As the applause died down, Mixarnt confidently returned to the stage, while Rosalind was escorted by her grandmother to stand at the side. The King and Queen turned their attention to Mixarnt, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The King, with a fond smile, wondered if Mixarnt would follow Rosalind’s example and ask to become a knight. After all, Gundrik had spoken highly of the young adventurer’s talent and potential.

"Please tell us your wish, young man," the Queen said gently, her regal beauty radiating warmth and grace.

Mixarnt stood tall, his grin unwavering as he declared, "My wish—is for General Eclipse and Prince Art to not get married or engaged!" His voice echoed through the colosseum, and for a moment, there was stunned silence.

The entire colosseum fell into stunned silence. Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs of disbelief. A wish of such boldness and audacity had never been made in the history of the Aether Knight Trials.

King Arnold blinked, his regal composure momentarily shaken. He had expected many things—perhaps Mixarnt would request to become a knight, ask for riches, or even demand a personal boon. But this? This was entirely unexpected.

The Queen, ever the picture of elegance and grace, tilted her head slightly, studying the young adventurer before her. “That is… quite the wish, young man.” Her voice was calm, though curiosity and amusement flickered in her eyes.

"B-boy! Are you sure!?" Gundrik, Mixarnt's mentor and current guardian, practically sputtered in disbelief. "You could become a knight if you wanted! Do you understand what you're giving up?"

Mixarnt simply grinned—unbothered, unwavering.

“Heh, of course, I do, Gramps. But I don’t need to be a knight. I’m already strong!” He flexed his muscles playfully, earning a few chuckles from the crowd. Then, his expression softened, and he looked directly at Eclipse.

"She doesn’t want this engagement, and I know it," he said simply.

The knights and generals, who knew Eclipse well, were not surprised. If anything, some of them smiled knowingly.

Lancelot Pendrake, Eclipse’s grandfather, let out a chuckle, folding his arms across his chest. “This boy certainly is unbelievable. ” He had always known his granddaughter’s true feelings on the matter, and to see a mere adventurer standing up for her wish so boldly was… entertaining, to say the least.

"Oh my~" Former General Rosalinda murmured, covering her lips with her delicate fingers. "Now, this is certainly an unexpected turn of events." Beside her, Rosalind was still reeling from the shock of it all.

Meanwhile, in the viewing box, Prince Art leaned forward, his golden eyes glinting with interest. The young boy had just granted him a way out—a legitimate reason to refuse the engagement without dishonoring his family. His gaze flickered to Helia, the woman he truly loved, and a soft smile graced his lips.

"You impertinent little—!" Lyandra, one of the royal advisors, began, stepping forward with a glare sharp enough to cut steel. “The engagement between General Eclipse and Prince Art was arranged for the sake of our kingdom’s future! You dare wish for something that does not strengthen Aetherlight!?”

Mixarnt, still grinning, simply shrugged and answered naively. “I don’t see how forcing two people who don’t love each other into marriage is ‘strengthening the kingdom.’”

"You insolent brat—!"

"Enough."

The King’s deep, authoritative voice silenced the brewing argument at once.

All eyes turned to King Arnold Pendragon, who sat with his hands steepled before him, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he turned his gaze toward Eclipse.

“General Eclipse.” His voice carried across the colosseum. “Is this true? Do you wish to refuse this engagement?”

Eclipse Lunastra, the Sovereign Sword of Aetherlight, the strongest warrior in the kingdom, remained silent for a moment. Then, slowly, she lowered her head.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I do not wish for this engagement."

A wave of murmurs erupted in the crowd.

Lyandra’s face paled, her mouth opening in protest, but the Queen raised a delicate hand, silencing her.

The King exhaled. He had suspected Eclipse's reluctance for some time, but tradition and duty often bound those in power. Yet, in one swift move, this reckless adventurer had shattered those expectations—and Eclipse herself had confirmed it.

"Very well," the King finally said, his voice resolute. "General Eclipse’s engagement to Prince Art is hereby nullified."

Murmurs erupted from the crowd, some asking what about the preparation that was made for their official engagement today.

Eclipse let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. A small smile played on her lips as she turned to Mixarnt, gratitude shining in her usually stoic eyes.

Across the arena, Prince Art laughed softly, shaking his head. "I was planning to refuse it eventually… but you sure saved me the trouble, kid," he murmured, glancing toward Helia, whose eyes were now glistening with relief as he makes his way towards where the king and queen are.

"Mixarnt." The King’s voice cut through the murmurs. “You have chosen an unusual wish, but a wish granted is a wish granted. Do you have anything else to say?”

Mixarnt grinned widely, placing his hands behind his head.

“Nope! That’s all, Your Majesty! Hehehe!”

Sunshine, standing at the side, sighed, smiling fondly. "That brat… always causing trouble."

Gundrik merely groaned, rubbing his temples. "This kid is going to be the death of me."

Arabella giggled, leaning toward Helia. “Well, my dear, it seems your love story just found its miracle.”

