Chapter 121: A Hero's Return
The streets of Eldoria's capital were filled with roaring cheers.
The war had ended, and the Vanguard had returned victorious.
From the towering spires of the Imperial Palace to the bustling lower districts, banners of gold and crimson waved proudly in the wind. Nobles, commoners, and knights alike gathered in the grand square, eager to witness the heroes who had defied all odds.
At the heart of it all, the Vanguard stood in full ceremonial attire—polished armor, flowing capes, and their weapons gleaming beneath the afternoon sun.
They had fought.
They had bled.
And now, they were being honored.
The throne room of the Imperial Palace was a place few were ever privileged to enter.
Tonight, it was filled with the highest-ranking nobles of Eldoria.
The Dukes, Marquis, and Generals of the empire stood in attendance. And at the head of them all, seated upon the golden throne, was Emperor Adrian Eldoria.
His golden eyes flickered with approval as he gazed upon the Vanguard.
"You have returned," the Emperor said, his voice carrying through the grand chamber. "And you have delivered us victory."
The nobles murmured among themselves, some in awe, others in thinly veiled envy.
Duke Varian Duskbane observed his children, Cassian and Selene, with his usual unreadable expression.
Duke Ragnor Grimthorne smirked with pride as he met Evelyne's sharp gaze.
Grand Duke Alistair Veyrin stood tall, his regal presence commanding silence as he watched his youngest son, Kael.
And beside him—
Lady Isolde Veyrin, dressed in a midnight-black gown, her crimson eyes glimmering with amusement.
Kael felt her gaze before he even looked.
"Oh no."
Her lips curled into a knowing smirk.
Kael sighed.
The Fate of Ilyra Xelthar
As the cheers settled, the Emperor gestured to a group of imperial knights.
They stepped forward, revealing a bound figure.
Ilyra Xelthar, Princess of the Fallen Kingdom.
Her silver hair cascaded down her back, her deep violet eyes betraying no emotion. She was dressed in simple, unadorned robes, her once-pristine royal status now reduced to that of a prisoner.
Murmurs erupted among the nobles.
"A Xelthar royal—alive?"
"She should be executed."
"Why has she been brought here?"
The Emperor raised a hand, silencing the room.
"This war is over. The Kingdom of Xelthar is no more. And this girl, though once our enemy, now stands as proof of our victory."
His golden gaze swept across the chamber.
"But we are not without mercy."
The nobles fell into a tense silence.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
Something was coming.
The Emperor smiled faintly.
"As such, Princess Ilyra Xelthar shall be spared—but she shall live as a servant of the House of Veyrin."
Silence.
Then—
Kael's entire body tensed.
"Wait—WHAT?!"
The Emperor continued.
"To ensure her loyalty, a Binding Sigil has been placed upon her. She may not harm any citizen of Eldoria, nor may she defy the commands of Kael Veyrin, to whom she will serve as a personal maid."
The room erupted.
A Xelthar royal—serving a noble family?!
Some nobles were outraged. Others laughed in disbelief.
Kael?
Kael wanted to collapse into the floor.
He could already feel the burning gaze of his family.
Rheon choked on his wine.
He turned to Kael, grinning like a lunatic. "A personal maid? The little brother I raised is now a captor of a princess? Damn, I'm so proud."
Kael glared. "Shut. Up."
Beside them, Elira Veyrin, his ever-composed elder sister, sipped her wine. "Hmph. I suppose if you're going to have a personal maid, she may as well be of royal blood."
Kael's eye twitched.
"Not you too, Elira."
And then—
Lady Isolde Veyrin stepped forward.
Kael froze.
His mother smiled, far too delighted.
"Oh, my dear son," she purred, resting a delicate hand on his shoulder. "You truly are your father's child. First, you conquer a kingdom, and now, you claim its princess?"
Kael almost died on the spot.
"M-Mother, that's not—!"
She chuckled. "No need to be shy. A young man should have his indulgences."
Kael's soul left his body.
Rheon laughed so hard he nearly fell off his chair.
Cassian grinned like a devil.
"Oh, this is GOLDEN," he declared. "Kael, the cold-hearted warrior, now has his very own princess-maid? The bards will sing of this for centuries!"
Selene smirked. "Careful, Cassian. You sound jealous."
Cassian gasped dramatically. "Of course I am! Where's my war-princess-servant?"
Evelyne snorted. "Kael, you lucky bastard."
Darius smirked. "Well, at least you won't have to worry about cleaning your armor anymore."
Mira crossed her arms. "If she's serving anyone, she should've been assigned to me. I actually need a maid."
Rael sighed. "You're all insufferable."
Kael buried his face in his hands.
This was his nightmare.
Through all the teasing and laughter, one person remained silent.
Ilyra Xelthar.
She stood calm, composed, unreadable.
Even when the Emperor had announced her fate.
Even when the nobles sneered and mocked.
Even now, as Kael's so-called "personal maid."
Finally, she met Kael's gaze.
Then—
She smirked.
"I suppose I should say… 'Master.'"
Kael's soul shattered.
Rheon fell over laughing.
Elira sipped her wine with amusement.
Lady Isolde looked far too entertained.
And the Vanguard?
They would never let him live this down.
Kael groaned.
"Gods, help me."