Morning arrived quietly.
The Empire of Dominion was never a peaceful place, yet today it stood strangely muted. The grand obsidian pillars that framed the courtyard shimmered faintly in the rising sun. The golden banners of Dominion fluttered without their usual intimidation. Even the shadows that clung to every corner seemed reluctant to move.
Because the guests who had walked through this place yesterday were no ordinary guests.
Airi.Haruto.And the three Ancient Beasts.
For the first time in centuries, the Empire of Dominion had hosted beings who could not be measured, threatened, or manipulated.
And now… they were leaving.
Farewell to the Empire
Haruto and Airi stood together in the courtyard, Frost beside them with his usual calm, Lyria floating lightly with her shimmering wings, and Lunara stretching her arms before the transformation.
Airi looked fresh despite the meeting yesterday, her eyes bright as if she had enjoyed the entire diplomatic chaos far too much. Haruto stood beside her with his relaxed posture, though the aura surrounding him still felt like it could crush an entire nation if provoked.
The Emperor of Dominion stood with the other dignitaries and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for coming to our Empire. We hope this alliance prospers."
Airi smiled, innocent and glowing.
Haruto nodded, his expression unreadable but respectful.
The three Ancient Beasts lowered their heads slightly. Even that tiny gesture made the surrounding guards shiver.
Then Frost crouched, letting Haruto and Airi climb onto his back. She stepped into the air as if climbing invisible stairs, each step glowing faintly as mana formed beneath his paws.
Lunara spread her wings, the air tightening for a moment. Light gathered around her, and in an instant, her body stretched upward, scales shimmering as she transformed into her majestic dragon form.
Lyria fluttered upward with a cheerful spin before landing lightly on Lunara's neck.
Haruto and Airi followed, moving from Frost's back to Lunara's massive scaled form.
The scene was breathtaking.
The Empire of Dominion, usually proud and towering, looked small beneath the silhouette of a dragon rising into the sky.
Inner Thoughts of the Emperors
As the dragon ascended, each of the Four Great Emperors watched silently.
Emperor of Althares
We invited monsters into our home… and yet they showed us more dignity than many kings I have met. The Eternal Princess… Prince of Death… if fate sides with them, the world may change before we can prepare.
Emperor of Cassian
That boy, Haruto… he is calm, but his presence alone could end an army. And the girl… Airi. Her aura is peaceful but unfathomable. She hides a storm behind that innocence.
Empress of Isolde
Aetheria. A nation led by children, yet guarded by beings older than the world. If they truly wish peace, the world might still have hope. But if they fall… every country will suffer the consequences.
Emperor of Kuroz
They fly away without fear. Without hesitation. Without care for what enemies could be lurking. That confidence… it is not arrogance. It is the certainty of those who hold the favor of gods.
As Lunara soared into the sky, all four emperors silently arrived at the same conclusion.
Aetheria is not a nation to be provoked.
The Sky Belongs to Aetheria
The cold air rushed past them, the blue sky stretching endlessly above. Lunara's dragon wings cut through the clouds like a blade through silk.
Airi's hair fluttered wildly, her eyes sparkling.
"That was really fun," she said.
Lyria glanced back with a smile. "You liked that?"
"Yeahhh, I liked how they were scared of us." Airi grinned, absolutely delighted.
Frost sighed. "Airi, you should not learn that creepy smile of your onii chan."
"Hey, how did I get dragged into this?" Haruto asked.
Lyria pointed at him immediately. "You were the first one to make that creepy smile."
Haruto crossed his arms. "Nahhh."
Airi leaned closer to him. "Anyway, onii chan… you remember your promise?"
Haruto looked at her. "Yeah I do. So what is it that you want?"
Airi gave a little smile. Not a creepy one. Just a tiny adorable one.
"A kiss on my cheek… ehehe."
Haruto blinked. "Ok, I thought it was something crazy. But that's not a big deal."
He leaned forward gently and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
Airi froze. Then her face turned bright red. She immediately dove her head into Haruto's chest and gripped his shirt tightly.
Frost chuckled. "Now she becomes shy after demanding it herself."
Lyria smirked. "Airi is adorable when she hides like that."
Lunara let out a warm vibrating growl. "She asked for the kiss so boldly… but now she is melting."
Airi kept her head buried. "S-stop teasing me…"
Haruto patted her head gently. "Airi… do you remember? When we were on Earth, you always asked for a good night kiss on your forehead before sleeping."
Airi whispered softly. "That was because… mom and dad were not there… only you were with me."
Haruto smiled faintly, though there was a pain in it. "There, there. Let us forget about that. We are here now. You are not alone. You have great friends, loyal people who devote their lives to you. And of course… I am here with you. I am with you everywhere you go. Everything you do. I will be there every time you need me."
Airi lifted her head slightly. "Yeah, I know onii chan. You always stand with me. That is why I love you so much."
It was Haruto's turn to blush. His face instantly turned red. "Uhh… ok, let us talk about something else."
All three Ancient Beasts burst into laughter.
