As per the given time, after the announcement made the three Heads of the panels received the reports of the supervising panel of both the Princes. They were to gather in the Grand Duke’s mansion and would hold a discussion there to make sure they would be safe, the discussion would be without any bias and also so that, nobody would dare eavesdrop.

The amphitheatre emptied out slowly after all the said powerful figures had left.

Ocean stayed behind watching everything before he turned and faced both the Princes who were talking amongst themselves.

He had caught the snippets of their conversation from earlier thanks to his sharp senses which even made him a little surprised to know that the little Prince had fallen in love. He had yet to listen the reports of his guards but this news was pretty unexpected.

Ocean glanced once at the booth where his family was and gave them a subtle nod before he turned, gesturing the Princes to go along.

Ocean ushered them back to Ryujin mansion.

Ocean had already made all preparations for the coming two days. All that remained was to bring the two Princes on board. Eric wouldn’t be hard but as for Carlos it could be a little complicated so, Ocean was still thinking on what to do with him.

The whole day passed by in a routine fashion, Eric and Carlos returned to Ryujin mansion and Ocean addressed them formally before disappearing somewhere only to return during the dinner and then gone again.

Kai and the rest of the household were on edge, but they also knew where Ocean might have gone. It was only natural for him to be moving around doing one final sweep just as he had been doing for the past couple of days since he got the news of certainty.

The next day at the Grand Duke’s mansion, the Heads of the three panels were seated in the library each having their own stack of papers to go through.

After that they would listen to the firsthand account of the supervisors and then of the actual noble families who had been involved.

Earl Castermere and his family, and Nyx along with a couple of knights and a maid had arrived in capital just the last evening and were going to be present for the day the results would be declared.

The panel were surprised to hear that Carlos had finished his task within 7 days and had arrested the culprits using the method of gambling. When the part of the fugitives came up Nyx stepped ahead with the prepared answer.

"Our people found them just day before yesterday, My Lord." She said, "the two were planning on running away but according to the investigation they seemed to have run into the bandits who killed them... We didn’t find their bodies for the past few days precisely because the route is famously dangerous and unused."

The panel was reluctant but agreed because they had no reason to deny her words. But what made their eyebrows furrow was that she and Carlos were engaged on the paper.

It wasn’t an announced affair and they weren’t expecting anything from Carlos but they had to confirm.

"Yes," she answered, "We are engaged."

After the panel was done talking with both the families they were given the separate rooms in the Montaire mansion itself. Having nowhere to go and nothing else to do, Nyx ended up interacting with the Castermere family and the twins and Lysanne instantly included her with them. It was a strange experience for Nyx, she kept her guard up regardless and only wanted it all to be over so that she could see Carlos and then return home.

The whole day ended quite differently for different people, the panel was stumped with work while the common folk enjoyed the festival that had been continuously going on for days. The noble families though already knowing the result were making plans on how to cater to the new Prince while those who were alongside Ocean were doing their own final preparations for the last day. The royal family also had their own ways of spending that day, Roger was preparing a speech for the last day when Eric would be announced the King while Katherine and Colette were having tea together after months.

In the past few days, Katherine who was once considered to be the most beautiful woman of the kingdom had grown paler and emaciated. Colette, on the other hand, was graceful as ever with even the hint of an eager smile on her face.

Ryujin household and the shadow guard- the entire force stood ready, waiting for the signal. Even the two guests who Ocean had asked or rather tossed in the care of the Eldarf kids were also in on the plan.

It was the night before when Ocean got both the Princes in the library to have a little talk. This little talk shocked the wits out of both but as expected, Eric instantly agreed to what he was to do while Carlos was uncertain but since Ocean had another plan for him he remained calm. His only concern was.

"What about Nyx?" He asked.

"She will be safe." Ocean assured him.

The day of the judgement arrived before they all knew and once again, the amphitheatre was buzzing with people and activities.

Ocean had escorted both the Princes to the amphitheatre early, both the Princes were clad in their Princely uniforms.

Eric was dressed in a formal prince’s uniform in blue and white, the fitted jacket detailed with gold embroidery along the edges and shoulders, with a sash across his chest secured by a gemstone brooch and gold chains draped neatly over it. A cape fell from one shoulder, paired with gold epaulettes, while he wore fitted trousers, gloves, and a sword at his side. Carlos wore the same uniform in design, identical in every detail, except his colors were red and white instead of blue.

Ocean was dressed in a dark, war-ready formal attire in black and deep blue, the fitted coat lined with silver detailing along the edges and shoulders. A high-collared shirt sat beneath, paired with gloves and a structured belt at his waist, while fine chains and star-shaped ornaments were arranged neatly across his chest. A blue brooch rested at the center, and a long coat draped behind him, bearing the emblem of the Ryujin family- a blue dragon- across its back.

The ones who knew that Ocean only ever wore the coat on certain occasions knew that the plan was on.

Ocean had left his hair loosely flowing at his back today, they had grown longer in the past few years and now reached his waist as the cascading aqua blue waterfalls which glimmered as the sunlight glinted off of them. And today’s mask was a velvety ribbon that seemed to be tied around his head with had the detailing of a soaring blue Dragon.

The moment the three stepped into the arena, the crowd fell into awed silence before erupting into cheers. A platform was already raised in the center with the viewing orbs hovered all around them. Not so long after arriving, Ocean grabbed the sound resonance crystal and started.

"I welcome all of you once again," he beamed brightly.

"It has been quite a journey for all of us to get here. In the past all of the Princes went through their own trials but it was most in-family business where apart from the powerful people none other could decide who would take the throne."

For some Ocean’s words sounded insolent and irreverent but he was purposely starting like this.

