Several days had passed since the daughters' competition.
The Veyris Empire had returned to its peaceful rhythm.
Floating continents drifted through oceans of stars. Crystal birds crossed the skies, and rivers of light flowed beneath endless constellations.
Tonight.
the sky carried shades of dark violet and silver.
Inside the Imperial Palace.
Kael Veyris stood near a balcony overlooking the Empire.
Then he heard familiar footsteps.
Space gently rippled.
Umbryssia walked into the room.
Long black hair with soft waves flowed down her back like midnight silk.
Her glowing violet-purple eyes carried a calm, confident gaze.
She wore a luxurious dark brown gown with sheer flowing sleeves and intricate gold embroidery. Long earrings with red gemstones moved gently beside her face while layered gold chains and crimson jewels rested around her neck.
The elegant details gave her the appearance of a true empress.
Kael looked toward her.
For a moment.
he simply stared.
Umbryssia crossed her arms with a small smile.
You're staring.
Kael blinked once.
You look beautiful tonight.
Silence.
Umbryssia stared at him.
Then looked away slightly.
...You answered too quickly.
Nearby.
behind a giant crystal pillar.
four heads slowly appeared.
Again.
Kaelignis Veyris
Lyra's Kaelry
Elyrion Veythera
Veyloria Kaelthera
Kaelignis whispered:
DATE ALERT.
Elyrion opened her book.
Pattern confirmed.
Parental date activity increasing.
Veyloria sighed.
...We're spying again.
Lyra nodded seriously.
Tradition.
Later that night.
Kael and Umbryssia walked through the Moonveil Gardens.
Ancient crystal flowers bloomed beneath the stars.
Small lights drifted through the air like fireflies made from galaxies.
Everything felt quiet.
Umbryssia looked around.
You know...
before all of this...
before the Empire...
before everyone...
I never thought life would become this peaceful.
Kael looked toward her.
Do you regret anything?
Umbryssia thought quietly.
Then shook her head.
No.
She looked at the distant lights of the Empire.
I have family.
I have our daughters.
I have a place to return to.
She looked back toward Kael.
I think that's enough.
For a while.
they simply walked side by side beneath the stars.
No wars.
No enemies.
No cosmic beings trying to challenge reality.
Far away.
Wukong suddenly crashed into a tree.
Sun Wukong shouted:
OW!
WHY DOES EVERY IMPORTANT MOMENT HAPPEN WHEN I'M HIDING?!
Absolute silence.
Kael slowly looked toward the trees.
From the bushes.
four daughters slowly stood up.
Kaelignis:
...We can explain.