The Veyris Empire rested beneath a sky filled with countless stars.
Floating islands drifted peacefully above crystal oceans.
For once, there were no wars, no invading realms, and no mysterious enemies appearing from nowhere.
Only a quiet evening.
Kael Veyris walked through the Imperial Gardens.
Moonlight reflected across silver pathways while glowing flowers bloomed around ancient trees.
The first person he encountered was Marigold.
Her platinum-blonde hair shimmered beneath the night sky.
She stood near a fountain of golden light.
Marigold smiled softly.
You've been busy lately.
Kael nodded.
The Empire keeps growing.
Marigold looked toward the city.
Then make sure you rest sometimes.
Even Emperors need peace.
Kael gave a small smile.
I'll consider it.
Marigold looked surprisingly pleased by that answer.
Further along the garden path stood Xihe Drakonara.
Her eclipse-colored hair moved gently in the wind.
The Empire seems peaceful tonight.
For now.
Xihe laughed softly.
That's probably the closest thing to a vacation you'll ever get.
Even Kael had to admit she was right.
Nearby, Kaelithra Veylscara emerged from the shadows.
I've checked the borders.
Everything is secure.
Thank you.
A faint smile appeared on Kaelithra's face.
A rare sight.
Not everyone gets thanked by the Emperor.
At another part of the gardens, Zarythia Drakenveil reviewed magical documents.
When Kael approached, she closed them immediately.
Working again?
Someone has to keep order around here.
Wukong's voice suddenly echoed from a nearby tree.
I OBJECT TO THIS ACCUSATION.
Nobody acknowledged him.
Beneath the World Tree stood Ashvattha and the Universe Tree.
Leaves of light drifted around them.
Ashvattha smiled.
The Empire feels alive tonight.
Universe Tree nodded.
The people are happy.
That is a beautiful thing.
Kael quietly looked toward the distant city.
Children were laughing.
Families walked through illuminated streets.
Music drifted from the capital.
Yes.
It is.
Near a crystal lake sat Noctyra Valis, Luxryth Solaris, and Zeraphiel.
Luxryth looked toward Kael.
You attract strange people.
Only strange people?
Luxryth laughed.
Mostly strange people.
Noctyra nodded.
She's not wrong.
Meanwhile.
inside one of the palace halls.
Umbryssia Void Black Dragon Empress arrived wearing an elegant gothic black outfit decorated with spider-themed rhinestone patterns.
Her long black hair flowed behind her while her glowing violet eyes reflected the palace lights.
Several people immediately looked toward her.
Umbryssia smirked.
What?
Nothing.
Lilith answered immediately.
You're just enjoying the attention.
Umbryssia's smile widened.
Perhaps.
Later that evening.
many of Kael's wives gathered together.
Seraphina, Aetheria, Cosmyra, Eternya, Yunara, Kitsune Reina, Shiori Amateru, Ayakari, Tsukiyora, Elowen, Abyssia, Genesisra, Oblivira, Infinitra, Nullara, Ignivar, Valthera, Elysia, Lycanthra, Korynthia, Umbryssia, Sanguinara Dracoryx and the others shared stories and laughter.
The atmosphere felt warm.
Like a family.
Then.
Ignisia approached Kael.
Her dragon horns caught the moonlight.
She folded her arms.
You've been talking to everyone tonight.
Kael looked toward her.
That tends to happen.
Ignisia tried to remain serious.
Failed.
A small smile appeared.
Good.
Why?
Because seeing everyone happy makes me happy too.
The answer surprised several people nearby.
Including Ignisia herself.
Wukong suddenly appeared upside down from a tree.
AWWWW.
Ignisia immediately pointed at him.
Go away.
Wukong vanished instantly.
The entire garden erupted into laughter.
As the night continued, the stars shone brightly over the Veyris Empire.
For one peaceful evening.
there were no battles to fight.
Only friends.
Family.
And the bonds that held the Empire together.