Raegar woke up the next morning only to realize Yuki was gone, leaving behind a note that he read.

[Come to the dining hall, we're making breakfast before everyone leaves]

He sighed and climbed out of bed, only to feel a searing pain down his back. When getting over the pain, he remembered the night of chaotic lovemaking. This put a smile on his face as he stepped into the bathroom to wash the sweat and other fluids stuck to him. He slipped into the hot water and relaxed for some time.

An hour later, Raegar was dressed in casual clothes as he made his way to the dining hall. While on the way, he noticed a flurry of maids rushing around the palace, carrying items to pack up a carriage. His eyes widened when he realized Dahlia was heading to meetings about the empire in the south.

Ten minutes later, he arrived and was welcomed by two Imperial Guards, who let him into the hall. Only to see everyone sitting there, including Nivara, who was looking in his direction with a curious glint in her red eyes. ''Rae!'' Drusilla greeted him with a big smile. ''Come eat! We're saying our goodbyes to Dahlia and Yuki.''

When Raegar heard this, he remembered that both women were leaving to do their own things as he and the others would head back to Drakenwood. He smiled at everyone before sitting down to get comfortable as more maids brought trolleys full to the brim with all kinds of meals.

Everything was out on the table within reach as Dahlia appeared from a nearby door. The older woman's tired smile widened into a beaming one when she spotted him. She quickly spoke in a soft voice. ''Morning people, I threw this together as a goodbye. I'll be busy for the next few weeks to visit any of you.''

Her amber eyes landed on Raegar, only for Selene to tease. ''Oh, but I'll bet we'll find you in his bed a few times.''

The brunette's cheeks went red as the harem giggled in response, only for Yuki to jump in. ''There's nothing wrong with that, they're engaged after all, and we all know you care for him just as much as we do.''

Dahlia's expression lit up at the catwoman's words, and she eagerly nodded. ''Exactly! Plus, you girls will be tied up with your classes as our lover heads to the Western Islands with his little assassin.''

Nivara bristled at those words, as she was about to retort, Dominique quickly reminded her. ''You did come to kill him, but somehow ended up here?''

Everyone laughed at this while the Dark Elf nodded. ''Yes, I agree. I blame it on this Incubus's charm, it's different.''

All the women agreed as Alice spoke up. ''When are we leaving for school? And how do we plan to travel?''

''We could head toward the airfield and get a ride back,'' Raegar suggested. ''I know Dahlia is taking her personal craft to her meetings.''

The empress nodded. ''That I am, I would've given you a lift, but we're going southeast,'' she revealed. ''Gotta make sure the southern nobles are still on our side.''

''They will be,'' Drusilla said. ''They've heard the rumours by now and know the Fusion Army will come for them.''

Raegar laughed at the Dark Fairy's words as Zahara added. ''Or we can travel by road? We may be a couple of days later, though?''

''It doesn't matter,'' the Demoness commented, an excited expression crossing her beautiful face. ''It's not like the headmistress of professors will moan when he returns as a powerful Tier Two mage.''

''Oh yeah,'' he replied, remembering that he had four more elements to get to Vapour, he shook his head. ''We'll take the road; attempting to level up on an airship is stupid.''

The group agreed as Yuki looked at him, revealing. ''I'll travel until reaching the Southern part of the Kingsway.''

He nodded in agreement. ''That's fine, I was hoping you'd do that,'' he responded.

Just then, Dahlia offered, looking at the catwoman. ''Or I can give you a ride to Blackwood County? We fly over it on our journey?''

When Yuki heard this, she glanced at Raegar, who shrugged. ''Do whatever's easier for you, gorgeous. I know my parents will need your help,'' he reassured.

The pink-haired woman beamed. ''Thank you,'' she said.

Following that, the group started eating breakfast once the food had cooled down. Raegar was tucking into an English Breakfast, surprising him at the sight. He looked at Dahlia and questioned. ''Where did this food come from?''

''From a cookbook one of the maids picked up from a merchant,'' Tracy answered as she rolled in a trolley full of cups and a teapot.''

