"So you are the Heroes that defeated Tor the Slaughterer, eh?" A middle-aged man with golden hair and a bushy moustache replied.

"Yes your Majesty. I am XiYang and these are my party - Pine, Janet, and Risa." XiYang replied as he continued to kneel on one leg out of courtesy.

"Good...that's good. I will pray for your success in defeating the Demon Lord. "

"Thank you."

"Rise...this feast is for you. Go and enjoy the food and the dancing." The king replied as he waved at the party to dismiss them.

XiYang and his group bowed once more before blending in with the crowd. The feast continued. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Suddenly...it got quiet. Whispers could be heard behind XiYang, his friends all showed astonished faces. XiYang looked at them curiously before sensing that something was occurring from behind him. He turned and saw...a beautiful woman with long golden hair and a playful smile on her lips. Her bright hazel eyes stared at XiYang as she approached him.

The people around him started kneeling. Who was this? But then, his question was answered by the murmurs nearby...Princess Pearl?...the princess! XiYang quickly knelt before the princess and greeted her.

"Please rise. I just wanted to see the Hero who saved the people of Polaris." Princess Pearl replied.

"It wasn't only me your Highness, my party also played a big part in rescuing the people of Polaris." XiYang replied as he stood up and introduced his party to the princess.

"Haha, modest like they say. I was wondering if you would grant me the pleasure of having tea with me?"

Is...is this the classic case of 'princess falling in love with hero'? I need to avoid this flag or it'll get dangerous. XiYang thought.

"Sure. It will be my pleasure your Highness...as friends."

"F-friends...." The princess stammered, clear disappointment appearing on her face. She turned around with a humph and stamped away.

"Why did you do that? That was Princess Pearl!" Janet asked.

"Haha...it felt like she was falling in love with me."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Risa asked curiously.

"Sure...for some people. But I got a fiancee."

"Oh...."

Awkward silence ensued. Suddenly, the doors smashed open and a guard rushed in. The guard looked around and saw the king. He rushed to the king and reported, "Your Majesty! Terrible news! Three demon elites and about two hundred demons are attacking our castle!"

"WHAT?!"