The vast throne room stood in eerie stillness, its golden pillars and polished marble floor gleaming under the sunlight streaming from high, arched windows. Rows of empty seats along the sides stood silent witnesses to the moment. The grand throne itself loomed ahead, resting atop a series of ascending steps, like the heart of the empire waiting to be claimed.

No courtiers. No guards.

Only a single figure stood in the emptiness—a man dressed immaculately in a black butler's uniform, his hair silver and neatly combed, a polished tray balanced effortlessly in his gloved hands.

Luca's brow furrowed slightly. Wait… the Imperial Family has a butler?

"Follow me," Celestia said, her voice echoing softly against the cavernous chamber.

Her steps were measured and graceful as she began ascending the stairs toward the throne, the soft rustle of her gown the only sound accompanying her. Luca trailed behind, eyes flicking between the massive chamber and the mysterious butler, curiosity gnawing at him.

Reaching the top, Celestia turned back, her crimson gaze locking briefly with his before she turned toward the butler. Without a word, she reached out, plucking something from the tray.

Then, facing him directly, she held it out with both hands.

"This is the Imperial Seal," she said. Her voice was steady, yet carried the weight of the gift. "It will grant you access to every city in the empire… and to places even nobles cannot set foot in. It comes with other benefits as well."

For a moment, Luca could only stare at it. The golden insignia glinted in the light, its surface etched with intricate runes that seemed to shift subtly as his eyes moved.

His fingers twitched before he finally accepted it with both hands, his movements reverent despite the numb surprise spreading through him.

Bowing deeply, he said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Celestia nodded once, then made a small, graceful gesture with her hand. The butler bowed silently and withdrew, the sound of his footsteps fading until they were completely alone.

The vastness of the empty room suddenly felt heavier.

Luca straightened, his gaze lingering on the seal in his palm before shifting back to her. "Why… are you doing all this, Your Majesty?"

Her expression didn't change—as if she had expected the question. "There are only two of us right now who know of the danger we're currently facing," she said evenly. "We could inform others… but it's not the same as facing it ourselves."

Luca's eyes narrowed slightly. "That still doesn't answer my question."

She took a step closer, her golden hair catching the light, her presence both regal and strangely human in that moment. "You've proven yourself worthy," she said, her tone calm but resolute. "And as someone who will stand on the frontlines, fighting for humanity, consider this… an investment."

The words settled over him like a quiet vow.

Luca finally nodded, exhaling softly. So that's what this is…

"Now go," Celestia said, her voice returning to the crisp authority of a ruler. "A knight will escort you back to the academy. I have much to do."

Luca gave one final bow, his grip tightening on the Imperial Seal. "I won't disappoint you, Your Majesty."

Without another word, he turned and began his descent from the throne, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the empty hall.

Luca was almost at the massive doors when Celestia's voice rang out, firm but softer than before.

"Wait."

He stopped mid-step and turned, brows furrowed in puzzlement. Her gaze wasn't as steady as usual. In fact… there was the faintest flush of color on her cheeks.

"C–can you…" She paused, clearing her throat as if annoyed at herself. "…take out the baby dragon?"

A slow smile tugged at Luca's lips. "Of course."

With a wave of his hand, a swirl of light shimmered in the air beside him, and the tiny dragon girl appeared—her horns like polished ruby, golden hair similar to celestia her big crimson eyes immediately locking onto Celestia.

To his mild surprise, Celestia walked toward them, her usual measured pace replaced by something just slightly quicker. She stopped before the little girl, her hand hovering for a brief moment before she gently scooped the baby dragon into her arms.

The two stared at each other—crimson eyes meeting crimson eyes. It was a strange mirror of majesty and innocence.

"Ah—Your Majesty," Luca said, glancing at the silver necklace artifact that had been hanging around the baby dragon's neck. "The artifact necklace—"

"Let her have it," Celestia interrupted softly, still gazing down at the small creature in her arms. "It will serve as a protective artifact."

The baby dragon tilted her head slightly, studying Celestia. Then, in a small, curious voice, she said, "Mama?"

Something flickered in Celestia's eyes—an emotion quickly restrained. "…You can go now," she said quietly, as if dismissing Luca before anything else could be said.

Luca took the baby dragon back into his arms, but the little one's eyes were now shiny with tears. "Papa? Mama," she whimpered, tiny claws gripping his sleeve.

"We'll come to visit Mama another time, okay?" Luca murmured, trying to soothe her. "Don't cry now—Mama's busy, right?"

Still, the baby dragon's cries only grew louder. "Wohohohoo…Mamaaaaaa"

Even Celestia seemed to hesitate now, her usual composure wavering. Finally, she stepped forward, resting her hand gently on the little dragon's head.

"I will visit you another time, alright?" she said, her voice low and uncharacteristically warm. Her fingers brushed softly over the tiny horns of the cute girl, a tender gesture she seemed almost reluctant to end.

The baby dragon blinked up at her, sniffling, but the tears slowed.

Luca inclined his head to Celestia, then turned toward the great doors. This time, he didn't look back.

The heavy doors closed behind him with a quiet thud, sealing the throne room in silence once more.

***

Luca stepped onto the academy grounds, the crunch of gravel under his boots oddly comforting.

Two days. That was all it had been since he left Arcadia Academy in present time. And yet… with the weight of battles, blood, and near-death encounters pressing on him, it felt like a year had passed. The crisp scent of freshly cut grass and the faint hum of mana flowing through the air wrapped around him like a forgotten blanket.

He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the wind brush his hair as if to say, welcome back.

The towering spires, the training fields, the sound of distant chatter—it was all the same. Familiar. Safe. For now.

Without rushing, he made his way to the dormitory. Each step was heavier than it should've been, but not from fatigue—rather from the weight of the thoughts swirling in his head.

Inside his room, he let himself collapse onto the bed. The mattress embraced him like an old friend, and he sank into it, breathing evenly.

I have so many things in mind right now… so many things I have to do. Faces flashed in his memory, plans forming and breaking apart, threats waiting just beyond the horizon.

But all of that can wait for tomorrow.

For tonight—just this one night—he would let it go.

Because starting tomorrow… there would be no turning back.

The morning sun spilled golden light across the academy courtyard, but the air felt strangely tense. Luca stood in the center, hands casually in his pockets, while Aiden, Selena, Kyle, Eric, and Lilliane formed a loose circle around him.

Their expressions were a mix of puzzlement and curiosity—eyebrows slightly furrowed, lips parted as if they'd been on the verge of asking something. A silent question mark seemed to hang over the group.

Finally, Selena, her frost-blue eyes as unreadable as ever, broke the silence.

Her voice was cool, clipped, and faintly impatient.

"Why have you called us all here, Luca?"