The next day, Mixarnt strolled through the bustling streets of the city, despite his injuries, he feels all better and his body was healing more better, a cheerful tune escaping his lips as he hummed softly. His heart felt light, and his steps were buoyant, a stark contrast to the heavy weight he had carried just weeks before. The reconciliation with Moon had lifted a tremendous burden off his shoulders, and the warmth of their renewed friendship filled him with genuine joy. As he walked, his thoughts drifted to the upcoming challenges and the promise of brighter days ahead.
"You seem happy," Alyssia remarked, her voice soft and tinged with a shy sweetness. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she glanced at him, her hand firmly clasped in his. The two walked side by side, their fingers intertwined, a silent testament to the bond they shared. Alyssia's presence was a soothing balm to Mixarnt's soul, and her unwavering support had been a pillar of strength for him during his recovery.
Just a few days prior, the memory of Alyssia's tear-streaked face flashed in Mixarnt's mind. When he had finally awakened from his injuries, she had been inconsolable, her fear and anguish palpable. The sight of him battered and broken had shaken her to her core. In that moment, Mixarnt had pulled her into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around her trembling form. With a tenderness that belied his usual bravado, he had wiped away her tears and whispered reassurances, promising her that he would be more careful in the future. To make amends, he had vowed to take her on a special date in Aetherlight, It was a promise that had brought a glimmer of hope and happiness back into her eyes.
"I'm just glad I recovered before the final Aether Knight trial began," Mixarnt said, his voice brimming with relief and excitement. He grinned, his eyes sparkling with determination. "That was a brutal three-week bed rest. But now, the final exam is just around the corner—next week, in fact. Hehe, I can't wait!" His enthusiasm was infectious, and he swung their joined hands playfully as they walked, his carefree gesture drawing a few curious glances from passersby.
Alyssia's blush deepened at his antics, her heart fluttering at the way Mixarnt unabashedly flaunted their relationship. "M-Mixarnt..." she stammered, her voice a mix of embarrassment and delight. Though she felt self-conscious, she couldn't deny the happiness that bubbled within her. Being with Mixarnt, holding his hand, and sharing these moments made her feel cherished and alive in a way she had never experienced before.
As the two continued their date, the bustling city around them seemed to fade into the background, the noise and chaos replaced by the quiet intimacy of their connection. The world around them blurred, leaving only the warmth of their intertwined hands and the shared joy of being together. It was a moment of peace, a rare respite before the storm of the final Aether Knight trials.
During the afternoon, in the grand throne room of Aetherlight, a lively conversation was unfolding. King Arnold sat on the throne, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation as he addressed his older brother, Arthur, the former king who had recently returned—though not permanently. The room was filled with the former generals, their laughter and chatter echoing off the ornate walls. The atmosphere was warm, a reunion of old friends and family.
"Older brother, are you sure you really don't want your throne back?" Arnold asked, his tone half-teasing, half-serious. "I've told you this plenty of times, but you can have it back. It's rightfully yours."
Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. "Pass. How many times do I have to say it? I'm no longer the king. When you and the others thought I was dead, you took the throne and led Aetherlight in a way that made me proud. You're kind, compassionate, and just. The kingdom is in good hands. I have no intention of taking it back." He smiled gently, his eyes filled with pride as he looked at his younger brother.
Arnold's eyes glistened with emotion. He had always admired Arthur, looking up to him as both a king and a brother. Hearing such praise from him was overwhelming. "You're too kind, brother," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
Art, Arnold's adopted son and Arthur's biological child, chimed in, his tone a mix of curiosity and frustration. "Father, do you really intend to leave Aetherlight after the Aether Knight trials?" he asked, addressing Arthur.
Arthur laughed heartily, ruffling Art's hair. "Haha! Art, how many times do I have to tell you? Your father is Arnold, not me. I may have named you, but he's the one who raised you, cared for you, and loved you as his own. He's your true father."
Art crossed his arms, his expression stubborn. "Still... you are my father too. True, Uncle Arnold has taken care of me and treated me as his son, and I love him for that. But that doesn't erase the fact that you're my real father." His words were firm, and the room erupted into good-natured laughter at the familiar stubbornness of both Arthur and Art.
The Queen, sitting beside Arnold, chuckled softly. "You two are so alike," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Stubborn to the core."
As the laughter died down, former General Theron raised a question that had been on everyone's mind. "Ah, by the way, Arthur, where's Excalibur? We haven't seen you carrying it. Did you leave it in a safe place?"
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Arthur. Lancelot, who was standing nearby, began to sweat nervously. He remembered all too well the conversation he'd had with Arthur back in Caspade, when he'd asked about the legendary sword. Arthur had casually mentioned that he'd given it to someone—a kid who shared his name.
Arthur grinned, his expression unbothered. "Oh, Excalibur? I gave it away."
The room erupted into chaos.
"You WHAT?!" Theron shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.
"Gave it away?!" Rosalinda exclaimed, her hand flying to her chest in shock.
"To whom?!" Lusaric demanded, his eyes wide.
"To a boy who has the same name as me." Arthur said with a grin
"Arthur, you can't be serious!" Leoric added, his voice rising.
"HAHA! That's the most ILLOGICAL thing I heard my whole life." Xavier said with a laugh despite the situation.
Even Advisor Amon, usually calm and composed, looked utterly stunned. "Excalibur... given away? To a child?!"
Lyandra, the other advisor and Eclipse's mother, sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose in disappointment. She could still remember how she had admired Arthur as a child, much like how she had admired her father, Lancelot. "Of course he did," she muttered under her breath. "Why am I not surprised?"
King Arnold, meanwhile, had gone pale. His eyes rolled back, and he slumped forward in his throne, fainting dramatically. As he collapsed, he murmured faintly, "Excalibur... was given... to a child..."
The former generals and advisors stood frozen, their faces a mix of shock, disbelief, and exasperation. Arthur, however, remained completely unfazed, his grin widening as he watched the chaos unfold. It was just another day in the life of the legendary former king—a man who always kept everyone on their toes.