The grand dining hall was brightly lit with elegant crystal chandeliers and warm candlelight. At the head of the long, polished dining table sat Empress Celestia.

She was really stunning woman. Her long, beautiful silver hair was tied in a single thick braid that rested over her left shoulder, shining like moonlight.

Her skin was flawless and fair, and her sharp, intelligent blue eyes seemed to see through everything.

Despite being in her early forties, she looked mature and incredibly alluring. Her figure was voluptuous and eye-catching, especially her massive, heavy breasts that strained noticeably against the elegant black royal dress she wore.

The modesg neckline of her gown showcased a teasing amount of her creamy cleavage, drawing the eyes of Azael on them.

Her waist was surprisingly slim before flaring

out into wide, fertile hips, giving her a perfect hourglass figure that radiated both power and feminine charm.

Celestia looked directly at Azael with her calm blue eyes.

"Azael, Arista," she said evenly, "where were you two during afternoon lunch? You both missed it."

Azael didn’t hesitate or try to make up an excuse. He answered truthfully.

"We were roaming around the garden. We found a beautiful spot with thick, soft grass under the shade of some large trees. We sat down to rest for a while and ended up falling asleep. The place was really peaceful and comfortable, so we lost track of time."

Celestia listened quietly, then gave a small nod.

"I see. I’m glad you enjoyed the garden," she replied, her voice gentle but regal. "Just make sure to inform someone next time. The palace is large, and we wouldn’t want anyone worrying."

"Yes, Aunt Celestia," Arista said respectfully.

On the other side of the table, Lucas chuckled lightly.

"I was looking for you everywhere, Azael. I wanted to talk with you earlier, but you disappeared. So that’s where you were — napping in the garden with Arista."

Azael smiled awkwardly. "Sorry about that, Prince Lucas."

Liana, who was sitting beside Arista, leaned forward with a teasing grin.

"You two really fell asleep together? How cute. Were you that tired after training?"

Arista shot her a light glare. "We were just relaxing. Nothing more."

Callius, Lucas’s father, smiled warmly. "It’s good to see you two getting along so well. Family bonds are important."

The dinner continued with light conversation. Servants brought in various dishes, roasted meats, fresh vegetables, warm bread, and rich soups. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

Celestia occasionally asked Azael about his training progress.

"How is your swordsmanship coming along, Azael? Arista mentioned you broke through to the red core recently."

"Yes, Arista has been helping me a lot. I’m still getting used to my increased strength," Azael replied politely.

"That’s good to hear," Celestia said, a hint of approval in her voice. "Keep working hard. The academy will test you thoroughly." She turned to Aeliana and said. "Your children are doing lot better than I thought."

Aeliana who was quite, gave a small. "Of course they are."

Prince Lucas raised his glass slightly. "If you ever need a sparring partner, I’m always available."

"Thank you," Azael said with a smile.

The conversation flowed naturally between family matters, small palace updates, and light teasing. Arista and Liana occasionally bickered playfully, while Celestia watched over everyone with quiet authority. Aeliana ate her food silently.

Azael felt surprisingly comfortable sitting among them.

Eventually, the dinner came to an end. Servants began clearing the table as everyone started to rise.

Azael stood up from his seat, but he noticed Prince Lucas approaching him.

"Hey man, let’s have a talk and a walk," Lucas said casually.

Azael nodded respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness Lucas."

Lucas laughed and patted his shoulder. "We’re cousins. Just call me Brother Lucas or Lucas. No need for formalities when we’re alone."

Azael smiled and nodded. "Alright, Brother Lucas."

They walked away from the dining hall together. Lucas led him through the quiet corridors until they reached a huge open balcony in the middle of the palace. The night breeze was cool and refreshing, and the view of the illuminated palace grounds and distant city lights was breathtaking.

Prince Lucas leaned forward against the stone railing and sighed softly.

"The night looks beautiful," he said.

Azael nodded, standing beside him. "It really does."