Everyone turned to the older maid, who continued. ''I suspect someone from Earth has been here for quite a while. A company is inventing things that seem to originate from there.''

Raegar's eyes widened as he pulled out a bottle of sake, causing Tracy to laugh as she nodded. ''Yes, your favourite drink is one of the company's best products.''

''Interesting,'' he replied, a curious glint appeared in his red eyes. ''Maybe I'll investigate this one day. I'd like to meet the owner.''

''Oh, I bet you would,'' Tracy giggled. ''I heard she's an Eastern beauty, but who knows with you?''

Raegar chuckled, waving her away. ''I have seven women, that's enough for me.''

When the harem heard this, they began laughing, catching him off guard as Drusilla looked at him with serious blue eyes. ''We've all agreed to ten wives, no more, because your attention span wouldn't be able to cope,'' she said, smirking.

''Why are you insulting me, Dru?'' he asked, mock offended.

This encouraged the other women to laugh as the Dark Fairy replied. ''We all know how distracted you can get. Looks at yesterday? You and your slutty cat went at it for hours, leaving Selene and Zahara outta of the fun.''

Raegar's eyes widened as he looked at the two young women. The Demoness giggled before cheekily replying. ''Make it up to me, my love.''

''Will do, my Demoness,'' he responded, giving her a charming smile.

Selene's cheeks went a dark shade of red as she nodded, and he looked at the Half-Elf who beamed. ''We can have fun on the road, it's a couple of weeks' journey back to Drakenwood.''

Raegar chuckled at this but remembered something that drove his curiosity mad. ''What about your family's?''

''We'll visit them during the next break,'' Dominique was the one to answer. ''Have you forgotten that most of us, apart from Za and Sel, are the youngest?''

Alice agreed with a nod. ''Yes, my father loves me, but doesn't care for my love life as he's not interested in pawning me off for some fake power.''

The group chuckled at her words, then dug into breakfast, filling their stomachs before preparing to set out. Across the table, Drusilla playfully stole a sausage from Selene's plate, earning a mock glare from the Demoness, while Zahara and Dominique debated the benefits of road travel versus airships.

Nivara, ever watchful, sipped her tea, red eyes flickering between Raegar and the others, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. Yuki, seated beside him, leaned over to nudge him gently. ''You're awfully quiet for someone who's about to trek across the continent,'' she teased, her pink tail swishing behind her.

He chuckled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. ''Just enjoying the food and the company. Hard to believe you and Dahlia are heading off already.''

Dahlia, at the head of the table, caught his words and offered a warm smile. ''Duty calls, Rae. The southern nobles won't charm themselves, and Yuki's got her own mission in Blackwood County.''

Her amber eyes softened as she looked at him. ''But we'll be back before you know it.''

The group continued eating, the mood a mix of cheerful and bittersweet. Plates emptied, the maids began clearing everything. Tracy, the older maid, refilled teacups and exchanged quiet words with Alice about the mysterious Earth-inspired cookbook. Raegar's curiosity about the company behind the sake and other inventions grows stronger.

As the last of the food disappeared, Dahlia stood after a maid whispered into her ear, smoothing her travel robes. ''Alright, everyone, I hate to cut this short, but my airship's being prepped, and I've got a schedule to keep.''

She glanced at Yuki, who nodded and rose as well. Everyone moved toward the hall that led the the palace's airfield. The Imperial Guards at the door straightened when they saw the empress. Dahlia approached Raegar first, pulling him into a tight embrace before giving him a passionate kiss.

This sudden move sent a shiver down his spine as he returned the gesture. ''Take care of yourself out there, handsome,'' she said, voice full of love, after they broke apart. ''And don't let Nivara stab you.''

He laughed softly. ''No promises, but I'll try. Safe travels, beautiful. Keep those nobles in line or call for me if you need help.''

She pulled back, her smile radiant despite the exhaustion in her eyes. ''Always do.''

Turning to the others, Dahlia opened her arms. ''Come here, you lot. I expect you all to keep Raegar out of trouble.''