CHAPTER 219: BETWEEN TWO HEARTS

Shiao Yi was sure Lambard made for a strict teacher.

Hang in there, Jenomis, he thought with a small smile.

"She’s beautiful," Shiao Yi whispered later that night.

He was lying in the large, sturdy bed, looking up at Dominic’s face.

Dominic really did resemble his mother the golden hair, the gentle lines of his face, the elegant brows, the clean-cut nose and lips, the graceful jawline.

If Lady Ashe were turned into a man, she’d look just like him.

But despite that beauty, Dominic didn’t look feminine at all, he was strikingly masculine and dangerously handsome.

Dominic’s lips that’s firm and warm brushed against his.

Shiao Yi immediately wrapped his arms around Dominic’s neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss he’d been craving.

It had been a long time since they’d been able to hold each other like this.

In the demon realm, they hadn’t had a single moment to indulge.

If Jude was right, it had been three whole weeks.

When Dominic finally pulled back, his deep blue eyes stared into Shiao Yi’s.

Those eyes reminded him of the general’s—sharp, commanding, and so intense that they sent shivers through his body.

Everyone else found Dominic’s gaze intimidating, but to Shiao Yi, that piercing look was intoxicating. Being caught in that cold stare almost made him tremble with delight.

Maybe I’m a little bit of a masochist, he thought with a helpless smile.

And when those eyes darkened with desire, glowing hot with want for him, Shiao Yi’s body instantly responded, his skin tingled, heat spreading through him.

It felt good to be wanted. To be desired by him.

At that moment, he didn’t care what happened next.

He would let Dominic do whatever he wanted.

Maybe he really was a little bit of a masochist after all.

Their mouths met again and they began unbuttoning each other’s pajamas between kisses.

Dominic always liked looking at his naked body, but Shiao Yi wanted to look at his too.

He pressed his palm flat against Dominic’s broad chest, savoring the feel of the firm muscle beneath.

He loved those sculpted abs, those perfectly balanced, strong arms, the solid shoulders, and even the strength in his legs. He loved all of him.

"I love you, Dominic."

Shiao Yi rubbed his face against Dominic’s chest while sliding it slowly up and down. Then, unable to resist, he took one of Dominic’s nipples into his mouth and sucked gently.

"Shiao Yi..." Dominic let out a strained voice sounding flustered.

It had been a long time, so maybe Dominic had been holding back for too long and couldn’t stay calm anymore.

His hips began to move slightly and his hard dragon pressed against Shiao Yi’s thigh.

Suddenly, a memory of tentacle play int he forest came back to Shiao Yi’s mind.

Back then, when he saw Dominic’s erection, he had thought he wanted to lick it.

At that time, he couldn’t reach it, but now he could.

In one swift motion, Shiao Yi pulled down Dominic’s pajama pants and underwear.

Dominic gasped sharply and in that brief moment, Shiao Yi immediately took his dragon into his mouth.

"Shiao, stop! Don’t tease me!"

Ignoring Dominic’s protest, Shiao Yi answered by gently licking the tip of his hard dragon with his tongue.

He could feel it growing even larger in his hand as he held it.

The taste that should have been unpleasant wasn’t bad at all.

In fact, Shiao Yi even thought it tasted good and he couldn’t believe himself.

But it was only because it was Dominic.

Anyone else’s, he wouldn’t even want to touch, let alone look at it.

Then, while Shiao Yi was still holding it his big dragon, Dominic suddenly flipped him over.

Now Dominic was on top and he began to pleasure Shiao Yi’s little dragon.

It turned into what people call a 69 position.

Even though there was more than a thirty-centimeter height difference between them, they somehow managed to do it.

Realizing what that meant, Shiao Yi’s mind started spinning.

Wait—no, he shouldn’t think about it! It would only make him feel pathetic!

It’s all because he was born like this, it’s a genetic—yes, that’s it!

Ugh...

Maybe it was too awkward to keep going that way, because soon Dominic stopped using his mouth on Shiao Yi’s little dragon.

But instead, he began to use his big finger to mixing it with stimulation around Shiao Yi’s pink entrance and that felt completely unfair!

What started as a 69 between them somehow turned into a kind of battle, maybe because they were both men.

It became a fierce contest to see who would make the other lose control first.

"Ah—! Ngh!"

Shiao Yi couldn’t help but let out a cry.

"S-stop! Dominic! Don’t... don’t do that!"

Dominic grabbed his buttocks, spreading them apart, and began licking the tight pink entrance there.

And then, without hesitation, he forcefully pushed his tongue inside.

For some reason, he always liked licking that place without any hesitation.

But Shiao Yi could never get used to it, no matter how many times it happened.

Even if Dominic said he could use purification magic to make it clean, it was still that part of the body.

It wasn’t sanitary at all! It was dirty! Gross!

But Dominic wouldn’t stop.

That idiot Dominic—!

Was he a dog or some kind of beast!?

Dominic continued to tease Shiao Yi from behind while also pleasuring his little dragon at the same time. He skillfully using every move to make him lose focus.

The wet sounds reached Shiao Yi’s ears making it even harder to resist.

He realized Dominic had become quite an opponent, he was strong, experienced, and confident.

Shiao Yi couldn’t help but remember those early, awkward days when he didn’t know what to do.

When had Dominic become so good at this?

Who had he practiced with?

Ah—so it was him.

Shiao Yi’s whole body trembled as waves of pleasure shot up his spine. It felt too good, almost dangerously so.

"Come on, Shiao Yi," Dominic urged him, his voice heavy with desire.

Damn it! He couldn’t lose!

This time, since Dominic had been holding back for so long, Shiao Yi believed he had the upper hand.

He tried hard to block out the pleasure Dominic was giving him and forcing himself to stay focused instead.

Every move, every touch, he gave it everything he had.

Even as his jaw ached from taking all Dominic’s giant dragon and his body tensed, even when tears gathered in his eyes and breath came short, he didn’t stop.

He poured all his effort into matching Dominic, he determined not to be the one who gave in first.

What on earth was he even doing?

Was this really something to be putting so much effort into?

Still, Shiao Yi’s pride wouldn’t let him stop.

He refused to give up until he won.

He wouldn’t stop, not until victory was his.

"Ah... Shiao Yi... damn it... Shiao Yi!"

Dominic groaned, his voice breaking with frustration.

So he swore, huh? That meant he didn’t want to lose either.

Dominic’s movements began to slow a little. Then, he gripping Shiao Yi’s hips tightly with both hands and he started to move more intensely, his body reacting without control.

Alright... just a little more.

Shiao Yi focused completely, putting all his effort into it.

Dominic’s breathing grew heavier and rougher, his body tense and trembling.

"Aah... Shiao Yi... ngh—ahh!"

Dominic’s voice broke, his whole body shaking as he reached his limit.

His cum was intense and overwhelming—so much that Shiao Yi nearly lost his balance, he was struggling to contain all the white liquid that he poured out inside his mouth.

He had won.

But somehow, it didn’t feel like much of a victory.

Maybe... he would have preferred to share that moment in a more natural, closer way.

As Dominic lay there, breathing hard and limp with relief, Shiao Yi finally let himself collapse softly on top of him, both of them felt exhausted.

Shiao Yi was exhausted too.

He let out a long breath, letting the heavy fatigue sink into his body, when suddenly, the world turned upside down.

When he looked up, Dominic was above him while smiling brightly... almost too brightly.

A shiver ran down Shiao Yi’s spine. His instincts told him he was in danger.

"You really did it this time, Shiao Yi," Dominic said with a grin. "You’re ready for what’s coming next, aren’t you?"

