After the dancing ended, all eyes turned to Saruto, who stood on the platform, the glass in his hand reflecting the hall's dazzling lights. He tapped it lightly, and silence fell, broken only by expectant breaths and rapt attention.
He spoke in a deep, calm voice:
"This party was not just a fleeting celebration… it was a message. A message proving that the past conflicts, the bloodshed, and the inherited hatred between our eight families are over. Today… we are at peace, and we will remain at peace, thanks to the treaties made by our fathers and grandfathers, and thanks to the mutual respect we hold for one another."
A heavy silence fell over the hall, so profound that even the beating of hearts seemed audible. Then he raised his glass high and continued:
"But… we will not let this peace be fragile. We, the new generation, the heirs of the eight families, must prove that our unity is not just words, but an unshakeable force. A force that will forge a future no war can steal from us."
Lucien stepped forward with steady steps and stood beside him, raising his glass in turn. "Saruto is right," he said. "We are not only heirs to the families, but heirs to the hopes of millions who live in the shadow of our names. Tonight, we declare before all that our covenant will not be broken, and that our power will be used only to protect this world."
The applause began to rise, little by little, until the hall erupted in a wave of cheers and admiration.
One by one, the kings of the families raised their glasses. The heirs of the Dragons and the Tempests joined them.
The three princesses looked at Saruto with different expressions.
Princess Camellia of Hell shone with a mixture of pride and unspoken admiration.
Princess Star smiled faintly, as if she saw in him the star she had always dreamed of.
Princess Eliza of Light lowered her head, her face flushed, but her heart pounded as if she had finally found someone to give her security.
Then the music blared again, but this time the atmosphere was different… It wasn't just a party, but the announcement of a new era, an era under the watchful eyes of Saruto and Lucian, an era whose beginning would be written in history from this very night.
Amidst the festivities, as laughter and music filled the hall, a soft darkness suddenly enveloped the three princesses. A cool feeling washed over them for a moment, then the noise faded… and they found themselves transported to another place.
It was a dark, enchanting garden, its black flowers glowing with shimmering purple threads, and dreamy butterflies fluttering with black wings that sparkled like purple crystal. In the center stood luxurious, ornately carved chairs, like a small throne.
Saruto sat quietly, his back straight, his eyes holding a mysterious gleam. He smiled gently and said in a soft voice,
"Why don't you sit down?"
"I brought you here so we could talk away from everyone, so we could have some privacy."
The princesses exchanged glances, then slowly approached and sat around him. The conversation began to flow between them, each princess recounting her memories of him:
Camellia boasted, "Wasn't our flight above the skies of the kingdoms your most beautiful night?"
Star laughed softly, "I still remember how we formed a black hole in my universe room."
Eliza said shyly, "I… was happy when we raced in the light circuit."
They all laughed for a moment, and the atmosphere warmed… Then suddenly, Saruto's expression changed. He rose slowly from his seat, then bowed before them with a solemn step, his voice deepening:
"I organized this party… not only to prove that we, the heirs of the families, are finished… but for something else that is more important to me."
He produced three rings, black with a violet shimmer, as if made from the very essence of night. He held them up before them and said,
"I wanted to gather you here… because I don't want to be merely your ally, but something more… I want you to become mine."
A heavy silence fell…
Camellia's eyes widened, her heart pounding wildly. She tried to compose herself, but her face flushed crimson. "You… do you realize what you're saying, Saruto?"
Star covered her mouth with her hand, her face glowing with embarrassment and surprise. "This… is completely unexpected…"
Eliza couldn't look up. Her face, like a white flower, blushed with embarrassment, but she whispered weakly, "I… never imagined… that you would choose me."
Saruto moved closer, looking each of them in the eye. His voice was a mixture of sincerity and authority.
"I won't just promise you strength or protection… but that I will be your support, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Slowly… Camelia extended her hand first, saying with a shy but confident smile, "If that's what you want… I won't hesitate to do it for you."
Star followed, smiling gently. "If I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you… then I say yes."
Finally, Eliza hesitated a moment, then closed her eyes awkwardly and extended her hand. "I… accept, Saruto."
At that moment… black and purple butterflies took flight in the garden sky, circling them as if celebrating the union of new hearts. The flowers' glow reflected off the rings they wore… a declaration of a new chapter between them and the heir of the Luwin.