For a moment...
Time itself seemed to stand still.
The cool night breeze brushed gently against the balcony, carrying with it the faint melody of the waltz still playing inside the ballroom.
Yet neither of them heard it anymore.
Seraphina simply stared at him.
Her crimson eyes trembled ever so slightly.
"..."
"..."
"...You..."
Her voice caught in her throat.
"...You really mean that?"
Levi answered with nothing more than a gentle nod.
"I do."
The corners of Seraphina's lips quivered.
Then...
A laugh escaped her.
Soft.
Relieved.
Disbelieving.
Before she knew it, tears had begun to gather at the corners of her eyes.
"...Idiot."
She smiled through them.
"...You made me overthink for nothing."
Levi let out a quiet chuckle.
"I've been overthinking all night myself."
That only made her laugh harder.
Without another word...
She stepped forward.
Resting her forehead against his chest.
"..."
"..."
Neither spoke.
Some things...
Didn't need words anymore.
"..."
Neither spoke.
Some things...
Didn't need words anymore.
Until-
A muffled cheer erupted from the other side of the balcony doors.
"YES!"
"HE DID IT!"
Levi and Seraphina slowly turned toward the sound.
Through the large glass balcony doors...
Nearly half the ballroom had gathered.
Dozens of nobles were shamelessly pressed against the glass, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
Some were quietly clapping.
Others pumped their fists in celebration.
Several elderly nobles smiled with knowing expressions, while a few young ladies squealed behind their fans.
At the very front...
King Maverick and Duke Alaric wore identical grins.
Both had their fists raised triumphantly.
"I TOLD YOU HE HAD IT IN HIM!"
"I'M SO PROUD OF THEM!"
Before either could celebrate any further—
Queen Aurelia grabbed Maverick by the ear.
Duchess Celestine did the same to Alaric.
"Have some dignity."
"You are a king."
"And you are a duke."
The two men winced.
"...Yes, dear."
"...Sorry, dear."
Even Theodore, standing a respectful distance behind the crowd, couldn't hide the amused smile tugging at his lips.
He raised his wine glass ever so slightly.
"...Congratulations."
The ballroom erupted into warm applause.
Levi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"...I forgot we had an audience."
Seraphina buried her face against his chest once more.
"...Can the ground swallow me now?"
Levi rubbed the back of his neck.
"To be honest..."
"I don't know."
He let out an embarrassed laugh.
"I never actually expected you to confess, to me out of all people."
"Though..."
A genuine smile spread across his face.
"...I'm certainly not complaining."
Then Seraphina can nudge his shoulder.
She gently nudged his shoulder with hers, unable to hide her grin.
"Good."
"Because I don't plan on taking it back."
"Works for me."
Levi extended his hand toward Seraphina.
A gentle smile rested on his face.
"Shall we?"
He bowed his head just slightly.
"...My Lady."
Seraphina stared at his outstretched hand.
Then at him.
A smile slowly bloomed across her face.
"...You really know how to make a girl's heart race."
With a soft laugh, she placed her hand in his.
"Lead the way..."
"...My Lord."
As Levi and Seraphina approached, the gathered nobles quietly stepped aside, parting to make way for them.
The once-crowded ballroom seemed to divide naturally, a path opening before the pair without a single word being spoken.
Silken gowns swayed gracefully as ladies stepped aside, while gentlemen straightened their posture before offering respectful bows.
Warm smiles greeted the two from every direction.
Some raised their crystal glasses in silent congratulations.
Others nodded with quiet approval, their expressions carrying the wisdom of those who had long since recognized young love.
Whispers soon followed.
"They truly suit one another."
"I had a feeling this would happen."
"The Lord of Ravenholt has found someone worthy to walk beside him."
"And Lady Seraphina couldn't have chosen a finer gentleman."
Even those who had once viewed Levi with skepticism found themselves smiling.
Not because he was the Lord of Ravenholt.
But because, for the first time that evening...
He looked genuinely happy.
Levi and Seraphina walked side by side through the parted crowd, their hands still intertwined.
Neither hurried.
Neither let go.
For just a little while longer...
They wished to savor the warmth of the moment.
The Orchestra finishes their piece,the conductor glances at the Duke.
Duke Alaric gives a subtle nod.
the conductor raised his baton.
A new melody filled the grand hall.
Softer.
Gentler.
Seraphina looks at Levi.
"one more?"
he smiles.
"I was hoping you'd ask."
this time, they werent dancing to show their changes, to compete, to tease, or discover their feelings no...
This time...
They danced simply because they were in love.
Levi's hand rested naturally upon her waist.
Seraphina rested comfortably against him.
No hesitation.
No awkwardness.
Only quiet contentment.
Around them, the ballroom seemed brighter than before.
The nobles smiled as the newly courting pair glided across the marble floor.
Some applauded softly.
Others whispered words of blessing.
"They truly are a wonderful match."
"The Goddess herself must have smiled upon this evening."