Shiao Yi quickly shook his head, but his small act of protest was easily brushed aside.

"Ah... Dominic! No! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!" he cried out, his voice echoing through the night.

Was he an idiot? Yeah... probably.

By the end of that night, he had cried himself out completely, just as he should have expected.

...

The morning sun looked a little yellow today, but Shiao Yi forced himself to focus and stay composed.

Today, he had to visit everyone who had worried about him and let them know he was safe.

According to Jude, people had even started talking about building a monument or a grave for them.

Jude always seemed to know everything.

The man had ears like a devil.

Maybe he was secretly a telepath.

That same sharp-eared Jude had also told Lady Ashe that even after three weeks, the royal palace still kept its flags at half-mast in mourning for them.

When Lady Ashe heard that, her beautiful eyebrows rose sharply.

"I see... it has been a while since I last paid my respects to His Majesty," she said with a calm but firm voice. "Let us visit the castle tomorrow afternoon. Shiao Yi, since they have all been so worried about you, it’s only proper that you go and thank them yourself. You’ll come with me to report and express your gratitude."

Though she smiled gracefully as she spoke, the air around her was somehow terrifying.

Yes—best not to cross a beautiful and powerful woman.

And so, it was settled. Shiao Yi was to meet Lady Ashe in the palace’s waiting room later that afternoon.

Before that, he had to stop by the knight corps and greet his superiors, which meant there was no time to complain about how tired or sore he felt or how much he just wanted to lie down and rest.

Dominic was already fully dressed in his knight’s uniform, waiting by the front door.

That tireless man, so full of stamina and energy! It only made Shiao Yi feel more pathetic in comparison.

Couldn’t he learn to take it easy just once?

Jude watched them leave with a warm, almost teasing smile.

As soon as they stepped outside, Dominic demanded a goodbye kiss—forcefully.

But aren’t we going out together? Why would we need a goodbye kiss?

Shiao Yi squirmed in embarrassment but couldn’t resist as Dominic took his hand and led him toward the royal palace.

However—

The walk through town turned out to be exhausting.

Everyone they passed stared at them as if they’d seen ghosts.

Then Shiao Yi remembered—of course, Dominic was a famous man.

He should have just used teleportation instead.

Every person they met stopped dead in their tracks with their eyes wide open with shock before gasping and turning to shout.

The entire street came alive with noise and excitement and filled with disbelief and joy.

It really drove home just how popular Dominic was.

Walking hand in hand through a crowd that stared at them like that, what kind of punishment was this supposed to be?

And how could Dominic stay so calm and walking straight ahead without even a hint of embarrassment?

That man truly lived up to his name.

By the time they reached the west wing of the royal palace, near the military gate, Shiao Yi was completely drained

He was mentally and emotionally exhausted.

But his troubles were far from over.

The gate guard who spotted them froze instantly, his posture stiff as stone. Then his eyes went wide—so wide that Shiao Yi thought they might pop right out of his skull.

The guard’s mouth opened and closed several times, but no sound came out. He kept moving his lips like a fish until finally, after several tries, he managed to let out a sound.

"L-L-L-L-Lord Dominic—!!"

He screamed.

At once, soldiers poured out of the guard post, shouting and pointing, their voices echoing one after another in chaotic harmony.

More men came running from every direction, their shouts spreading through the air like a chain reaction.

The noise grew louder, the crowd thicker—men pushing closer and closer until Shiao Yi could hardly breathe.

The crush of armored bodies was overwhelming. Just when he thought he might be flattened, Dominic suddenly scooped him up into his arms in that all-too-familiar way.

It was so embarrassing—but since he genuinely feared being crushed to death, Shiao Yi obediently wrapped his arms around Dominic’s neck for safety.

From that higher vantage point, he could see over the sea of people.

There—he spotted Louis, his big red face puffed up and streaked with tears and snot.

And there were more familiar faces, the knights from the Second Division, all of them shouting and crying in disbelief.

The noise was deafening now; Shiao Yi couldn’t even make out what anyone was saying anymore.

Wait a second... with this many people here, did they even need to go to the Second Division headquarters?

He pretty sure everyone was already here.

"Everyone!" Dominic’s voice boomed clearly above the chaos. "I’m sorry for making you all worry. As you can see, Shiao Yi and I have returned safely. Thank you—all of you. Now, please disperse. If we gather here any longer, we’ll be blocking the way."

His words rang with authority.

Louis who is still sniffling and red-faced, straightened up and shouted in his loud, thunderous voice, "You heard the captain! Disperse! Get back to your posts!"

The sound of his roar shook the air, and the crowd began to scatter reluctantly.

Once things finally calmed down a little, Louis hurried toward them.

"Captain! Thank goodness... thank goodness you’re safe!" he said with his deep voice breaking as tears ran down his face.

This big red-haired bear of a man was crying openly.

Dominic gave him a small reassuring nod. "I’m sorry to have worried you. Everything went well in my absence?"

"Yes, sir! Everyone’s doing fine!" Louis said with a grin.

"Good," Dominic replied. "Then I’ll go and report to the Commander."

"Yes, sir! We’ll be waiting for your orders!" Louis answered, still sniffling but clearly relieved.

With the sound of Louis sniffling behind them, Shiao Yi and Dominic headed toward the west gate of the royal palace. For the record, Shiao Yi was still being carried in Dominic’s arms. He was too tired to resist anymore and at this point he just didn’t care.

All the way to the Commander’s office, every person they passed stared at them in utter shock—it was impossible to ignore. Even the guards standing before the office door looked as though their eyes might fall out of their sockets.

So that’s how it was. Most people had already assumed they were dead.

Every single person they meet reacted in the same way, first a double-take, then a stunned with unbelieving stare and finally a frozen silence that said everything.

When they reached the door, Dominic finally set Shiao Yi down from his arms.

The guards were still shock with their eyes wide open, their gazes darting back and forth between Dominic and Shiao Yi in disbelief.

When Dominic cleared his throat with an irritated cough, they jumped like startled rabbits.

One of the guards knocked on the door and announced their arrival.

Even as they received permission to enter and stepped into the office, the guards’ eyes remained round and fixed.

Honestly, they were way too shocked.

And why was Dominic looking annoyed?

That, Shiao Yi couldn’t quite figure out.

Inside, Commander Johan greeted them with a huge grin.

Judging from the commotion earlier at the west gate, word of their return had already reached him.

He even walked around his desk to shake their hands personally.

"I’m so glad you both made it back safely! I knew it—I just knew you’d return unharmed! Truly, this is wonderful news!"

He shook Dominic’s hand vigorously, his face beaming with relief and excitement. Then, turning toward Shiao Yi, his smile brightened even more.

"Shiao Yi, when can you start coming back to help? Tomorrow, maybe? The paperwork’s piled up so high I can’t even see my desk anymore! The Chancellor keeps nagging me every time he sees me—I’m desperate here."

Sure enough, the desk was buried under mountains of documents, it was stacked so high it looked like a paper fortress. Clearly, he’d completely abandoned his paperwork.

Where on earth was his assistant, Julia? Or better yet, why didn’t he just request a proper clerk from the personnel office who could actually handle paperwork?

"Shiao Yi is my aide," Dominic said sharply, pulling Shiao Yi close with one arm while glaring at Commander Johan. "Not your assistant, Commander."

Shiao Yi blinked up at him, both surprised and slightly amused. Sure, overtime work wasn’t exactly appealing—but did Dominic really have to get jealous about something like that?

