Fallen Radiance

In the main hall of the Ophelia Palace, the magnificent dome is towering, and the complicated angel decoration appears solemn and indifferent under the sunlight. Renaud Ophelia kneels on a golden carpet, in front of the Emperor on his throne, surrounded by the royal council and the high priests of the Angelic camp.

The room was so quiet that the sound of breathing was clear, and all eyes were fixed on Renault.

"Father," Reno said in a deep, firm voice, with the elan of a young man, "I reject the marriage of the Duchy of Estar."

When he said this, the whole room was in uproar. The Duchy of Estar was an ally of the empire, and its royal archprincess was a symbol of beauty and power. Any marriage with her is seen as a chance to strengthen the royal family. Renault's refusal was a bombshell.

The emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, his scepter struck the ground gently, and his voice was cold: "Renault, do you know what you are talking about?"

Renault raised his head without flinching his gaze: "Yes, Father. I've got someone in my life. It's Elena Cassirer."

The name made the murmurs in the hall louder. Elena is just an ordinary soldier, despite some military achievements, but a royal marriage is completely out of the question.

The emperor sneered with a look of scrutiny: "You are the prince of the Ophelia Empire, and she is just a nobody on the border." Do you want to bring shame on the royal family?"

Renaud stood up, his voice still firm: "She's no nobody. Elena was a hero on the frontier, her loyalty and courage unmatched. She doesn't need a prestigious background, because she will prove it on her own merits."

The emperor snorted coldly: "Strength? Reno, you're so naive. If that's what you want, let her prove herself."

His eyes turned to the High priest of the Angelic camp, who stood nearby, and slowly said, "Elena Cassirer can accept the trial of the Angelic camp." If she can pass all the tests and grow up to become the first female general of the Empire, I will consider your marriage."

Renault's face changed slightly, but he soon regained his composure. He bowed low. "Father, I accept your terms."

When the news reached Elena, her first reaction was shock and hesitation. She knew better than anyone the complexities of a royal marriage, and the conditions imposed by the emperor were almost onerous.

When Renaud found her, however, there was nothing but warmth and firmness in his eyes.

"Elena, I know this isn't fair to you, but I believe you." Reno said softly, taking her hand. "You are the strongest fighter and the only choice in my heart. We can face everything together."

Elena looked at him, her silvery eyes full of hope and sincerity. She was silent for a moment, then finally nodded, "I promise."

From that moment on, her life was changed forever. The High priest of the Angelic camp personally channeled the angelic forces for her, and her body and soul were completely reshaped under the baptism of the Holy Light, becoming a shining warrior.

She began to receive the most rigorous training, from martial arts to strategy, from independent combat to command thousands of horses, every step is extremely difficult. However, she gritted her teeth and never flinched. Because she knows that every drop of sweat, every scar, is a bridge between her and Renault's future.

Elena's growth goes beyond training. Under the emperor's orders, she was sent to various battlefields of the empire, from the border of the beast rebellion to the invasion of the demon camp, her sword stained with the blood of the enemy.

Her name began to circulate in the army, and the title "Angel Blade" gradually echoed throughout the empire. She fights impeccably, commands decisively and calmly, and each victory brings her one step closer to her goal.

But when the night came and she sat alone in her tent, the endless exhaustion and loneliness came over her.

On countless tired nights, Elena would pull out a small box containing the letterhead and a quill that Reynolds had given her. They had agreed that whenever they could not see each other, they would send each other a letter.

"Elena, you must be very brave on the battlefield, and I am working on our future at the palace." Remember that your glory belongs not only to the Empire, but also to us."

"Renault."

Her fingertips ran gently across the paper, and every word seemed to carry his temperature, evoking the pictures of their mountain play, those green laughter, those warm promises.

Elena closed the pad, took a deep breath and reclenched the sword in her hand.

A year later, Elena won a decisive victory in a massive battle in the Demon camp, capturing the demon's senior commander and successfully crushing the enemy's attack. The battle officially placed her name on the Empire's highest list of meritorious deeds.

She was called back to the palace to receive the highest blessing from the camp of angels, and the eyes of the empire were on her that day.

However, Elena knows that her glory is not just for herself. She looked past the cheering crowd to Leno, who stood on a raised platform in the distance.

He smiled at her with joy and pride in his eyes. At that moment, she knew that all the hard work and pain were worth it.