The tournament at the Imperial Castle had left ripples throughout the nobility.
Word of Mei Lin Lin's victory and her elemental mastery spread faster than wildfire. Even minor nobles spoke in hushed tones of the Chaos heir, Luo, and his newly awakened Wind Sovereign talent, whose synergy with Mei Lin had made him almost untouchable.
By the end of the day, the Lin Family's standing in the Imperial Capital had shifted dramatically. Whispers of respect replaced sneers, and even the Jade Family's influence faced scrutiny.
> The Lin girl… and her ally from the Chaos Family… they could change the balance of power.
---
A Parting at Sunset
As the sun dipped behind the western towers of the Imperial Capital, Luo walked Mei Lin back to the carriage that would take her home to the Lin Family lands.
The air was filled with the soft golden light of dusk. Mei Lin stood beside the carriage, Luna at her side, her eyes bright but tinged with a hint of sadness.
"I'm glad we met again," Luo said, his hands lightly brushing the reins. His silver-gray eyes reflected the last rays of sunlight.
Mei Lin smiled warmly, hiding the flutter in her chest. "Me too. Thank you… for helping me in the market. And in the tournament."
Luo chuckled softly. "You made it easy. You're… stronger than anyone I've ever known."
She laughed lightly, looking down. "And you're… incredible too. Don't forget that."
A moment of silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken understanding.
Finally, Mei Lin stepped into the carriage, waving. "I'll see you soon, Luo!"
"I'll be waiting," he replied, watching the carriage roll away, wind swirling faintly around his feet—a subconscious echo of his power awakening.
---
Political Ripples
Back in the Imperial Castle, King Arthur sat in his study, reviewing the reports from the tournament.
"The Lin girl… she's no ordinary child," he muttered. "And the Chaos heir… his abilities rival the best of our nobles."
His expression darkened as his eyes drifted toward a parchment.
> Orders: Summon the Chaos Family to the castle. Arrange a union with the king's younger child, of similar age, to solidify political alliances.
King Arthur smiled faintly. "They must be united… before either realizes it themselves."
The thought of Luo marrying without his consent—or Mei Lin's knowledge—did not faze him. In the world of kingdoms and alliances, children were often pawns first, heirs second.
The messenger left to deliver the summons, unaware of the storm that would follow.
In the Lin Family lands, Mei Lin gazed at the stars that evening, feeling the subtle pull of destiny—both for her and for the boy who had become her ally.
Meanwhile, far in the capital, Luo stared out of his room's window, unaware that his life was about to be entwined with the royal family in ways neither he nor Mei Lin could imagine.