Commander Johan pouted and looked sulky. "Come on, don’t be so stingy! Can’t you lend him to me just a little? It’s not fair for you to keep such a talented person all to yourself. We should share good people, don’t you think?"

"Shiao Yi belongs to me!" Dominic shot back instantly. "There’s no way I’m sharing him with anyone. If you need more help, then request another assistant from the personnel department."

"The personnel department says Julia is enough for one office," Johan grumbled. "They’re stingy too!"

"If the commander actually did his work properly, you wouldn’t have this problem. Do your job!" Dominic barked, completely unrestrained now.

Shiao Yi couldn’t help but sigh. Dominic really didn’t hold back anymore. But honestly—wasn’t that a bit hypocritical? He remembered Dominic’s old desk also like to be buried under unfinished paperwork.

Yeah, they were both the same kind of person.

"Excuse me," Dominic said as he turned to leave the room.

Just then, Johan called out to him as if remembering something.

"Oh, and make sure to visit Quintus too! He’s been really worried about you both. He even ran straight to the Chancellor himself to deliver a petition."

"...A petition?" Dominic stopped and turned around.

Johan smiled brightly, clearly enjoying himself. "Yes, a petition to build a monument for you two. Every single person in the Knight Order have signed it. That’s how much they respect you, Dominic. You’re practically a hero now."

Dominic’s expression darkened. "Those idiots... maybe I should knock some sense back into them."

He muttered darkly to himself while reaching again for the door handle. But before he could push it open, Johan called out one last time.

"Shiao Yi, I’ll be counting on you soon, all right? The sooner, the better. I’ll be waiting!"

Dominic slammed the door shut with irritation and it echoed loudly through the room. He probably hadn’t heard Johan’s last quiet words that followed.

"I’m just so glad you two made it back alive... Now I can finally retire with peace of mind."

...

Across the large office desk, Dominic gave his formal report about their safe return.

Quintus listened quietly, he nodding his head once in approval.

The commotion at the west gate must have already reached him, but his calm and composed demeanor didn’t change at all.

"The achievement of preventing a large-scale disaster caused by the activation of that enormous magic circle is remarkable," Quintus said in his steady, commanding voice. "You can expect a word of praise from His Majesty soon."

"I only fulfilled my duty as a knight," Dominic replied firmly.

"Shiao Yi’s efforts are also well recognized," Quintus continued. "Without the strength of you two, the situation would have grown far worse than it did. I want to express my gratitude personally."

"It’s an honor, sir," Dominic replied, his tone respectful but measured.

Quintus nodded again, then added in a more formal tone, "Separate from that, I’ll need both of you to explain what you experienced in front of the Council. In particular, about the demon world and the creature you encountered there, especially those black slime. That name appears in Aaron’s records and there’s a possibility it refers to the same being we call Aeon. The meeting will include not only military and government officials but also mages and scholars."

The conversation was stiff and formal, the kind of talk one expected between soldiers and superiors. But Shiao Yi knew Dominic had once yelled at this very commander and Quintus hadn’t seemed the type to hold a grudge over it.

Sure enough, the old commander suddenly grinned and let out a hearty laugh and dropping his strict demeanor as easily as taking off a cloak.

"Vundo will be all over you for details," he said with amusement. "Ever since he learned of this Aeon, he’s been obsessed. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came running here today of all days. You traveled across the demon world, so don’t be shocked if he starts questioning you about the wrinkles on your fingers."

Dominic sighed lightly. "Honestly, there’s not much I can tell him. Even I don’t fully understand that world myself."

Quintus laughed even harder, clearly entertained. "He’s your old teacher, isn’t he? Humor the old man a little, will you?"

"If we’re putting Mr. Vundo in the category of old men, then I imagine most elders in the kingdom would have a lot to say about that," Dominic replied dryly.

Just then, a sudden commotion rose outside in the corridor.

The next moment, the door burst open with a loud bang, and there stood Mr. Vundo himself—panting heavily like a blacksmith’s bellows, his face flushed with excitement.

"Well, speak of the devil..." Quintus muttered with a faint smile.

Both Dominic and Quintus sighed deeply, pressing their foreheads as if a headache had just begun.

A thin old man wearing a black robe burst into the room. His long white hair was disheveled and his eyes shone brightly with the energy of a mischievous boy.

"Dominic! You made it back alive, I see. Good, good—I can tell without you saying a word. It must have been quite the ordeal, wasn’t it? So, where exactly did you go? Did you see it? How was it? Oh! And Shiao Yi, you’re safe too, thank goodness! Actually, maybe I should ask you instead of Dominic—you’ve probably analyzed all sorts of things, haven’t you?"

Before the flood of questions could continue, Quintus raised his voice with exasperation.

"Mr. Vundo, this is not your personal lounge or a meeting hall. I must ask you to refrain from barging in every time you wish to see Dominic. The two of them only returned yesterday. I understand you have many questions, but please wait a little longer. They won’t run away or disappear."

Then he turned his attention to Dominic.

"Dominic, His Majesty wishes to see you. The king was deeply grieved by your presumed death. Go and present yourself before him soon, to ease his heart."

Quintus’s words clearly served as a polite way to protect Dominic and Shiao Yi from being cornered by the overzealous scholar.

He was always so considerate—it was easy to see he was a man who had carried many burdens.

"I’ve already received permission for an audience this afternoon," Dominic replied. "My parents will accompany me."

"Gabrant and Lady Ashe, is it? Ah, so the two of them have finally reconciled. That took quite some time. Well then, Mr. Vundo, it seems this discussion will have to wait for another day. You may take your leave now."

Quintus’s calm but firm tone left no room for argument.

Mr. Vundo looked disappointed but was ushered out of the office all the same.

Afterward, Quintus invited Dominic and Shiao Yi to a private dining room in the administrative wing of the palace. Over a quiet meal, the two gave a brief summary of their experiences in the demon world.

"I see... so there was both an entrance and an exit," Quintus murmured thoughtfully, his brow furrowing.

It seemed he was concerned that there might be other passages connecting their world to the demon world.

...

When Dominic and Shiao Yi entered the royal waiting room for their audience with the King, General Gabrant and Lady Ashe were already there. The chamber, designed to accommodate visiting dignitaries, was far more luxurious than most rooms in the Rosaria palace. Many foreign guests appreciated opulence, after all.

Decorated pillars were adorned with carved candle stands, and the walls—covered in rich fabric—displayed elegant paintings.

Upholstered benches lined the walls, and three tea tables, finely carved, stood arranged with taste. Scattered about were a few comfortable sofas, and on one of them, Gabrant and Lady Ashe sat close together, looking surprisingly at ease.

Dominic and Shiao Yi took seats across from the general. Palace maids entered the room and serving fresh tea and sweets. The cups in front of Gabrant and Lady Ashe were also replaced with new ones, the service perfectly smooth.

General Gabrant did not say anything, but there was a subtle change in his demeanor—his presence felt a little softer than before. Perhaps it was because Lady Ashe, beside him who is smiled so warmly and gently.

Lady Ashe looked at Dominic with the gentle expression of a mother.

Watching her, Shiao Yi felt his chest grow warm, filled with quiet emotion.

At that moment, a royal attendant entered to escort them to the audience chamber. With elegant movements, the attendant and the royal guards led the group down the corridor toward the room where the King awaited. A red carpet stretched beneath their feet, and the knights of the First Division stood watch at intervals, maintaining vigilant order.

The passage they walked through was not the public corridor facing the main palace road but rather the inner section of the royal residence—the private wing where the royal family lived. Between the columns, large windows opened wide, revealing the royal courtyard outside. It was early summer, and the garden overflowed with rich greenery and a dazzling variety of flowers in full bloom.

