Within the Artium Empire, a simmering feud raged between two legendary figures: Kirine Rosentian, the Imperial Mage, and Ares Arensis, the Imperial Knight. Their clashes, as inevitable as water meeting oil, had become notorious.
Their frequent brawls were so ferocious that even observers wearied of the spectacle. On more than one occasion, their destructive clashes caused significant damage to the palace itself. The Emperor, despite repeated disciplinary measures, found himself powerless to curb their animosity.
The truth was, their dismissals were well warranted. Yet, expelling Kirine, a prodigy among Imperial Mages, and Ares, arguably history’s most skilled Imperial Knight, was simply unthinkable.
In a final attempt to contain their feud, the Emperor even constructed a colossal training arena, essentially directing them to fight within its confines.
The reason for their relentless hostility remained a mystery. Most dismissed it as mere incompatibility, a peculiarity they paid little mind to.
One day, a bombshell announcement shattered the Emperor’s nagging silence on the topic of Ares’ marriage. “I have someone I want to marry,” Ares declared.
The Emperor, who’d long pestered Ares to settle down, even offering to overlook social status and premarital children, could barely conceal his shock. Ares had always maintained a stubborn preference for bachelorhood, insisting he’d rather die alone. Now, the once adamantly single nephew was proposing marriage.
“He’s finally seen the light!” the Emperor thought, a wide grin splitting his face. But his delight curdled into confusion as he noticed Kirine standing beside Ares. Their usual interactions were a hostile ballet of glares, so her presence seemed purely coincidental.
That was, until Ares turned to Kirine, his voice a shocking departure from its usual indifference, laced with affection and a hint of urgency. “I’d like to do it as soon as possible. What do you think, honey?”
His icy blue eyes, usually devoid of emotion, now swam with a tenderness that made the Emperor stammer. “Honey?”
Before the bewildered Emperor could voice his questions, Kirine interjected with practiced nonchalance, “Honestly, a big wedding dress and a pregnant belly wouldn’t exactly be a flattering combination.”
“There you have it,” Ares interjected, his voice still surprisingly gentle. “We’d be grateful for a swift ceremony, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor, speechless for a moment, let out a bewildered chuckle. Years of seemingly life-or-death brawls, and all this time it was…lovers’ spats? The revelation was mind-boggling, the transition from sworn enemies to smitten sweethearts even more so. But a calmer thought settled in. ‘At least they’re not trying to kill each other anymore,’ he conceded. ‘This is definitely the better outcome.’
With a resigned sigh, the Emperor finally acknowledged their unconventional bond. Permission to marry was granted. As expected, the news of their union sent shockwaves through the Empire. Yet, witnessing the unlikely couple standing together, a surprisingly harmonious pair, congratulations flowed freely.
Even the memory remained vivid, a scene etched in his mind as if it happened yesterday.
“I want a divorce, Your Majesty,” Kirine declared, her voice firm.
“The feeling is mutual,” Ares echoed. “We request your permission for a dissolution of our marriage.”
The Emperor, still reeling from their whirlwind courtship, now faced their equally swift desire to end it.