I Killed The Main Characters

Draven adjusted his cloak as he strolled through the academy's grounds.

The sun was a soft golden hue.

Casting long shadows that danced over the cobblestone paths.

His destination was clear

The tea pavilion Princess Elara had arranged on the academy's southern grounds.

Despite the chaos of the cemetery incident, the grounds were calm now.

The air filled with the faint fragrance of blooming flowers.

As he approached, the setup came into view.

A dainty table draped in pastel cloth stood beneath the shade of an elegant white canopy.

A porcelain tea set gleamed in the sunlight.

The cups decorated with intricate golden patterns.

Two guards clad in midnight-blue armor stood on either side of the pavilion.

Their postures rigid and alert.

A young maid, likely no older than Elara herself, flitted about, arranging the table with nervous precision.

Princess Elara sat at the table, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Her red hair cascaded over her shoulders, the soft waves catching the light.

Her pale cheeks flushed the moment she spotted Draven approaching.

She quickly stood.

Almost knocking over her chair in her haste, before offering him a shy curtsy.

"Senior Draven."

She greeted, her voice soft and tinged with nervousness.

"Thank you for coming."

Draven gave her a polite smile and inclined his head.

"Your Highness, there is no need for such formality.

I am honored by your invitation."

His voice was smooth, steady, and reassuring—a hallmark of his composed demeanor.

Elara gestured for him to take a seat opposite her.

Draven moved with an effortless grace, settling into the chair as the maid poured tea into their cups.

The princess fumbled with her words as she tried to start a conversation.

Her cheeks growing redder with each passing second.

"I—I wanted to thank you..."

She said, finally finding her voice.

"For saving me… in the cemetery...

If it weren't for you, I—"

"There's no need for thanks, Princess..."

Draven interrupted gently, his tone warm but firm.

"...I simply did my duty.

Protecting the imperial family and the empire is what I stand for."

Continue your saga on empire

Elara's hands trembled slightly as she reached for her teacup.

She took a small sip, using it as an excuse to gather her thoughts.

"Even so..."

She said after a pause.

"It was incredibly brave of you.

I don't know how I can repay you."

Draven leaned back slightly, folding his hands in his lap.

"Your Highness, saving you was not an act done in expectation of repayment.

It was a matter of the heart, a reflection of my devotion to the empire and its people.

Please...

If faced with the same danger a hundred times over..."

Elaras eyes glittered as she looked at Draven.

"...I would save you every single time."

Elara's teacup rattled slightly as she set it back on its saucer.

Her face was a deep shade of pink now.

And she lowered her gaze to avoid his steady eyes.

"That's… very kind of you to say, senior Draven."

The maid stepped forward, offering a plate of delicate pastries

Draven selected one, though he barely touched it, his attention focused on the princess.

"It is not kindness, Princess."

He said, his voice soft but unwavering.

"It is simply what is right.

The lives of the imperial family are intertwined with the fate of the empire.

Protecting you is protecting everything we hold dear."

Elara looked up at him, her wide eyes shimmering with a mix of awe and gratitude.

She fiddled with the hem of her sleeve, trying to steady her voice.

"But surely, there must be something I can do to show my gratitude.

Anything at all—please, name it."

Draven chuckled softly, the sound low and soothing.

"Your Highness, your safety is more than enough reward

Knowing that you are unharmed is all I could ever ask for."

The princess bit her lip, clearly unsatisfied with his answer but unsure of how to press further.

"Even so..."

She murmured.

"...you put yourself in danger for my sake.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

I can't just… do nothing."

Draven's gaze softened.

And he reached out, placing a hand over his heart in a gesture of sincerity.

"If you truly wish to honor me, then continue to lead with the grace and kindness you've shown today.

A strong, compassionate ruler who inspires her people more than any reward could inspire me."

Elara's blush deepened, and she nodded, her heart fluttering at his words.

The maid, sensing the princess's growing nervousness, stepped in to refill their tea.

Giving Elara a moment to compose herself.

The guards remained silent and stoic.

After a moment, Elara spoke again, her voice hesitant.

"I… I hope you don't think me forward, but… when I woke up after the incident, the first thing I thought of was you."

Draven tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable but kind.

"That is understandable, Your Highness.

Trauma often leaves an impression, and I was there during a moment of great fear.

I hope my presence now brings you peace rather than worry."

"It does..."

She admitted smiling, her voice barely above a whisper.

"More than I can say."

The tea party continued in a similar vein, with Elara trying her best to thank Draven without embarrassing herself further.

And Draven maintaining his composed, courteous demeanor.

When the pastries had been picked over and the tea had grown cold, Draven finally rose from his seat.

"Your Highness..."

He said, bowing slightly.

"...I must take my leave.

Classes await, and there are matters I need to attend to with the faculty."

Elara stood as well, her hands clutching her skirt.

"Of course. Thank you for coming, senior Draven.

It truly means a lot to me."

Draven offered her one last reassuring smile.

"It was my pleasure, Princess.

Should you ever need assistance again, you need only ask.

I would save you as many times as needed, without hesitation."

With that, he turned and began walking away.

His cloak billowing slightly in the breeze.

Elara watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest.

His words echoed in her mind, and she felt a warmth spread through her.

A tingling sensation that lingered even as he disappeared from view.

As the guards resumed their positions and the maid began tidying up the table, Ellara placed a hand over her heart.

A small, shy smile gracing her lips.

She didn't fully understand the feelings stirring within her, but one thing was certain—

Draven's unwavering dedication had left an indelible mark on her.