Sunshine moved through the city in a blur, her quick steps carrying her away from the tavern and the stunned Mixarnt. Her cheeks burned like fire, her face as red as a tomato. She couldn’t believe what she had just done. Her first kiss—given to a brat, no less! And yet, despite the embarrassment, she couldn’t help the wry smile that spread across her face. Her chest felt light, a strange warmth spreading through her as she replayed the moment in her mind.

What was I thinking? she scolded herself, though the smile didn’t fade. She had acted on impulse, seeing Mixarnt in pain and wanting to help him in her own way. But that kiss... it had been more than just a healing spell. It had been a moment of vulnerability, a crack in her usual stern demeanor. And for some reason, she didn’t regret it.

Meanwhile, back at the tavern, Mixarnt stood frozen at the door, his mind racing. His body no longer ached, thanks to Sunshine’s healing magic, but his thoughts were a whirlwind. He touched his lips, still feeling the lingering warmth of her kiss. His face was as red as hers had been, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Wait, what just happened?" he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible. One moment, he had been in pain, and the next, Sunshine had kissed him—and not just a quick peck, but a steady, deliberate kiss that left him breathless. And then she had smiled at him, a grin so charming and unexpected that it had completely disarmed him.

Mixarnt shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "She’s... different... and cute." he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips as he blushes. The usually stern and intimidating General Sunshine had shown him a side of herself he hadn’t expected—gentle, caring, and even a little playful. It was a side he found incredibly refreshing... and undeniably charming.

As he stood there, the cool night air brushing against his face, Mixarnt couldn’t help but laugh softly. "Well, that’s one way to heal someone I guess," he said to himself, his grin widening. He felt lighter, not just physically but emotionally. Sunshine’s actions had left him with a strange sense of warmth and confidence, as if her kiss had not only healed his body but also lifted his spirits.

With a deep breath, Mixarnt turned and headed to the direction of the colosseum to rest in his quarters. His steps lighter and his mind clearer. He had a trial to prepare for tomorrow, and thanks to Sunshine, he was ready to face it head-on.

Sunshine, now far from the tavern, finally slowed her pace. She leaned against a wall, her heart still racing. She couldn’t believe she had done something so bold. But as she replayed the moment in her mind, her smile returned. Mixarnt’s stunned expression, his blushing face—it was all so... endearing.

"Troublesome brat," she muttered under her breath, though there was no bite to her words. She pushed off the wall and continued walking, her steps lighter than before. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of happiness she hadn’t realized she was missing. And as she disappeared into the night, her golden flame eyes glowed softly, a reflection of the warmth she now carried in her heart.

The dining hall of the Lunastra Mansion was filled with the soft clinking of silverware and the warm glow of candlelight. Eclipse, Lyandra, Amon, and Lancelot sat around the grand table, enjoying a lavish dinner. The atmosphere was calm, though the conversation had taken an interesting turn.

Lyandra, the previous Sovereign Sword and now a retired advisor to the king and queen, glanced at her father, Lancelot, with a hint of disappointment. "Father, I was really surprised that you lost the fight against that commoner kid," she said, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and mild reproach. Lyandra had always admired her father’s strength and battle prowess, inheriting his thirst for combat and his cold, intimidating demeanor. Her strictness and stern personality, however, were traits she had inherited from her mother.

Lancelot chuckled heartily, his deep laugh filling the room. "Come now, daughter, Hahaha! It’s not every day you meet a kid with that much guts and skills."

Amon, Lyandra’s husband and a member of the Solaris family, smiled wryly. "Hmhm, father-in-law, if I do say so myself, you really did great holding back. If it were you from years back, you’d probably be annoyed that you were chosen to judge and participate in the exam as a moderator."

Lancelot nodded, his expression thoughtful. "True, true. But that boy... he’s something else. Reminds me of my friend Gundrik in his younger days—reckless, bold, and full of potential."

Eclipse, who had been quietly eating her meal, looked up with a gentle smile. Her Lunar eyes glowed softly beneath her mask as she spoke. "Still, that was not part of the trials. Grandfather, why did you engage in a fight? You were supposed to moderate."

