The grand hall of Beacon was a sight to behold. Gone were the remnants of battle; in their place, the warmth of golden candlelight flickered against the elegantly draped banners bearing the Arcadian crest. Laughter and the soft clinking of silverware filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere that felt foreign yet familiar to Jaune. He stood at the entrance, his heart pounding.
"Wow, Daddy! It looks like a fairy tale!" Mia exclaimed, her emerald eyes wide as she twirled in her simple but beautiful dress, her fluffy ears perked up with excitement.
"I never thought I'd see this place alive again," Jaune said, unable to shake the weight pressing down on him like the finest silk of a royal cloak.
Rachel entered from the side, her regal gown flowing with each step. Catching sight of Jaune, her expression softened. "It is a night of renewal, my son. You should cherish it."
He nodded, trying to mask his apprehension. "It's just... a lot, Mom. Everyone expects me to step back into this role like it's second nature."
"The best leaders recognize their vulnerabilities, Jaune. Accepting that you are not perfect does not diminish your strength." Rachel smiled, radiating the belief that had always anchored him in tumultuous times.
Mia tugged at Jaune's sleeve, disrupting his spiral of doubt. "Can we get cake soon?" Her innocent exuberance pulled a reluctant smile from him. "Yes, let's find the cake. We can't have a royal banquet without cake!" with a nod toward his mother that conveyed a silent thanks, they moved further into the hall, joining the gathering throng of friends and family.
Sophia mirrored her mother's poise, greeting guests with a firm handshake and a warm smile, her tailored suit a stark contrast to the more flowing attire around her. "Jaune! Come here!" she called, effortlessly drawing attention. "Everyone's been dying to hear your stories."
"I'm not sure anyone wants to hear about the time I tripped while fighting Grimm," he replied, feeling another blush creeping up his neck.
"Oh, but we do!" Elena chimed in, appearing from behind a cluster of guests. Her knightly armor was replaced by a sleek dress that stopped just above her knees, accentuating her strong form. "You might just save us from a dull evening."
"Or at least distract us from how boring royal banquets can be," Sophia added, rolling her eyes playfully.
"I think you both just want me to embarrass myself," Jaune shot back with mock indignation, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's not going to happen. I've grown. I'm a prince now—or something."
Mia giggled, tugging at his hand again. "Tell them about the time you fought the giant scorpion! Please, Daddy!"
Light laughter erupted around the table as Jaune rubbed his neck, recalling the ridiculous encounter—the way he had challenged a creature twelve times his size, clad in his armor that felt far too small at the time.
"I suppose I could share that," he conceded, his voice forging a path of nostalgia through the air.
Rachel stepped forward, raising her glass. "To family! To unity! And to the strength we derive from one another!" The hall echoed with a chorus of applause and delighted chatter.
Jaune felt a swell of warmth at his mother's words. This was the heart of Arcadia—a reminder that he was not just a prince, but a part of something bigger.
But as the banter continued, uneasiness crept in, an unwelcome shadow lingering at the edges of his consciousness. Despite the laughter and joy surrounding him, he couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't last.
The moment shattered like glass when the doors swung open with a bang, drawing a collective gasp. Cardin Winchester sauntered in, flanked by a gaggle of mercenaries. The raucous laughter fell to a hushed murmur.
"Look who it is, the prodigal prince! Back from his little adventures," Cardin sneered, his features molded into something far from friendly. "Isn't it just precious?"
"Cardin," Jaune addressed him, his jaw tightening. "What a surprise."
"Spare me the pleasantries, Arc. We both know you're not fit to wear that crown." Cardin stepped closer, the air growing heavy with tension. "I just came to remind everyone that while you play prince, real strength lies in being willing to take what is yours."
"Yeah? Because we all trust your idea of strength," Sophia cut in sharply. "Only those who lack true power resort to intimidation."
Elena stood by, her arms crossed, ready for a fight. "You have a lot of nerve showing your face here, Cardin."
"Easy now, ladies. It's just a little friendly banter," Cardin replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What's this? You didn't think I'd let the royal family have a little celebration without crashing it, did you? I have my own reasons to be here."
"Get out," Jaune's voice was firm, cutting through the anger rising within. "You're not welcome."
"Sweet little Mia here should really watch her father. I hear he's prone to failure." Cardin grinned, a cruel glint in his eyes aimed directly at Jaune. "I should know. I watched him fall apart at Beacon before he ran off with his tail between his legs."
