"Son I can only say thank you." MacArthur's smile was cheerful when he and Naell snugged to the admiral's arm came to Johan. She proudly wore the ring she was offered which looked fantastic on her slender hand. One of the last heirlooms of the MacArthur family that survived all hardships of the time.

Naella also smiled. "Mister Johan I hope for and look forward to our future good relations and thank you for your acceptance."

Johan smiled but shake his head in denial. "Not Mister Johan! Im going to call you Mom and I hope you can see me as Son."

She covered her mouth. All Her dreams come true after all these years. Robert approached Johan and stretched his arm over his son and confidently gave him a small velvet black box that steward brought him during the ceremony and whispered with a smile.

"Your turn son. As you said to your old man before: go for it, son!"

Johan gathered his entire resolve and approached Anna. Her parents stood nearby and watched with approval. His friends watched with a smile when he kneeled before Anna who happily agreed.

Thuel was standing near Luna and cursed his fate that he will never be able to do the same as his best friend when his instincts warned him about danger. His inhuman reflex and speed acted in the same second as every present AI rose alarm.

His hand moved with reflex drilled in endless training, his body moved with the swiftness of attacking cobra and he catched Luna away from dangers. She screamed in shock but when she saw it was him she immediately hugged him and laid her head on his chest. In any other situation, Thuel would be in seventh heaven but now he was focused on the assailant. He held Luna with both his hands so fighting for any human would be almost impossible.

But Thuel was no ordinary human. He was half Fa'enni. His majestic wings stretched and all people gasped with awe. Normally flickers of glitter-like lights dance on Fa'enni wings, but if they are sad or angered all lights were gone or dimmed. His wings were unlike other Fa'ennis- bigger, stronger, and swirling shadows like black raven feathers in the air when he was angry.

Now he was furious.

Someone was trying to attack Luna and for this offense only fitting punishment is death. He spiraled into the air holding Luna like the most precious treasure and kicked the assailant with power able to shatter bones right into the face.

"What's going on here?!" the voice of his father silenced everyone.

Gregoray Flynn was holding his bloodied face. Fury took away all his reason.

"Do you know who I am you brat?!" he shouted with spite. "I demand duel of honor for this afront! I hope you are ready Robert because I don't think this brat has enough standing to pick a duel with me!"

Gregoray smiled with perverted fury. He will crush Robert here and now. He was surprised by the power of this Fa'enni boy kick. Fa'enni even augmented shouldn't be this strong!

Robert was not responding, he just kneeled with everyone else except that boy who kicked him in the face when Royal Family approached. That insolent brat was slowly descending on his huge wings still holding that stupid girl in his arms. 'Good' thought Gregoray he will get them punished for insulting Nobility. That's what you get for befriending this cursed MacArthur family!

Grand Admiral approached as well and was first to comment. Exactly like he should thought Flynn.

"A duel? Very well. It's one of the Nobility traditions after all. No one can back off from a duel without disgracing him or herself. I must beg your pardon, your majesty."

"It's not a problem here, Lord Admiral" responded King Konrad and while still looking at the admiral added. "However I'm not sure if your subordinate is aware of his situation."

Admiral without single hesitation responded. "It is the duty of Nobles to know the standing of ones around them. I will be responsible as a witness and my testimony will be absolute."

King nodded to the admiral. "But of course Lord Admiral"

The girl kneeled before Royal Family when that brat hesitantly let her go but he was still standing with fire in his eyes and stepped toward Gregoray. Sir Flynn was enraged. Such insolence! Everyone in the room watched them with interest and many whispers aroused. He ignored that stupid brat and looked on still kneeling Robert.

"I demand duel till death! Right here and now! Chose your weapon, Robert!"

Robert didn't even look at him. Gregoray was triumphant. He disgraced him without even moving a finger! Now he will...

"I accept your challenge! We will be fighting with swords." Replayed boy and unsheathed sword that King himself gave him.

That makes no sense! Who is that brat?! Panic ran through Gregory. His implants rejected every single identification request even ones that carried military priorities. Before he could say anything boy took a perfect ceremonial duel stance with a sword hung motionlessly in the air pointing right into his chest.

Boy introduced himself as tradition dictated in the absolute silence of the room.

"My name is Thuel Uriel Raven, the Crown Prince of Fa'enni and inheritor of the great Home of Raven. You raised your hand on the purest and most delicate being in existence. Raise your sword or you will never again see the light of stars, forever bound in chains and disgrace!"

Pure horror and panic struck Gregoray. Prince?! And what he is talking about? How Robert is pure and delicate? No. That girl! He swallowed an icy ball that formed in his throat. Maybe he will disarm the prince and somehow manage to explain himself. He saw Sara watching this in horror. He took out his own sword and stuttered out.

