Chapter 7 A Night of Sparkling Romance
1186 Words
The city guards braving the icy wind teared up upon hearing the poem. "His Highness truly remembers us—a sage ruler indeed!"
Even the battle-hardened veterans roared with approval. Wasn't a lifetime of battle worth it just for recognition like this?
"Mr. Whitefield, still doubt I'm more than a wordsmith?" Elvis's face flushed crimson as he recited the verse—though truth be told, his literary skills fell short, leaving him no choice but to borrow.
Caelen and the other scholars watched, their faces cycling through shock, awe, and chagrin. Finally, Caelen led them in a deep bow. "The Crown Prince's talent is boundless. We... we were blind to Your Highness's brilliance and beg your forgiveness!"
"Oh? Weren't you all looking down on my mentor moments ago? Don't back down now—keep arguing!" Eldredge howled with laughter, his grin stretching ear to ear.
"You are all pillars of Aeloria. Such honor overwhelms this prince—please, rise!" Elvis gestured magnanimously, though no one could see him inwardly preening.
Watching the scene, Denny finally spoke. "The feast awaits—let us begin!"
At the Emperor's command, palace maids emerged with trays of delicacies and fine wine. As ministers returned to their seats, each raised a toast toward Elvis—today's events had left them utterly disarmed.
"Father, Mother, I rushed back to present my birthday gift, but their antics made me forget!" Elvis stepped forward, revealing a delicate jade vial.
Empress Vallier gazed at him as if he were a rare treasure. "My precious Elvis, that poem alone is the most exquisite gift I've ever received. Who in this world could compose such perfection?" She pulled him into a bone-crushing hug and smacked a loud kiss on his cheek.
"Mother, this is different. You won't be able to resist what I've brought." He presented the Beauty Elixir—an emerald-hued pill wafting a subtle, floral scent.
"What sorcery is this? I've never seen its like."
"Hehe, this is the Beauty and Longevity Elixir I crafted myself—guaranteed to make you look ten years younger, Mother!" Elvis flashed a mischievous grin, his sharp little canines on full display as he beamed at the woman he adored. No matter what trouble he stirred up, she'd always shielded him from consequences.
"Go on, Mother! The results will show instantly!"
"Seraphina, indulge the boy. It's his heartfelt gift," the emperor added benevolently, his mood brighter than ever. Truly, what an exceptional son!
Empress Vallier swallowed the pill without hesitation. Immediately, a layer of dull skin peeled away like parchment, revealing a complexion as fresh as a maiden's.
Denny, seated closest, shot upright. "By the gods! What sorcery is this?!"
The entire court gasped, their eyes locked onto the empress. But the noblewomen's reactions were fiercest—their gazes ravenous as starved wolves, as if they wished to devour Elvis whole for such a miracle elixir. Who in the realm wouldn't kill for this?
"Is... is this truly me?" Empress Vallier breathed, tracing her rejuvenated cheeks in the bronze mirror, her reflection blurred but undeniably transformed.
"Why Mother, you're practically your own younger sister now!" Elvis teased.
Overwhelmed, the empress swept him into a fierce embrace and pressed a loud, motherly kiss on his cheek. "This is the greatest gift I've ever received, my precious boy!"
"Seraphina, you look eighteen again—just like our wedding day," Denny murmured, his calloused fingers tracing the contours of her youthful face with tender reverence.
"Am I... dreaming? Steven, pinch me—hard!" Henry blurted, his eyes bulging like a startled ox.
"BAH! What in blazes—?!" Steven yelped, glowering at Henry. "By thunder, must you take it out on my arm?!"
"Hah! Since my son's presented his gift, this emperor must play his part!" Denny declared, helping Empress Vallier to her feet as they moved toward the ramparts.
"Father, let the fireworks be our cue."
Denny launched a firework into the sky, where it exploded into a breathtaking cascade of shimmering light.
Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh! The rockets whistled through the air before bursting overhead, transforming the night into a kaleidoscope of colors that captivated every onlooker.
"Seraphina, I love you." Six radiant characters blazed across the heavens, outshining even the stars.
"Den, is this my surprise?" Empress Vallier embraced him, her eyes locking onto his with tender intensity.
Elvis grinned slyly—this demonstration would make fireworks the most sought-after luxury in the realm.
Henry slipped up beside him with exaggerated stealth. "Your Highness, you crafted these marvels yourself?"
"Every last spark! And let me tell you, the alchemy was no simple feat!"
"Heh, how about sharing a few with your old pal Henry?" The general rubbed his meaty palms together, oozing false charm.
"They'll be available at market tomorrow—help yourself to as many as your purse can bear!"
"Even the customized ones?"
"Absolutely! Though they cost ten thousand strings per character. How many shall I reserve for you, Uncle? I'll deliver them personally!" Elvis flashed a merchant's grin.
"TEN THOUSAND STRINGS PER LETTER? Have gold coins addled your brain?" Henry's face turned as white as rice paper. The Duke's annual income couldn't withstand such extravagance—one display would bankrupt him!
"Now Elvis, we're basically family already! Surely you can offer family rates?" Henry coaxed, his smile growing devious.
"What? Since when am I betrothed? I'm barely of marriageable age!"
"Come now! His Majesty's already secured brides from every noble house—every official's daughter in court will soon be your relation!" Henry said with mock seriousness.
"What the hell! Denny never mentioned this to me! And I never agreed to any marriage!" Elvis's face turned pale. Curse these outdated arranged marriages! What if I get stuck with some ugly duckling? My life would be ruined!
With that thought, he yanked the blissfully oblivious Denny over. "You old fox! Who gave you the right to pick wives for me?"
The tipsy emperor brushed him off. "You're gonna be emperor someday, kid. Never mind three thousand concubines—you'll need a proper royal household!"
"Then I should pick them myself! Look at Henry's mug—what kind of beauty could possibly come from that? You're dooming me to misery!" Elvis delivered a sharp kick to Denny's shin, drawing a pained yelp.
Denny chuckled slyly and gestured toward the noblewomen nearby. "You see any plain ones there? The men might be rough around the edges, but their wives? Absolute knockouts. Well, Aunt William being the exception."
"Why except her?"
"Heh. Henry's under the thumb. Wed her when he was a lowly foot soldier—she wasn't much to look at."
"Fantastic. My future's ruined. Thanks for nothing."
"Your Majesty, what're you two whispering about behind my back?" Henry crept up behind them, goblet in hand.
"Heh. So Uncle William's p***y-whipped, eh?" Elvis taunted before darting away, leaving Denny gaping.
"That's a cheap shot, Your Majesty. You're the one who's whipped, and you're telling my future son-in-law I am?" Henry grumbled.
"Shh! Keep it down!" Denny whispered urgently, pushing Henry away with furtive glances. "I've got an image to maintain!"
- Writer
