With that thought in mind, Alex prepares for the festivity that is about to unfold in the majestic hall of Aeloria Castle.
With a thunderous noise in the distance, a ship arrives at the port of Aeloria. The news of Elren's arrival, the king's son and commander of the elite warriors, spreads quickly among the elves, and the atmosphere becomes charged with excitement and celebration.
From the castle, cheers and shouts of joy are heard as the crowd cheers Elren's triumphant arrival. The jubilation mixes with the festive music resonating in the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and anticipation.
The castle door opens, and Elren, adorned in resplendent armor, radiates an imposing presence. The elves swarm around him, expressing gratitude and admiration for the hero who has led the defense of the kingdom against demonic forces.
Lyria, upon learning of her brother's arrival, excitedly runs to him. The siblings' eyes meet amidst the crowd, and a smile full of complicity illuminates their faces. The reunion of Aeloria's royal family marks a moment of happiness amidst the shadows looming over the kingdom.
Elren makes a stop at his father's throne, the King. The reunion is emotional; the King, with a look of pride, embraces his son, recognizing not only his bravery but also the strength and loyalty of the warriors accompanying him. "Your return marks a day of rejoicing for the entire kingdom, my son. Tonight's celebration will be worthy of your victory," declares the King, whose demeanor reflects both the relief at his son's safe return and the gravity of the times they face.
With dusk approaching, Elren and his warriors decide to retire, not before receiving their father's blessing. Each warrior, carrying the honor of their lineage, disperses to reunite with their loved ones, sharing stories of bravery and sacrifice. The streets of Aeloria fill with laughter and tears, bringing families and friends together in a prelude to festivity.
Alex, accompanied by Lyria, enters the festivity, being greeted with curious looks and murmurs among the elven nobility. Despite the king's hospitality, distrust persists among some nobles, especially after the encounter with Lord Arion. In the center of the hall, Elren awaits with an expression of triumph and pride. Upon noticing his sister and the hero who saved her, he dedicates them a grateful smile and approaches to greet them. "Thank you for bringing back my sister safe and sound. You are a hero in Aeloria," he expresses with gratitude towards Alex.
Lyria, excited, introduces Alex as her savior and companion on this mission. The crowd, although still harboring some reservations towards humans, shows respect and applauds Alex's bravery. During the celebration, Alex encounters Lord Arion, who does not hide his disdain. "I hope you enjoy your stay in our kingdom, human. Although not all of us share the enthusiasm for your presence," he murmurs with hostility. The tension in the air increases, anticipating an imminent confrontation.
Lyria, concerned about the situation, urges Alex to maintain composure and avoid unnecessary conflicts. As the night progresses, music and dance fill the hall, but the shadow of distrust persists.
The party in Aeloria reaches its climax under a starry sky, with the castle hall vibrating to the rhythm of music and laughter. Delicate dishes, each more exquisite than the last, disappear from the tables as the elves celebrate with a fervor that illuminates their ancestral faces. Stories of bravery and magic intertwine with the musicians' chords, creating a tapestry of festivity that envelops everyone in warmth and joy.
In the midst of the celebration, the first chords of a song especially beloved by the elves begin to resonate, a melody that invites hearts to join in the dance. It is a song of hope and unity, whose notes seem to rise above the castle walls to the stars themselves.
Lord Arion, with his distinguished bearing and a captivating smile, approaches Princess Lyria, intending to invite her to dance. However, his voice gets lost in the whirlwind of music and conversations, an inadvertent attempt by the princess, whose attention is already focused on another.
Excited and carried away by the moment, Lyria turns to Alex, her eyes shining with a light that reflects the beauty of the night. "Alex, let's dance!" she exclaims, taking his hand with contagious joy. Alex, surprised but delighted, allows himself to be led by the princess to the dance floor, leaving behind a slightly bewildered and slighted Lord Arion.
As Lyria and Alex dance, the hall surrounds them in a circle of admiration and surprise. The couple's movements, although not entirely in line with elven traditions, overflow with genuine joy and palpable connection. The princess, with her innate grace, guides Alex through the steps, while he, with admired effort, follows her rhythm, both laughing at the little stumbles and shared glances.
The music envelops the couple, and for a moment, the outside world disappears, leaving only two souls dancing under the starlight. Distrust and tensions dissipate in that magical moment, where the union of two worlds is celebrated in a dance.
The rest of the guests, moved by Lyria and Alex's example, begin to join in the dance, creating a wave of movement and happiness that invades the hall. Even those who held reservations towards the human hero find themselves captivated by the spirit of the celebration, recognizing, if only for one night, the unity that music and dance can bring.
At that moment, the party in Aeloria transforms into a testament of hope, a demonstration that, despite the shadows threatening from the confines of the kingdom, light and joy can find their way, uniting everyone in a dance of unity and celebration.
As the party in Aeloria plunges into a whirlwind of joy and the music uplifts the spirits of all present, a figure discreetly slips towards the exit. This individual, whose intentions seem to discord with the festive spirit, catches Alex's attention, who, guided by his instinct, perceives something suspicious about the unknown person's premature departure. Suspecting it could be the informant he has been seeking, he decides to follow him to find out more. However, before he can act on his impulse, Lord Arion, noticing Alex's intention to leave the room, intercepts him with a mixture of disdain and challenge. "Where do you think you're going, human? Leaving the princess alone and abandoning a party in your honor is an unforgivable disrespect," accuses Lord Arion, raising his voice so that all present turn their attention to them.
Seizing the situation, Lord Arion challenges Alex, insinuating that a duel could settle the matter of honor. "If you truly value the princess's honor, you will prove your worth in combat," he challenges, staring Alex down, awaiting a response.
Lyria, upon hearing the duel proposal, intervenes, "It's not necessary, Lord Arion. Alex had no intention of being disrespectful." However, the king, interested in the proposal and perhaps seeing an opportunity to assess the skills of the hero who saved his daughter, accepts the idea of the duel. "It will be a good opportunity to see the skills of our guest," declares the king, his voice imposing silence in the room.
Lyria, clearly angered and worried about the implications of this decision, is forced to accept her father's will. The king then declares, "Let us enjoy the party tonight. Tomorrow we will witness a confrontation between Lord Arion, of the noble family ..., and Alex, Lyria's savior. It will be a duel to remember."
The king's declaration marks an unexpected turn in the night, transforming the atmosphere of celebration into one of tense anticipation. The party continues, but the news of the duel hangs over the guests, generating whispers and speculations. Lyria, though frustrated, stands by Alex's side, offering him her support and ensuring he doesn't feel alone in this imminent challenge.
This turn of events not only puts Alex in a delicate position but also reveals the complexities of politics and rivalries within the elven kingdom. The impending confrontation is not just a duel for honor; it becomes a scenario that could define Alex's position within Aeloria and possibly alter the elves' perception of humans.