Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

*Ting* *Ting* *Ting*

The eyes of the guests turned toward the source of the glass clinking sound as they turned to look at the person standing on the stage.

It was the Supreme Authority of Grimland, the King himself, gathering everyone's attention as he stood there with a smile.

Alex, who was standing alone in a corner, also looked towards the stage as he heard,

"I am delighted to have you all here, joining this joyous occasion. I would like to announce that the summit was a success and we are proceeding toward a better future with our joint effort."

A round of applause was heard from the crowd upon hearing that. The harmony between the human nations was quite vital from the point of view of humanity as a whole. As such, seeing Adolf being positive about the connection gave assurance to the people.

Once the sound of applause died down, Adolf added, "Now, we all know that an adversary appeared a few days ago, with evil intentions. At that time, when all the forces were neutralized and the hope to overcome the adversary seemed bleak, a brave warrior emerged and confidently assured that he would defeat the foe and protect the Hope of Humanity."

Alex rolled his eyes; what an exaggerated introduction. He was expecting something like this, that's why he was slightly uncertain if he should join this celebration or not. However, the way Sarah and Celestria seemed adamant about him joining, he was left with no other option.

As those words left the King's mouth, many people started wondering, and those who were aware began to glance at Alex with a smile. Discover more content at empire

The King smilingly called out, "Alex, would you join me on the stage?"

'No!' would have been his instant reaction if not for the hopeful and excited gazes he was getting directed from the two women whom he could not ignore.

Heaving a sigh he rested the glass on the nearest table before, amidst the applause, he walked towards the stage.

Standing on the podium, Alex felt himself surrounded by gazes and he couldn't establish his focus at all. The vulnerability he faces when so many people look at him is quite unsettling.

'Great...if someone has malicious intent among the crowd, I won't be able to notice...' Thankfully, the whole venue was surrounded by archers, and they were given permission to take down any suspicious entity without hesitation.

Adolf stood beside the silver head as he spoke, "Alex not only bravely stood against the danger, but came out victorious as well. I would like to add that the danger in question was inhumane, yet our little hero here gallantly accepted the challenge since the pride of the Saintess was at stake."

When he said that, people began to murmur, praising Alex to no end. The silver-haired youth turned his gaze towards the Priest who always sticks close to Sarah and God; that bitter expression on his face was so satisfying.

Adolf added, "For his brave act and the strength he showed, I would like to award the boy with the highest honor a warrior could attain." As he said, the King looked at the Prime Minister, before the other one stepped forward with a small case in hand.

Alex turned to face the king, before he planted his left hand on his chest and knelt with his head leaned forward.

Everyone watched in awe as the King took the Symbol of Gallantry and attached it to Alex's shoulder.

The badge was enough to give him the highest command in the military. If Alex wanted, after graduation, he would be immediately promoted to the rank of Commander if he decided to join the military.

Only Aborne had gained that Symbol before, and now, Alex was the second.

Once Alex stood up, he glanced at the symbol, and somehow he was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Well, maybe because of the responsibility the Symbol brings? Or was it overwhelming pride? He couldn't tell.

"Now then," The king once again glanced at the Minister before another display case was brought.

Alex raised his brows, as he heard the blond man say, "I couldn't believe you received your first Star just recently, and now, you are attaining this one,"

The Bronze Star rested on the tray, on which four lines were drawn.

Alex's eyes parted wide slightly...he was receiving his fourth-star? This soon?

Even Edric was three stars...

People began to clap at the achievement of the young man who hadn't even turned eighteen to receive such honor.

Adolf pinned the star on his chest pocket, as he said, "I was uncertain until now, but you indeed are a worthy partner."

"...." He forgot that this man was still finding the perfect match for his daughter because of the prophecy.

'Gotta make Sarah take her prophecy back...' Heaving a sigh, he lowered his head and said, "I feel deeply honored to receive this recognition."

Adolf nodded as he patted the young man on the shoulder, "Keep up the good work."

Once he returned to his corner, he was no longer left alone. People came and congratulated him or praised him for his dedication towards his people.

