Chapter 384: Chapter 384 : Final day as the king (1)

The whole Avaloria Empire was electric with excitement today.

After the devastating war, their king, Alex Dragonheart, had finally triumphed against the Dragon King, ending the conflict and securing peace.

The empire drowned in festivities—streets filled with cheering crowds, banners of gold and crimson waving from every balcony, fireworks exploding in daylight bursts, markets overflowing with free food and wine. Today was a national holiday declared for celebration.

The public buzzed with anticipation, having heard that King Alex himself would announce something very interesting and important for the empire’s future.

Inside the royal palace, nobles started lining up in the grand ballroom.

All wanted to make an impact on Alex.

They knew that now, no one in the whole world could defy him anymore.

Nobles even dressed up their daughters lavishly.

Young ladies paraded in shimmering gowns—a count’s daughter in emerald silk with a diamond choker, her golden curls piled high; a viscount’s twin daughters in matching lavender taffeta, feathers in their dark hair, eyes painted smoky; Baroness Vesper’s heir in crimson velvet hugging her figure, a ruby necklace drawing eyes to her décolletage.

Each hoped for even a single glance from the king, knowing that if he took interest—offering his hand, or even as a concubine—it would cement their family’s position forever.

Lucas ran around tirelessly, talking with all the nobles, establishing good connections.

On Alex’s orders, Erwin had already uprooted all the corrupted ones—no traitors left among them.

The two dukes of the empire finally arrived.

Duke Reynard, Serena, and Alden stepped through the grand doors.

Duke Reynard wore a regal deep-blue doublet embroidered with silver wolves, black trousers, and a cape clasped with a family crest brooch, a sword at his hip—commanding and dignified.

Serena looked stunning in a sapphire gown with off-shoulder lace sleeves, a corseted bodice sparkling with crystals, a full skirt trailing elegantly, and a sapphire necklace matching her eyes.

Alden was sharp in a black suit with silver trim, a crisp white shirt, hair styled back, exuding princely charm.

Just behind them, Duke Arthur arrived with his wife Tania, Evelyn, and Ethan.

Duke Arthur wore emerald green formal robes with gold lion embroidery, a velvet cloak, and polished boots—powerful and warm.

Tania was radiant in an ivory silk gown with pearl beading, a high neckline, a flowing train, and a pearl tiara nestled in her golden hair.

Evelyn was elegant in pale pink chiffon, a sweetheart neckline paired with rose-gold jewelry, soft curls framing her face.

As always, she looked breathtaking—her eyes scanning the hall for someone who still had not made his appearance.

Ethan was handsome in a navy tuxedo with gold cufflinks, hair neatly combed, his stride confident.

Marquis Starlight arrived with his wife Sonia Starlight and their two daughters, Sophia and Seraphina Starlight.

Marquis Starlight wore midnight-blue attire adorned with subtle star motifs, the lines crisp and refined.

Sonia was graceful in a silver gown shimmering like starlight, an off-shoulder design paired with diamond earrings.

Sophia looked striking in deep violet velvet, a fitted bodice and lace sleeves highlighting her confident poise.

Seraphina looked lovely in soft blue satin, an A-line skirt flowing gently, a floral hairpiece tucked into her hair, her smile sweet.

Marquis Augustus Sinclair followed behind with his family—his wife in ruby red, his sons in coordinated gray attire.

Seeing Ethan, Ophelia ran toward him immediately, her gown fluttering, eyes lighting up.

“Ethan!”

Without minding anyone else, she hugged him tightly.

At the same time, Seraphina also ran over, trying to separate the two as everyone laughed at the sight.

All the nobles, knowing the duke and marquis families were close to Alex, immediately surrounded them.

The top ten guilds of the empire also showed up, accompanied by important figures from all over the world—merchants from distant lands, envoys clad in exotic silks, and guild masters with gleaming badges.

Ethan, Alden, Seraphina, Ophelia, and Evelyn immediately escaped the crowd, slipping into a quieter corner.

Suddenly, Ava Green appeared in front of them—Alden’s girlfriend—with Draven just behind her.

Draven had tousled brown hair, a sharp jawline, and an athletic build. Dressed in a fitted black suit with green accents, he exuded confident charm—handsome and reliable.

Ava was stunning, her long wavy brown hair cascading down her back, warm brown eyes sparkling. She wore a form-fitting green gown that highlighted her figure, an elegant necklace drawing attention to her graceful neck. She looked radiant.

Alden’s breath hitched as he gulped, staring at his girlfriend.

Ava’s face flushed pink.

Seraphina and Ethan teased them mercilessly.

“Look at you two lovebirds! Alden, close your mouth,” Seraphina said.

“So obvious,” Ethan added with a grin.

Alden snapped, “Shut up!”

Seraphina smoothly changed the subject. “Where is Alex, anyway?”

Ethan shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe doing makeup or something. After all, he is the main character today.”

Everyone laughed.

Suddenly, everyone sensed a presence descending that sent a chill down their spines—a subtle pressure, like the air itself thickening with power.

Alex slowly descended from the grand stairs.

His clothes were plain and simple—a white shirt tucked into black trousers.

Yet he still looked incredible. The shirt hugged his broad shoulders and toned chest perfectly, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing muscled forearms. The trousers fitted his long legs flawlessly. His silver hair flowed loosely, blue eyes sharp and commanding. Effortless charisma made him magnetic.

Everyone stared, some nobles becoming dazed, mouths agape.

Noble daughters nearly fainted, fanning themselves and whispering feverishly.

As Alex casually descended, he said in a low voice, “Looks like everyone’s here.”

His voice snapped everyone out of their daze.

Every noble tried to rush toward him, desperate to make a connection.

Suddenly, Alex said coolly, “Erwin, keep the nuisance away from me.”

Shadow guards materialized instantly in front of him—dark figures emerging from nothingness, cloaks billowing like smoke, eyes glowing red, their auras warning of death.

They stood as if daring anyone to approach.

All the nobles halted, stepping back, chilled to the core, sweat beading despite the cool hall.

Alex smiled faintly. “Perfect. Keep watch from the shadows.”

The shadow guards bowed silently and disappeared into wisps of darkness.

Now, no one dared to approach Alex.

Reynard clicked his tongue. “Such a show-off.”

Duke Arthur chuckled. “He definitely is.”

Serena and Tania burst out laughing.

Alex casually made his way toward Alden and the others.

In a low voice, he asked, “How’ve you been, Ava?”

Ava immediately hugged him tightly. “Big brother… I’m so relieved that you’re fine. And thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”

Alex hugged her back warmly. “It was my pleasure.”

Suddenly, a voice came from behind. “Don’t forget your real sister now!”

Alex turned with a smile—Lily was there too.

She looked beautiful, silver hair shimmering like moonlight in loose waves, striking red eyes glowing with mischief. She wore a sleek red gown that accentuated her figure, gold accessories sparkling.

“Seriously, this is what you choose to wear as king?” she teased. “You’re really hopeless without me, aren’t you?”

Alex ruffled her hair. “These are good, comfortable clothes. What’s wrong with that, huh, pipsqueak?”

He messed up her hair even more.

“Hey! Stop messing my hair!”

Alex smirked. “Make me, shorty.”

Everyone around them laughed warmly, the tension finally breaking.

Suddenly, from the entrance, Lucas approached Alex and whispered in his ear, “Alex, the monarchs of the other countries have also arrived.”

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