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Solomon and Lune stood near the marble colonnade, quietly watching the other nobles glide across the dance floor.

Suddenly, Elizabeth marched up to them. She wore her stunning black gown and an intricate silver half-mask. "There are far too many men approaching me for a dance," Elizabeth complained, crossing her arms. "I am completely tired of turning them down. I need you to dance with me so I look busy and they stop bothering me."

Solomon rested his hands in his pockets. "I do not actually know how to dance. I stepped on Lune’s toes multiple times."

"I do not care," Elizabeth responded quickly. "I will lead. Just follow my steps."

Before Solomon could offer another excuse, Elizabeth grabbed his hand and pulled him directly onto the crowded stage, leaving Lune standing alone by the colonnade.

Lune frowned and crossed her arms over her crimson dress. A bright flush of annoyance painted her cheeks behind her own mask. ’She is lying,’ Lune thought to herself, glaring at the pair. ’Why would she come up with such a ridiculous excuse just to dance with him? If she wanted to dance, she should have just asked him directly like a normal person.’

Lune took a deep breath and forced her muscles to relax.She decided to let the blatant interruption slide. The royal sermon banquet was a celebration, and she refused to ruin her final night in the Eastern Realms by throwing a jealous tantrum.

She turned her attention to the rest of the ballroom to distract herself. Scanning the crowd, she spotted Marco dancing elegantly with Pavilion Master Yue. Over near the buffet tables, Maximus was happily twirling a heavily armored girl who perfectly matched his own towering Vanguard build.

Finally, her eyes landed on Arthur. The telekinetic boy stood awkwardly near a potted plant, nervously avoiding every single girl who approached him for a dance.

Lune eventually looked back toward the center stage. She watched Solomon and Elizabeth swaying to the music. She noticed how his hand rested firmly on the white-haired royal’s waist, and how comfortably they moved together despite his lack of experience. They genuinely looked incredible as a pair.

"You and Solomon looked just as great together during your turn," a deep, resonant voice remarked from behind her.

Lune turned around and saw Sir Gideon standing nearby. The legendary paladin had swapped his pristine platinum armor for the formal masquerade attire, wearing a dark, tailored suit and a simple half-mask that failed to hide his distinct white beard.

Lune smiled softly at the compliment. "Will we be leaving the Azure Moon Kingdom as soon as this banquet concludes?"

Gideon shook his head, keeping his eyes scanning the surrounding crowds. "Matriarch Lihua has officially assigned me a royal mission. I will be leaving for the Ruined Azure Kingdom tomorrow morning to retrieve His Majesty."

Lune’s emerald eyes lit up with sudden hope. "Does that mean I can stay here in the Eastern Realms for a little while longer until you return?"

"No," Gideon answered firmly, shutting the idea down instantly. "You will return to the Lumiere Dynasty tomorrow morning through the primary portal at the palace gates. A squad of seven elite knights will escort you safely back to the capital."

Lune’s hopeful expression shattered. "Can I not just stay here at the sect? I am enjoying my time here. I am learning new martial forms and meeting incredible people. It is completely safe within the pavilion walls!"

Gideon crossed his arms over his chest. "I cannot alter an explicit decree from the Emperor, Your Highness. It is too dangerous for you to remain."

The paladin lowered his voice, ensuring no passing nobles overheard their tactical discussion. "At exactly midnight tonight, all the captured traitors will be publicly executed. Sir Jeffery and the other six-star knights are currently interrogating the high-ranking cultist spies in the dungeons as we speak. We are purging the corruption, but the threat remains active."

Gideon gestured toward the dancing nobles. "What happens here in the Eastern Realms has nothing to do with the Lumiere Dynasty. It is the strict duty and responsibility of the Righteous Alliance and the orthodox sects to maintain peace in their own territories."

He glanced around while talking. "I am certain their leaders are currently working tirelessly to eliminate all traces, branches, and hidden bases of the evil sects. Once the Eastern Realms are completely secured and the threat is neutralized, you may formally request the Emperor to send you back as an exchange disciple."

Lune let out a defeated sigh and stared at the marble floorboards. She knew arguing with the paladin was entirely pointless.

Before she could press the issue further, a palace servant approached and bowed deeply. "Princess Lune, Princess Syra requests your presence in the royal parlor immediately."

Lune nodded and excused herself from the conversation, lifting the hem of her crimson dress as she walked away toward the inner palace corridors.

As soon as she was out of sight, Gideon dropped his relaxed posture. The paladin’s eyes hardened into a piercing glare as he resumed his vigilant patrol, meticulously scanning the masquerade ball for any hidden threats.

Once the waltz finally ended, Solomon stepped back and let his arms fall to his sides.

A palace servant approached him immediately, bowing deeply before pointing toward an elevated marble balcony. Solomon followed the gesture and saw Lune standing near the railing. She signaled for him to come up.

Just as he turned to leave, she pointed a finger directly at Elizabeth, requesting the white-haired royal to join them.

They followed the servant up a winding staircase and stepped onto the private terrace. Several attendants waited nearby, standing behind Lune and Princess Syra.

"What is going on up here?" Solomon asked, looking between the two princesses.

Lune nodded to a servant. The attendant stepped forward carrying a long rectangular wooden box, opening the lid to reveal a sleek, polished steel rapier resting on velvet cushions. She pulled the elegant weapon out and handed it directly to Solomon.

"You have to fight the groom, Lord Tianyi," Lune instructed.

"Oh?" Solomon raised his brow.

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