Theodore's gaze briefly lingered on the back of Levi's hand.
Hidden beneath his glove...
rested the mark bestowed by the Goddess.
A faint smile crossed the old Marquis' lips.
"Perhaps..."
"...She did."
Near the throne, Maverick wiped at the corner of his eye.
"I'm not crying."
Alaric sniffed loudly.
"...Neither am I."
Queen Aurelia sighed.
"You both are."
Duchess Celestine chuckled.
"And neither of you is fooling anyone."
The two men exchanged a glance.
Then burst into laughter.
The sound spread through the ballroom, joined by the laughter of nobles, knights, and servants alike.
For one fleeting night...
There were no political schemes.
No burdens.
No wars waiting beyond the horizon.
Only music.
Only laughter.
Only two hearts that had finally found one another.
The melody carried them gently across the ballroom.
Neither counted the steps anymore.
Neither cared who was watching.
Levi's hand rested comfortably around Seraphina's waist.
Her fingers remained intertwined with his, unwilling to let go.
Every now and then, their eyes met.
A smile.
A quiet laugh.
A blush neither cared to hide.
No words were needed.
The silence between them had become comforting rather than awkward.
It was enough simply to be there.
Together.
Beneath the glow of countless chandeliers, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends...
The Lord of Ravenholt and the daughter of House Valemont shared a dance neither would ever forget.
And somewhere far above...
A certain Goddess, Pyrathera watched with great interest.
A satisfied smile found its way onto her lips.
"...Finally."
She leaned back upon her throne.
"...About time."
"I was beginning to think I'd have to give them another push."
Back in the ballroom...
Neither Levi nor Seraphina noticed.
Nor did they know that a certain Goddess had been shamelessly watching every awkward glance, every blush, every dance, and every confession.
They simply continued swaying together beneath the warm glow of the chandeliers.
Seraphina looked up at Levi.
"...You know."
"Hm?"
"I think..."
She smiled, the kind of smile that reached her eyes.
"...I could get used to this."
Levi smiled back.
"I was just thinking the same thing."
The music carried them onward.
No teasing.
No hesitation.
No uncertainty.
Just two hearts, beating to the same rhythm.
As the final note of the waltz faded into silence...
Levi and Seraphina came to a graceful stop.
For a heartbeat, the ballroom remained utterly still.
Then...
Thunderous applause erupted throughout the grand hall.
Cheers, laughter, and heartfelt congratulations echoed beneath the towering chandeliers.
Some nobles raised their glasses in celebration.
Others applauded with warm smiles, while a few elderly lords nodded in quiet approval.
At the front of the hall...
King Maverick and Duke Alaric clapped the loudest.
Tears brimmed at the corners of their eyes—not of sorrow, but of overwhelming joy.
"My boy..."
Maverick muttered, his voice thick with emotion.
Alaric sniffled as he continued applauding.
"They've really grown up..."
Before either man could wipe away their tears.
Queen Aurelia sighed with an affectionate smile.
Duchess Celestine chuckled softly.
"There they go again."
"They're hopeless."
Even so...
Neither woman stepped in this time.
Instead...
Aurelia quietly leaned against Maverick's shoulder.
Celestine slipped her hand into Alaric's.
Watching the two young nobles standing together beneath the chandeliers...
Their hearts couldn't have been fuller.
Not far away...
Instead, they continued applauding, proud smiles never leaving their faces.
the pair moves to their families table.
Levi instinctively pulls a chair out for Seraphina.
Beneath the table, Seraphina's little finger brushed against Levi's secretly thanking him for his act.
Servants moved gracefully between the tables, placing silver platters upon the banquet table with practiced precision.
The rich aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and fragrant herbs soon filled the grand hall.
Crystal goblets were refilled.
Soft conversations resumed.
The orchestra played quietly in the background, allowing the laughter of nobles to mingle with the gentle melody.
Levi and Seraphina sat beside one another.
Neither of them had fully recovered from everything that had happened only moments ago.
Every now and then...
Their shoulders brushed ever so slightly.
Neither moved away.
Instead...
A small smile would quietly find its way onto their lips.
King Maverick noticed.
He slowly leaned toward Duke Alaric.
"...Did you see that?"
Alaric nodded with the seriousness of a seasoned general.
"I did."
"They're already sitting closer."
Maverick wiped away an imaginary tear.
"...Nature is beautiful."
Queen Aurelia reached over and lightly smacked the back of his head.
"Ow."
"Eat."
"...Yes, dear."
The table broke into soft laughter.
Levi shook his head.
"I've missed this."
Maverick looked up.
"Hm?"
Levi glanced around the table.
His parents.
The Duke and Duchess.
Seraphina.
Even Theodore quietly enjoying his wine nearby.
He smiled.
"...Just... this."
"No politics."
"No meetings."
"No battles."
"For one evening..."
"I get to be with family."
Silence followed.
Not an awkward one.