As Shiao Yi let his gaze wander without much thought, he noticed servants and guards busily removing black drapes that had been hanging between the windows on the outer walls.

Come to think of it, he had seen them earlier too—taking down black ribbons and cloths wrapped around vases and pillars as they walked through the palace.

Maybe they were redecorating for the new season?

The palace was huge—it must take an enormous effort to change its decorations.

When they finally reached the doors of the audience chamber, everyone stopped.

"It’s all right. Just relax," Dominic said while placing his hand gently on Shiao Yi’s shoulder.

Instantly, a chill of nervous energy ran through his body.

Why did he have to touch me now? I was trying so hard to distract myself from this!

He complained silently inside his chest, though it was nothing more than frustrated nerves.

Shiao Yi had been stiff with tension ever since they were waiting in the antechamber.

After all, he was about to meet the King—the King himself! The ruler of the entire nation, the ultimate authority, a man whose very presence existed on another level.

Someone as ordinary as Shiao Yi should never be standing before him. If he could, he would rather lower his ears, tuck his tail, and make himself as small as possible.

Yet Dominic and his parents looked perfectly calm, not even the slightest bit nervous.

That was when it hit him—Lady Ashe was the current King’s aunt, and Dominic was his cousin. They were of royal blood, close family to the throne.

Oh no... Shiao Yi realized just how far apart their statuses were. He wasn’t just a commoner, he was once considered a mutant, something not even fully human in the eyes of society in his previous life. And to think he had been speaking so casually to Dominic all this time—was that... a mistake?

Even though Dominic couldn’t have known what was going through Shiao Yi’s mind, he reached out and patted Shiao Yi’s head, as if sensing his unease. His large, warm hand melted the tension inside Shiao Yi, gently calming him down.

Dominic really was kind.

Still, Shiao Yi kept forcing his thoughts away from the audience that awaited them. Every time his mind returned to reality, a fresh wave of tension seized his legs, making it hard to move. He tried desperately to hold himself together.

And yet... standing before the grand doors of the audience chamber, his nerves reached their breaking point.

Meeting the King? No way! I can’t do this! I can’t—!

He felt like charging into an enemy base with a bomb strapped to his chest would be easier than facing the King himself.

When Shiao Yi began trembling uncontrollably, Dominic gently patted his back. The gesture felt almost childlike, yet each soft tap helped ease the tension locked inside his body. When Dominic pulled him close, the warmth and scent of his body, felt even through his clothes, slowly began to calm Shiao Yi’s nerves.

Just then, the heavy doors swung open with a deep sound. Dominic’s arm that was still resting around Shiao Yi’s waist, pressed gently against him as if encouraging him to move forward.

Staying close to Dominic’s side, Shiao Yi stepped into the room with him.

For a moment, he wondered if such closeness might be seen as disrespectful before the King, but when Dominic showed no concern at all, Shiao Yi decided not to worry either.

The feeling of Dominic beside him was like medicine for his anxiety, something far more necessary than pride or embarrassment.

Shiao Yi realized, with a quiet kind of bitterness, how deeply his instincts had been trained to obey authority. In the B.O.W unit, absolute obedience to superior officers had been essential. Now that he was free, he could finally see how that conditioning had kept them under control, because if people like him had ever rebelled in an organized way, even the military would have struggled to contain them.

Even now, whenever he thought about rank or power, something inside him reacted automatically. His body remembered submission even when his mind told him he was free.

It’s a habits that was been carved into the bones and it’s hard to erase.

The audience chamber, located within the private wing of the royal family, seemed meant for intimate or personal meetings.

The space was smaller than he expected, warm and inviting rather than imposing.

After the lavish grandeur of the waiting room, the simple coziness of this chamber caught him off guard.

The furnishings—chairs, tables, and decor—were of fine quality, elegant but not excessively ornate. Everything was tasteful and refined, balanced between dignity and comfort.

On the raised platform at the far end of the room sat the King of Rosaria. He looked to be in his late thirties, a round-faced man with a gentle and kind appearance. His soft, shoulder-length hair shimmered with a golden-brown hue and his eyes were a vivid shade of green.

It was said that this eye color often came from the father’s side—most of the direct Rosarian royal line shared it. Lady Ashe, too, had the same green eyes.

Looking at the King, Shiao Yi could see the faint resemblance and it made him realize once again that they truly were of the same royal blood.

Following Dominic’s lead, Shiao Yi knelt down and began to perform a deep formal bow. But before he could finish, the King spoke in a warm and gentle tone.

"Oh, that’s quite all right. You’re family. There’s no need to be so formal."

At those words, Shiao Yi simply lowered his head and then rose to his feet again. When he lifted his gaze, the King smiled at him with a friendly warmth that immediately loosened the tension in his shoulders.

Beside the King sat a beautiful woman with soft sky-blue hair, her presence graceful and calm.

She was Queen Cyrene.

Next to her is a young man who looked not quite twenty shared the same blue hair.

That young man had to be Crown Prince Amiri.

On the opposite side of the hall, near the wall beneath the large windows, stood two figures quietly observing: Sir Maximus, Captain of the First Division, and Marquis Londonderry, the Chancellor. Despite their high positions, the atmosphere remained calm and unthreatening. Perhaps that was because of the King’s gentle and approachable nature.

"General Gabrant, my dear aunt, thank you both for coming," the King said kindly, addressing the two of them who stood behind Dominic and Shiao Yi.

He then motioned for them to take their seats before him. The attendants brought forward chairs, and the group moved closer.

Dominic, Shiao Yi, and the others sat across from the royal family, forming two neat rows facing each other.

"Dominic," the King said, his expression glowing with relief and affection. "I’m so very glad that you returned safely. Truly, I’m overjoyed."

The King’s smile was radiant and sincere—his happiness felt entirely genuine.

"When I heard that you had died... or gone missing, I was so overcome with grief that I could hardly manage any of my duties," the King continued.

Dominic bowed his head deeply. "Your Majesty, I’m sorry to have caused you such sorrow."

From the side, the Chancellor muttered under his breath, the words slipping out before he could stop himself.

"Now perhaps His Majesty will finally get back to work properly. Mourning his cousin for three weeks—honestly, it could’ve gone on even longer if we hadn’t pushed. Really, His Majesty..."

The complaint was quiet, barely above a whisper, but standing closest to him, Lady Ashe probably caught every word.

Shiao Yi happened to glance at her just in time to see her expression sharpen—her gentle features turning firm and commanding.

"The royal household has grown far too soft," she seemed to think, "and the attendants and chambermaids are not doing their jobs properly. Starting with the head maid, I’ll have to retrain the whole staff myself. Honestly... I can’t just stand by and let this continue."

Even though Shiao Yi hadn’t meant to listen, Lady Ashe’s blazing determination struck him like a sudden flame.

Whoa! He quickly shut off his telepathy.

Scary! Way too scary!

He could feel the weight of more than twenty years of pain and disappointment in her heart. Whatever she had endured, it was far heavier than he could ever imagine.

The King, meanwhile, was speaking warmly with Dominic, his face glowing with an easy smile. It seemed that he was genuinely happy to finally speak to his cousin without the cold distance that had once stood between them.

Dominic’s expression softened whenever Shiao Yi’s name came up—almost tender, even a little doting.

It was fine, really. If their conversation flowed easily, Shiao Yi didn’t mind being part of it.

