The tranquility did not last long.
Not because something went wrong… but because it was inevitable.
The next morning, we were still following the lighter rhythm we had built over the past few days when the mansion gate opened with unusual haste. There was no commotion, but the movement of the staff already indicated that this was not something ordinary.
Scarlett was the first to notice. "Someone arrived."
Rai'kanna immediately stood up. "The way they came in… this isn't a normal visit."
Lyannis rested her chin on her hand. "If it's trouble, it came way too fast."
Elara closed her book. "It's probably not an immediate problem."
Vespera was already standing. "But it's important."
Liriel looked toward the entrance. "Yes."
We stayed in the hall.
There was no need to go to them.
Whoever it was… would come to us.
And it didn't take long.
The door opened carefully, and a man entered, wearing the formal uniform of the royal guard. His posture was firm, but not aggressive. He stopped a few steps away, slightly bowing his head.
"Takumi."
Direct.
Without title.
But respectful.
"Yes."
He raised his gaze. "I bring a summons from the king."
Silence fell.
But it wasn't surprising.
It was expected.
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "Took long enough."
Lyannis smiled faintly. "I thought it would be faster."
Scarlett maintained her firm posture. "It makes sense now."
Elara nodded. "The timing is appropriate."
Vespera analyzed the messenger. "And so is the tone."
Liriel observed calmly. "So it has come."
I turned my gaze back to the messenger.
"Speak."
He stepped forward, maintaining his formality.
"The king of Vailor summons you and your group to appear at the castle later today."
No beating around the bush.
No long explanations.
But clear.
"The reason?" I asked.
"A banquet in honor of the recent achievements."
Lyannis's smile widened. "Now this got interesting."
Rai'kanna let out a small laugh. "A banquet, huh?"
Scarlett did not react much. "It was expected."
Elara crossed her arms. "Formal recognition."
Vespera nodded. "And the beginning of something bigger."
Liriel kept her calm tone. "It's not just a celebration."
The messenger continued:
"In addition, there are important matters to discuss. Issues related to the titles and lands granted."
Silence returned.
But this time…
More focused.
Rai'kanna looked at me. "So it's official."
Lyannis tilted her head. "Now there's no turning back."
Scarlett spoke quietly. "This changes everything."
Elara agreed. "Direct responsibility."
Vespera added. "And political positioning."
Liriel simply said: "It's the next step."
I nodded.
"When?"
"Today, at sunset."
Not much time.
No room to postpone it.
"Understood."
The messenger bowed again. "We will be awaiting you."
Then he left.
Without more words.
Without insistence.
The door closed.
Silence remained for a few seconds.
Until Lyannis spoke.
"So… we're going to a royal banquet."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "I prefer battle."
"Of course you do," Lyannis replied.
Scarlett looked at me. "You're going."
"Yes."
There was no reason to refuse.
Elara began thinking out loud. "This involves more than appearance."
Vespera agreed. "Every detail matters."
Liriel looked at everyone. "But we don't need to change who we are."
Rai'kanna let out a breath. "Good."
Lyannis stood up. "Then let's get ready."
Scarlett nodded. "It's better not to go looking careless."
Elara was already mentally analyzing. "Posture, language, behavior…"
Vespera completed the thought. "Everything influences perception."
I looked at them.
None of them seemed worried.
But all of them were attentive.
And that already said a lot.
"Do what's necessary," I said.
Rai'kanna smiled sideways. "You say that like you're not part of this too."
"I am."
Lyannis laughed. "Then you'll have to dress properly too."
Scarlett looked directly at me. "No arguments."
I didn't respond.
But I didn't disagree either.
The rest of the morning was different from the previous days.
There was no tension.
But there was preparation.
Not for battle.
But for something… different.
Clothes were selected.
Details were adjusted.
Postures were discussed.
And even so…
Nothing felt forced.
It was simply… adaptation.
Later, when the sun began to set, everything was ready.
The group gathered again in the hall.
And for the first time in days…
The atmosphere wasn't only light.
It was… aligned.
Lyannis looked around. "Okay… this looks good."
Rai'kanna adjusted her clothes slightly. "I'll never get used to this."
Scarlett maintained her firm posture. "But you adapt."
Elara observed everyone. "It's balanced."
Vespera nodded. "Appropriate."
Liriel smiled faintly. "We're ready."
I looked at them.
And then at the door.
"Let's go."
We left together.
Without hesitation.
Without doubt.
The city was still moving.
But now…
The destination was different.
The castle rose in the distance, imposing as always.
But this time…
Not as a distant symbol.
But as a place where decisions would be made.
As we walked, it became clear.
This wasn't just an invitation.
It was a step forward.
And there was no longer any way to turn back.
We continued ahead.
Because now…
The next battle would not be on the battlefield.
But within power itself.