The Imperial Garden remained peaceful.
Crystal leaves drifted through the air while distant stars reflected across silver lakes.
Morrigan was still standing close to Kael Veyris after refusing to let go a few moments earlier.
Around them, the atmosphere had become strangely quiet.
Not because of danger.
Because everyone nearby was paying attention.
Morrigan looked up at Kael.
Her green eyes carried a softness that normally wasn't there.
For once, the Demon Queen who could manipulate laws and narratives looked uncertain.
Kael looked at her calmly.
Then raised a hand and gently held her face.
Morrigan blinked.
For a second she looked completely surprised.
Kael leaned forward and kissed her briefly.
A quiet moment.
Simple.
Warm.
When they separated, Morrigan's eyes widened slightly.
For several seconds she just stared at him.
...You actually did that?
Kael answered normally.
Yes.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Then somewhere nearby.
something dropped.
Ignisia stared.
...Wait.
Lilith blinked twice.
Then smiled.
Well...
I wasn't expecting that.
Nyx calmly took another sip of tea.
Interesting development.
Not far away, the daughters had accidentally witnessed everything.
Lyra's Kaelry froze.
Kaelignis Veyris stared.
Umbrythra Veyliss tilted her head.
Elyrion Veythera began processing.
Veyloria Kaelthera quietly looked away.
Lyra slowly pointed.
Dad really is collecting people.
Kaelignis immediately replied:
No, that's not the lesson here.
Umbrythra raised her hand.
I am confused again.
Elyrion nodded.
Shared confusion detected.
Meanwhile Morrigan was still staring at Kael.
A small smile slowly appeared.
For the first time in a very long time.
the former Demon Queen looked completely happy.