Even if they said something that sounded like teasing affection, it wasn’t embarrassing. Nope. Not at all. He wasn’t blushing—he was just... pretending not to hear. Yes, pretending!

Beside the smiling Queen Cyrene, Crown Prince Amiri watched Dominic with wide, sparkling eyes, his admiration plain on his young face. Clearly, he looked up to him like an older brother.

"Dominic," the Crown Prince said, shifting nervously but with excitement, "I’ve been training in swordsmanship. Would you... watch me sometime?"

He looked a little embarrassed, fidgeting as he spoke. The boy had inherited the King’s soft features and slight roundness; whatever "training" he mentioned was probably closer to light practice than serious sparring.

There was no need to read Lady Ashe’s thoughts to imagine her reaction. Shiao Yi could already picture the strict discipline she was about to impose on both the King and the Prince. The thought made him look at her with a kind of warm pity.

"Next time, I’ll invite you to a tea party," the King said cheerfully as they took their leave. "You must come!"

With those pleasant words, the audience ended—far more friendly and relaxed than Shiao Yi had ever expected.

Lady Ashe excused herself to attend to royal matters in the palace, while General Gabrant returned to his own office in the military wing.

Shiao Yi and Dominic left through the west wing gate and stepped into the corridor lined with the knights’ quarters. It didn’t take long for sharp-eyed soldiers to spot them. One by one, they called out their names, their voices filled with excitement and quickly gathered around.

As Shiao Yi smiled awkwardly, realizing this might continue for a while, a deep baritone voice suddenly rose above the noise.

Someone was forcing his way through the crowd, calling out from inside the building.

"Shiao Yi! Captain! Shiao Yi—!"

A man with long silver hair came running toward them, his face flushed with emotion.

His green eyes overflowed with tears that streamed down like waterfalls.

"I knew it! I knew you’d come back! I believed you would! Shiao Yi!"

It seemed that Aaron had come rushing all the way from the Magic Tower the moment he heard of their return and had probably been waiting anxiously ever since.

While crying loudly, he spread his arms wide and dashed toward Shiao Yi.

"Shiao Yi!"

Thud!

Smack!

It just happened on instinct.

The sheer force of Aaron’s full-speed leap startled Shiao Yi so badly that his body moved before his mind did.

At almost the exact same moment that Dominic raised his fist and struck without hesitation and Shiao Yi used telekinesis to blast Aaron away without he realized.

"Ah... sorry..." Shiao Yi muttered, pale with guilt.

"It’s nothing. That reaction was only natural," Dominic said calmly, snorting lightly as if it were of no concern.

"Shiao Yi...! You’re so meeeaaan!"

Aaron’s wailing voice echoed as his body flew over the roof that connected the barracks and the military facilities and disappearing toward the great training field in the distance.

"He’s an excellent barrier sorcerer," Dominic remarked coolly, placing a reassuring hand on Shiao Yi’s shoulder and steering him toward his office. "He won’t be foolish enough to hit the ground headfirst."

Still glancing worriedly in the direction Aaron had flown, Shiao Yi let himself be pulled along by Dominic’s firm grip.

I’m sorry, Aaron... You’ll be fine, right?

After all, even if he wasn’t quite at the same level as Dominic or Mr. Vundo, Aaron’s magical power was among the best of all sorcerers.

His skill in barrier magic was said to surpass every known master across Rosaria, Dalmasca and beyond.

He had once singlehandedly held back the pressure from a magic circle that opened the demon world, someone like that wouldn’t die so easily.

Yeah, Shiao Yi thought, half grimacing, that guy’s probably too tough to kill even if you tried.

"Aaron! I’ll catch you later!"

He lifted a hand and waved toward the distant sky where the silver-haired mage had vanished.

...

It’s been an hour since Jude gave his elegant bow and said, ’Lord Dominic, Lord Shiao Yi, I wish you both a good night,’ before leaving.

Two hours had passed since Anita had waved cheerfully and said, ’Master, Lord Shiao Yi, see you tomorrow! Have a wonderful night!’ after setting a silver tray of snacks and wine on the table.

And it had already been three hours since Lambard had fed Dominic’s horse, Marengo, filled the bath with hot water, and said, ’Tomorrow I’ll come by after visiting the main estate, around three in the afternoon,’ before heading out.

Now, deep into the night, the house had grown quiet.

Dominic who just took a bath sat comfortably on the living room sofa. He reaching lazily for the snacks while sipping wine.

Wrapped in a bathrobe, Shiao Yi came up behind him, his body still warm from the bath and slipped his arms around Dominic’s neck from behind.

Dominic turned his head while laughing softly and kissed him.

Shiao Yi climbed over the back of the sofa and landed right into his arms, fitting there perfectly. The heat spreading through his body wasn’t just from the bathwater—it was from anticipation. He had been waiting, preparing for this moment.

"Just once, all right? We’ve got tomorrow," Shiao Yi murmured, half-warning, half-pleading. Tomorrow, they would attend the royal hearing to report on their journey through the demon world. Showing up exhausted and half-dead wasn’t an option.

"I know," Dominic said, placing his wine glass on the table and lowering his voice near Shiao Yi’s ear. "I won’t push you too far."

The low timbre of his voice sent a shiver down Shiao Yi’s spine.

As they kissed again, deeper and hungrier, Dominic’s hand slipped beneath the edge of Shiao Yi’s robe—

Bang, bang, bang!

The loud knocking from the front door echoed through the house.

At this hour? Who could it possibly be?

Shiao Yi and Dominic looked at each other.

Their expressions clearly said they both didn’t want to answer the door.

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!

The knocking grew louder and more relentless, the noise echoing through the house.

Whoever was outside had no intention of giving up.

With an irritated frown, Dominic stood up.

"Shiao Yi, stay here. I’ll see who it is."

Shiao Yi watched his back as Dominic opened the living room door and stepped out into the front hall.

Whoever the visitor was, if this wasn’t about something serious, they were about to regret disturbing him.

There was a click as the front door unlocked—then a voice boomed into the house.

"Ha! I knew you were in! Trying to pretend you’re not home? You’re a hundred years too early for that! Now, I’m here to hear the story! Spill it, come on!"

Before Shiao Yi could react, a large man burst into the living room, covered in dust, his wild, gold-brown hair sticking out like a broom. His heavy cloak was streaked with dirt from travel.

"Prince Romas! Wait! Romas!" Dominic’s furious voice followed right behind him. His face was tight with anger as he chased the intruder.

But the tall man ignored him completely. His tanned face broke into a wide grin as he turned to Shiao Yi.

"Oh! So you’re the famous Shiao Yi, huh? Black hair, black eyes—amazing! You really are from another world! Otherwise, you’d have to be dead! I can’t sense any magic from you at all! Incredible! Let me take a better look!"

Before Shiao Yi could react, the man reached out boldly and grabbed at the front of his bathrobe.

Crash!

A loud thud followed as the man was sent flying across the living room.

Dominic had punched him without hesitation and the giant crashed into the far wall.

Judging from his sturdy build, though, he would probably survive.

Shiao Yi clutched his bathrobe tightly shut and ran upstairs as fast as he could.

Why?

Of course, to put on some clothes.

He hadn’t been wearing anything under the robe. He hadn’t expected anyone to visit this late! Damn it, it was mortifying!

When he came back down, dressed in his usual shirt and pants, the uninvited guest had already made himself at home.

He had taken off his dusty cloak and was sitting comfortably, eating the snacks from the silver tray and drinking wine with a wide grin.

Dominic sat opposite him, glaring with icy fury. The man, unfazed by the freezing stare, simply laughed and kept eating. He had nerves of steel.

