As the party reached its peak, Saruto strode confidently back into the hall, the three princesses beside him, each wearing her glowing ring. Whispers rose among the guests before he stood in the center of the hall and raised his confident voice:
"Distinguished guests… today is not merely a celebration of peace between the eight families… but also the beginning of a new era. I have proposed marriage to the three princesses… and they have accepted."
"And now I await the consent of their fathers. The King of Light has said he agrees, the Queen of Hell has also agreed, and the King of the Stars could not refuse either."
Applause erupted in the hall, and the heirs exchanged glances of admiration and astonishment. Everyone applauded Saruto for this rare union that would bring together Hell, the Stars, and Light.
At the other end, Lucian stepped forward with confident strides, a triumphant smile on his face, and said to Saruto, extending his hand:
"I have news too… the Princess of the Sea has accepted my proposal."
Saruto smiled as he shook his hand. "Congratulations, Lucian, you've won her heart."
Lucian laughed. "And I congratulate you even more… for you've won the hearts of three princesses at once."
The two laughed together, as if forging a new alliance, before each returned to the celebration to its conclusion. But there was one person who disapproved of the relationship between Lucian and Selena: her brother.
As the night wore on, the guests began to depart, each to their own kingdom. The three princesses stood at the palace gate, preparing to leave. Saruto stepped forward, his voice firm yet warm.
"It's impossible for me to let my betrothed leave now that night has fallen. You will remain in the palace, and tomorrow I will personally escort you."
The princesses hesitated, exchanging glances, embarrassment etched on their faces.
The Hell Princess smiled slyly. "Do you mean… that we spend the night with you?"
The Star Princess whispered shyly, "That… isn't appropriate."
The Princess of Light couldn't even lift her head; her heart pounded wildly at the mere thought.
But with Saruto's insistence and serious tone, they finally agreed. As they ascended the palace steps, each lost in her own thoughts, imagining herself in a room with Saruto…
But when each princess reached the second floor, the servants directed them to their rooms, and they realized they wouldn't be sharing a room with Saruto. The doors opened to reveal a luxurious chamber. Its colors were designed to suit each princess's personality, from the embroidered bed to the regal decorations.
The princesses stood stunned, their faces flushed with embarrassment.
"That sly one…" the Princess of Hell muttered, biting her lip in slight disappointment.
The Princess of the Stars smiled gently. "He's been thinking of our comfort from the start."
The Princess of Light placed her hand on her chest and whispered shyly, "So we won't be sharing a room with Saruto. That's good. I was about to die of embarrassment."
Saruto stood in the corridor, smiling serenely as he left the princesses' quarters, muttering to himself, "I hope they get some rest. This has been a long night for them."
Then he left them to enjoy a peaceful night, preparing for the next day.
The morning sun rose over the Luwin royal palace, and Saruto sent his servants to invite the princesses to breakfast. Each prince arrived separately, and then the three princesses sat around the table adorned with black crystal, where the fragrance of glowing purple flowers mingled with the aroma of sumptuous food. Saruto watched them quietly with a faint smile, as if concealing something deep within him.
When they had finished eating, Saruto rose and said in a measured voice, "It is time for you to return... I will personally escort each of you."
He raised his hand and instructed them to hold each other's hands, placing his own on Camellia's shoulder. In an instant, they vanished from the hall, transported with Saruto's ego-like grace to their respective realms. He left no trace behind but a tremor in the air and a faint echo like a heartbeat.
He returned to his palace and spent the next day heading to the Time Chamber for training. Saruto entered, and the gravity gradually increased until he felt as if his weight had multiplied tenfold. Yet, he continued to move with steady steps and began his rigorous training; his fists clenching the air, his feet slamming to the floor with a thunderous thud.
But suddenly, amidst the chamber's solemn silence, a mysterious voice pierced his ears. At first, it was faint, almost a whisper, then it grew louder until it was clear:
"Saruto… come. I'm waiting for you."
He stopped, his eyes glowing a deep purple, and he instantly recognized the voice as familiar. He closed his eyes and entered a state of deep concentration, finding himself transported to the Founding Realm.
Saruto smiled and said in a husky voice,
"I forgot… After defeating the Second Founder, I can come to your world whenever I wish."
The Founder shook his head, then said in a deep tone,
"Today, Saruto… the time has come for me to give you the Second Founder's gift."
Saruto's eyebrows shot up, his voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
"A gift? What is it?"
The Founder took a step closer, and the space around him seemed to tremble. He replied,
"In the Time Chamber… when the Gravity Enhancement System screen appears, enter the code I will give you, and a secret chamber will open. There, you will find a capsule sealed with my servant. Thousands of years ago, I forced him to sleep, and now he awaits a new master. Release him… and his loyalty will be to you alone. He will also train you, so rely on him for everything. I have instilled in him vast knowledge; he has an answer for everything. He will help you progress."
Saruto's eyes widened, and his heart pounded with a force he could not conceal. "A servant under my command, and he answered everything?!... Give me back that token."
The First Founder extended his heavy hand and placed it on Saruto's head. Instantly, the token appeared like a scythe on Saruto's hand. Images rushed into his mind: dark tunnels, a stone gate encircled by magical symbols, and a massive pipe through which purple sparks pierced. Everything seemed to be calling his name.
Saruto raised his head, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"I will go to her… and I will free him. This is the next step on my path."
A faint smile touched the Founder's lips as his voice faded with the trembling of the world.
"Go, Saruto… and free my servant Ethan."
In an instant, his consciousness opened again within the Time Chamber, sweat drenching his body. He raised his head to the ceiling, a mysterious smile playing on his lips as he whispered,
"The First Founder's servant… not Ethan. Wait for me."