As I sat upon my throne, I turned over countless ways to deal with the Vaelgrims.As satisfying as it would be to obliterate their kingdom from the map, they were far too influential — one of the Empire's core noble houses, their lands nestled close to the Imperial Capital itself.I couldn't simply act on impulse. Not if I wanted to avoid the attention of those decrepit old monsters sitting behind the throne.
I tapped my finger on the armrest, a habit I'd picked up over the years. Think, Kyros. Think.Then, an idea surfaced — simple, clean, and effective.
A small grin curved my lips."Huh. That'll work."
I rose, lifted a hand — and with a sound like glass fracturing, reality shattered. Then, I was gone.
Within the heart of the Human Domain, the Imperial Palace stood as a monument of majesty and restraint — the only structure that could rival the Palace of Light in Luminosity.
Inside, in an ornate yet tastefully appointed office, bookshelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling. A massive mahogany desk dominated the center, and beyond it, wide windows opened onto the Imperial Gardens below — a lush sea of emerald and marble.
There sat a man who looked no older than thirty, though his eyes betrayed decades of power.Long, sunlit hair — nearly gold — framed a sharply handsome face. His eyes were a piercing blue, and his expression carried the composed weight of command.
Emperor Aurelius Estoria, ruler of the Human Empire.An Emperor Mage.And, on rare occasions, my friend.
He sat in silence, signing papers, his thoughts drifting. The life of an Emperor is never easy, he mused. Then, with a faint smirk, Though some people I know were masters at avoiding responsibility.
A quiet laugh escaped him — a rare sound for those who served under his rule.
But then, the air around him changed. It stilled, thickened — the world itself holding its breath.Aurelius froze mid-signature, the faintest smile tugging at his lips.
He knew this sensation.There was only one man bold enough — or stupid enough — to teleport directly into his office unannounced.
Reality shattered like a mirror, reformed in an instant — and where the air had been empty, it now rippled with light.
A tall figure emerged, golden hair cascading like fire, eyes burning with a calm, divine brilliance.I stepped forward, gaze sweeping the office with detached recognition before settling on the man behind the desk.
Aurelius leaned back in his chair, a knowing grin on his face."So, to what — or who — do I owe this sudden visit, old friend?" he said smoothly. "Because I know damn well you didn't just pop in for a casual chat. That hurts, you know?"
I exhaled sharply and took a seat across from him, like I'd done countless times before."Stop acting like a child," I muttered. "It wasn't funny back in the Academy, and it's not funny now."
Aurelius chuckled. "Come on, Kyros. Lighten up. Heh—get it?"
My eye twitched.
He grinned wider. "Oh, don't look at me like that. A little bird told me something interesting. You're a father now, aren't you?" His laughter echoed through the chamber. "You! A father! I couldn't believe it."
"I really wish I could kill you sometimes," I said flatly.
He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Whoa, whoa! Is that any way for a role model to talk? Think of the child!"
I stared at him, unamused.
"And don't pretend you don't love me," he added with a smirk. "We've got too much history for that."
A sigh escaped me — long and resigned. "Yes, I'm a father. And yes, I knew the news would spread fast. But this was faster than expected."
Aurelius leaned forward eagerly, all amusement now replaced with genuine curiosity. "Then don't leave me guessing. Tell me everything. I want to hear it from you, not from those gossiping little kings. Oh, and when do I get to meet my lovely niece?"
I gave him what he wanted — a brief recounting of everything: how I found Aurora, the blood resonance, the truth about Elenora.I knew the little king had probably already informed him of some details — and likely the deal too — but that was fine. Few truly knew the depth of our relationship.Aurelius and I had spent years walking the razor's edge between alliance and manipulation, each using the other as a counterweight in this treacherous world.
When I finished, Aurelius leaned back, the faintest shadow of sadness in his eyes."…Tragic," he murmured. "For a child to see her mother die like that… even you must have felt that."
He sighed. "So. You're here for another one of your deals, I assume? What is it this time, Kyros? And what do I get in return?"
I met his gaze, unflinching."The Vaelgrims," I said simply.
His brows rose slightly. "Ah. So it is them." He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "You want me to look the other way while you destroy one of the Empire's oldest families. I can't say I'll miss them. Still—" His smile sharpened. "You know how this works. What do I gain in return? You already went behind my back to claim that Grand Dungeon, remember?"
The air seemed to hum, heavy with tension.Then I leaned back and smirked faintly.
"Oh, please, Aurelius. We both know how this world works. You and I lead different factions, and it's our duty to seize every opportunity that benefits us. You'd have done the same. As long as we don't cross each other directly, everything else… is fair game."
Aurelius regarded me in silence — then nodded slowly, a wry smile curving his lips.
"Indeed, my friend," he said. "That is the way of our world." He rose from his chair, the faint gleam of amusement back in his eyes."Very well. Let's get on with the negotiations."