When Shiao Yi approached, Dominic introduced the man in a curt tone.

"This is Prince Romas, His Majesty’s younger brother."

Shiao Yi straightened his posture in surprise, but before he could say anything, Romas grabbed his arm and pulled him down to sit beside him.

"There’s no need to act so formal. You don’t need to use polite speech either with me," the prince said casually.

Wait, what? Shiao Yi thought. He’s the king’s younger brother, isn’t he? That means he’s royalty!

"Nice to meet you," Romas continued with an easy grin. "I’m this guy’s cousin. Family. Relatives. Relax, relax."

"I’d rather not admit being related to him," Dominic muttered coldly.

Romas laughed loudly. "Still the same as ever, aren’t you, Dominic? So, Shiao Yi, I hear you’re his partner? Then that makes you family too! You can call me Brother Romas if you like!"

That’s too casual, Shiao Yi thought, blinking in disbelief. Way too casual! Is this really how royalty behaves? The king was like this too. Is this family just... like this?

Dominic narrowed his eyes. "So, what brings you here at this hour? Don’t tell me you came just to steal my wine."

"I was staying up north in the mountains for a while," Romas explained while waving his hand dismissively. "But when I got back to the inn, I found a summons waiting. And when I heard you two returned from the demon world, I rushed straight over."

His green eyes gleamed with excitement as he leaned forward, his rough, sunburned face shadowed by a few days’ worth of stubble. Despite the unkempt look, his features were sharp—if he ever cleaned himself up, he’d probably be quite handsome.

"How could anyone wait until tomorrow after hearing something like that?" Romas said, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "And there’s no way I’m sitting through some dull report session listening to a bunch of stiff bureaucrats ask useless questions! So, I came straight here. Come on, tell me everything—what was the demon w orld like? Were there magical beasts? Did you see an Aeon? I want it all—every detail of it!"

The intensity in Prince Romas’s eyes made Shiao Yi instinctively lean back.

His energy was overwhelming, it’s very different from Dominic’s calm dominance, but just as terrifying in its own way. Yep, Shiao Yi thought, they’re definitely a family. The same terrifying aura runs in their blood.

After wringing out every piece of information he could, Romas finally seemed satisfied, deciding that there was nothing more to squeeze from them.

"Well then," he said, standing up with a grin. "I’ll be back again soon."

Throwing his dusty cloak over his shoulders, he left as suddenly as he had appeared—like a storm passing through.

His excitement over the report about the giant serpent Calakmul transforming into a magical beast had been something else.

"I knew it! I knew it!" he had shouted, nodding furiously to himself, thrilled that his hypothesis had apparently been proven true.

By the time he was gone, the sky outside had already begun to pale with the first light of dawn.

Shiao Yi had barely managed to crawl into bed and drift off to sleep when Anita burst into the room to wake him.

"Master! There’s an important meeting today! I know you two are close, but please, show some restraint!" she scolded.

It’s not what you think, Anita! Shiao Yi wanted to cry out. You’ve got it all wrong! Stop looking at Dominic like that!

...

The report that Dominic and Shiao Yi gave about the Demon World caused a huge stir.

At the same time, it created many new questions and some very real fears.

First among them was whether the black slime they had witnessed was the same as the Aeon mentioned in the ancient magic circle.

"We can’t say for sure if they’re the same," Dominic began, his calm voice echoing through the grand meeting hall of the royal palace. "But at the very least, its magical power was immense, vast beyond measure. I couldn’t sense any intelligence in it, but I felt something far more primal... pure, instinctive terror. I understood it immediately that thing exists to devour everything. It consumes us. I never once thought we could escape it. I only knew that if we stayed, we’d be eaten. So, I decided we had no choice but to fight."

The large conference room was filled with the most powerful people in the kingdom, the king himself, the prime minister, military commanders, high officials, and leading scholars.

The head of the Central Magic Association, Mr. Vundo, sat beside Aaron and several other well-known mages.

There were also scholars who studied ancient civilizations, along with researchers who specialized in magical creatures and beasts.

One person, however, was absent that’s Prince Romas, the king’s younger brother and the head of the Monster Research Bureau.

No one seemed surprised. Most likely, he had already disappeared into some forest or mountain again.

His deputy, who looked utterly exhausted, bowed his head apologetically and said, "As usual, His Highness is... unavailable."

The man looked pitiful, he is only in his forties, yet streaks of white hair were already spreading through his brown hair, making him look nearly ten years older. It was obvious he suffered under a boss as wild as Romas.

"Shiao Yi, do you share the same opinion?" asked the chancellor, who was leading the meeting.

Shiao Yi nodded his head slightly before answering. "I don’t understand magic power the way others do. But I could feel it, that black slime was enormous and overwhelmingly dangerous. My instincts told me there was no way to win against it. That’s why I grabbed Dominic and jumped away as far as I could. There was nothing else I could do. That thing... it’s terrifying. You can’t face it head-on and expect to live."

Dominic nodded in agreement.

The chancellor, Quintus and everyone else in the room turned pale and fell silent.

"And one more thing," Shiao Yi continued. "I didn’t sense any sign of thought from the black slime. It didn’t seem to have emotions either. What I felt was something very primitive, only hunger. Just the desire to devour, nothing more. It didn’t feel like any living being I’ve ever known. It was... completely alien."

Mr. Vundo stroked his long white beard thoughtfully. "Listening to Shiao Yi, I too believe that black slime must be the same as the Aeon. It possesses magical power that is the very opposite of our world’s light energy. It is, most likely, a being utterly beyond our understanding, something truly foreign to our existence."

Mr. Vundo muttered agreement, nodding as he thought it over.

Aaron raised an objection.

"But, Elder," Aaron said, "the magic circles and traps left in those ruins, they’re clever and complicated. That level of design needs a high intelligence. I can’t imagine that the black slime itself could have written those complex ancient characters and patterns. Who, then, left those traps?"

"Dominic," Mr. Vundo asked, turning to him. "You said you encountered humans who had become magical beasts in the demon world, didn’t you?"

"Yes, Elder. But those who attacked us had already lost any reason. They’d become nothing but beasts. Their shapes were all different and unstable. They didn’t look like creatures that could leave behind complex ancient script."

"What about the guardian at the entrance and exit? Wasn’t he more coherent?"

"He was more so, but just barely. We could hold a basic conversation, but he was almost driven mad."

"Perhaps he went mad slowly over a long time. Maybe he once had intelligence that faded."

"Then you’re saying, Elder, that those traps were set by humans who later turned into beasts?" Aaron’s voice rose in surprise.

Mr. Vundo shook his head at Aaron’s startled question.

"Do not rush to conclusions. It’s only one possibility. We still do not know much. We have only just gained a single clue."

"Putting aside who wrote the ancient script in the traps," Quintus said, pounding the table to draw attention, "the real problem is practical: those traps and fragments are scattered in many places even now. Some fool might try to gather more fragments."

Aaron made a grim face and shrank inward at the warning.

"And do not forget," Quintus continued, "the path, the so-called exit and entrance that links to the demon world may still exist somewhere. That is a direct, real threat. One day, somewhere, the demon world might open again and the Aeon could appear on the surface."

"And we might not be able to beat that black slime or Aeon," the chancellor asked his voice tight as he checked. "You mean there may be little chance of victory if we fight it face to face?"

Gabrant offered a blunt solution. "If that’s so, we should destroy those dangerous ruins and fragments wherever they are. Reduce them to powder. Then they can’t be reconstructed."

