As Sylveria's group entered the castle, the anxious query from her ever-vigilant butler, Sebastian, followed close behind. His concerned expression deepened as he took in the crimson staining their garments and skin. "P-princess! Why are you and your friends covered in blood...again?!" Sebastian asked, his voice tinged with worry. Sylveria's gaze slipped away, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of crimson as she avoided meeting his eye. "Goblins." Isla replied curtly, her usual aloofness a thin veil for the fatigue and stress she no doubt felt. "We killed a lot of them." Isao added, her words matter of fact despite the grim truth they conveyed. "We need the bath prepared, Sebastian." Sylveria requested, her voice barely above a whisper as if seeking to downplay the gravity of their situation.
A tranquil atmosphere filled the spacious bathing chamber as Sylveria, Isla, and Isao reveled in the soothing embrace of the warm, bubble-filled waters. Laughter and playful splashes intermingled with contented sighs, the stresses of their recent battles washed away by the cleansing essence of the bath. Just as the trio began to drift into a state of relaxed bliss, a summon from the king jolted them back to reality. With a collective groan, they reluctantly exited the tub, water cascading down their refreshed skin as they donned plush robes provided by Sebastian.
In the grandeur of the throne room, King Edric awaited their arrival, his regal countenance a mask of grave seriousness. The absence of any mentionable reward or recognition for their heroic deeds weighed heavily on the young adventurers' minds. It was clear that the monarch intended to address this oversight personally.
"Father- Er, Your highness, you called for us?" Sylveria announced, her knees sinking into the plush carpet as she knelt, flanked by Isla and Isao on either side. The trio's heads remained bowed, awaiting the king's verdict, their hearts pounding in sync with the solemn drumbeat of the throne room's atmosphere. King Edric's gaze swept over the kneeling figures, his mind grappling with the complex dynamics at play. These children, though untrained in the ways of politics and diplomacy, had proven themselves capable of extraordinary feats - saving his queen, princess, and kingdom from unimaginable horrors. Yet, protocol and tradition dictated certain expectations regarding reward and acknowledgment.
"Rise, children," the king commanded, his voice a rich timbre that echoed through the hall. "Come, stand before me."
As the trio stood before the king and Queen Elysandra, puzzlement etched onto their faces. The sudden change in posture and proximity unsettled them, leaving Sylveria, Isla, and Isao uncertain of the monarch's intentions.
Queen Elysandra's gentle smile radiated warmth as she caught Marybelle's eyes, the 1st Princess offering silent thanks for Isla's bravery. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Maxwell maintained his characteristic neutral expression, observing the unfolding scene without bias or expectation.
On the periphery, the royal siblings – Prince Arthur, Princess Luisa, and Princess Jane's twin, Lisette – watched with a mix of curiosity and concern, sensing the gravity of the moment. King Edric's piercing gaze, however, remained fixed on the three kids, his thoughts weighing the delicate balance between tradition and the unique circumstances presented by their accomplishments. Slowly, his weathered features softened into a benevolent smile as he beheld the trio standing before him. In a rare display of spontaneous gratitude, the monarch bestowed upon the three young girls the prestigious titles they had so humbly earned through their bravery and selflessness.
"I hereby grant Isla of the Tanaka's the title of Royal Guardian, in recognition of her swift and valiant defense of Her Majesty the Queen and Princess Marybelle. May her loyalty and prowess serve as an inspiration to all," King Edric declared, his voice carrying the weight of his royal authority.
"Sylveria, born of the Silvermist lineage, shall henceforth be known as the Lady of Dawnfire, for it was under the radiant glow of sunrise that she, alongside her companions, vanquished the demonic generals and brought hope to our kingdom once more," the king continued, his gaze never wavering from the princess. Then, slowly, his eyes shifted to Isao, a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes as he considered the petite yet fierce warrior before him. Drawing a deep breath, the monarch spoke, his voice resonating with conviction.
"And to Isao, the enigmatic mistress of the enchanted blossoms, I bestow the honorific title of the Empress of Petals. May her mastery over nature's forces continue to bring prosperity and peace to our realm," King Edric proclaimed, his words emphasizing the significance of Isao's unique abilities and their impact on the kingdom's future.
As the monarch finished bestowing each title, the royal court erupted in a chorus of applause, their cheers echoing off the vaulted ceilings. The queen, too, joined in, her smile broadening with pride as she looked upon the three newly dubbed heroes. Isla's typically stoic demeanor faltered slightly as a becoming blush suffused her cheeks, painting her pale skin a delicate pink. Though she struggled to maintain her customary aloofness, the sincere praise from the king had clearly touched her.
Isao, on the other hand, displayed a delightful combination of shyness and exuberance, her fingers absently scratching at her tousled locks as she broke into a carefree laugh. The joyous sound harmonized with Sylveria's merry giggles, creating a contagiously happy atmosphere within the royal assembly.
As the applause continued, the three young heroines basked in the warmth of their well-deserved accolades, their hearts swelling with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The king's titles not only recognized their valiant deeds but also signaled a bright future ahead, one where their unique talents and strengths would be valued and nurtured by the kingdom they had sworn to protect.
