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Skyster Castle – Morning, Dian's Study
4 days to the Reawakening Ceremony
The morning light filtered through the stained-glass windows of Dian's private study, painting the desk in soft hues of rose and blue. A single feather pen rested by an inkpot—silent witness to the decisions of power and peace.
Dian sat in his high-backed chair, robe neatly folded, hair loose, freshly bathed. In his hands, an already-unsealed letter bearing the golden wax seal of the Rindell Royal Family.
He exhaled through his nose, eyes scanning the final lines once more.
"We extend our sincere apologies on behalf of Leon. His behavior does not reflect the will of the royal family. The King wishes to meet with you personally, to reaffirm our good relations and express gratitude for your strength and mercy…"
Dian's fingers slowly curled the edge of the parchment.
"Gratitude...?" he murmured.
He set the letter down with quiet finality.
Jones, ever-present, stood respectfully at the table's corner.
Dian looked up. "Send a reply. The meeting must be postponed. I have other priorities."
Jones bowed slightly. "Yes, Young Lord. May I inquire what reason I should include in the reply?"
Dian rose, walking slowly to the window behind him. His voice remained calm.
"Tell them the date cannot be set yet. I have the Reawakening Ceremony in four days… and other matters."
Jones gave a faint smile. "As you wish. It will be done."
A light sound of feminine laughter floated up through the open window. Dian paused, turning slightly to peer outside.
His gaze softened.
---
Skyster Courtyard – Tea Pavilion
There, under the warm sun and among beds of blooming flowers, sat five women—serene, radiant, and wholly at ease.
Emily Meester, fully recovered, sat at the center, her laughter light and infectious. Her complexion glowed, her emerald eyes sparkled, and her joy was unmistakable.
Beside her were Gianna, Suzine, Olivia, and Emma—each dressed in soft spring gowns, their hair fluttering gently in the breeze. Sunlight streamed down, filtering through leaves and blossoms to cast a golden veil over the scene.
But Emily's joy wasn't only from recovery.
It was something else.
Emily leaned forward, her expression full of surprise—and something else.
"Wait, wait—so you're telling me… all of us belong to Dian?! And the Elder herself oversaw it?!"
Olivia blinked. "That's… what happened. Elder Virenelle declared that the three of us now belong to him. As part of the bet."
A deep blush crept onto Emily's cheeks.
All of us... belong to him?
"Hm? Are you okay, Mother?" Olivia asked, noticing her dazed expression.
Emily quickly straightened. "O-of course I am!"
But then she added, voice laced with curiosity and hesitation, "So… does that mean we're his… wives now?"
Gianna and Suzine flushed. Olivia's expression cracked just slightly, while Emma choked on her tea.
"W-what?!" Emma jumped up. "Mother! Marry? Someone like him?!"
Her words sounded harsh, but her flustered face betrayed something else.
"We're just... trapped here," she added quickly, avoiding their eyes.
Olivia said nothing. A soft blush colored her cheeks.
The past two weeks had changed them. Slowly, steadily. A warmth had begun to grow—a sense of family.
Emily blinked, her fingers tightening around her teacup. "But... I mean, he does seem like a good man. And just look at Gianna—"
She turned to her daughter. "She looks... happier than ever."
Emma stared. "Wait. You're blushing? Mother. Don't tell me—"
"W-what are you saying, dear!" Emily sputtered, face reddening. "I-I'm too old now."
Her voice trailed off, a soft sadness settling in her tone.
And then...
"Hm? But I don't think you're old, Emily," came a familiar voice.
They turned.
Dian stood a few paces away, smiling warmly.
Emily's breath caught.
He walked toward her slowly, eyes gleaming. "So what if you're a mother of four? You're as beautiful as any teenage girl I've seen."
She hadn't even realized how close he'd gotten—until his presence washed over her, until she could feel the warmth of his breath.
Their eyes met.
Emerald to brown.
Emily's heart raced, her lips parted—but no words came.
Olivia cleared her throat. "Ahem."
The sound broke the trance. Emily pulled back slightly, flustered. "H-hmm…"
Dian sat beside her with a gentle smile.
Suzine and Gianna exchanged knowing looks, but said nothing.
They already knew—this was out of their hands.
---
As things settled down, the conversation bloomed again.
Dian turned to Olivia and Emma. "How do you two feel here? Everything alright?"
Olivia folded her hands in her lap. "It's peaceful. Calm. I needed that... honestly."
Emma leaned back, arms crossed behind her head. "The food's amazing. Garden's gorgeous. The maids don't talk back."
She hesitated. Then added, more softly, "…And the training grounds are great. I've been going every day."
Gianna raised a brow. "Really?"
Emma shrugged. "Just feels right. And I guess..." Her voice dipped. "It's starting to feel like... a real family."
A silence followed.
Dian grinned. "Oh? Really now?"
Emma shot him a glare. "Shut up."
Laughter burst around the table, soft and genuine.
Dian's gaze swept over them—all five women, each shining in the sun—and he smiled.
"You all look so beautiful," he said quietly. Sincerely.
Emma turned her head with a "Hmph," but the pink on her cheeks betrayed her again.
"You're late," Suzine teased.
"I had some correspondence to handle," Dian replied smoothly. "There's something I need to tell you all."
They watched him closely.
"I'll be leaving in four days for the Reawakening Ceremony."
Emma frowned. "But... haven't you already awakened?"
Olivia tilted her head, but said nothing.
Dian nodded. "I have. But not publicly. In the kingdom's records, I'm still unawakened."
He added, "So to keep up appearances—and not stir suspicion from the royal family—I'll be attending."
"But if anyone senses your mana?" Gianna asked warily.
Dian lifted his hand. A simple black ring glowed faintly on his finger.
"I'll be using this. A Ring—it conceals my true class."
The news drew a quiet sigh from the group.
Emily's smile faded a little. "I see..."
Dian saw it. All of it.
Their faces. Their feelings.
And so he stood, voice suddenly cheerful.
"Well then... how about we spend some time together before that?"
Gianna blinked. "Like...?"
"Let's head to the town, Windsor Town."
"A stroll?" she asked.
"No." Dian smirked. "Shopping."
Suzine's eyes sparkled. "A date."
He nodded. "A date."
Emily's face lit up with unexpected giddiness. "You're taking all of us on a date?"
"Why not?" Dian said. "I've got four days. Let's use them well."
Laughter and excitement returned.
The courtyard filled with smiles—bright, hopeful, and shimmering like petals dancing in the wind.
For now… peace.
But even petals fall before storms.
.
.