"Right. And we should collapse any remaining paths to the demon world," Quintus agreed. "Just like Dominic blocked that route, we should seal them off."

"Send out the army. Notify other nations and have them smash those ruins," Gabrant said.

Mr. Vundo immediately rose up, his face red with anger. "You speak madness! Destroy precious ruins? How blasphemous! These could be world heritage, how much invaluable knowledge and insight might we lose by smashing them to bits? That would be a barbaric act!"

"What are you saying, Elder?" Gabrant shot back. "The danger is real! While we dilly-dally with digs and studies, if the Aeon or the demon world appears on the surface, the future will be gone. If the land is overrun and no one survives, what excuse can we give to future generations? First we must remove the threat!"

The room filled with tense, worried voices as the debate heated.

Just like Mr. Vundo, the researchers and magicians argued that the ruins should be protected.

On the other side, the soldiers insisted that anything dangerous should simply be destroyed before it caused trouble.

The discussion grew loud and heated, full of passion and stubborn opinions clashing in every direction.

The king sat quietly with his eyes closed, saying nothing, while the chancellor rubbed his temple with his fingers, his expression becoming more and more sour.

During the commotion, Dominic and Shiao Yi whispered to each other in low voices.

When Shiao Yi gave him a small nod of agreement, Dominic rose from his seat.

"I have one proposal," he said.

At once, the noisy debate stopped. Every person in the chamber turned their attention to Dominic. The chancellor nudged the king gently with his elbow, and the king startled awake, blinking rapidly.

Was he asleep? Shiao Yi thought. What a laid-back monarch.

"It’s true that leaving open any path that connects to the demon world, allowing the black slime or Aeon to emerge onto the surface, is extremely dangerous," Dominic said in his calm, even tone. "Such things would surely become a source of future calamity. Likewise, leaving the fragments that serve as keys to the demon world unattended would be irresponsible. But we do not know where all of these are. They could be scattered widely across many lands. The place where we escaped from the demon world, for example, was a vast desert. Having the army search such large areas would not be efficient, and it would also be a heavy burden on the treasury."

The chancellor nodded deeply. Of course, even sending out a single division for an extended expedition would cost a fortune. As keeper of the national finances, this was a headache he could not ignore.

"In addition," Dominic continued, "we cannot afford to weaken the defenses of the Rosaria Kingdom. Therefore, I propose that this investigation and containment task be assigned to just the two of us, me and Shiao Yi. As you all know, Shiao Yi possesses the unique ability of teleportation. Once he has visited a location, he can instantly move there again. This allows us to cover enormous distances in moments and reducing the exploration time drastically. Furthermore, between his power and mine, we can handle most of the traps or pathways we might encounter. And if we ever face something beyond our ability, we can instantly return or call for military support. Please, consider this proposal seriously."

When Dominic sat down, Shiao Yi rose to his feet to add his part.

"As for the ruins and fragments that might have historical or cultural value," he said, "we can record their inscriptions through rubbings or sketches and even bring smaller fragments back. But their handling must be done with the highest level of caution."

"Of course," Mr. Vundo replied at once. "We shall prepare sealed rooms and vaults guarded by layers upon layers of magical barriers. Each fragment will be kept isolated so that none can ever be joined or overlapped again."

"In truth," Shiao Yi said, "that’s much safer than leaving them scattered around at random. Proper storage would also preserve their condition better. For the investigation of ancient ruins, we can work together with research institutions. This too can be managed by Dominic and me."

Aaron, who had been deep in thought, suddenly lifted his head, his eyes bright with inspiration.

"I think I’ve got an idea for how to handle communication!" he exclaimed. "I could design a magic tool using magic stones. Let me take care of that!"

He jumped up, waving a clenched fist with excitement, completely forgetting where he was.

"I’ll start making it right away! Excuse me, everyone! Oh, I’m going to be so busy!"

Without another glance at the king or anyone else, Aaron rushed out of the conference hall, clearly lost in his own world of ideas.

Shiao Yi couldn’t help smiling faintly. That’s Aaron for you. Always free-spirited.

The rest of the meeting stayed lively for quite some time, but from the tone of things, the conclusion seemed all but decided.

...

After several days of continuous rain, the skies finally cleared and this morning was beautifully bright and blue.

The rising sun sparkled off the lingering drops of last night’s rain. The downpour had even washed away the heavy, suffocating heat that had hung over the previous days, leaving the air fresh and cool.

Shiao Yi and Dominic were dressed not like knights, but more like seasoned adventurers. They’re wearing a clothes in light brown traveling clothes that was made of sturdy fabric and gray hooded cloaks that wouldn’t easily show dirt.

Dominic was checking the packs strapped to both sides of his beloved horse, Marengo.

At the eastern gate of the royal capital.

The east gate while not completely walled off had guard gates and checkpoints along its four main roads, a crowd also had gathered to see the two of them off.

The entire Second Division was there as well.

Louis was already on the verge of tears, his face twisted as he tried to hold it in.

Standing beside him was Lady Camillia, the chancellor’s daughter, giving him a firm smack on the back and scolding, "Pull yourself together."

It seemed those two were still together, in fact, they looked closer than ever.

"When he decides on something, he never listens to his parents," the chancellor muttered with a weary sigh, having come to see them off himself for some reason. He then clicked his tongue irritably while glancing toward the shadow of a nearby building.

Yes, both Shiao Yi and Dominic had noticed too and decided to ignore it.

After all, the current king really shouldn’t be sneaking out to see off a knight’s departure. And the crown prince tagging along? That was absurd. The elite of the first division, including their captain, stood nearby with expressions like they’d swallowed something bitter, clearly serving as royal escorts.

The butler Jude, along with Lambard and Anita, were there as well.

"Lord Dominic, Lord Shiao Yi, please leave the mansion in our care," Jude said with a bow.

Shiao Yi nodded. Yes, with them managing things, there was no need to worry.

"When you return to the capital, be sure to visit the house," General Gabrant said.

"Shiao Yi, you are my son as well now," added Lady Ashe with a gentle smile. "Please come. We will be waiting for you."

Their words warmed Shiao Yi’s chest. It seemed the two of them that’s once distant, were finally mending their bond.

They were so close now that it almost made him feel awkward to watch. What on earth happened between them before? he thought in wonder.

Lady Ashe was now expecting a child, it can be Dominic’s younger brother or sister.

Perhaps it was because of this new heir that General Gabrant’s attitude toward Shiao Yi had completely changed.

He now fully accepted Shiao Yi as Dominic’s partner.

Shiao Yi hadn’t realized until then how deeply moving it could be to be acknowledged by one’s partner’s parents.

"I thought I was finally going to retire," grumbled Johan, clearly displeased.

"You can’t help it," said Quintus, sighing in exasperation. "There’s no one more suited to the job than they are. Stop being stubborn and continue to do your job a while longer."

Johan muttered more complaints under his breath and Quintus could only shake his head, half tired and half amused by the man’s sulking.

"You took advantage of the chaos and managed to snatch Dominic for yourself," Johan grumbled. "Because of that, my plan to have him inherit my position has completely fallen apart..."

"Then just find someone else," Quintus replied calmly. "There must be plenty of promising candidates left."

At those words, Johan’s sharp eyes swept across the gathered knights and stopped on Rex.

Louis who is now captain of the Second Division had made Ashles his vice-captain because he wanted his skill with paperwork.

In order to reduce Ashley’s workload as an aide, Rex had been brought in as his deputy and with him came the experienced and capable Amal.

Louis was a simple and easygoing man who preferred fighting to thinking, while Rex was cool-headed and analytical man. Surprisingly, the two of them balanced each other well.