In an instant, Mia stepped forward, fists clenched, the innocents in her green eyes replaced by fierce determination. "My daddy's way stronger than you!"
Jaune felt admiration swell in his chest. It was the courage of his daughter that breathed new life into his fading resolve. "Mia, stay close," he cautioned, his voice calm but authoritative.
"Look at the little pup!" Cardin laughed mockingly, but Jaune stepped forward, his stature towering.
"Disrespect her again, and you'll regret it, Cardin." Jaune squared his shoulders, channeling the warmth, love, and protective rage ignited inside him. "I won't let you harm my family."
Cardin's arrogance faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Protect? That's rich. You were always significant in your failures, Jaune."
"Maybe, but the difference now is that I stand with my family," he said loudly, confidence building within him even as doubts tried to creep back. "You're not a threat to us anymore. You think being a bully gives you power? You're wrong."
A tense moment hung in the air, echoing the unspoken challenges between them.
"Let's take this outside," Cardin proposed, feigning indifference. "I wouldn't want to spoil the royal banquet more than I already have."
"Fine. If you want a fight, then let's do this where everyone can see," Jaune shot back. "I'll show you the difference between power and cowardice."
Mia clutched his hand, her innocent gaze matching his fierce resolve. "You're gonna win, Daddy. I know you are."
The words resonated deep within him. "I won't let you down, Mia. Ever." With that, he turned sharply, heading toward the bright double doors and leading the way outside.
The banquet hall quickly shifted into chaos as guests began murmuring about the unfolding drama. Jaune's family trailed behind him, the supportive presence of his mother and sisters grounding him as they found themselves in the cool night air.
Cardin was waiting, surrounded by his mercenaries, a smirk plastered across his face. "Are you ready to humiliate yourself, Jaune?"
"I'm here to protect my family and my kingdom," Jaune replied, determination boiling beneath the surface. He could hear Angela's words in his mind—the importance of harnessing inner strength while confronting his fears.
"If you want to test your strength, let's just say you're about to learn a lesson you'll never forget," he added, his voice steady, betraying none of the fear threatening to bubble up.
Cardin drew his weapon, the glint of steel catching the moonlight. "Let's see what the 'prince' has got."
As the clash began, steel met steel, and the sounds echoed through the forest, intertwined with shouts and grunts. Jaune moved with purpose, calling on the training Angela had instilled in him, channeling the fury, love, and resolve for his family through every strike.
His aura flared, illuminating the space around him as each swing became more confident, his movements fluid and powerful. He could feel Mia's eyes on him, feel the weight of her trust lifting his spirits.
"Come on, Jaune! Show him who's boss!" Mia cheered from the sidelines, her infectious spirit buoying him as he lost himself in the fight.
"Just a fluke," Cardin spat, swinging down hard, but Jaune dodged and countered with a decisive strike that sent Cardin stumbling back, shocked.
"Fluke or not, it doesn't change the fact I stand for something real," Jaune argued, his voice carrying the triumph of not just physical strength, but of newfound resolve.
With a powerful thrust, he knocked Cardin's weapon aside, and in that moment of vulnerability, he had him at his mercy.
"Enough!" Jaune declared, breathing heavily, his heart racing from the adrenaline of battle. "I'll not fight you anymore. Leave Arcadia and let this end."
Cardin was on the ground, panting, anger flickering in his eyes, but Jaune stood above him, breathing in the scent of the night air, feeling the warmth of his family's faith surrounding him like an impenetrable shield.
"Next time, think before you come after us," Jaune said softly, stepping back as Cardin scuttled away, leaving behind nothing but tension in his wake.
The relief washed over Jaune as he turned back toward his family. Rachel approached, her eyes glimmering with pride. "Well done, Jaune."
Elena and Sophia embraced him, their presence suffusing him with warmth.
Mia rushed into his arms, a bright smile illuminating her freckled face. "You were amazing! I knew you could do it!"
"I couldn't have done it without you." Jaune hugged her tightly, squeezing just enough to let her know how proud he was. "Remember, it's not just about fighting. Tonight reminded me of what truly matters—our family."
"Yes," Rachel added, rest her hand on Jaune's shoulder, "and the strength we find in unity. That is the true heart of Arcadia."
As he stood there, surrounded by the people who mattered most, Jaune felt a flicker of hope, realizing that he was, indeed, the prince—and protector—of a kingdom reborn in love, resilience, and an unshakeable bond that would guide them through any trials ahead.