In the quiet of the palace, after Saruto's return from his trip with the princesses, the sound of a luxurious carriage's hooves echoed through the main gate. The air around it grew colder, as if winter had suddenly descended upon the palace.
The carriage door opened, and out stepped a young man with sharp features and eyes that flashed like ice. It was Lucian, heir to the Ice Kingdom. He strode swiftly into the palace courtyard, and in a flash, he summoned his crystal spear, which glowed with a deadly chill, and lunged at Saruto without uttering a word.
But Saruto did not flinch. In an instant, he drew one of his double-edged swords and deflected the attack with astonishing ease. The clash of the two weapons filled the air with icy sparks and dark purple flames. Then the two smiled at each other, a smile full of defiance and respect.
Lucian: "I didn't expect your strength to increase so tremendously in such a short time... It seems that if I delay any longer, I will never be able to catch up with you." Saruto (smiling calmly): "And you too, your ice isn't what it used to be... It's sharper and more flexible. But you know... no matter how much you evolve, I'll always be the strongest."
They both laughed, then he concealed the shape of his spear and nodded toward the palace.
Lucian: "Let's postpone the battle for another time. I have something more important to tell you."
The scene then shifted to the palace's guest hall. The two young men sat around a table laden with fruit and drinks, chatting about their vacation.
Lucian spoke freely about his adventures on the glaciers and his training amidst blizzards. Saruto offered only a cryptic smile and remained silent about his family's secrets—neither the Time Chamber nor his training with the Three Founders—only mentioning "regular training" briefly.
As the conversation drew to a close, Lucian sighed softly, his voice growing more serious.
Saruto... I didn't come today just to see you. I have something important to do, and I need your help with it.
"A personal matter? What is it?"
Lucian took a deep breath and said, with a mixture of confidence and a hint of nervousness,
"I met the Sea Princess at one of the inter-kingdom meetings... and ever since, I haven't been able to erase her image from my memory. I want... to get closer to her, even to ask for her hand in marriage."
Saruto raised his eyebrows in surprise, then smiled slyly.
"I didn't expect to hear that from you... so you love the Sea Princess."
Lucian laughed shyly, then placed his hand on the table.
"But I don't want to show her my weakness or hesitation. You, Saruto... are the one who can help me. I need you by my side, to help me with this dilemma."
Saruto remained silent for a moment, then looked into his eyes, smiled earnestly, and said,
"Very well... I will help you. But remember, I will pave the way... and the rest is up to you."
Lucian's face lit up with gratitude, and he extended his hand to Saruto, who shook it firmly.
After Saroto agreed to help Lucien with his quest to the Sea Princess, he smiled and said,
"But... in return, you must help me too."
Lucien raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"And what do you want from me?"
Saruto leaned closer and whispered,
"I want to have all three princesses for myself... the Princess of Hell, the Princess of Light, and the Princess of the Stars."
Lucien froze for a moment before laughing bitterly.
"Your ambition knows no bounds, Saroto... Do you understand what you're saying?"
Saruto smiled confidently. "Yes, I know what I'm saying, Lucien. I've grown very close to them during this vacation, and I've fallen in love with them."
Lucien was taken aback by Saroto's words for a moment, then said,
"Well... that explains a lot. I understand now. Fine... I agree, I'll help you."
The two sat brainstorming until a bold plan crystallized between them: to hold a grand party before the academy began, bringing together the heirs of the eight families. Lucien's goal was to get close to the Sea Princess and ask for her hand in marriage, while Saruto's was to get close to all three princesses and pave the way for a formal proposal. The rules stipulated that engagements were possible now, but marriage could only take place once they reached the legal age.
"Well, a party before the academy starts... perfect plan," Lucien said, raising his glass of juice.
"We have about a month left before the end of vacation... we need to act fast," Saruto replied with a sly smile.
So they began preparing and putting their plan into action.