The Imperial Gardens remained peaceful.
Silver leaves drifted from glowing trees while crystal streams moved through the air like flowing ribbons of light.
At the center of the gardens stood Kael Veyris and Morrigan.
After finally saying what had been in her heart.
Morrigan simply looked at him quietly.
Then suddenly.
she stepped forward.
And hugged him.
Not for a second.
Not for a quick moment.
She just stayed there.
One minute passed.
Nearby birds of light flew across the skies.
Two minutes passed.
Kael looked down slightly.
...Morrigan.
Morrigan closed her eyes.
Just a little longer.
From behind another crystal tree.
three familiar presences watched.
Ignisia
Lilith
Nyx
Ignisia crossed her arms.
Two whole minutes.
Lilith smiled faintly.
She really held that in for a long time.
Nyx calmly sipped tea.
The duration appears emotionally significant.
Ignisia slowly looked at Nyx.
You measured it?
Nyx nodded once.
Yes.
Ignisia stared.
Not far away, many members of Kael's family and household had gathered in smaller groups throughout the gardens.
Seraphina and Aetheria talked quietly near a crystal fountain.
Cosmyra and Eternya watched the drifting skies.
Genesisra stood beside Umbryssia while Sanguinara Dracoryx observed from nearby.
Eldritch Chaos Sovereign sat beneath a floating tree branch while the others Yunara, Kitsune Reina, Shiori Amateru, Ayakari, Tsukiyora, Elowen, Abyssia, Oblivira, Infinitra, Nullara, Ignivar, Valthera, Elysia, Lycanthra, and Korynthia continued their conversations nearby.
Then suddenly.
a much smaller voice echoed through the garden.
Kaelignis Veyris appeared with Lyra's Kaelry, Umbrythra Veyliss, Elyrion Veythera and Veyloria Kaelthera.
Kaelignis looked toward the scene.
Dad is collecting people again.
Lyra nodded seriously.
His power level keeps increasing.
Umbrythra tilted her head.
Is that an ability?
Elyrion thought carefully.
Insufficient evidence.
Veyloria looked at Kael quietly.
...Dad just helps people.
The others became quiet.
Nearby, Kael finally looked down at Morrigan again.
You can let go now.
Morrigan looked up.
...Maybe after another minute.
Even Kael paused for a moment.
Behind him, Ignisia covered her face.
Lilith started laughing softly.
Nyx looked toward the stars.
And for once.
the Veyris Empire had no enemies to fight.
Only laughter beneath endless skies.