The moments immediately following the Midnight Operation were tense. The silent, internal collapse of the massive crystal sphere caused no visible damage outside the tower, appearing merely as a significant power surge on the Sovereign grid. Grand Duke Valerius, shaken and disoriented by the abrupt cessation of his Gift's amplification, was forced to leave the unstable tower early.
As the first light of dawn began to creep over the Sovereign capital, the city woke up to a changed landscape. The oppressive "influence" that Princess Lyra had described was gone. In its place was the frantic activity of Grand Duke Valerius's personal guard, swarming the docks and the sea tower in a desperate attempt to explain the total destruction of their master's greatest asset.
Inside the Palace, the atmosphere was one of stifled panic. The Grand Duke had not emerged from his chambers, and the Captain of the Guard—his tremors significantly worse now that the nutrient flow had been severed—was seen barking nonsensical orders at the perimeter.
"The broadcast is dead, but that man is still very much dangerous. He'll look for someone to blame. Lyra will be his first target if she so much as smiles too widely today." Riven reasoned.
"Which is why we can't leave just yet." Vaelorian interjected. "We finish our mission. We'll act as the concerned allies, offering 'support' for their unfortunate technical disaster. We'll play the part until we are certain Lyra is safe and Valerius is captured."
He turned to Anya, who was already packing her borrowed tools. "Anya, prepare a formal report on the atmospheric energy spikes we observed last night. If they want a scientific explanation for what happened, we'll give them one that points in every direction except toward us."
The mission was a victory, but the game of shadows was far from over. They had broken the machine; now, they need to break the man.
Princess Lyra acted fast too. Armed with the concrete evidence gathered by Riven's team—analyzed now by a discreetly briefed Sovereign physician and the blueprints of the amplification chamber provided by Willow, she reported everything to her father, the Emperor.
Within forty-eight hours, under the pretext of investigating "unauthorized military development that caused a power anomaly," the Emperor ordered the arrest of Grand Duke Valerius. The Sovereign court acted swiftly and decisively, protecting their Empire's security without exposing the espionage.
During a final, brief farewell, Princess Lyra met with Vaelorian and Riven, her eyes radiating relief and gratitude.
"It is done," Lyra said quietly, a genuine smile finally breaking through her composed demeanor. "Valerius is in the High Keep. My father was horrified by the evidence—not just of the betrayal, but of the technology. His weapon is truly terrifying."
"Your swift action saved your nation, Your Highness," Vaelorian replied formally, though his gaze was warm. "We were merely the instruments."
Lyra laughed, a clear, ringing sound that was the first true joy Riven had heard from her. "Instruments? You and your team are a force of nature. But seriously, thank you." She paused, her expression turning playful as she looked between the two men. "Perhaps I am simply not destined for romance. My first betrothal ended because the Prince loved a Knight more than he loved the throne. My second betrothal was a man attempting to conquer the world with a magic mind-control machine. Love and power are a volatile mix in my life."
She shrugged gracefully, making Vaelorian and Riven laugh. "I am done trying to get married for now. My Empire is stable, and thank the stars, it is not lacking in possible successors elsewhere in the family. I will focus on the Navy and trade." She paused, giving Vaelorian a serious look. "Thank you, Vaelorian. You have restored peace and given me back my Empire. Sovereign Empire will forever be indebted to Lumina."
With their mission accomplished and international peace restored, the Lumina delegation swiftly departed, their "cultural exchange" deemed a brilliant success.
The journey home was the opposite of the tension-filled arrival. The team was exhausted but triumphant. Barron spent the trip poring over naval charts, now incorporating Sovereign's new defensive architecture into Imperial strategy. Willow was already drafting a detailed report on Gift-amplification technology. Anya and Mira Lune were simply enjoying the sea air and the relief of being home.
Upon their quiet arrival back at the Lumina Imperial Palace, Vaelorian and Riven were immediately summoned to the Emperor, who had been kept informed only of the diplomatic success.
"The Sovereign Emperor's message was exceedingly warm, Vaelorian," the Emperor stated, an amused glint in his eye. "You managed to secure a new trade treaty, shared naval defense intelligence, and caused the arrest of a rogue Grand Duke, all while debating architecture and history."
"I believe Grand Duke Valerius was simply unstable, Your Majesty," Vaelorian replied smoothly. "A diplomatic hazard that Princess Lyra handled with great courage."
"Indeed," the Emperor murmured, clearly understanding the unspoken truth. "Your unconventional partnership has proven itself potent on the international stage as well. The Empire is proud."
Later that evening, Vaelorian and Riven finally found privacy in their suite. Riven sank onto the couch, letting out a long, satisfied sigh.
"No amplified mind control, no more Senate inquiries, no disgruntled Western Lords to deal," Riven smiled, pulling Vaelorian down next to him. "I say we deserve a vacation."
Vaelorian wrapped his arms around Riven, resting his chin on Riven's shoulder. "Indeed, we do. You were incredible, my love."
Riven turned, facing Vaelorian, his expression content but focused. "What's next, Your Highness? What does this new security and power allow us to do?"
Vaelorian looked into Riven's eyes, the fire of ambition burning bright. "We have the loyalty of the people, the respect of the Throne, and now, the fear of our rivals. It's time to stop reacting to problems. It's time to solve the systemic issue: the Senate itself."
"The Senate?" Riven asked.
"The Senate," Vaelorian confirmed. "It's time to finish what we started."