A Hero’s Welcome and a New Beginning
As we crossed the borders back into the empire, the sight that greeted us was overwhelming. Thousands of people had gathered, lining the roads leading to the capital. Farmers, merchants, nobles, and soldiers alike cheered and waved banners adorned with the imperial crest and symbols of our victory. The sheer volume of their cheers washed over us like a wave, both exhilarating and humbling.
I had never seen the empire so united. It wasn’t just a celebration of our return—it was a celebration of survival, of hope restored after years of despair.
“You’d think we conquered the gods themselves,” I muttered to Mirellia, who rode beside me.
She smirked, her usual composure softened by the genuine joy lighting her face. “We might as well have. Look at them, Ellio. You gave them this.”
I wanted to argue—to say that it wasn’t just me, that it was all of us—but the words caught in my throat. For once, I decided to let the moment be what it was.
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The Procession into the Capital
The capital was transformed into a festival of light and music. The streets were lined with flowers, and the air was filled with the sound of bells and trumpets. As our procession made its way toward the imperial palace, I felt an odd mixture of pride and unease.
Mirellia waved to the crowd, her presence commanding as always, yet I noticed the way her hand would occasionally brush against mine as if to reassure herself that I was still there.
“You’ll get used to this,” she teased as we approached the palace gates.
“Doubtful,” I replied, though I couldn’t help but smile.
The gates opened to reveal a grand courtyard where the emperor and empress waited, flanked by rows of royal guards. They stepped forward as we dismounted, their faces a mixture of regal restraint and parental pride.
“Welcome home,” Emperor Anduin said, his deep voice carrying over the hushed crowd.
Mirellia approached them first, bowing slightly before embracing her parents. Then, to my surprise, she turned and extended her hand toward me, beckoning me to join her.
I hesitated for a moment, but her steady gaze left no room for argument. I stepped forward, bowing respectfully before the emperor and empress.
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The Celebration Feast
That night, the palace held a grand feast in our honor. The banquet hall was a vision of opulence, with tables laden with exotic dishes and chandeliers casting a warm glow over the gathered nobles and dignitaries.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
To my discomfort, I was seated beside Mirellia at the head table, drawing the attention of every guest.
“Enjoying the attention yet?” Mirellia asked, leaning slightly toward me.
“Not even a little,” I replied, though I couldn’t help but chuckle.
The night wore on, filled with toasts and tales of our journey. Kael and Lyria entertained the crowd with exaggerated accounts of their battles, while Ronan and Serena graciously deflected praise, insisting the victory belonged to everyone.
As the evening wound down, Mirellia excused herself from the festivities, and I followed her out onto one of the palace balconies. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the crowded hall.
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A Private Moment
We stood in silence for a moment, looking out over the city. The streets were still alive with celebration, but out here, the noise felt distant, almost dreamlike.
“You’re quiet,” Mirellia said, her voice soft.
“I’m just… thinking,” I replied.
“About what?”
I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. “About what comes next. About… us.”
She turned to face me, her expression uncharacteristically vulnerable. “And what do you see?”
I met her gaze, the weight of everything we’d been through pressing down on me. “I’ve spent so much of my life running from responsibility, from expectations. I thought that if I accepted my place, I’d lose my freedom. But out there, in the middle of all that chaos… I realized something.”
Her eyes searched mine, and I took a deep breath before continuing.
“I realized that freedom isn’t about running away. It’s about choosing where to stand, who to stand with. And I choose you, Mirellia. Not because of duty or expectation, but because I love you.”
For a moment, she didn’t say anything. Then, a smile broke across her face—one of pure, unguarded joy.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear that,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
She reached out, taking my hand in hers. “Ellio, I’ve wanted you by my side not just as a hero, but as a partner. Together, we can build something better—a future where duty and freedom coexist. But only if it’s what you want.”
I nodded, my resolve solidifying. “It is. With you, it is.”
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The Announcement
The next day, the court was summoned to the throne room for an important announcement. Mirellia stood beside her parents, her hand resting lightly on my arm.
“People of the Anduin Empire,” the emperor began, his voice commanding attention. “We celebrate not only the return of our brave soldiers but also a union that symbolizes the strength of our empire.”
Mirellia stepped forward, her voice steady and confident. “I have chosen Ellio Barthory, hero of the empire, as my future consort. Together, we will guide this land into a new era of peace and prosperity.”
The room erupted into applause, though I couldn’t help but notice the stunned expressions on my parents’ faces. For once, they were speechless—a small victory in itself.
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The Promise of the Future
The days that followed were a whirlwind of preparations, celebrations, and adjustments. Mirellia and I spent as much time as we could away from the prying eyes of the court, planning not just for the wedding but for the future we wanted to build.
Late one evening, as we sat in the palace gardens under a canopy of stars, Mirellia rested her head on my shoulder.
“Do you think we’ll manage it?” she asked quietly.
“Manage what?”
“Balancing everything—duty, freedom, love. All of it.”
I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “If we can survive an army of demons, I think we can handle a palace full of politicians.”
She laughed softly, and for the first time in what felt like years, I allowed myself to relax. Together, we would face whatever came next.
And for the first time, I truly believed we would succeed.