The silence in the desecrated sanctuary was heavier than any reprimand. The words of the High Priest echoed in my mind: "One hundred gold coins… or eternal service." The greatest debt of our adventuring career, caused by a single uncontrolled spell from Liriel.
"Eternal service sounds fun," Vespera broke the silence, balancing herself on the ruins of the central altar. "Imagine me as a priestess!"
Elara was visibly shaken, running her fingers over the shattered runes. "This sanctuary was over three hundred years old… we destroyed it in three seconds."
"Details," Liriel shrugged, though I noticed she avoided looking at the wreckage. "What matters is that I identified Zephyron's signature. He's using the mana wells as catalysts for his corruption."
I turned my attention to the fragments of glowing stone on the ground. "And this sanctuary was one of the wells?"
"The main one," Liriel confirmed. "Zephyron is smarter than the other generals. Instead of attacking directly, he corrupts the land itself."
The return to the palace was grim. Elven guards glared at us with disdain, and even the servants avoided our group. The reputation of "strippers" had been replaced with "defilers" — definitely a questionable improvement.
In the guest chamber, the atmosphere was tense. Elara busied herself meticulously organizing her magic components, Vespera sharpened her arrows with unusual intensity, and Liriel… well, Liriel drank as if the wine would run out tomorrow.
"We need a strategy," I said, breaking the silence. "Zephyron knows we're here. That attack was a trap."
"Obviously," Liriel set her glass down. "He wanted to test our capabilities. And he succeeded — now he knows I'm a goddess and that you're… well, you."
Vespera fired an arrow that hit the bullseye across the room. "Then let's give him a better show."
That was when the door opened, revealing Princess Lyra. Her eyes were red, but her posture regal. "My father summons you to the throne room."
King Fenrir awaited us with a grave expression. "The High Priest has informed me of… the incident." His fox ears stood upright — a sign of alert. "One hundred gold coins is a significant amount."
"We can explain—" I began, but he interrupted me with a gesture.
"Save my kingdom. Defeat Zephyron and purify the forest. If you succeed, I will not only forgive the debt but grant you a reward worthy of heroes."
The silence that followed was broken by Liriel. "Finally, a decent offer."
That night, the tension in the air was palpable. I walked to the palace gardens, hoping the night air would clear my thoughts. The hot springs shimmered softly under the twin moons of Therasia.
"Can't sleep?"
I turned to find Elara, wrapped in a simple cloak. Her brown hair looked silvery under the moonlight.
"Thinking about tomorrow's battle," I replied. "And… other things."
She stepped closer, her fingers lightly brushing my arm. "Takumi, I… need to tell you something before tomorrow."
Her heart was beating so hard I could almost feel it. "Elara…"
"I like you," she said in a single breath. "I always have. And seeing you with Lyra, and with Vespera… it's killing me."
Before I could respond, quick footsteps interrupted us. Vespera emerged from the shadows, her red eyes shining with restrained emotion.
"What a touching scene," she said, her voice dripping with irony — but I noticed the tremor in her hands. "I should've brought my bow to make this a romantic ménage à trois."
"Vespera, it's not—" I tried to explain, but she stepped closer, invading my personal space.
"You kissed me at the festival, Takumi. Remember? Or was it so insignificant that you've already forgotten?"
Elara froze. "You two kissed?"
"It was an accident!" I protested, feeling the situation spiral out of control.
"Accidents happen," Vespera whispered near my ear. "But some are worth repeating."
That was when Lyra appeared at the entrance of the garden. "Is everyone alright? I heard voices..." Her eyes narrowed as she saw how close we were.
Liriel stumbled in behind her, clearly drunk. "How adorable—mortals and their pathetic romantic dramas." She staggered toward me. "You know, I could fix this with a snap of my fingers. But no, I decided to let you all ruin yourselves instead."
"Liriel, please," I sighed, feeling a headache coming on.
"Oh, shut up, Takumi," she huffed, grabbing my chin. "You're an idiot, but you're my idiot. And if any of you hurt him..." Her eyes glowed dangerously. "Remember that I'm still a goddess."
The group fell silent, processing the unexpected declaration. Liriel had never admitted any kind of affection before.
It was Elara who finally spoke. "Tomorrow we have a battle to fight. Maybe... maybe we should focus on that first."
Vespera laughed, but there was bitterness in her tone. "Always the voice of reason, huh, Elara?"
Lyra stepped forward. "She's right. Zephyron is the real threat. The rest... the rest can wait."
I looked at the four women around me—each with her own feelings, insecurities, and expectations. For the first time, I understood the true weight of my choices.
"Elara's right," I said firmly. "Tomorrow, we focus on Zephyron. No jealousy, no drama. We save Therasia first."
Vespera smiled, a genuine gesture for the first time that night. "Always the hero."
"After the battle," I continued, looking at each of them, "I promise we'll figure... this out. All of us."
Liriel raised her empty cup. "Let the show begin."
As we retreated to our quarters, I felt a renewed sense of determination. Emotions could wait—the fate of a kingdom could not.
Tomorrow, we would face Zephyron.
And no matter the cost, we would win.