"The Solarian Edge: Blade of the Astral Realm"

The grand wedding was officially announced, uniting two powerful families. The boys had finally accepted Valreth, at least for now. For Eira, this marriage was the best option. Sooner or later, she would have to marry someone, and Valreth offered a level of support she wasn't sure she would find elsewhere. However, she had made it clear—she would not take Valreth's family name, nor would she let marriage interfere with her duties. Both families discussed these terms thoroughly and agreed.

The wedding was set, and the entire kingdom eagerly awaited the grand occasion.

For Kaius, it felt as though an older sister was leaving. He knew she would eventually have a life apart from her work brothers, but the realization still weighed heavily on him. That night, under the silver glow of the moon, he practiced relentlessly, pushing himself beyond his limits. His blade cut through the air with precision, sweat dripping from his brow. Every strike felt heavier, every movement sharper.

His exhaustion mixed with exhilaration as he leveled up from six to eight in a single night. Progress was satisfying, but it still wasn't enough—not for what he wanted to achieve. Not if he was to truly have a foothold within Eira's family.

Breathing heavily, he finally sat beneath the great oak tree, his mind clouded with thoughts. He looked up, watching the stars shimmer against the vast darkness. Something about them gave him peace, a sense of direction he longed for.

The quiet embrace of the night was comforting, lulling him into a deep sleep beneath the stars.

The day before the wedding arrived, and the mansion was transformed. White and pink peony flowers adorned every corridor, filling the air with their delicate fragrance. The wedding gown alterations had returned, and the maids bustled around ensuring everything was perfect. Eira, dressed in a simple robe, ran her fingers along the fabric of the gown. It was elegant, regal, yet it felt strangely foreign to her. Marriage was not something she had ever truly envisioned, yet here she was, on the brink of it.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the estate, Valreth hosted a private gathering for his closest friends. Laughter and chatter filled the lavish hall, glasses clinking in celebration. The scent of rich wine and aged whiskey lingered in the air. Among them was Allan, an old friend, who poured another glass and handed it to Valreth with a smirk.

"You're looking happy. Seriously? Even when you're being forced into this?"

Valreth took the glass, rolling the deep red liquid inside before bringing it to his lips. He chuckled softly. "Who knows?" He lifted his glass slightly in the air before taking a slow sip, the bitter warmth sliding down his throat.

Leaving the lively atmosphere behind, he stepped onto the grand balcony. The cool night breeze kissed his skin as he gazed at the kingdom below.

The moon shone brilliantly, illuminating the world in silver light. The entire realm awaited this wedding with bated breath. It was rare for two such powerful families to unite, an event significant enough that even the Emperor had personally decreed its importance.

The night stretched on in silence, a quiet prelude to the dawn that would change everything.