"My name is Gregoray Flynn. Im Baronett and admiral from Fleet Operation Base at Neptune."

Any noble watching this scene was waiting for the rest of Gregoray's introductions but that's it. Legacy of young Prince against such zero? That Baronett disgraced himself already.

Admiral Denis Makosso raised his hand. When it drops they will fight. Queen raised her hand and these few kneeling Humans and Fa'enni stand up and moved to make room.

Gregoray saw flames of wrath in eyes of everyone. No matter what he will do he is already finished. All his career is done even if he somehow survives. So even Fa'enni are plotting against him! Yes, yes! If he is going to die here anyway he will take this insolent brat with him. He jumped toward Prince without waiting for the mark. He will kill as many foul creatures as he can!

Thuel was already calm. Thousands of mocked duels with masters of weapons prepared him for occasions like this. He was focused and ready. His opponent jumped without mark disgracing himself entirely but Thuel was waiting for his attack anyway. His father and grandpa always punished him for mindless rushing during duels, before attack check your opponent! This opponent was however predictable.

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Thuel parried his strike without effort. He moved delicately. One step. His opponent's sword parried and pushed away landed in a useless position away from him or his opponent's body unable to parry anything. Changing balance. His own sword already was in the position to strike. Half step. Short elegant thrust right into the enemy's heart. End of step. His sword freed from the enemy was already ready for the next strike but it wasn't necessary. His opponent gasped and fell to the ground dead before he could understand what happened.

Thuel was lightning fast. When it was obvious that the duel is over he cleaned his father sword and put it back into the sheath. Marines from Royal Guard picked up the body and without any remarks or sorrow took it away.

Admiral Makosso doesn't even have to rise his voice: "Winner is Prince Thuel Uriel Raven!"

Applause arose around and people returned to the party. Sara started screaming and was quickly taken away by Admiral Makosso's aid so she could calm herself.

Admiral kneeled before Royal Family. "I'm deeply sorry Your Hignesses on behalf of my subordinate who so deeply insulted our dear allies. I'm also sorry I failed to prevent this scandal from happening. I was aware of his adverse feelings towards Admiral MacArthur but I would never suspect he would do such a thing! I deserve any punishment you judge fitting for my overlook."

Thuel was surprised when his father gave him a signal that he should respond. He gathered his thoughts, carefully picked words, and answered with great respect. Before him was kneeling Noble with a name decorated by endless victories and honors.

"We accept your apology. It was him who attacked without reason innocent and unarmed woman and insulted Fa'enni Royal Family. He received the punishment he so much craved for others. I can't blame others for his madness and crimes. Please Lord Makosso raise and return to the party. I'm sure all gathered here wish to talk with you or listen to tales of your many battles. There is no need to look for guilt where there is so little of it. We are bound to make mistakes and learn how never repeat them again."

His father nodded with not only agreement but with pride as well. His Mother was shaken and worried but smiled at him as well. Her Son was a mighty warrior like his father. Born to be King.

The Minister of Commonwealth Internal Affairs was very, very happy with the outcome. That idiot finally got himself killed but it's up to him to clean the mess now. Now he must convince all Fa'enni that such duels are not only a rarity but life should never be at stake. He sighed and hoped that political recoil will not be huge. But Prince is a piece of art. Such elegance, grace and efficiency. He didn't doubt that this will help in his career. No one will joke about how Fa'enni are weak or unable to fight and kill opponents. That piece of shit was finally useful for Commonwealth after deacades of beeing untouchable since someone from his family was one of the most prominent senators.

Luna with a heavy heart watched Thuel accepting a duel and was about to fight with a Human noble. Humans are warriors of legendary skills and power. And this one is admiral! Almost the highest rank in Fleet! He must be very dangerous. She prayed to the stars for all blessings. But before she could be worried for real Thuel already defeated Human. He was so fantastic. She knew she is probably watching Thuel this close for the last time. Somewhere inside her, she hoped that man would kill her so she could die in Thuels arms. But Thuel removed her from any harm's way before she even was aware of any danger. When he hold her in his arms she didn't want to let him go. She wanted to cry.

Yesterday her Mother with a smile informed her she already decided who will be her husband. It was Fa'enni's custom and she hoped her Father would stop this but he only told her she will be able to decline if the man she is about to meet will be not to her taste. At least her father gave her a choice and she was thankful for it. She promised herself that she will dance every single dance with Thuel. But instead, this happened. She was only briefly able to thank him before they were split.

Party was near its end when Queen and King asked for attention.

"As some of you are aware, there is one old Fa'enni custom. As old as my race remember and it is put on the shoulders of every Fa'enni Mother. Responsible called Aha'aris."