The colosseum fell into a stunned silence once more as Prince Art stepped onto the stage, his presence commanding attention. He knelt before the King and Queen, his voice steady and sincere as he spoke. "Father, Mother, do not worry. I, too, do not agree with the engagement. In fact, my heart already belongs to only one woman." As he spoke, his gaze shifted gently toward Helia, who stood beside Arabella, her eyes brimming with tears of gratitude and relief. Overwhelmed with emotion, Helia ran toward Prince Art, who embraced her warmly, holding her close as if to shield her from the world.

Across the stage, Gundrik, was completely stunned. His jaw practically hit the ground.

“W-what!? I-is this true!?” Gundrik stammered, his wide eyes darting between his eldest daughter and the Prince of Aetherlight. His booming voice carried across the colosseum, half disbelief, half shock.

Beside him, Sunshine let out an exasperated sigh, arms crossed, her golden flame eyes glaring at her father.

“Honestly, Dad, it’s because you barely visit the house that you didn’t even realize your own daughter is the prince’s lover!” she huffed.

Gundrik stared at her, completely caught off guard.

"S-so you’re saying—?!"

“Yes!” Sunshine cut him off, hands on her hips, her voice filled with teasing annoyance. "And do you still have anything to say about Mixarnt’s wish now? If he actually listened to you and didn’t make that wish, Helia would’ve been heartbroken! All because of you!”

Gundrik visibly flinched, a bead of sweat running down his temple.

"Ugh… I…" The proud warrior grumbled, scratching the back of his head. He had no argument left.

Then, a gentle voice cut through the tension.

Arabella, the former Saint, Gundrik's wife, and Isolde's master, stepped forward gracefully. Her presence alone commanded respect, and the King and Queen were visibly surprised to learn that their son's lover was the daughter of such a prestigious family that rivals the Lunastra's. "Your Majesties," Arabella said with a gentle smile, "I apologize if it seems we hid this from everyone. In truth, we were planning to announce their relationship this year, on Prince Art's 21st birthday. However, the sudden news of his supposed engagement to Eclipse left us no opportunity to share this with you."

Prince Art nodded, still holding Helia protectively in his arms. "That's right, Mother, Father. I never wanted this engagement, and I am grateful to Mixarnt for his courage in speaking up. Helia is the only one I wish to be with."

The Queen, ever poised and regal, studied the young couple for a long moment. Then, a gentle smile curved her lips.

"There is nothing to apologize for, my son," she said warmly. "You have chosen your heart’s path, and we—your father and I—only wish for your happiness."

The King exhaled, nodding as he finally relaxed into his throne.

"I must admit, this is… a rather unexpected turn of events," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "But I cannot say that I am displeased." His eyes settled on Helia, studying her closely.

Though the intensity of his gaze could make even seasoned warriors tremble, Helia stood firm, refusing to shy away. Determination burned in her golden eyes.

"Helia Solaris," the King finally said. "Do you love my son?"

Without hesitation, Helia lifted her chin, her voice unwavering.

"With all my heart, Your Majesty."

A moment of silence followed.

Then, the King chuckled, shaking his head. "It appears the Lunastra noble family will not gain a princess today… but the Solaris noble house will." His gaze turned to Arabella and Gundrik, nodding in acknowledgment. "Your daughter has already proven her strength and loyalty to Aetherlight. If this is her wish… then I have no objections."

The colosseum erupted into cheers!

Amidst all the excitement, Mixarnt stood at the center of it all, grinning smugly.

"See, old man? Everything worked out! Even if the Prince didn’t marry General Eclipse, Big Sis Helia is from the Solaris family, has just as much influence! So, he still gets a powerful wife, and Eclipse is free! It’s a win-win, don’t you think?" 

BONK!

Sunshine smacked Mixarnt right on the head.

"You idiot! That’s the King and Queen you’re talking about!" she scolded, grabbing him by the collar.

Mixarnt rubbed his head, laughing sheepishly.

"Ouch, okay, okay, I get it!"

Sunshine quickly turned back to the royal couple, bowing deeply. "I sincerely apologize for his behavior, Your Majesties!"

But instead of anger, the Queen simply chuckled, her amusement clear.

The King sighed, but there was no true frustration in his expression. If anything, he looked thoroughly entertained.

"You are certainly an interesting young man, Mixarnt," he said. "But I must admit… today has proven to be one of the most eventful ceremonies in Aetherlight’s history."

Prince Art laughed, shaking his head as he held Helia close. "Everyone who knows him says that "That’s just the kind of guy he is" Father."

Eclipse, standing nearby, let out a small chuckle, finally at ease for the first time in a long while.

"He’s reckless, but he gets results," she muttered.

And thus, the engagement was officially nullified, and Prince Art’s true love was revealed to the entire kingdom. What began as a simple awarding ceremony had turned into a legendary day in Aetherlight’s history along with Mixarnt's outrageous wish—one that would be retold for generations to come.