"The Solarian Edge: Blade of the Astral Realm"

The next morning, as the golden rays of the sun stretched across the mansion's training grounds, Valreth arrived once again. This was his third visit in as many days, and this time, his request was different.

"Lady Eira, I wish to know more about the people who stand by your side," he said with a polite smile, his green-glowing hands resting at his sides.

Eira considered his request carefully before nodding. Leading him through the training grounds, she began introducing him to various groups of soldiers. The senior warriors, hardened by battle and time, nodded in acknowledgment as she spoke of their skills and ranks. Finally, she turned her gaze to Ravel and Aldrin. "These two are like my mentors," she stated, a firm sense of respect in her tone. Ravel gave a short nod, while Aldrin remained silent, his sharp eyes assessing Valreth.

Then, her attention shifted to the trio—Kaius, Theo, and Valren. Unlike the rest, they offered no friendly expressions, their gazes unwavering as they sized up the noble standing before them. Their silent defiance was clear, though Valreth, ever perceptive, merely chuckled at the unspoken challenge.

"Why don't we test our blades?" Valreth suggested, his voice steady, yet laced with a knowing confidence.

The three of them did not agree outright, but the unspoken words between them were clear. Every fiber of their being wanted to humble this nobleman who dared step into their world. The other trainees, sensing the tension, gathered around the sand-filled training grounds, eager to witness the spectacle.

From the balcony near the steps, Eira watched silently, her arms folded. Valren, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward and spoke, his words directed more at his companions than at Valreth.

"You should be polite," he said in a flat tone, eyes never leaving the nobleman. "He isn't strong enough to fight us." His words were clear in their underlying message: We do not approve of this marriage.

Valreth said nothing, only offering a faint smile as he removed his coat and badges, placing them neatly to the side. The moment he stepped into the training ground, the world seemed to shrink, the morning heat becoming insignificant against the cold determination that settled in the air.

Swords clashed. The sun bore down on them, yet none of them felt its warmth. The fight was intense but measured. Valreth, despite his noble upbringing, fought well, though it quickly became apparent that he was holding back. Valren noticed it first—the deliberate delay in movement, the intentional lack of power behind his strikes. Aldrin soon caught on, exchanging a brief glance with Ravel. Even Kaius, though reluctant, began to realize it.

And just like that, the tide shifted. Though Valreth let them win, the act itself left an impression on the three of them. As the dust settled, a new kind of understanding took root. Their silent animosity softened ever so slightly. Words followed—casual, unforced, and before long, the conversation felt more natural.

Even Kaius, though hesitant, found himself wanting to improve—not out of resentment, but from something deeper.

Later that evening, as the sky bled into hues of crimson and violet, the four of them set off on horseback, galloping towards the great oak at the edge of the training fields. The challenge was simple: reach the tree first. The wind howled as hooves pounded against the earth, dust and fallen leaves swirling in their wake.

Kaius, fueled by an unspoken resolve, surged ahead, reaching the tree before any of them. But unlike before, he did not seek out Eira's presence. Instead, he remained with the others, speaking with them until the sun dipped below the horizon. It was then that Valreth, looking at each of them with quiet certainty, spoke words that would linger long after he was gone.

"Eira mentioned you as her younger brothers," he said, his voice even. "So I know you don't approve of me. But I can guarantee one thing—I will never stand in her way. Whatever she wants, she will have. At the very least, that is something I can promise."

Silence stretched between them. No one responded, yet no one needed to. Because in that moment, a strange sense of satisfaction settled in their hearts.

They had been called her younger brothers.

Of course, none of them would ever admit to the quiet joy that brought them. Instead, they feigned indifference, exchanging glances as if they had already known it all along. But the truth had already taken root, weaving itself into the unspoken bond they shared.

From the balcony, Eira watched everything unfold, though she did not interfere. Her gaze followed Valreth as he turned back, giving her a small bow before riding away, his figure vanishing into the twilight.

When she finally stepped inside her quarters, her eyes landed on the vase near her window. It was filled with a mix of purple, white, and wildflowers—delicate, yet vibrant. A small note sat beside it.

Hope you liked it.

For the first time in a long while, she felt something stir within her. For so long, she had been seen as a warrior, a leader, a soldier. But this… this was something different. A warmth unfamiliar, yet not unwelcome.

And as her reflection shimmered in the vase's polished surface, a small, almost imperceptible smile crossed her lips.