Now, Sarah and Celestria were bothered about the sudden popularity Alex gained.

Standing at her place, the Saintess watched Alex with a dangerous look. From behind the veil, no one knew where she was looking that's why she had all the freedom to ogle at her lover.

'He looks quite delicious today...' The formal outfit always looked good on him, even in this life.

"Don't even think about it," Suddenly a voice came from her left, making Sarah scoff,

"Can you stop me?" The Saintess asked. Although she couldn't lose her virginity, there are several more ways to please her man.

"We made an agreement!" Celestria glared at her, however, Sarah was unbothered,

"We did make an agreement but you crossed your limit by kissing him."

Celestria's eyes widened. The Princess was rendered speechless for a moment...how did she know?

Sarah answered her unasked question, "Although it seemed I was busy with people, my eyes never wandered away from Alex...and I know that you went to his room."

Taking a pause and fixing her gaze on the reddened Princess, she added, "The smudge of your lipstick and the slight bite mark...I know only Alex kisses fiercely like that."

"Y-You studied me that closely?"

Sarah shrugged, "You are my rival in love. Of course, I need to keep a close eye on you."

Celestria glared at the Priestess, as she said, "Now, I will also keep a close eye on you..."

Sarah smirked, "Best of luck with that."

....

Soon, the song of the final dance began to play, and mostly every man began to invite females to the floor for a dance.

Edric took a deep breath before turning towards his girlfriend.

Amanda raised her brows and waited for him to collect himself first.

Bowing his head and extending his hand, he asked, "Would you honor me the pleasure to dance with you, my lovely lady?"

Amanda's heart fluttered, and a smile blossomed on her face as she rested her hand on his before saying, "I would love to."

Many other people were getting invited, those who knew each other and some of them were requesting those women whom they saw this evening.

"Your Highness," What Celestria feared became reality, "Would you like to dance with me, " Standing there was the son of the Duke, someone who was among the possible grooms her father selected.

Celestria smilingly said, "My foot hurts, so I cannot dance at-"

"We would just move around a bit, and I promise there won't be any discomfort to your foot." The young man insisted, "Umm, my friends are watching, so please just walk with me to the dance floor, and that would be enough."

Now Celestria was struck in a predicament. She was thinking of a way to reject him, since even being seen with him didn't sit well with her.

It was then, "Why didn't you tell him the truth, Cela?" Alex arrived beside the Princess, making the guy frown, as Alex said, "She actually promised to dance with me, that's why to not make you feel bad, Sir Aston, she said her foot is injured."

Aston glanced at the connected hands of Alex and Celestria with a frown, but then, he nodded and said, "I understand. Excuse me."

Once he walked away, Sarah said, "Look at you, saving the beauty like a hero." The sarcasm in her voice displayed her annoyance. And why was she annoyed? Because she couldn't dance with her beloved like other people!

Inching closer to the Saintess, Alex said, "Don't worry, I will do something about it."

Sarah hmph-ed as Alex took Celestria to the dance floor.

Like others, they also began to move in rhythm, enjoying the music and each other's presence.

If it had been in the past, then people might have gossiped about how a mere servant's child was being all cozy with the Princess. However, now, it was seen as if the Princess was trying to reduce the distance between herself and the Hero.

"Your father has already accepted me as his son-in-law."

Celestria was shocked, "Did he say something?"

Alex twirled her gracefully, before pulling her close and answering, "He said I am worthy of his daughter. Might as well, he announces the engagement today."

Celestria frowned, "I will talk to him."

Alex smiled, "Someone might have misunderstood your words as your reluctance to be with me."

Celestria'd eyes turned round as she shook her head, "You know that-"

"Yeah, I know. However, Cela, you know that I cannot get committed to a relationship yet. Give me some time."

The Princess smiled, that smile which could melt the coldest of hearts, as she uttered, "Until you can allow me to stay by your side, I won't mind."

Alex heaved a sigh; stay by his side, eh?

'I feel sad for her already...'

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.