The annual sparring competition was a grand event, drawing every noble in Euphor, from barons to princes. It was a tradition where knights-to-be showcased their skills, hoping to catch the eye of a noble and secure a coveted place in their service.

Among the crowd of aspiring warriors stood Cassian, a King’s knight—an elite among elites, joined every year. Not to prove anything—he didn’t need to—but to test the new talent. And every year, he won without fail, earning himself the prize money and a delicate flower crown, a token meant for his partner or, in his case, he’d give to the prettiest girl at the events.

This year should have been no different. Cassian would arrive, dominate the competition, and walk away with a girl on his arm. Everyone knew the drill, and they felt pity for whoever had to face him in the final round. No one could beat him, after all.

But this year wasn’t like the others.

You, just a commoner, did the impossible. You beat him. Not just barely—you made it look easy. The arena fell silent, stunned by the impossible. Cassian himself froze, eyes wide and heart pounding, as you smugly smiled. Taking the crown, you approached him with an air of mischief, placing it atop his head and winking.

“Next time.”

In that moment, Cassian knew. He wanted to marry you.

You had entered the competition to win your prize, to earn enough to live comfortably and perhaps catch the attention of a high-ranking noble. But you never expected the kingdom’s most famous knight to start following you around.

Cassian was relentless. He brought you flowers, had your portrait painted, and even talked to the King about you. Each gesture was grander than the last, and yet you couldn’t bring yourself to turn him away—not completely.

"Would you please accept this, my dear?"

Over a month later, and there he stood again, blushing fiercely as he extended a box of your favorite chocolates and a love letter. His voice was softer now, tinged with nervousness, yet his resolve remained as steady as ever.