The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

Eric paused for a moment.

He gazed at Diana's poignant yet resolute smile, at the tears streaming down her cheeks, and felt as if the surrounding clamor had been suddenly drowned out, and everything else seemed to cease to matter.

At this moment, the two seemed to return to eight years ago, to the time when they first met, in the same palace, and one of them reaching out to the other.

A moment later, Eric also slowly revealed a smile, a smile as pure as that of a young boy.

"Okay," he said softly, meeting her gentle gaze.

Having confirmed their feelings, the two stopped there, supporting each other as they stepped forward through the gate, heading towards the central square where countless sounds and blinding lights converged.

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, two figures slowly appeared at the top of the magnificent steps, making them appear exceptionally small in comparison.

The square in front of the White Rose Palace seemed to have been completely transformed into a solemn courtroom, waiting for the "sinners" to step forward and receive their predetermined verdict.

Thousands of royal knights formed three square formations, each with their weapons already raised, all pointing upwards at the steps, creating a silent, chilling atmosphere.

Bathed in this dazzling glory, Diana still held her head high, her gaze firmly confronting everything before her.

From this perspective, she can see it very clearly.

These people were not his colleagues.

These knights and guards were clearly all trusted confidants of Prince Raymond, and were specially dispatched here to ensure the smooth completion of the ceremony.

Further back in the crowd, angry gazes were cast at the rebels; the eyes of the royals and nobles were filled with condemnation.

Not a single familiar face was there.

Perhaps to avoid any unforeseen complications, not a single one of Eric's subordinates was present at today's ceremony.

The kingdom she once swore to protect with her life now bears a completely unfamiliar and cold face.

And this seemingly "justice-representing" "courtroom" is now focusing all the pressure on the two tiny figures at the top of the steps.

At first, there was utter silence.

Immediately afterwards, a wave of condemnation erupted.

Some angrily denounced them for betraying the dignity of the royal family, while others condemned their selfishness and unwillingness to make due contributions to the kingdom. There were even sharp and harsh condemnations.

The sound grew louder and louder, surging in from all directions like a tsunami, engulfing the entire ceremony square and almost swallowing the two of them up.

But Diana ignored her; she simply supported her beloved even more firmly as they walked down the long white stone steps.

She had to stop when she was about halfway there.

Because Eric's body had reached its limit, he was completely exhausted and didn't even have the strength to support his legs.

She was able to walk a few steps with support because her entire weight was on Diana.

But today, the situation has worsened particularly badly.

But it was precisely the two of them who were forced by fate to walk onto the altar...

Seeing this, Diana immediately and carefully helped him to sit down by the stone railing.

"Rest here for a while, Eric."

Her voice was very soft and gentle, so soft that it sounded like a bedtime message.

Eric struggled to lift his head, his dim eyes reflecting her backlit figure.

He wanted to shake his head, to grab her hand, but the sixteen-year-old girl had already straightened up and taken a decisive step forward, just like a fledgling bird that would leave the nest once its wings were fully grown.

Only now did he finally realize that he could no longer keep an eye on this proud little bird.

In an instant, all the noise subsided.

Her long, snow-white hair fluttered in the breeze, and her handsome and beautiful face was now devoid of any fear or anger.

Because in the heart of this female knight, there were already things a hundred times more important than these.

Faced with widespread condemnation, she said nothing, offered no explanation, made no pleading, and did not roar in anger.

There's only one thing we can do.

"Honor Class - Guardian Form!"

As a resolute voice echoed across the square, a dazzling golden light erupted from her body.

In the light, heavy silver armor swiftly covered her body, followed by a helmet with a visor, completely obscuring her beautiful face.

The towering "Guardian Knight," standing at two and a half meters tall, was like a sacred barrier that suddenly descended upon the world, blocking Eric from the rest of the world.

This is a true royal knight! It is the highest manifestation of the "Honor Class", and the last wall that Diana erected for her loved ones after her beliefs collapsed and were rebuilt!

Seeing this unbelievable scene, everyone was stunned and speechless.

Does this knight intend to single-handedly confront the entire royal family?!

What an incredibly stupid thing to do! No, it's downright insane!

A pointless struggle!

Amid the crowd, Raymond's expression remained calm, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible anticipation, as if he had finally witnessed the performance of a favorite play.

However, it was a tragedy that had to be completed.

He waved his hand, giving the order to the knights to take him down.

First to step forward were the five "Guardian Knights" at the very front. They too summoned heavy armor and massive shields, and the moment the command was given, they raised their shields in unison and launched their advance charge.

The heavy iron boots pounded on the stone steps with a dull thud.

When these guardian knights got within five meters, they suddenly accelerated, just like the tactics Diana used in her inner world.

Almost simultaneously, as those "steel walls" approached, Diana swung her two-handed greatsword.

It was a pure, unskilled thrust, the tip of the greatsword suddenly piercing the first knight's shield.

Contrary to expectations, there was no blinding flash of light from the collision. Instead, the greatsword, with overwhelming force, pierced through the shield's protection and struck the center of the knight's breastplate.

Spiderweb-like cracks instantly appeared on the heavy breastplate, and the knight was pulled backward by the force, crashing into his companion behind him.

Although they are both guardian knights, the fundamental difference in their power became crystal clear the moment they clashed.

Diana controlled her power perfectly, just enough to break through the opponent's defenses without threatening their lives further.

Of course, even if she really wanted to cause casualties, she couldn't.

At this moment, the knights in the knight formation were connected by countless invisible threads, their auras seemingly condensed into a massive whole.

In the very center of the formation, a brown-haired man who looked like an officer stood ramrod straight, gripping his sword tightly and brandishing it, commanding all the knights present.