Luna opened her eyes with fear. Of course, Thuel also will be affected by Aha'aris. Her heart almost stopped. She was looking at the face of any Fa'enni or Human girl hoping she will see who picked Queen's interest and will be bethroned to Thuel. Thuel was standing near his father. She barely could see him from afar but He looked so sad. She was with her father who was talking with an old friend from Nova Roma. Her Mother was gone for quite some time now, the last time she saw her she was talking with the Commonwealth minister's wife.

Queen continued.

"Aha'aris however was changed. It's no longer a tradition that will put such a heavy burden on our children. Before our nations met we Fa'enni lived only for a moment so Aha'aris guaranteed the survival of the entire race. But now we no longer fear early death. However, Aha'aris is our tradition. The tradition that we made a new. Now our children can decline the will of mothers."

Thuel soul dropped into oblivion. Maybe this will be better? Since it's my Mother's choice I will simply accept. It will be better than being alone but... No. He will and have to decline. He can't rob others of their happiness. It's his duty to protect all Commonwealth Citizens. He felt the heavy comforting hand of his father on his shoulder. Thanks, dad... If you told me before I would allow that mad admiral to kill me in the duel.

All girls and women held their breath with anticipation. Maybe by some miracle, it could be one of them?

His Mother finished and pointed somewhere afar. "With great pleasure, I would like to introduce you to Lady Luna Gina Rosa daughter of the Noble House of Rosi!"

Thuel raised his head faster than a snake and froze. An Avalanche of thoughts rushed through his head. She can't do this to me! She can't be this cruel! Not my own Mother. He heard a short scream but he couldn't pinpoint its origin. He was agonizing. How he can decline his dream?! He suddenly heard a whisper coming from behind his father.

That was... Lady Khrisa.

"Lord Thuel!" she whispered "Before you do anything I must tell you this: Luna is madly in love with you and she will only be happy with you. As Mother, I beg you, just speak with her honestly if I and your Mother were wrong."

His heart raced with emotions. If that's true... He started slowly walking toward Luna. He wanted to run but he knew the wrath of his grandpa would be legendary. Besides if that's true he wanted to survive long enough to be happy with her.

Luna was in despair as Queen continued her speech. When she heard her own name she cried in disbelief and quickly covered her face. She saw how Thuel was paralyzed for a moment but he was heading her way now. She was trembling with emotions and saw her father's smile. He knew! He knew all this time! Thuel took her hand barely holding his feelings. She saw happiness in his eyes. They were standing there together and she knew that her dream finally come true. Aha'aris is not the same as the proposal. She will be waiting patiently now for this one question.

Grand Admiral Denis Makosso was watching the next love story's happy end and scratched his neck. Data about Fa'enni's customs was quickly displayed in corner of his eye. He was prepared for the Medal of Honor party, not all of what happened today.

Next time he visits this sector he will pack for any and all ocasions easter egg hunt included. He sighed and focused on his thoughts.

Looks like kids loved each other but were or shy or holding so much that their parents gave up and took this matter into their hands. This whole custom has basically been dead for a long time so it looks like they simply used it as an excuse to pull this off. He sighed and smiled.

That Prince will be a deadly addition to Commonwealth armies. Elegant, refined, and deadly. At distance, you can see old-school education. Richard Raven really was rooting hard on his first grandson. And this introduction! Ha! Masterpiece. Inheritor of Noble House of Raven. The old man finally picked Inheritor. While his youngest son was finally worthy of being called Raven then his only grandchild is an absolute piece of art.

When that moron Flynn started all commotion he almost took out his own sword to slay this fool. If he would lay finger on the prince backlash at home would be legendary. He didn't like the idea of stripping Robert from the command post but some influent nobles who feel they owed senator Rakin favors pushed him very hard and almost tried to black mail him to just take this moron with him. I should know where this is going. Flynn was the absolute opposite of MacArthur. Talentless trash who should pilot a dump truck for his entire worthless life. Thankfully he got what he deserved swiftly.

In addition, no one can say anything about Robert anymore- elevated to noblehood by actually ruling Royal Family straight to Duke and not by the checky gathering of nobles who only technically can rise anyone and only to the lowest possible rank of baronett. Not even knight.

Flynn... What's more that moron challenged prince. And how? By attacking his about-to-be fiancee. Rakin will be dealt with. Dauntless already prepared for him a list of possible lords who tried to make him a scapegoat.

And after that? Ha! Prince could ask for my balls for such a transgression. Instead, he treated me with respect and gave me protectional advice which by some morons might be treated as punishment. He is good. I'm gonna made sure Lord Thuel gets the best teachers on Earth. He deserved that after how he handled Flynn. I will have a little job for Felix Strong...