The war ended, but life did not slow down.
It blossomed.
Frostwind Capital — One Month Later
Spring sunlight bathed the imperial city. Streets that once echoed with marching boots were now filled with laughter, music, and merchants calling out their goods. Banners celebrating victory fluttered from every tower, and statues of fallen heroes stood proudly at every major square.
At the center of it all stood the Dragon Palace.
Inside, however, chaos reigned.
"Water!"
"More pillows!"
"Where is the healer?!"
"Careful, careful!"
Arin paced back and forth outside the inner chamber, his hands clenched so tightly that his knuckles had turned white. Sweat dripped down his forehead despite the cool air.
Inside, Elara was in labor.
Seren leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching him with amusement. "You've fought Emperors, but you're scared of childbirth?"
Arin shot her a look. "This is more terrifying."
Mira adjusted her glasses. "Statistically speaking, the birth will be successful with a 98.7% probability."
"That still leaves 1.3%!" Arin snapped.
Inner Chamber
Golden runes glowed softly around the bed.
High priestesses chanted blessings.
Healers infused gentle mana.
Elara gripped the sheets, breathing heavily, but her eyes remained strong.
"I'm… not losing… to this…" she muttered.
Suddenly—
A cry echoed through the palace.
A loud.
Clear.
Healthy cry.
"Waaaahhh!"
The runes flared brightly.
A pillar of golden light shot into the sky.
All of Frostwind felt it.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
New Bloodline Registered
Name: Auren Drayke
Status: Dragon Heir
Potential: SSS+
Outside, Arin froze.
"…Did you hear that?"
The door opened.
A smiling healer bowed deeply.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty."
"It's a prince."
For a moment, Arin couldn't breathe.
Then—
He rushed inside.
Elara lay weakly on the bed, smiling softly.
In her arms…
A tiny baby.
Golden eyes.
Faint dragon scales on his shoulders.
Wrapped in silk.
Arin approached slowly, as if afraid the child would disappear.
"Can… can I hold him?"
Elara laughed. "He's your son."
He carefully took the baby.
The moment Auren touched his chest, his tiny hand grabbed Arin's finger.
A strange warmth filled his heart.
Tears slipped down his face.
"I… I made this…"
Seren peeked in.
Stared.
"…He's cute."
Mira nodded. "Genetically impressive."
That Night — Royal Banquet
The palace held a grand celebration.
Nobles.
Generals.
Allies.
Everyone attended.
Music filled the halls.
Wine flowed endlessly.
Arin sat beside Elara, holding Auren.
Proud.
Happy.
Peaceful.
Seren drank heavily nearby.
"Hey," she slurred. "When are you going to give him siblings?"
Elara choked.
Arin coughed.
Mira calmly added, "Multiple heirs would stabilize succession."
They stared at her.
"…I'm joking," she said. "Partly."
Private Garden — Midnight
Later that night, Arin and Elara walked slowly through the moonlit garden.
Auren slept peacefully in Elara's arms.
"You've changed," Elara said softly.
"Since coming here."
Arin nodded. "Before… I only thought about surviving."
"Now… I think about coming home."
She leaned on his shoulder.
"This is home."
He kissed her forehead.
Far Above — Higher Realm
Beyond mortal skies…
A massive throne floated among stars.
An ancient being opened its eyes.
"A dragon heir has been born…"
"Interesting…"
"Prepare the trials."
Back in Frostwind
Arin stood on his balcony, holding his son.
He gazed at the endless sky.
"Grow strong," he whispered.
"Your father will protect you."
For now.