The news spread quietly at first.
Then—
Like wildfire.
"The Empress is pregnant again!"
"The Dragon Bloodline continues!"
"Our future is secured!"
The entire Frostwind Dynasty celebrated.
Lanterns were lit.
Temples rang bells.
Even neighboring kingdoms sent congratulatory envoys.
Imperial Palace — Inner Court
Elara sat beneath a spirit tree, sipping warm herbal tea.
Servants hovered nervously.
"Careful, Your Majesty."
"Don't walk too fast."
"Don't sit too long."
Elara laughed. "I'm not made of glass."
Arin stood nearby, arms crossed, glaring at everyone.
"If anything happens to her…"
The servants bowed instantly.
"We'll die first, Your Majesty!"
Seren whispered to Mira, "He's scarier than when he fights."
Mira nodded. "Parental instinct amplification."
Nearby — Practice Field
Auren waddled.
Yes.
Waddled.
He had just learned to walk.
Barely.
Step.
Wobble.
Fall.
"Ba!"
He stood again.
Golden sparks appeared under his feet.
He floated.
Everyone froze.
"…He skipped walking," Seren muttered.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Heir Evolution
Stage: Dragon Toddler Phase
Arin rushed forward. "Careful!"
Auren zoomed into his arms.
"Ba-ba!"
Arin sighed. "Heart attack at age thirty."
Imperial Council — Same Day
Mira presented reports.
"Upper Realm envoys have increased surveillance."
"Three sects are interested in 'cooperation.'"
Arin raised an eyebrow.
"Cooperation?"
"Marriage alliances," Mira replied calmly.
Silence.
Crack.
Arin crushed his teacup.
"No."
Seren slammed the table. "Over my dead body."
Elara smiled gently.
"They won't touch my husband."
Envoy Hall — Evening
Representatives arrived.
One by one.
Starfall Sect.
Void Sky Pavilion.
Azure Lotus Palace.
All powerful.
All smiling.
All dangerous.
A young woman in blue robes stepped forward.
"His Majesty," she bowed.
"My sect proposes—"
"No," Arin said instantly.
She blinked. "…I haven't spoken yet."
"I know," he replied. "Still no."
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Diplomatic Pressure Rising
The envoys exchanged looks.
This was troublesome.
Night — Family Chamber
Arin lay between Elara and Seren.
Auren slept on his chest.
Soft breathing.
Warmth.
Peace.
Seren poked him.
"You'd better not accept any proposals."
"Never."
Mira sat nearby, reading.
"…Probability of forced alliance: 32%."
Elara held his hand.
"We'll face it together."
He kissed her forehead.
"Always."
Suddenly—
Auren stirred.
His eyes opened.
Clear.
Bright.
Focused.
He looked at Arin.
"Pa…pa…"
The room froze.
"…Did he just—" Seren whispered.
"Papa?" Auren repeated.
Arin's heart exploded.
He hugged him tightly.
"My son talked!"
Mira recorded. "First word at 11 months. Abnormal."
Elara cried happily.
Far Away — Heavenly Observatory
An old man gazed at the stars.
"Two heirs…"
"One empire…"
"One destiny…"
"The wheel turns faster."