The training grounds had finally quieted.
The floating arena still carried faint traces of pressure in the air like reality itself had only recently stopped holding its breath.
Kael Veyris stood at the center of it all, calm as ever, his training sword resting loosely at his side.
Around him gathered his family, each one still processing what they had just witnessed.
Umbrythra Veyliss watched quietly, head tilted slightly as if analyzing the concept of limits and finding no stable result.
Lyra's Kaelry crossed her arms.
…We didn't even come close again.
Kaelignis Veyris sighed.
Dad is basically a disaster with a sword.
Elyrion Veythera quietly nodded.
…Data confirms that conclusion.
Nearby, Veyloria Kaelthera observed the lingering distortion in space where Kael had moved.
She spoke softly.
…He does not fight.
…He decides.
Umbrythra glanced at her.
That sounds unfair.
Veyloria replied calmly.
It is.A warm, confident presence stepped forward.
Ignisia stretched her shoulders and looked at the group.
Her expression carried no frustration only acceptance.
Alright, she said.
At least you tried.
She glanced at the daughters.
He's just too powerful with a sword.
Lyra groaned softly.
That's not comforting at all.
Kaelignis nodded.
It sounds like a warning.
Ignisia shrugged.
It is.
Umbrythra blinked once.
…So training continues despite guaranteed failure?
Ignisia smirked.
"That's called character development."Kael exhaled slowly, sheathing his sword.
The atmosphere around him softened immediately, as if the world itself relaxed when he did.
Ignisia walked toward him.
Her steps were slower now, less battle-ready, more familiar.
Kael looked at her.
…You held up well.
Ignisia raised an eyebrow.
I lost.
Kael nodded.
…Still held up well.
A brief silence passed between them.
Not tense.
Not heavy.
Just present.
Then Ignisia stepped closer.
And without ceremony
she pulled him into a kiss.
The entire training ground went quiet again.
Not from shock.
Not from fear.
But from universal agreement that this moment did not require interruption.
Lyra slowly turned away.
…I'm not seeing this.
Kaelignis covered her eyes.
I did NOT need that mental image.
Umbrythra tilted her head slightly.
…Is this a standard post-training ritual?
Veyloria answered without looking away.
..No.
…This is just them.
Elyrion nodded.
…Confirmed. Nearby, Lilith stood with a faint smile, arms crossed, watching quietly rather than reacting.
The empire's chaos, power, and impossible relationships were no longer surprising to her.
Just… understood.
Ignisia finally pulled back from Kael, smirking faintly.
…Don't get used to that.
Kael replied calmly.
I don't get used to anything.
Ignisia chuckled.
That's the problem.
Behind them, the daughters slowly gathered again, still recovering emotionally from sword training and parental affection at the same time.
Umbrythra looked at Kael.
..So tomorrow training continues?
Kael nodded once.
..Yes.
A collective groan followed.
But no one refused.
Because in the Veyris Empire
strength, family, chaos, and affection all existed in the same breath.