A peaceful one.
Maverick's smile softened.
"You've worked hard, son."
"So have you."
Alaric raised his goblet.
"Then tonight..."
"We celebrate."
Everyone raised their glasses.
"To peace."
"To Ravenholt."
"To House Ashbourne."
"To House Valemont."
Levi glanced toward Seraphina.
"...To us?"
Seraphina's cheeks immediately flushed.
She hesitated for only a heartbeat before raising her own glass.
"...To us."
Crystal met crystal.
A chorus of gentle clinks echoed across the table.
For a while...
Conversation drifted from politics to childhood stories.
Maverick enthusiastically recounted one of Levi's old misadventures.
Alaric, not wanting to be outdone, shared one of Seraphina's.
Each story earned louder laughter than the last.
Levi buried his face in one hand.
"I can't believe you're telling these now."
"Oh, we absolutely are," Maverick replied with a grin.
"It builds character."
"It builds embarrassment."
"Same thing."
The warmth around the table lingered long after the laughter faded.
For that brief moment...
The titles of king, queen, duke, duchess, lord, and lady seemed to disappear.
They were simply a family...
Sharing a meal together.
Theodore approaches, after seeing Levi finished his platter.
"Lord Ravenholt, if you have a moment, there are a few people I'd like you to meet."
Levi wiped his mouth with a neatly folded napkin before setting it beside his plate.
He glanced toward Seraphina.
She met his gaze almost instantly.
No words were exchanged.
She simply smiled and gave the slightest nod, as if saying, 'Go on'.
Levi returned the smile.
"Lead the way, Marquis."
Marquis Theodore walked at an unhurried pace, a crystal goblet of wine resting comfortably in one hand while the other remained behind his back.
Levi followed a step behind, quietly observing as the two weaved through the bustling ballroom.
After a short walk, Theodore came to a stop before a small gathering of nobles.
Five, to be exact.
Each bore the confidence and composure that came only with decades of experience.
Well-tailored attire adorned their figures, their family crests embroidered proudly upon their formal wear.
Though none wore a duke's coronet...
Nor a king's crown...
Their names alone carried considerable weight within the kingdom.
Some governed prosperous territories.
Others advised the Crown on matters of finance, law, or diplomacy.
Each had earned both influence and respect throughout the years.
As Theodore approached, the conversation among the five naturally came to a halt.
One by one...
Their gazes shifted toward the young lord standing at the Marquis' side.
Theodore approaches an old man, seemingly in his 60s or 70s.
"Tower Master Veritas."
"May I present to you Levi Ashbourne of Ravenholt."
The old mage studies Levi for a long moment.
"...So."
"...You're the young lord everyone's been talking about."
Then his gaze lingers.
Not on Levi's sword.
Not on his clothes.
On his mana.
"...Interesting."
Levi immediately thinks to himself
'This man is dangerous.'
Not because he's hostile.
Because he can see his mana without physical contact.
Tower Master Veritas squints his eye, rubbing his beard.
"can i take a closer look, Levi?"
Levi agrees.
The Tower Master places a hand on his shoulder.
His expression changes.
"..."
He frowns.
Moves his hand to Levi's arm.
"..."
Then his head.
"..."
His leg.
"..."
He slowly steps back.
Silence.
Everyone waits.
Finally...
"...Impossible."
Levi tilts his head.
"What is?"
The old mage looks at him as if he were staring at a living miracle.
"I'm sensing mana..."
He swallows.
"...Everywhere."
He sits back down.
"most can only store at one part of the body."
"rare for even 2."
"even rarer for 3 parts of the body, like me."
"even only 1 documented case was four, Eryndal Veydris, the first Sword King."
Theodore stared at Levi in stunned silence.
The five nobles beside him were no different.
One by one, their gazes slowly shifted toward Tower Master Veritas, searching his face for any sign that this was some elaborate jest.
There was none.
Levi's brow furrowed.
Then...
A memory resurfaced.
A wrecked castle.
Ash.
Flaming avatar.
And a pair of blue eyes fixed upon him.
Corvin Noctis' voice echoed clearly within his mind.
'And only one was ever known to have reached such a level...'
'...Eryndal Veydris.'
'...The First Sword King.'
Levi's eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
...Eryndal.
Theodore looked at Levi in stunned silence.
Even the nobles he had intended to introduce him to wore the same expression, their eyes slowly drifting toward Tower Master Veritas.
Levi remained silent.
Then...
A tiny shimmer of mana appeared near his shoulder.
Only he could see it.
Azhir.
The miniature spirit lazily folded his arms.
"...Wasn't he the one Corvin Noctis mentioned?"
Levi's eyes narrowed slightly.
"new form?"
"...Yeah."
Azhir hummed.
"The First Sword King."
"...Eryndal Veydris."
A brief silence followed.
Then Azhir shrugged.
"...Come to think of it..."
"The Book's been gone ever since it took control of your body."
"...Hasn't it?"