---
Skyster Castle – Morning Light
There was something about mornings at Skyster Castle—something gentle. Like the world itself paused for a breath before the storm of duties, expectations, and unspoken feelings returned.
The wind drifted lazily through open windows, carrying with it the scent of lavender from the gardens below. Sunlight spilled through sheer curtains like melted gold, brushing softly over walls of ivory and stone. Birds sang with cheerful arrogance, announcing a day reborn.
For some, the day had only just begun.
For others—it had never truly ended.
---
Inside Dian's Chamber
Beneath a delicate silk sheet, bodies lay intertwined in a tangle of satisfaction and serenity.
Dian stirred first—his arm resting around Gianna's bare waist, the other draped protectively around Suzine. Their breathing rose and fell in harmony with his, skin warm and hearts even warmer.
Suzine's hand curled lightly against his chest, as if unwilling to let go. Gianna, nestled close, released a soft, sleepy breath—the kind that came only after a night filled with love, not dreams.
Dian smiled faintly.
No words.
Just warmth.
The kind of peace he never imagined he'd have—and couldn't bear to lose.
Eventually, as the sunlight grew bolder, the women stirred.
Suzine blinked slowly, rubbing her eyes before curling even closer. "Mmm… good morning… darling."
Gianna grinned sleepily. "Morning, husband… did you sleep well?"
"I did," Dian murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You two were… very convincing lullabies."
Suzine gave him a playful swat. Gianna giggled.
Wrapped in silk robes shortly after, the three made their way to the breakfast hall—refreshed, satisfied, and closer than ever.
---
Dining Hall – Mid-Morning
Dian sat at the head of the table, sipping warm berry tea. Gianna and Suzine flanked him, teasing him with bites of honey-glazed fruit.
They had come a long way—from flustered glances and bashful smiles to bold affection and quiet trust.
Yet two seats remained empty.
He glanced toward the maids. "Where are Olivia and Emma?"
One maid bowed quickly. "Young Lord, they have not awakened yet."
Dian raised a brow. "Still sleeping? Why?"
Another maid stepped forward, face pale. "Apologies, Young Lord… when I tried to wake them, Lady Emma shouted something like—'Go away or I'll bury you in your own tea set.'"
Suzine nearly choked on her drink. Gianna stifled a laugh.
"And Olivia?" Dian asked, amused.
"She didn't say anything… but she turned to the wall and pulled the pillow over her head."
Dian chuckled and looked toward his wives. "I suppose… they didn't sleep enough last night."
The maids standing nearby turned red instantly.
Suzine leaned in, smirking. "I wonder why they're so tired…"
Gianna giggled shyly, looking away. "Hm…"
Dian grinned. "Next time, I'll need to cast a sound barrier."
After a few more teasing comments and soft pecks, breakfast ended with hearts full and smiles wide. Dian made his way to the study, while Suzine and Gianna headed toward Emily's chamber, radiant and glowing.
---
Emily's Chamber – Midday
Sunlight danced through open windows, casting golden patterns across fine curtains. Emily lay propped on a sea of pillows, her cheeks slowly returning to a healthier hue.
Olivia and Emma had finally awakened and now sat nearby, dressed in soft silk robes matching their hair colors. Their earlier irritation had faded—mostly.
A gentle breeze rustled the curtains, stirring the floral scent of the room.
Gianna hummed as she refilled Emily's cup. "You're looking better already, Mother."
Suzine adjusted her pillow with care. "Sister Gianna is right, Lady Emily."
Emily eyed them carefully. "Is that so? Then tell me—why do the two of you look more radiant than the sun today?"
Her words brought immediate blushes to their faces.
And a deep scowl to Emma's.
Silence stretched.
Olivia, ever composed, stirred her tea and broke the silence. "Maybe they simply slept well after a long journey."
Emma shot upright. "A good night's sleep?" she repeated flatly. "Are you serious, Sister Olivia? They went for it the whole bloody night!"
Suzine's blush deepened. Gianna looked down, lips pressed together.
Emily blinked. Then, slowly, her face reddened too.
Her thoughts wandered.
Is that even possible…? she thought. All night...? I-I don't think I could even—
Her face flushed crimson.
"Mother?" Emma asked, tilting her head. "You okay?"
Emily straightened, flustered. "Yes! Y-yes, of course, I'm fine. Just... feeling a little warm."
Her laughter was forced.
The air charged with embarrassment.
Thankfully, Olivia smoothly changed the subject, easing them back into comfortable conversation. The mood shifted—softer, warmer. Laughter returned. Stories flowed.
A sisterhood was quietly growing.
When Emily finally drifted into sleep, they left the room quietly.
But the day wasn't over yet.
---
Castle Courtyard – Afternoon
Roses, lilies, and marigolds bloomed across the garden paths, while a fountain whispered gently in the center. Afternoon sun painted everything in gold.
At a table near the water, four chairs held four women—each beautiful in her own right.
Suzine leaned back, brushing her hair aside. Gianna nibbled on a lavender cookie. Olivia sat tall and poised. Emma? She chewed her third tart with vengeance.
They laughed, teased, and gossiped—about Dian, the staff, even the nobles of the Academy.
When Dian's name came up again, Emma groaned. "Ugh, seriously. What do you even like about him?"
Gianna smiled. "What's there not to like? He's kind, loving, strong…"
Suzine nodded in agreement, adding her own reasons to the growing list.
Emma blinked. "What the—?"
Both she and Olivia stared at them, stunned by the sheer enthusiasm.
---
Training Grounds – Evening
The sky turned molten red as the sun kissed the horizon. Dian stood in the training yard, body glistening with sweat, muscles taut with purpose.
Jones stood nearby, a rack of weapons before him. "Young Lord, shall we move to weapons now?"
Dian nodded.
His magic was now firmly under control—seven elements, flowing as naturally as breath. At sixteen, he stood as a Supreme Class Second Stage Mage.
It was time to master the blade.
He picked up a sword.
He swung. Parried. Adjusted.
But something felt… off.
Jones watched carefully. "No. Not the right fit, Young Lord."
Dian agreed.
He moved on—blade, axe, dagger.
None clicked.
Until—
His fingers closed around a spear.
Long. Balanced. Simple.
And yet, something inside clicked.
Jones's eyes sharpened. "The spear… elegant and strong. Easy to learn, difficult to master."
Dian twirled it experimentally. His body flowed with the weapon—thrust, pivot, sweep.
It felt right.
Natural.
He smiled.
A golden screen blinked before his eyes.
---
[Ding!]
[Weapon – Spear]
[Compatibility – 99.9%]
---
Dian's smile grew.
Hours turned into days.
Days into weeks.
He trained every morning and night—spear in hand, magic pulsing through every breath. With Jones by his side, his form sharpened like a blade through fire.
Meanwhile, Suzine, Gianna, Olivia, and Emma spent afternoons with Emily, whose strength was returning slowly but surely.
Evenings were peaceful.
Meals were shared.
Stories whispered.
Laughter echoed.
Sometimes, Dian would pass by the courtyard, watching his wives laugh beneath the amber sun.
And he'd smile.
Because, for once…
Life felt whole.
Peaceful.
But fate doesn't sleep forever.
And it never forgets its enemies.
Something was coming.
Dian could feel it.
Even as the petals bloomed in peace…
Shadows crept just beyond the horizon.
.
.