Three carriages advanced along the Royal Road.
They were elaborate. Black, with gold details. Neudämmerung's flags flew atop them.
The design was simple but powerful: a sword crossed with a rose. It symbolized strength and civilization.
First carriage: Kaito, Adelheid, Lilith.
Second: Naporia, Valeria, Aurelia.
Third: Drake and the honor guard — twenty select soldiers in ceremonial armor.
Not an army. But a statement.
Neudämmerung arrives as an equal.
Kaito looked out the window.
He processed the landscape mechanically.
Adelheid noticed.
"Nervous?"
"Not exactly. I'm processing variables."
"Four hundred dignitaries. Twelve major kingdoms. Dozens of minor ones."
"Alliances to form. Enemies to neutralize. Opportunities to identify."
Lilith smiled slightly.
"That's nervousness. You just process it differently."
Kaito considered it.
Maybe she was right.
Adelheid touched his hand.
"We'll be with you. Every moment."
"All five of us will project unity."
