CHAPTER 181: BACK TO THE EMPIRE

"Just as Lyra is a Divine Beast," Nolan said, glancing toward Lyra, whose expression didn’t change though her golden eyes shimmered faintly. "Damian chooses to remain in human form. His true power would level this entire region if unleashed."

Everyone’s faces shifted from confusion to awe.

Celia stepped forward slowly, her eyes shimmering. "Master... are you sure?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "I know you never lie. You’re never wrong."

Nolan gave a faint nod. "Yes. You all fought well today—but remember, you were up against a creature who once ruled the skies."

Celia exhaled sharply, shaking her head with a smile. "So that explains it... why we couldn’t even scratch him."

Linda laughed quietly, rubbing her shoulder. "Wow... that’s a relief. I thought I was losing my touch."

Celia crossed her arms, smiling as well. "Same here. Now I don’t have to be ashamed of losing. Not if he’s a dragon."

"I think that’s all for today. Let’s call it a night," Nolan said, stretching his shoulders. The soft firelight flickered across the room as everyone nodded in agreement. Celia and Linda went to prepare dinner, their laughter filling the quiet night air.

That evening, they all gathered around the table, the scent of roasted meat and herbs rising between them. Celia smiled softly. "Feels like it’s been forever since we’ve had a quiet meal together."

Nolan smiled faintly. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Tomorrow... we return."

After dinner, they all went to bed early. The fire dimmed to embers, and silence took over the small cabin until morning.

The next day, the golden rays of dawn streamed through the windows. Everyone was already awake, preparing for the journey.

"The tournament resumes tomorrow," Nolan said as they had breakfast. "We’ll head back to the Empire before noon."

Celia’s eyes sparkled. "We’re flying on the wyverns again, right? I can’t wait!"

"Well, that was the plan," Nolan replied, sipping his tea.

Lyra leaned back in her chair, a small smile forming on her lips. "Actually, there might be no need for that. I can open a portal straight to the Empire. We’ll be there in less than a second."

Nolan blinked. "Wait... you can do that?"

"Yes," Lyra said, folding her arms. "I’ve done it before—when you were about to fight Damian. Remember?"

"Oh, that time." Nolan nodded, recalling the battle vividly. "You really did use that ability. So, we can skip the wyverns entirely, huh?"

Celia’s shoulders slumped. "Aw, no more flying? I kind of liked the wind in my hair..."

Nolan chuckled. "It’s faster this way. We’ll be there before anyone else even finishes breakfast."

They didn’t pack anything for the trip. Their rooms in the royal mansion were already stocked with clothes, supplies, and weapons. Even Nolan’s sword—his most prized possession—was left behind at the Empire.

When everyone was ready, Lyra stepped outside, her hands glowing with violet mana. She drew a circular rune in the air, and the portal expanded outward, shimmering like liquid light.

"Alright, everyone," she said. "Step through."

Celia and Linda went first, then Lyra herself. Nolan followed, glancing at Damian. "Let’s go."

Damian nodded, his human form steady and composed.

In an instant, the group emerged beside the royal courtyard—a vast marble expanse lined with fountains and gardens. The sudden shift in air pressure made the guards turn immediately.

"Hey! What’s going on there?" one of the knights shouted, running toward them.

He stopped short when he recognized Nolan. "Wait, you’re one of the participants! I remember you from the tournament." His tone softened slightly before his eyes darted toward Damian. "But... who’s that with you? I don’t recognize this one."

Another knight joined him. "There’s someone unfamiliar here. Did they break into the royal grounds?"

Nolan raised his hand calmly. "Relax. He’s with me. My butler."

"Your butler?" one of the guards said skeptically. "Personal attendants aren’t allowed inside the participants’ quarters."

"I understand," Nolan replied evenly. "But can you at least assign him a place to stay within the royal compound?"

The knight hesitated, glancing at his Lyra. "Fine. But he won’t stay in the same mansion as the participants. Same rule applies to that lady who accompanied you last time."

Nolan smiled faintly. "That’s acceptable."

The knights nodded and moved aside, letting the group pass. As Nolan walked toward the mansion, the morning sun reflected off the marble pillars, and for a brief moment—everything felt calm again.

But deep in his mind, Nolan could already sense it.

The next stage of the tournament wouldn’t be as peaceful as the morning light suggested.

"So, Master... does that mean I’m not staying with you?" Lyra asked, tilting her head slightly. "But the last time we were here, I stayed in your room. Why can’t I share a room with you this time?"

Nolan sighed softly. "Because it’s against the rules, Lyra. You’ll have your own quarters, and I’m sure they’ll serve you meals—good ones. Probably even better than before."

Lyra frowned. "’Probably’? So there’s a chance it won’t be?"

Donna chuckled. "Well, maybe it will. Maybe it won’t."

"Maybe?" Lyra crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks slightly. "That’s not very reassuring, you know."

Nolan smiled faintly. "Relax. If you get bored, you can always come by and visit. Just not to sleep or nap in my room, got it? It’s still against the rules even letting you follow me this far into the mansion. We’re here as participants—remember that."

Damian, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke up. "Master, I understand. Since you introduced me as your butler, I’ll act like one. I’m just glad to finally have a proper role under your command."

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "A role? Damian, I didn’t mean that literally. I only said that to convince the guard to let you stay here."

Damian nodded earnestly. "It doesn’t matter if it was a lie, Master. You still acknowledged me as your butler. So, from now on, I’ll serve you as one."

Nolan rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh. "You really don’t listen, do you?"

Damian smiled faintly, his sharp eyes glinting with quiet resolve. "Of course I do, Master. I just choose which parts to obey."