They continued to talk about random things while laughing. About academy, about daily life.

Then they remained silent.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Lucas turned to him.

"So Azael, how are you doing with training? And anything besides training... like any love life?"

Azael thought of Isabel for a brief second but chuckled softly.

"No... not right now. I don’t have a lover."

Then he asked curiously, "But what about you, Brother Lucas? Do you have a secret girlfriend or a woman you love?"

At those words, Lucas went silent for a while. He stared out at the night view before letting out a long sigh.

"Actually... I have a fiancée."

Azael nodded with a smile. "Lucky you. A prince obviously has a beautiful fiancée, right? How does she look? Do you love her?"

Lucas laughed, but it sounded slightly strained. Then he sighed again and looked at Azael silently for a few moments. As if thinking about something very important that he should tell Azael or not.

Azael felt something was wrong and asked gently, "Is something wrong?"

Lucas nodded slowly.

"Hey... I will tell you something that I’ve never told anyone. Can you promise me that you will never tell this to anyone?"

Azael was surprised by the sudden seriousness. Then Azael nodded.

"Yes, you can tell me. I promise I won’t tell anyone."

Lucas stared at the night view for a long moment, then let out a heavy sigh.

"Actually... there is a woman I love. But she’s not my fiancée."

Azael’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Really? Who is it then? And why do you look so worried?"

Azael understood that prince might love someone else but he couldn’t understand why he was worried. As a prince who might become next King. He could have multiple wives.

Even Azael had decided to have multiple wives in future.

Become very strong. Have lot of money. And have lot of loving wives.

That’s what Azael wanted.

Lucas stayed quiet for a few seconds before speaking again.

"Her name is Maria. She was my classmate and friend when I was studying at Eternum Academy."

Azael nodded and listened quietly.

"At first, we were just friends," Lucas continued. "But slowly... I started liking her. Before I even realized it, I had fallen in love with her."

Azael tilted his head slightly. "Then what’s wrong with that? You could just marry both of them, right? You’re a prince."

Lucas sighed again, this time deeper.

"I really love Maria. But the problem is... she’s a commoner."

Azael blinked. "Is that such a big problem? I thought royals could marry commoners too."

Lucas shook his head.

"It’s not that simple. I’m not against marrying both. The real issue is... I have no feelings for my fiancée. I tried, but I just don’t feel anything for her. It feels wrong to marry her when she actually likes me. And the woman I truly love, Maria. I can’t make her my wife because she’s a commoner. I could only make her my concubine... and I don’t want that. I want her to be my proper wife. If possible i want her to be my main wife. Also i don’t know how mother with react tonthis if she knew about it."

Azael stayed silent for a moment, processing everything.

He finally understood why Lucas looked so troubled.

"I see..." Azael said softly. "You’re in a difficult position."

Lucas gave a bitter smile.

"Yeah. I feel trapped. I don’t want to hurt my fiancée, but I also can’t give up on Maria. Every time I think about it, I feel like a terrible person. More that that, I have not spend much time with my fiance. So don’t know if I could ever love her. Wish I could do that."

Azael looked at his cousin with new respect.

"You’re a kind man, Brother Lucas. Most people in your position wouldn’t even think twice about this. They would just take what they want."

Lucas let out a small laugh, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

"Kind? I don’t know about that. I just... don’t want to hurt anyone. But no matter what I choose, someone will get hurt."

The night breeze blew gently across the balcony as both of them stood in silence for a while, looking out at the illuminated palace grounds.

Azael thought quietly to himself.

’He really is a good person.’

Azaek remained silent for a while. Not knowing what to say at this situation.

He wa snot exactly kind person who could perfectly understood what Lucas was feeling.

"Have you talk about this to Maria?"

"No...I haven’t. Actually she don’t mind being a concubine. She just loves me to much. " Lucas said with troubled expression.

Azael sighed.

The asked, "Could you tell me, who is your fiancée?"