The days passed. Arthur began to recover and feel better. Luana often accompanied him for walks in the rose garden to breathe fresh air and to get used to walking again.

Once fully healed, he decided to reunite his faithful servants in the great hall.

He was sitting at the end of the big table. Sitting to his left were Luana, Azusa, Rachel, Mina and her mother. And sitting to his right were Angus, Lucas, Eric, Matthew and Edgar.

Arthur said, a soft smile on his lips.

Angus replied.

added Edgar.

The emperor nodded.

Azusa exclaimed in shock.

Rachel whispered.

Angus replied.

Luana asked, confused.

Arthur replied.

Matthew said.

retorted the emperor.

Eric remarked.

Matthew added.

Arthur sighed heavily.

said Angus.

" they replied in unison.

The emperor got up from his seat.

he called out.

asked the young captain.

he ordered.

With that, Arthur left the great hall.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Arrived at his office, the emperor asked the princess and her bodyguard to sit on the armchairs in front of him to talk.

he said.

asked Luana, puzzled.

Lucas deducted.

Arthur replied.

Luana asked.

Arthur explained.

Lucas added.

Luana deducted.

With that, someone knocked on the door.

Arthur ordered.

It was Gardner who entered the room.

he greeted, bowing.

Arthur asked.

Arthur asked, surprised.

Luana replied.

Arthur said, a smile on his face.

He turned around to Gardner.

he ordered.

Gardner replied, bowing.

A few minutes later, a young man about the same age, height and build as Lucas entered the room. He was handsome with slightly tanned skin, dirty blonde hair and green eyes. He was wearing a black jacket, pants, cape and boots.

he greeted, bowing.

Arthur called softly.

He approached the young man and put his hand on his shoulder.

he said, smiling slightly.

he replied worriedly.

Elion turned to Luana and showed her a big smile.

he greeted, bowing.

the princess said, chuckling slightly.

the young man replied, smiling.

After that, Elion turned his gaze to Lucas who had a neutral expression on his face.

he asked hesitantly.

Arthur approached him.

he introduced.

he said, smiling slightly.

the young captain replied coldly.

A little moment of silence settled down.

said the emperor.

said Arthur, confused.

Lucas said.

Arthur added.

replied the young man.

he replied, bowing before stepping out of the office.

Arthur sat down on his desk.

Luana said.

The young princess and her bodyguard stood up and left the room.

Once outside, she saw the young secret agent waiting for her. The latter approached her, smiling.

he said, his cheeks slightly pink.

replied the princess, smiling.

The young man smiled back at her.

On his side, Lucas felt his heart throb with jealousy. He clenched his fists tightly.

Elion turned to him and gave him a small smile.

he said, holding out his hand.

replied the young captain, shaking his hand.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

The day of the ball arrived. The main hall was beautifully decorated and the tables were filled with delicious food and succulent desserts.

All the imperial knights as well as the nobles wore their official outfits for the occasion.

The emperor was seating on his throne, accompanied by Duke Lobelia and Count Taliny.

Azusa was with her mother and Sir Carter. The girl was lovely, dressed in a nude-colored velvet dress with slightly puffed sleeves. She wore a pair of black high-heeled ankle boots and styled her hair in a pretty braid.

Eric accompanied Mina and Countess Taliny. The girl was dressed in a burgundy suede dress with bishops sleeves and a pair of brown high-heeled boots. She had gathered her hair into a nice low ponytail.

As for the princess and her bodyguard, they were standing in one of the corners of the main hall, observing their surroundings.

Luana was dressed in a gorgeous emerald green velvet dress with long, slightly puffed sleeves. She wore a pair of suede high-heeled ankle boots in the same color as the dress. She let her hair down freely.

Lucas remarked.

the princess replied with a big smile.

A little moment of silence settled between them.

began the young captain.

Luana replied, a big smile on her face.

he remarked.

she asked, surprised.

the young girl replied with a chuckle.

Lucas added, feeling a pang in his heart.

she chuckled.

He replied, feeling his heart tear to pieces.

she added, chuckling.

The young knight felt a huge weight lift from his chest. He sighed softly.

he replied, smiling.

A few minutes later, Marquis Dale Kalmiv made his entrance with his daughter Cecilia.

He was dressed in an official black outfit with silver details. As for his daughter, she wore a blue velvet dress with long sleeves and a pair of brown high-heeled boots. Her hair was pulled back into a half ponytail.

"After the ball, we should think of a strategy to find the identity of the impostor," Lucas said.

He got no answer.

he called.

The young princess stared at the door of the main hall insistently.

A handsome young man that was a little smaller but of the same build as Lucas entered the room. He had pale skin, short snow-white hair, and ruby-red eyes.

He wore a simple outfit, consisting of a white shirt with a black jacket on top with gold details and pants of the same color with a pair of dark brown boots.

The young princess flashed a small smile that made the young knight next to her even more confused.