Returning to Aetheria
The sky slowly changed from the Empire of Dominion's cold blue to the warm, shimmering mana-filled sky of the Great Forest.
The barrier surrounding Aetheria glowed like ripples on water, opening automatically as Lunara approached.
From high above, Aetheria looked breathtaking.
Buildings made of spirit wood and crystal stone gleamed under the sunlight. The Tree of Spirits towered at the center, its branches glowing with soft blue mana. Dark Elves walked through the streets with supplies. Spirits floated playfully near the central plaza. Fairies danced near Lyria's sanctuary.
It was no longer a small settlement.
It was becoming a kingdom.
As they landed, Airi hopped off Lunara and stretched her arms.
"Call the representative of the Dark Elves. Lumeris, we are having a meeting."
Lunara blinked. "She suddenly acting like a queen."
Lyria nodded approvingly. "It is better this way."
Frost smirked. "We do not see this side of her every day."
Airi puffed her cheeks. "Hey, I can be serious too!"
Haruto patted her head. "You are doing great."
The Meeting Hall of Aetheria
The meeting hall was circular, built with ancient wood from the Great Forest and reinforced by spirit energy. The walls glowed softly with runes carved by the elves. Seats surrounded a round mana crystal table.
Airi took her seat at the head, Haruto beside her. Frost stood behind them like a guardian. Lyria floated lazily, her wings sparkling. Lunara leaned against one of the pillars in her human form, arms crossed.
Dark Elf representative Lumeris entered gracefully and bowed. "Princess Airi, Lord Haruto, Aetheria's Guardians."
Airi nodded. "Let us begin."
A gentle wind passed through the hall as if the forest itself was listening.
Haruto began, his voice calm but firm.
"We met the Four Great Emperors yesterday. Let me summarize."
Everyone listened intently.
"Emperor Althares respects Aetheria. They acknowledged Airi as the Eternal Princess and recognized the Ancient Beasts as forces beyond their understanding. For now, they consider us allies… but they will observe every move we make."
Airi continued confidently.
"Emperor Cassian, Emperor Isolda, and Emperor Kuroz also approved our request. Aetheria will be officially announced to the world in one month."
The mana in the room flickered at the weight of her words.
Frost turned to airi. "That means more eyes will be on us. We need structure."
Airi nodded. "Exactly. Which is why we must prepare."
She turned toward each of them.
"Lyria, you will handle all barrier work. Strengthen the outer layers and build additional mana filters."
Lyria placed her hand on her chest. "Leave it to me. I will make our barriers shine like stars."
Airi looked at Frost next.
"Frost, you will handle construction. We need more houses, roads, and infrastructure. Lumeris, your Dark Elves will assist her."
Lumeris bowed deeply. "We are honored."
Airi turned to Lunara last.
"Lunara, you will handle recruitment. Interview anyone who wants to join. We need workers for schools, shops, training halls, everything."
Lunara grinned. "I like interviewing. I can sense fear instantly."
Haruto pinched his nose. "Do not scare the applicants."
"No promises," she replied proudly.
Airi clasped her hands. "Everyone… Aetheria is going to grow even faster now. We must be ready for anything."
The mana in the hall pulsed like a heartbeat.
Haruto rested his hand on Airi's shoulder. "We will do this together."
Lumeris stepped forward. "Princess Airi… Lord Haruto… there is something else."
Airi tilted her head. "What is it?"
"While you were gone, the Dark Elf scouts detected unusual movements near the Great Forest. Humans. Possibly mercenaries."
Frost's expression changed. "They cannot survive the demonic mana. Someone is helping them."
Haruto's eyes narrowed slightly.
Airi looked serious. "We will deal with it. But for now… we continue strengthening Aetheria."
Everyone nodded.
The meeting ended with new determination.
After the Meeting
The halls buzzed with activity as everyone dispersed.
Airi walked outside with Haruto.
Sunlight showered the plaza, spirits floated around happily, and elves carried crates of supplies. Aetheria felt alive.
Airi stretched. "Onnii chaaaan. Today feels nice."
Haruto smiled. "Yeah. Aetheria is growing."
Airi looked around proudly. "Everyone works so hard… they really trust us."
"They do. And they love you," Haruto said.
Airi blushed. "Ehehe…"
Lyria floated near them. "Do not get shy now. You commanded the whole hall like a queen."
Lunara walked beside Frost. "I liked serious Airi. She is cute."
Frost nodded. "And terrifying."
Airi puffed her cheeks again. "I am not terrifying."
Haruto patted her head. "You are adorable."
Airi melted instantly.
Aetheria's New Dawn
The five of them stood on the balcony overlooking the kingdom.
Below them, people of all races moved with purpose.
Above them, the Great Forest whispered softly with mana.
Airi leaned on Haruto's arm. "Onnii chan."
"Hm?"
"We will make Aetheria the best place in this world."
Haruto looked at her with a gentle, confident smile.
"We will."
Behind them, Lyria's wings shimmered.Lunara's eyes glowed with draconic certainty.Frost's presence was steady as wind.
Aetheria was no longer a small settlement.
It was becoming a legend.
And everything… was only beginning.