The final guardian fell, its massive form crashing to the dungeon floor with a deafening thud. My chest heaved, and my muscles burned with exhaustion, but we had done it. The guardians of the dungeon were no more.
Zeke wiped the sweat from his brow, smirking as he sheathed his sword. "That wasn't so bad, huh?"
I shot him a glance, shaking my head. "You always say that after we nearly get killed."
Beside me, Prince Gray stood tall, his silver eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He had fought with remarkable skill, more like a seasoned warrior than the pampered prince I had expected. But now, in the silence that followed the battle, I could see a different side of him—one that carried the weight of responsibility.
Gray turned to face me and Zeke, his expression softening for the first time since we had met. "You've done more than just save me. You've proven your worth today."
For a moment, I wasn't sure what to say. Gratitude from royalty wasn't something you encountered every day, and for someone like Gray, it meant more than just words. But before I could reply, Zeke cut in with a grin.
"Just doing our job, Your Highness. But hey, if you feel like showing your appreciation with a reward, I won't say no."
I elbowed him, muttering under my breath, "We're not here for rewards."
But Gray only chuckled, his demeanor lightening. "Perhaps a reward will come in time. For now, we have to return to the surface—and there are those waiting who will be quite eager to hear of this victory."
Back at the Valorian estate, the atmosphere was vastly different. The grand halls were bustling with activity, servants preparing a celebratory dinner in honor of our success. Word of Prince Gray's rescue had already reached the household, and the Duke of Valoria—my father—had never looked prouder.
As we entered the great hall, the Duke was the first to greet us. His tall, commanding presence filled the room, and his sharp eyes landed on me with a mix of pride and approval.
"Ryuji," he said, his voice booming in the hall. "You've done the family proud. This victory, this accomplishment—it speaks volumes of your growth."
I bowed my head respectfully. "Thank you, Father. It was a team effort."
The Duke nodded, his gaze shifting to Zeke and Prince Gray, who stood by my side. "And I see you've kept company with the right people. Gray, you have my deepest gratitude for entrusting my son with such a task."
Prince Gray inclined his head slightly, though the formality seemed out of place between us now. "Your son and his companions are formidable, Duke Valoria. I owe them my life."
The Duke smiled at that, a rare sight. He wasn't known for showing warmth, but today, pride seemed to have softened him. He gestured for us to join the rest of the family at the long dining table. "Tonight, we celebrate."
As we took our seats, the atmosphere shifted from formal to familial. My siblings, Satsuki and Haruto, were already seated, dressed in elegant attire that suited the grand occasion. Satsuki, always poised and refined, wore a soft, emerald-green gown that shimmered in the candlelight, while Haruto was in a sharp, black suit that made him look every bit the noble he was expected to be.
Satsuki gave me a smile as I sat beside her. "I heard about your adventure, Ryuji. You never fail to surprise us."
Haruto, who was usually more reserved, leaned forward slightly, a rare glint of admiration in his eyes. "It's not every day you rescue royalty from a dungeon."
I shrugged, though inside, I was pleased by their approval. "It wasn't just me. Zeke and Dog were with me every step of the way."
Zeke, who had taken a seat across from us, flashed a wide grin. "Let's not forget I did most of the heavy lifting."
Satsuki giggled, covering her mouth with a delicate hand, while Haruto shook his head, smirking.
The dinner was a grand affair—lavish dishes were brought out one after another, from roasted meats to delicately spiced vegetables, all prepared to perfection. The room was filled with the clinking of silverware, the soft murmur of conversation, and the occasional laughter. For the first time in what felt like ages, I could relax, if only for a moment.
As the night wore on, the Duke stood to address everyone, raising his glass in a toast. "Tonight, we honor the bravery and dedication of those who went beyond the call of duty. To Ryuji, Zeke, and Prince Gray—for their valor and their unwavering determination. May this be the first of many victories."
Everyone raised their glasses, and I found myself caught in the moment—surrounded by my family, my friends, and a sense of belonging that I hadn't felt in a long time.
But even as I smiled and joined in the toast, a part of me couldn't shake the feeling that this peace was only temporary. The world outside the Valorian estate was still in turmoil, and the path ahead would undoubtedly be filled with more challenges, more dangers.
For tonight, though, I allowed myself to enjoy the victory. Tomorrow would bring its own battles, but for now, we were together. We were safe. No danger could come our way
And for a moment, that was enough.