With a hum of swirling mana, a wrap gate opened within the quiet chambers of the royal palace. From the glowing vortex stepped Sion, followed closely by Sara, her expression calm but focused. They emerged into the great conference room, where the soft light of morning shone through stained glass windows.
Already seated were Queen Katherine, Lucien, and Princess Rebecca, the Sidom royal siblings. The chamber had been prepared for a meeting of young leaders — those who would shape the next age.
Sion gave a slight bow. "Thank you all for gathering. I truly appreciate it. It means a lot."
Katherine crossed her arms, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Stop it, Sion. Don't joke like that."
Sion chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "I thought the mood was a little heavy, so I tried to ease it…"
Before he could finish, Sara and Katherine both snapped in unison: "Don't do it again. You're terrible at that."
"Ouch," Sion winced dramatically. "You're really cruel… my future wives."
The words struck like thunder. Both Sara and Katherine froze — their faces turning deep shades of red. In a flurry of embarrassment, they began hitting Sion lightly, flustered.
"Hey, hey, don't attack me! I'm fragile!" Sion protested.
"You—! Come here, Sion!" Katherine shouted, chasing him around the table as everyone else tried to hold back laughter.
Lucien leaned toward Rebecca and whispered, "Hard to believe… This side of him. Normally, he feels like some ancient monster."
Rebecca, eyes still watching Sion, whispered back softly, "That's why I like him…"
Raphael, who had quietly entered moments before, smirked. "Welcome, my charming king. That's the third waifu now."
Sion groaned. "Shut up, Raphael…"
With a cough, Sion adjusted his posture and voice, bringing the room back to seriousness.
"The situation is dire," he began. "The demonic cult — their sudden appearance, and then vanishing without a trace — is more than suspicious. We've investigated every corner of Clover, and found nothing. No sigils. No movement. Nothing."
Lucien nodded solemnly. "Even we elves, with centuries of memory, have no record of a group that could disappear so thoroughly. It's troubling."
Rebecca leaned forward. "So what's your plan, Sion?"
Sion replied, "The investigation will continue — but in secret. No information about the cult will be shared beyond this group. We can't risk it falling into the wrong hands."
Katherine's gaze sharpened. "Agreed."
"And," Sion continued, "for now, the rebellion's voice has been silenced. The nobles who openly challenged your claim, Katherine, have gone quiet. But don't be fooled. They're waiting."
She sighed. "I know. The silence is only temporary."
"I do have some good news," Sion said with a smile. "Sara has agreed to serve as your Prime Minister."
Katherine turned to Sara, eyes wide. "Really?"
Sara nodded. "I did it for the people… but also because I can't stand seeing Sion so burdened. If I can help him, and help you, then that's enough reason."
"I'm truly glad," Katherine said softly. "To have you both by my side. Thank you."
Sion looked at them both, emotion flickering in his eyes. "I'm the lucky one."
But his tone quickly shifted back to strategic focus.
"Now that we've silenced betrayal for the moment, we must aim further. I'll gather evidence and names of the true traitors — and Katherine, you must see to it that they're judged appropriately. No mercy. No leniency."
Katherine nodded firmly. "They'll face justice."
"I also have a proposal," Sion said. "I'll submit a list of nobles — loyal, capable — and you should create an official Queen's Council. A ruling body that directly serves and advises you. It will show the people unity and leadership."
Katherine looked thoughtful. "A solid idea. I'll consider it seriously."
Sion turned to Lucien. "And you — I want you to form a circle of your most trustworthy individuals. If we combine our best, Sidom and the Empire can move together, for the good of both kingdoms."
Lucien nodded. "I'll see to it. Consider it done."
As the meeting began to wind down, the atmosphere shifted — no longer as heavy, but now filled with silent resolve.
Outside the walls of the palace, storm clouds gathered on the horizon, both literal and political. But within this room, a fragile alliance had been forged — and the seeds of something greater had begun to grow.