As the evening deepened and the conversation neared its conclusion, Princess Alia turned to Lester with a solemn expression.
The golden glow of the setting sun framed her silhouette, casting a regal aura around her.
Her voice was calm yet firm as she delivered the final piece of information.
"The royal family has been allocated a total of thirty quotas for the Cave Heaven expedition," she began.
"Meanwhile, both Maxwell and Daemon Duchies have been granted ten quotas each."
Lester listened intently, his mind already working through the implications.
"Of the thirty royal quotas," Alia continued, "I have secured three for myself. This means I am allowed to bring two individuals with me into Cave Heaven."
Her gaze met Lester's, holding a quiet intensity.
"I have chosen you and Alistair to accompany me."
Lester arched an eyebrow but remained silent, waiting for her to elaborate.
"There are a total of twenty royal siblings," Alia went on.
"However, only fifteen of my royal brothers have reached the Energy Accumulation Realm. Out of those fifteen, six are above the age of thirty, which disqualifies them from entering."
That left nine remaining princes eligible for the expedition.
Each of them, like Alia, would also be given two additional slots for their followers, bringing the total to thirty.
"But," Alia added, "this also means competition for these slots is fierce. Every royal sibling—prince or princess—can only bring two companions, meaning many followers will be left without a chance to enter."
Lester narrowed his eyes.
He could already see where this was heading.
"As expected, some of my royal brothers will try to maneuver their way around this restriction," Alia said, sighing slightly.
"They will have their unselected followers challenge others who already hold quotas. Their goal is to force weaker quota holders to lose, so they can take their place."
Lester smirked. "So, you're saying that Alistair and I should expect to be challenged?"
Alia nodded.
"Without a doubt. The challenge arena will be held ten days from now and will continue until the end of the month."
Lester crossed his arms, considering the situation.
"You cannot reject a challenge from a non-quota holder," Alia explained.
"However, a quota holder can only be challenged once per day. There are additional rules in place to prevent underhanded tactics, but that won't stop the others from trying to exploit the system."
Lester's gaze sharpened. "So, as long as we defend our quota until the end of the month, we'll secure our place in Cave Heaven."
Alia nodded. "Precisely."
With that, she reached into the folds of her robe and retrieved a small medallion, pressing it into Lester's palm.
"This will serve as proof of your quota. Guard it well."
Lester rolled the medallion between his fingers, studying the intricate carvings on its surface.
It felt heavier than it looked, not just in weight but in significance.
"Hold onto this," Alia warned, "because if you lose it, you lose your spot in the expedition."
Lester chuckled, slipping the medallion into his coat. "I'll make sure that doesn't happen."
Alia nodded in satisfaction. "Then, I shall see you at the challenge arena in ten days."
With that, she turned, her royal attendants following closely behind.
Alistair, after casting one last glance at Lester, silently followed.
Lester stood at the doorway, watching as their figures disappeared into the distance.
The soft glow of the moon illuminated the path ahead of them, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets.
The city had quieted down for the night, yet Lester's mind remained restless.
He leaned against the wooden railing of his balcony, his fingers absently brushing over the medallion in his pocket.
Today had been an eventful day.
First, the surprise of seeing Alia again after so long.
Her beauty had only grown more refined, her confidence even more commanding.
He had known she was talented, but her ability to reach the 1st Layer of the Energy Accumulation Realm at just twenty years old was nothing short of remarkable.
Then, there was Alistair.
The so-called chosen one.
Lester had observed the young man closely and had noted his rapid progress.
He had already reached the 3rd Layer of the Energy Accumulation Realm, and with the right opportunities, he would soon become a formidable force.
And now, the upcoming challenge arena.
Lester exhaled slowly, his crimson eyes reflecting the moon's glow.
He couldn't deny that today had stirred something within him—something he hadn't expected.
Seeing Alia again had reminded him of the emotions he had long buried.
He had never allowed himself to dwell too much on the idea before, but tonight, he found himself wondering.
Was it merely admiration for her talent and ambition?
Or was it something deeper?
The way she carried herself, her strength, her unwavering determination—it all fascinated him.
And yet, he also knew that his emotions had surfaced more than he would have liked.
Had the others noticed?
Lester frowned slightly.
It wasn't like him to lose control of his composure, especially in front of others.
But today, after such a long time apart, he had felt something stir—something that had been dormant.
He exhaled again, shaking his head.
This wasn't the time for distractions.
In ten days, he would have to defend his place in the expedition.
If he let emotions cloud his judgment, it would make him vulnerable.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silver light over the capital.
The night breeze was cool, whispering through the trees.
Lester clenched his fists, determination settling in his chest.
He had a mission.
He had a place to secure.
And if anyone thought they could take it from him, they were sorely mistaken.
As Alia walked through the dimly lit streets back to the royal palace, her thoughts were clouded with emotions she barely understood.
In Lester d Raizel's presence, she felt an unfamiliar sense of vulnerability, a sensation she had never experienced before—not even around Alistair, who had been by her side for years.
His piercing crimson eyes carried a dangerous allure, a mystery that drew her in, making her want to unravel the depths of the man behind them.
What was this feeling? Fascination? Curiosity? Or something deeper, something she wasn't ready to acknowledge?
She shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside.
As a princess, her emotions were not just her own—they carried the weight of the entire Stoneheart Empire. She had to remain composed, logical.
From now on, she would act as if nothing had changed.
No matter how strongly her heart wavered in his presence, she would suppress it and fulfill her duty.