Lancelot leaned back in his chair, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Sometimes, Eclipse, you have to break the rules to test someone’s true mettle. That boy, Mixarnt, he challenged me head-on. He wasn’t afraid, even though he knew the odds were against him. That kind of courage and determination... it’s rare. I wanted to see how far he could go."

Eclipse’s smile softened, her gaze thoughtful. "I see. So, it was a test of character, not just strength."

Lancelot nodded, a proud glint in his eyes. "Exactly. And he passed with flying colors. That boy has a bright future ahead of him, mark my words."

Lyandra sighed, shaking her head. "I still can’t believe you let him graze your cheek, Father. You’re Aetherlight's God of War, for heaven’s sake."

Lancelot laughed again, his booming voice echoing through the hall. "Even the God of War can be caught off guard by a determined brat, Lyandra. Besides, it’s good to be reminded that there’s always someone out there who can surprise you."

Amon chuckled, raising his glass. "To surprises, then. May they keep us humble."

The table erupted in light laughter, the tension easing as the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Eclipse, however, remained quiet for a moment, her mind drifting to Mixarnt. She had watched his match with her grandfather, and while she had been impressed by his skill and determination, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity about the boy who had managed to catch Lancelot’s attention.

As the dinner continued, the warmth of family and camaraderie filled the room. Lancelot’s stories of his younger days and his battles brought laughter and nostalgia, while Lyandra and Amon shared tales of their own adventures. Eclipse, though reserved, found herself smiling more than usual, enjoying the rare moment of togetherness. But deep down, she couldn’t shake the thought of Mixarnt. There was something about him—something that intrigued her. And as the night wore on, she found herself wondering what the future held for the reckless, kind-hearted boy who had dared to challenge a legend.

"Granddaughter, why don’t you remove your mask as Eclipse? I haven’t seen my Moonlight in ages," he said, his voice gentle but filled with longing.

Eclipse, seated elegantly at the table, glanced at her mother, Lyandra, before responding with a soft laugh. "Fufu, I suppose I can if Mother would allow me." Her tone was light, but there was a subtle undertone of resignation. She knew her mother preferred to see her as Eclipse, the symbol of power and strength, rather than Moonlight, the gentle and caring side of her that Lancelot adored.

Amon, seated beside Lyandra, chuckled at the exchange. He was well aware of the tension between his wife and daughter, though it rarely surfaced in such a direct manner. "Your mother is stingy, huh?" Lancelot said casually, his booming laugh filling the room. Eclipse giggled at her grandfather’s bluntness, while Amon smiled, trying to ease the tension.

Lyandra, however, visibly stiffened at the comment. She sighed in annoyance, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Father, must you always bring this up?" she said, her voice cool but not unkind. She didn’t want to ruin the dinner, especially since Lancelot rarely visited the kingdom. Still, the topic was a sore spot for her.

Lancelot leaned back in his chair, his expression softening as he looked at his daughter. "Lyandra, you’ve always been so focused on duty and strength. But there’s more to life than just being the Sovereign Sword. Moonlight is a part of Eclipse, just as much as her power is. You should embrace both sides of her."

Lyandra’s lips tightened, but she didn’t respond immediately. She knew her father’s words held truth, but her own upbringing and experiences had shaped her into the person she was—cold, disciplined, and unwavering. She had never learned to love in the way Amon or Lancelot had, and her relationship with Eclipse had always been more about duty than affection.

Amon, sensing the tension, decided to intervene. "Come now, let’s not dwell on this. It’s a rare occasion for us all to be together. Let’s enjoy the meal and each other’s company."

Eclipse, ever the peacemaker, nodded in agreement. "Yes, let’s. Grandfather, tell us more about your adventures. I’m sure there are stories even Mother hasn’t heard."

Lancelot’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, and he launched into a tale from his younger days, his voice animated and full of energy. The tension in the room gradually eased as the family listened, laughter and smiles returning to the table.

As the dinner continued, Eclipse couldn’t help but glance at her mother from time to time. Despite their differences, she knew Lyandra cared for her in her own way. And while their relationship might never be as warm as the one, she shared with Lancelot, Eclipse was content with the bond they had. After all, family was family, and moments like these—imperfect as they were—were what made it all worthwhile.