It was a strange thing to stroll around the castle when everyone else was on high alert. But in each other’s company, an easy atmosphere settled in. Niles, curious as ever, peppered Aurelia with questions. She happily shared stories about her family house, the journey that led her here, and even mentioned one oddity that struck Niles: she has only met her mother once.

They wandered through various parts of the castle—the courtyard, the barracks, and even caught sight of the king himself in the kitchens. He was surrounded by the chef and his staff, meticulously instructing them on ingredients for his duel recipe. He seemed to be enjoying himself, but his expression hardened to a commanding glare when he caught Niles watching nearby. With a sharp order for more flour and berries, he turned away.

Eventually, they reached the castle moat, a serpentine barrier of water coiled around the fortress walls. The drawbridge was pulled up, and two guards stood by, eating pastries between their shifts. One, carrying a spear, saw Aurelia approach and immediately stood straighter. "Greetings, Goddess!" he said respectfully.

Aurelia offered him a warm smile. "Thank you, brave soldier, for keeping the castle safe," she replied, her voice carrying the grace expected of her title. The guard's face lit up at her words.

The other guard, with a sword and shield, glanced toward the tower, still smoldering faintly from Roy’s earlier mishap. "Lovely weather, though a bit damp from falling debris," he chuckled, gesturing at the damaged structure. Aurelia laughed, explaining the incident as they all shared a knowing glance.

The guard with the shield then looked at Niles with cautious curiosity. "Ah, so you’re the one who challenged the king to a duel?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

“That’s me!” Niles declared, standing tall. "And it’s been a pleasure meeting you fine folks."

The guard extended a hand, smiling. “Well, I appreciate that, even if it’s likely farewell. And… I wish you luck.” Niles reached out and took the soldier’s hand in a firm shake. But the moment they touched, the guard’s face froze, a strange expression flickering across his features.

“What’s wrong?” Aurelia asked, a touch of concern in her voice.

The guard hesitated, as if reluctant to speak, but after a moment’s thought, he sighed. "Nothing wrong, per se. It’s just… my skill. When I touch someone, I get a reading of their nature, whether they lean toward good or bad."

Niles blinked in surprise, clearly fascinated. "Well? What’s the verdict?” he asked with a smirk.

The guard looked from Niles to Aurelia and back. “You’re… neither. Or maybe both,” he said, brow furrowing. “It’s… unusual.”

"Both?" Niles grinned, unbothered. “So, that means I’m like... complex or something, right?” He laughed, clapping the guard on the shoulder. “See? You’re the real powerhouse here with that skill—knowing the nature of everyone you meet.”

The guard, Felix, chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not all-powerful. People change. What I see is just a current state, not a constant.” But he softened, appreciating Niles’s enthusiasm. “Still, thanks. The name’s Felix, by the way.”

“Pleasure, Felix, I’m Niles!” Niles said, giving his new friend a nod. The other guard, however, stood slightly aloof, raising an eyebrow as if wondering why Felix would bother making friends with someone who might not survive the day. Yet, despite it all, the guard was grateful; thanks to Niles’s bravery—or sheer foolishness—he and the other soldiers had enjoyed freshly baked bread from the king himself."

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Niles and Aurelia continued their stroll, wandering through grand halls lined with art—paintings, statues, relics of past glory. Aurelia, well-versed in the land’s history, shared all she knew with him, recounting tales and legends as they walked. Being in the company of the “goddess” seemed to open countless doors for Niles. Soon, they found themselves back in the throne room, where cleaning staff were hard at work, preparing for tomorrow’s ball.

“Ball?” Niles asked, raising an eyebrow. “I haven’t received an invitation.”

Aurelia smirked. “It’s in your honor, actually—a celebration of your summoning… or rather, a show to flaunt our new 'military might.'"

Niles gasped in mock horror. “But we—my ‘planet buddies’ and I—are totally useless.”

“That’s not common knowledge,” she replied with a cunning smile. “All warfare is based on deception… much like my supposed divinity.”

They walked closer to the Throne of a Thousand Crowns. Aurelia’s gaze softened. “There’s something I’d like you to see.” She pointed to a small crown fused into the intricate design of gold and gemstones: a modest band of gold, edged with a thin line of silver, a small sapphire gleaming at its center. She brushed her fingers over it. “This one belonged to my family, before we bowed to our current king.” She stepped back, murmuring, “Bless his name.”

Niles studied the crown, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I promised Roy I’d avoid wrecking any more towers… but I didn’t say anything about stealing a crown.” He grinned at her.

For a moment, Aurelia looked shocked, then broke into laughter at the outrageous notion of anyone prying a crown from the king’s own throne. Niles smiled, his tone sincere. “I promise to return this crown to you one day.”

She shook her head. “You can’t be serious!”

Niles, watching the sun dip lower on the horizon, signaling the duel’s approach, exhaled, “It’s more for me than for you,” he said softly.

Aurelia looked at him, and for a fleeting moment, the last light of day seemed to wrap around him, casting him in a warm glow. He explained, “If I have a reason to return from the duel… then maybe the goddess of luck will be on my side.”

They stood there, on the very spot where Niles had first issued his challenge to the king, yet the mood had shifted. Aurelia gazed at him, and in that light, he looked like a true champion—however unlikely he seemed.

Both fell into silence.

“Why did you save me?” Niles whispered to Aurelia, his voice steady but searching. “At the courtyard, your plea saved my life.”

Aurelia’s gaze shifted away, but her tone was earnest. “I had planned to escape—to run so far that this kingdom’s reach would never find me,” she said, biting her lip as if to hold back the bitterness. “I knew the king would be furious, but after what happened in the heavens…” She trailed off, gathering her thoughts before continuing, “Seeing you risk death—it didn’t feel right. It was like I’d dragged you into this.” She paused, then tilted her head, curious. “By the way, why did you get in the truck?”

Niles chuckled, a little sheepish. “Honestly? I saw your beauty, heard your voice calling me, and thought, ‘This is it—a new beginning.’” He looked off into the distance. “I wasn’t wrong about that, apparently. But really, I’d been dreaming about starting a family—coming home to someone who greets you with their whole heart. That kind of life feels… precious.” Realizing how serious he sounded, he lightened up with a grin. “And with today’s competition on dating apps, all the filters and whatnot, it’s a struggle out there!”

He chuckled, but Aurelia only half-smiled, gazing into the same distance as Niles, her fingers combing through her golden hair. “I think that’s a wonderful dream,” she murmured.

“By the way,” Niles shifted gears, “why only bring three guys in the truck? No women?”

Aurelia smirked, quick to respond. “I tried, but apparently, women in your world are smart enough not to jump into strange vehicles with strangers.”

“Ah!” Niles replied, laughing as he nodded in understanding.

The familiar assistant from earlier appeared, slightly out of breath. “Sir Niles,” he said, “it’s time for the duel.”

Niles turned to him, his face set with newfound determination. “Lead the way, planet buddy.”