Inside the grand castle, which blended the architecture of ancient Heiren with modern aesthetics, the central tower rose tall and majestic over its surroundings. It was topped with sweeping tiled roofs and adorned with ornamental charm in polished gold. The tower sat upon a massive stone base, encircled by defensive towers spaced every 100 metres along the perimeter, each equipped with enormous plasma cannons.
The metallic walls, decorated with intricate patterns, formed a square frame robust enough to withstand a stampede of Armatus units.
Orange lamp posts with triangular roofs softly illuminated the castle grounds, casting minimal light pollution. The starry sky and the split moons remained clearly visible from the ground.
The landing zone was heavily guarded, fitted with sentry cannons and barrier generators — silver rods that could extend like umbrellas to generate a defensive field over the entire landing pad.
It was evening when the Zeigerlich initiated its landing protocol, descending vertically into the private landing pad. Beside it, the Yamamoto followed the same procedure on the adjacent platform. A whirlwind swept dried leaves into the air as the Arcanite engines whirred, their hum fading as the load settled.
Ryusei Sol Solara, the Prime Minister of Solis Aeternum, draped in royal white, strode forward with his royal entourage toward the dark green vessel. Upon arrival, he noticed hull damage along its side, jarring breached, but overall intact.
Ryusei had dark eyes and short, white hair. A golden-framed pair of glasses hung loosely on his prominent nose, and his left hand gripped a sheath without a katana’s hilt. He stood regal and composed, patiently waiting as the Zeigerlich’s massive rear hatch began to lower.
He wore a royal white, long arc coat, similar to Friederich’s, but adorned with far more intricate seams and a fully displayed ornamental silver chains.
Behind him stood a group of medics, technicians, engineers, and police officers, ready to act on any technical or medical emergency.
His gaze sharpened as figures emerged, their faces backlit by the hangar’s light behind. Amid the taller silhouettes, he immediately recognised his beloved daughter, her radiant red hair and small frame unmistakable.
Aurelia’s eyes lit up with joy. Her father, now aged with a short beard, stood before her. She giggled like a child and sped forward.
“Aurelia!” he called, voice striving for composure, though a tremble slipped through. His arms opened wide.
“Papa!” she cried, leaping into him. He groaned slightly as she nestled into him, rubbing her cheek against his chest.
For the past six months, it had been a long and rough journey. Yet, she made it into her father’s embrace. Safe and sound.
Behind her, Friederich, Zetius, and Sandria led the Zeigerlich’s crew. Their boots clapped against the concrete ground in a steady march.
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Friederich facepalmed at the reunion. “Hades... I told her not to embarrass herself in front of everyone,” he muttered.
Zetius gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. “Come on, Friederich. You know how she is. Let her have this one.”
Friederich nodded twice, then exhaled. His posture stiffened as his gaze lingered on Ryusei.
Zetius observed his friend. A hint of guilt, perhaps? He wondered silently.
As per Aurelia’s claim, the Solis Aeternum crew welcomed them warmly. They greeted Madison and the others with respectful bows. The atmosphere was filled with polite camaraderie. Medical staff quickly escorted the injured for treatment, while the rest were guided to a rest area where food and water were provided.
Ryusei pulled back from his daughter and met her glassy eyes.
“Oh, my dearest daughter. I’m so glad you’ve returned safely. I didn’t know what I would have done without you,” he said, his voice cracking as his hands clasped her shoulders.
Aurelia bowed deeply. “Papa, I was naive and arrogant. I always felt the need to prove my worth. I now realise how foolish and impulsive I’ve been... and probably still am. I’m truly sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.” Her voice was unsteady, remorseful.
He smiled warmly. “Rise, my princess. You’re forgiven — on one condition. You must tell me your adventurous story in full detail.”
“Really?” she gasped, cupping her mouth in surprise. Then she blushed and fidgeted with her hair. “It’s a bit embarrassing, honestly…”
Ryusei chuckled softly at the adorable sight.
Suddenly, Friederich knelt before Ryusei. “As the Prime Guardian, I’ve failed miserably to stop the princess from her rebellious arc. Please punish me however you see fit, Ryusei-sama!” His voice was firm, coat flapping to the ground.
Everyone, including Zetius and Sandria, was taken aback by the gesture.
Ryusei did not reply immediately. He extended his left hand, holding out a sheath.
“As much as it might seem warranted, I shall not punish you for what was beyond your control,” he said, his gaze shifting to Aurelia, who blushed and clutched the hem of her white tunic.
Friederich tilted his head, eyes widening at the outstretched hand. He recognised the arc-patterned sheath — white and royal gold.
“The Kagayaki-no-saya,” he whispered.
It was the very sheath Friederich had worn during the failed peace treaty between the two great empires, the catalytic event that had ultimately sparked Aurelia’s unsanctioned journey to Germund.
“One thing, however,” Ryusei added sharply. “You should never embark on an adventure unprepared. That is the only critique I’ll offer you, Prime Guardian.” Though the words carried a rebuke, they were delivered with warmth. With grace, he bestowed the sheath to Friederich.
He then turned to Zetius and clapped him on the shoulder. For original chapters go to NoveI~Fire.net
“Zetius! You’re always full of surprises. If you were alive all this time, you could have at least sent me a message. I still have the doves, you know,” Ryusei joked, referring to the old method of untraceable communication by aerial messengers imbued with arcane magic.
The practice had been abandoned a thousand years ago, and no one bothered to trace this form of communication anymore.
“Thank you, Ryusei-sama. It’s... a bit more complicated than that,” Zetius replied, smiling as he stepped back.
Lastly, Ryusei bowed in greeting to Director Sandria Meinhardt. “Thank you so much for bringing my daughter home. I’ll ensure your crew receives proper care.”
“Thank you, Prime Minister,” she replied with poise.
“As Aurelia mentioned, I’ll oversee your crew’s onboarding process personally. Come this way, you all must be exhausted.” He motioned toward the traditional guest chambers to the left.
As the crowd dispersed, Cubie floated before Zetius.
“Zetius, I’m tired now,” she murmured, her voice drained.
“Wanna rest up a bit?” he asked.
She nodded with an up-and-down bob, then vanished quietly into his chest.