A Glimpse of Enigmatic Puzzle (66)

Felix, still in the background, watched closely, his expression a mix of curiosity and relief. 

"Just remember, " her father interjected, "you carry our name. You need to be strong, but also wise. There's a difference. " 

Starfania felt a flicker of frustration, but pushed it down. Knowing her father was right, she forced a smile for Cesar, trying to bridge the gap between them. With that, she turned to Felix and handed the sword back. As she stepped back, she felt a warm, reassuring pat on the back of her father. Felix didn't seem to grasp that Starfania was just called Caesar's father. Booming with embarrassment, he lunged towards her, attempting to strike her down.

 It happened in an instant. As the guard intercepted, striking Felix down before his attack could land. The room erupted gasps as Felix stumbled backward, clutching his side in disbelief.

" What on earth, man?! " Felix sputtered, glancing at the guard. " You didn't give me a chance to defend myself! And after she–she threatened to kill me! "

Before Felix could say more, Cesar stepped forward, placing a protective arm around her. His calm, authoritative voice carried across the room. " She's my daughter. " 

The tension thickened as the words hung in the air. Felix's heart raced, and he shook his head in confusion. "Your daughter? You can't be serious! " 

The guard remained rigid, eyes narrowing as he watched for any signs of aggression. The crowd shifted uneasily, whispers rising with each passing second. Cesar took a step closer, his demeanor unyielding. 

"Yes, my daughter, " he repeated, his gaze steady. "And I will not tolerate threats against her life, even if they come from your mouth. " 

 Felix opened his mouth to protest, but the fire in him dimmed under the weight of Cesar's stare. He nodded quickly, not wanting to get into any more trouble with him. Cesar, however, wasn't done. With a sharp, deliberate gesture – a symbolic slash across his neck — he let out a resolute " CACHU, " the sound cutting through the silence. The message was clear: Cesar would not tolerate any further mistake. As the tension in the room grew more palpable, the air thick with unspoken words. Cesar's anger was a force itself and one you did not want to be on the receiving end of.

" Remember this, " he said, his voice low but firm, carrying the weight of his final warning. " If this happens again. Let's just say you'll be wishing to meet death a lot sooner. "

Felix glare snapped towards Starfania, his fury plain as day. She met his gaze with defiance, raising her hand to form an exaggerated " L " shape.

 The gesture was childish, sure, but the way his face twisted barely contained rage made it oh-so worth it. Before Felix could retaliate, her father stepped in, his tone sharp as he addressed the guard. " Release him. "

They obeyed immediately, releasing Felix from his grip. Starfania's father turned to her, his expression shifting into something unreadable. Then he said, with an air of formality, " Starfania, meet Felix from the Ruin Nations. Our newest allies. "

" Really?! Him out of all people. " she asked, barely keeping the disbelief out of her voice. Her father's eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing the importance of her reaction. 

"Yes, really. We don't have the luxury of choosing our allies based on first impressions, " he replied, his voice steady but firm. Felix stood awkwardly to the side, still brushing off the residual tension in his shoulders. Starfania folded her arms, skepticism etched across her face. "Allies shouldn't act like children during negotiations."