Apparently, Johan had noticed Rex’s potential too.

Rex wasn’t flashy, but he was a skilled swordsman with strong magic and nerves of steel. He blended naturally wherever he went, dependable and steady. Truly, a valuable man.

Dominic had been wise to recruit him from the dashtadem fortress.

Hang in there, Rex, Shiao Yi thought, silently cheering him on.

"Listen carefully!" shouted Mr. Vundo, grabbing Dominic by the front of his clothes. "If you find any ruins, you must report to me immediately! I insist that you call me at once!"

Then he turned to glare at Shiao Yi with fierce eyes, even spitting slightly as he shouted, "Shiao Yi! Take me with you! I’ve decided, I’m coming too!"

"You can’t do that," said Aaron quickly, stepping in to stop the old master’s outburst. "You have piles of work waiting for you here, remember?"

"Uuuuugh! Aaron! You can take over as head of the Association in my place! You already know how to run things anyway!"

"There’s no way I could do that!" Aaron protested, exasperated. "Stop throwing a tantrum and making things hard for Shiao Yi. I’m already holding back from going with them myself, you know!"

"Shiao Yi!" Mr. Vundo shouted again, waving his fists. "If you discover anything new, you must report to me right away! And if you find ruins or relics, you’ll teleport to fetch me, understand? You must bring me!"

Before the old man could actually pounce, Aaron grabbed him firmly by the back of the neck and held him in place. For someone who was technically one of the top mage in the entire world, it was a rather undignified sight and Aaron didn’t even bother with polite speech anymore.

"Yes, yes, it’s fine," Aaron said, half laughing. "They’re not going to be gone forever. They’ll be back from time to time. Besides, this time they’re just setting up a base of operations. Once that’s done, you can go too, Master."

"Mmm... Aaron," Mr. Vundo grumbled, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "Has that ’anywhere-connected’ communication device you were developing been completed yet?"

He handed over the test machine.

The real work of using it and improving it comes next.

Aaron who is successfully keeping the old master busy took the communication device from his pocket.

It was his latest creation. It used a magic stone as a power source to send voices over long distances.

The plan was to set up relay points and eventually build a network.

Aaron was a genius inventor. He ran a technical team of craftsmen and was training successors, too. It was exciting to think how much the capital and the kingdom of Rosaria might grow in five or ten years.

The raw material for magic stones was nothing special. It was an ordinary earth, sand and rock and the energy stored in them came from the magic people poured into them.

No combustion power plants were needed.

No nuclear reactors either.

Since it wasn’t based on burning, there were no exhaust gases and no air pollution.

It was clean, eco-friendly power.

Magic technology had its strengths.

With magic stone production picking up and power supply becoming stable, infrastructure like water and sewage systems were being built quickly.

Still, they kept the culture close to nature, which was comforting.

People here believed their life energy, their magic, came from the land itself.

You took magic from the earth and when you died you returned it.

That was the cycle of life in this world.

So they cared for the earth, forests, seas, and rivers, the true sources of life.

If the land was polluted and dead, neither people nor animals could survive.

The deserts were evidence of that.

Investigating what had happened to the desert they had seen was one of the tasks Shiao Yi and Dominic had been assigned.

These people were gentle and careful with nature.

They wouldn’t force progress.

There was no chance this world would turn into the harsh, bitter future Shiao Yi had known before.

By the council’s decision a short while earlier, Shiao Yi and Dominic had been formally charged by the king to find and deal with ruins and any paths that led to the demon world.

Following that, Dominic had been named a special operations knight under Quintus.

The rank put him at the level of a corps commander under direct orders from the supreme commander, with broad discretionary powers.

It meant Dominic could make decisions almost as if he were Quintus himself.

He could act diplomatically almost on par with the chancellor when dealing with other nations and in extreme cases he could even authorize the destruction of towns or entire cities, or declare war.

The freedom to move came with a heavy weight of responsibility.

Because many targets might lie in foreign lands, that power was necessary. Some investigations could be urgent; they couldn’t always wait for the mother country’s approval.

Shiao Yi was Dominic’s aide and deputy. He was also assigned as a field investigator to the Ancient Civilizations Research Institute.

Of course, the head of that institute was Mr. Vundo.

Several small teams would be sent out around the world.

Their jobs were to find ruins and suspicious sites and collect fragments. Detailed investigation and disposal would be decided by Quintus or Mr. Vundo, who would then send locations and orders to Shiao Yi’s teams.

This was the first step to dealing with the black slime known as the Aeon.

The immediate goal was to find ruins and establish multiple bases.

From those bases they could carry out organized surveys of surrounding areas, then use each base as a starting point to go further and further out.

At each new base, a small tower would be built and a fixed teleportation circle would be set up there.

It would be something like a subspace phase booth found in a space or ground station.

Aaron also said he wanted to install a relay hub at each tower to expand the communication network range.

If the whole world could one day be connected that way—if everyone could work together and help each other—that would be wonderful.

After all, the Aeon was an enemy that all people of the world would have to face together, united as one.

"Ah, right, right! Shiao Yi, I have some exciting news for you!"

Lost in thought, Shiao Yi was suddenly called by Aaron’s eager voice.

"The research on how same-sex couples can have children is finally showing results! Remember when you talked about genetics and artificial reproduction before?"

Had he said something like that? Maybe he had mentioned it once when talking about animal breeding or livestock management.

"If we use a magic tool that can be placed inside the body, pregnancy might be possible! Isn’t that amazing? You could even have Captain Dominic’s baby, you know! Right? Don’t you think that’s interesting, Captain? Right? Right?"

When Shiao Yi glanced beside him, Dominic was leaning forward, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Oh no. He definitely didn’t want to become one of Aaron’s mad experiments! That sounded like the kind of thing that would cause all sorts of awkward side effects.

"L-Let’s go, Dominic! If we don’t hurry, the sun’s going to set!"

He tugged hard on Dominic’s coat, trying to drag him away from the conversation.

"Ah, you’re right. Let’s go, Shiao Yi," Dominic said with a bright smile.

Against the clear blue sky, his smile shone wide and brilliant.

The sight made Shiao Yi squint in awe.

Dominic took his hand firmly in his own.

"We’re off," Dominic said.

They waved back at the people gathered to see them off.

Their destination was the distant eastern land of Landis and the mountains surrounding it.

It was said to be a rough, barren region where grass was scarce, but flocks of sheep were many and the strong nomads who herded them were famous for their bravery.

Whatever the place might be, Shiao Yi didn’t care.

As long as he was with Dominic, that was enough.

Whoever they faced, they wouldn’t lose—because he would protect Dominic, no matter what.

Dominic’s horse, Marengo, snorted eagerly, pawing the ground.

With practiced ease, Dominic mounted, his body moving with the grace of long familiarity.

He reached a hand back to Shiao Yi, who grasped it and placed his foot in the stirrup, pulling himself up to sit in front of him.

Instantly, Dominic’s arm slid around Shiao Yi’s waist.

Even now, Shiao Yi still couldn’t ride on his own.

Dominic didn’t seem interested in teaching him, either.

When Shiao Yi tilted his head up, Dominic bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. Their eyes met, and they shared a quiet smile.

A bird’s song rang out sharp and clear—the cry of autumn’s arrival echoing through the crisp blue sky.

Dominic tightened his grip on the reins and gave Marengo a small nudge with his heels. The horse surged forward, running smoothly along the open road.

Together, Shiao Yi and Dominic rode off toward a new path, their journey and their future.

It’s just the beginning.