"But now we are embracing a new era, a new way of witnessing how our ruler is and what we can expect of our future. Is it great or is it great?"

The masses cheered in response making Ocean chuckle.

"In these past few days, I’m sure both His Highness Eric and His Highness Carlos must have had epiphanies about themselves, learned a few lessons and had grown as a man to face themselves."

The two nodded in response and Ocean continued, "Which is why, I, as the representative of everyone present here would request both the Princes to be true to yourselves and not break our trust, regardless of what the result would be today."

Eric and Carlos exchanged a glance and Eric nodded first before Carlos also nodded.

Ocean smiled before facing the crowd, his face flashing over all the Aether screens. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Now without further ado, I’d request for the three Heads of decision making panels to please come out here on this platform and present your findings and your verdict before Sestia."

The three heads, Alarice, Godfrey and Mira entered the arena with their assistants who carried the bundle of papers in their hands.

Everyone was silent for a while, Castermere family and Nyx watched with tensed expressions as the three heads walked onto the platform. Ocean greeted them with utmost respect and then handed one of the sound resonance crystals to Grand Duke Alarice.

"We’re starting with the noble faction."

Alarice took the crystal, his gaze lingering on Ocean for a tad bit longer. He was also in on the plan but was still somewhat shocked to have everything going as if nothing was amiss and that made him a little anxious.

Ocean flashed him a smile which made him clear his throat, his aide handed him the papers and Alarice started.

"After reviewing the reports submitted by the supervising panel, along with accounts from the noble houses involved," he began, his voice measured and steady, "it is clear that both His Highnesses fulfilled the primary objective of this Trial."

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"Prince Eric approached the matter in Castermere with restraint and long-term foresight. He did not merely address the visible issue but identified the underlying discord between the people and worked to resolve both. His actions ensured not only recovery, but continuity."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"Prince Carlos demonstrated a different approach in Valmest. His methods were precise and decisive. By uncovering the root of the Barony’s decline and removing the elements responsible, he established a stable foundation for governance moving forward."

Alarice lowered the crystal slightly.

"Both approaches were effective- each in their own regard."

"Great, now shall we listen to the observations of the Knighthood panel?" Ocean spoke and Alarice stepped back handing the crystal to Sir Godfrey.

Sir Godfrey Ashbourne moved forward next, his presence alone quieting the lingering whispers.

"From the perspective of the Knighthood," he said, voice firm, "we judge not only the result, but the manner of leadership."

His gaze shifted toward Eric.

"Prince Eric stood with his people. He worked alongside them, bore the same hardships, and led from the front when it mattered. His presence inspired cooperation and trust."

Then to Carlos.

"Prince Carlos acted with clarity and efficiency. He identified the threat and eliminated it without hesitation. His decisions were sharp, and his execution... effective."

A slight pause.

"But leadership is not only about striking at the right moment- it is also about being seen, being followed."

He inclined his head slightly.

"Both Princes have shown qualities worthy of note."

"Elder Mira Thornbrook, may I request you to share the observations of the Civilian Panel now?" Ocean spoke with a smile.

Elder Mira Thornbrook came forward last, her steps slow but steady as she accepted the crystal with both hands.

"When we look at such matters," she said gently, "we look beyond actions- we look at their impact on the people."

Her eyes rested on Eric.

"Your Highness Eric brought them together," she said softly. "You gave them not only a solution, but something to hold onto. That is not easily achieved."

Then she turned to Carlos.

"Your Highness Carlos protected a future that was on the verge of being lost. You saw what others failed to see, and you acted before it was too late."

Her expression remained calm, thoughtful.

"Both of you have done well."

She lowered her gaze slightly and stepped back.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then it broke as the amphitheatre erupted into noise, voices rising, overlapping, building into a single, overwhelming chant.

"Prince of Flames!"

"Prince Eric!"

"Our King!"

The sound rolled like thunder through the arena, growing louder with each passing second. Some still glanced toward Carlos, quieter, more contemplative- but the tide was clear. Carlos had known this from the beginning but unlike the last time when he was clearly hated, this was different.

Ocean stepped forward, raising his hand just enough to steady the crowd.

"Thank you," he said smoothly, his voice amplified through the crystal. "Now, I request the Heads of the three panels to cast their final verdict."

The noise surged again before gradually settling into anticipation.

Alarice stepped forward once more.

"The Noble Panel votes for Prince Eric."

Cheers exploded.

Godfrey followed immediately.

"The Knighthood Panel votes for Prince Eric."

The roar doubled, echoing against the very walls of the amphitheatre.

Katherine looked like she was about to collapse while Roger was smiling widely watching it all along with Miri who couldn’t help but watch her man with pride in her eyes. Colette, on the other hand, was simply glancing at the pocket watch with a smile, counting seconds.

Mira stepped forward last, her calm voice cutting gently through the chaos.

"The Civilian Council votes for-"

The ground suddenly trembled and Mira stumbled a little bit Ocean instantly wrapped his arms around her shoulders steadying her.

It was subtle at first- a faint, unnatural shudder beneath their feet.

Then it grew.

A low rumble rolled through the earth, deep and ominous, as though something vast had stirred beneath the world itself.

The cheering faltered and voices died mid-cry only for the people to start shouting in panic.

Another tremor followed- stronger this time. Dust fell from the stone arches. The Aether screens flickered and suddenly a sharp explosion echoed somewhere in the distance.

Ocean’s expression did not change but his eyes darkened, he glanced at the viewing orbs that was flickering close to him and gave a subtle nod.

The clear sign for his people to mobilize. This was the call for the first battle of the long war that was now beginning again in this world. The war that would either lead to complete destruction of this world again or a peaceful future and it all depended on the shoulders of the one candidate that was chosen by the Heavens.