Velzra and Karin returned to the manor looking well, their presence bringing a sense of relief to everyone after the incident. With the support of the entire household, the manor slowly returned to its peaceful and lively days.
"I'm so glad that everyone is safe," Yael said warmly as they all gathered in the glass garden, sunlight spilling softly through the panes.
They were there to celebrate the arrival of Yael's newborn baby, and each guest had
brought a thoughtful gift.
"She's so tiny," Prince Claren said with a smile, gazing at the baby with gentle
eyes.
"You're right, Prince Claren, Yara is so pretty and absolutely adorable, isn't she?" Ione added, softly tickling the baby's little hand.
"Yeah... I'm just glad we can finally celebrate something joyful like this," Velzra said, her voice filled with quiet contentment.
"Let's bring out our gifts for baby Yara!" Clara chimed in cheerfully, lifting a beautifully wrapped box.
Everyone presented their gifts with smiles and laughter. Yael watched in awe, his heart
full. After everything he had endured under King Herald in Velgarith, this happiness felt almost unreal. For a moment, he allowed himself to hope, that other omegas might someday feel this joy too.
Suddenly, tears began to trail down Yael's cheeks.
"Why are you crying?" Karin asked gently, concern flickering in his eyes.
"I'm just so happy," Yael replied, his voice trembling. "But I remembered my fellow omegas in Velgarith. I hope one day, they too can be free… and find happiness like this." He wiped his tears and offered a soft, grateful smile. "Thank you, everyone."
Luren reached out and took Yael's hand across the glass table.
"Don't worry," he said gently. "I believe their time will come. And when it does, they'll find happiness too, just like you did."
Everyone nodded in quiet agreement and placed their hands over Yael's in a warm show of unity.
"Let's help them when the time comes," Velzra said firmly, her voice full of resolve and compassion.
They were enjoying their time together, seated in the glass greenhouse garden, surrounded by a sea of vibrant winter flowers blooming against the snow-covered world
outside. The gentle warmth from the sun filtered through the glass panels, creating a cozy haven despite the cold. Laughter filled the space as the group sipped warm tea and savored the sweet desserts laid out before them.
---
At Craige's Office
"The Northern Ball will be held tomorrow. Make sure the security is tight, we cannot
afford a repeat of what happened last time," Craige said firmly, looking at Venn and Rolen with a stern expression.
"Yes, Your Grace," both men replied in unison, standing straight with unwavering focus.
"Aren't we going to get revenge for what they did?" Cleven asked as he leaned back
casually in his chair, a hint of defiance in his tone.
Craige narrowed his eyes but kept his composure. "We don't have concrete evidence, and we can't risk starting a war between kingdoms. We must think of the people first," he replied, his voice calm but heavy with the weight of leadership.
"I heard Velgarith is gathering their forces," Keith said grimly, casting a concerned
glance toward the window.
Craige's brows furrowed deeper. "Borg sent word, the southern faction has gone quiet,"
he murmured, tapping his fingers on the desk. "And silence like that... is rarely a good sign. They might be brewing something dangerous."
A tense silence fell over the room as the gravity of the situation settled in.
"How about the palace? Is everything alright?" Cleven asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
Keith sighed. "Aside from the petition, the nobles are questioning whether an omega
can marry a man… Everything else seems fine, for now."
"That old geezer," Cleven scoffed, crossing his arms. "It's a good thing Carl chose a
woman as his Queen. If he had fallen for an omega too, the throne would be in chaos."
He turned to Craige, raising an eyebrow. "What are you going to do if they don't approve Luren as your Duchess?"
Craige's expression hardened, his aura turning cold and resolute. "I don't care what
they say. Luren will officially be my Duchess. We'll announce our engagement tomorrow and marry, even without the temple's blessing."
The room fell quiet for a beat, the tension thick in the air.
Craige broke the silence. "What about you and Karin?"
Cleven scratched the back of his neck, a faint blush coloring his face. "Well… still a
work in progress."
Keith smiled faintly, sensing the shift in mood. "Everyone's gathering at the Glass
Garden to celebrate Yael's newborn. Maybe we should join them."
Craige stood, a faint warmth returning to his voice. "Alright, let's go and don't forget your gifts."
With that, they stepped out of the office together, the weight of responsibilities still
lingering, but hope beginning to stir again.
Axel arrived after attending to his duties and gently placed a hand on Yael's shoulder.
"Congratulations, Yael and Axel!" the men greeted the couple as they entered the glass garden, each holding a gift wrapped with care.
"Thank you, Your Grace, and everyone," Yael and Axel replied in unison, their faces glowing with happiness and gratitude.
"Come, sit and join us!" Luren called out cheerfully, signaling the maids to bring more
food and refreshments.
"I hope everyone's ready for tomorrow's event," Keith said as he took a seat beside
Clara.
"Yes, honey. We're all ready," Clara replied with a warm smile, lightly squeezing his
hand.
Luren chuckled and teased, "You better get yourself ready too, it's time you told
Mother and Uncle about your relationship."
Laughter erupted around the table as Keith's face turned red with nervousness.
Craige slid into the seat beside Luren, wrapping an arm around his waist affectionately.
"Claren, you received a letter from your mother and father," Cleven said, lifting the
boy gently onto his lap and sitting beside Karin.
"Really, Uncle?!" Claren exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with joy, he had missed his parents dearly.
"Yes, and they miss you very much," Cleven replied with a soft smile, brushing the boy's
hair aside.
Surrounded by laughter, warmth, and love, everyone enjoyed each other's company well into the evening before they returned to their own rooms and cabins, hearts full and
spirits high.