The castle of Vailor was even more imposing at night.
The lights illuminated every detail of the walls, creating a presence that was not only grand… it was controlled. Nothing there seemed excessive. Everything had purpose.
We stopped before the main gates.
Guards lined up, posture firm, full attention.
As soon as we approached, they opened the way without question.
They were already expecting us.
"Straightforward," Rai'kanna murmured.
"Of course," Lyannis replied. "Today we're important guests."
Scarlett kept her gaze forward. "And being watched."
Elara analyzed every detail. "Impeccable organization."
Vespera nodded. "Nothing out of place."
Liriel simply said: "Balance."
We entered.
The interior of the castle was no different. The silence was controlled, footsteps echoed softly, and every person passing by maintained proper posture.
Nothing there was casual.
We were guided by one of the guards to the main hall.
And when the doors opened…
The reason for the summons became clear.
The hall was full.
Representatives of various races.
High-level adventurers.
Nobles.
Leaders.
And all of them…
Turned their eyes toward us.
The sound of conversations diminished.
Not completely.
But enough.
Lyannis smiled sideways. "Now this got interesting."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "I still prefer the battlefield."
Scarlett maintained her firm posture. "Get used to it."
Elara observed everything precisely. "High concentration of influence."
Vespera analyzed the details. "And everyone is attentive."
Liriel said calmly: "This is an important moment."
I walked forward without hesitation.
The space opened naturally.
No one blocked the way.
No one questioned us.
They simply… watched.
Until we reached the front.
The king was already there.
Seated, but with an upright posture, observing everything carefully. When he saw us, he stood up.
And that…
Changed the atmosphere.
The hall fell almost completely silent.
"Takumi."
His voice was firm.
But not heavy.
"Your Majesty."
I slightly lowered my head.
No more than necessary.
He nodded.
Then spoke for everyone to hear:
"Today, we celebrate not only a victory… but the preservation of a future."
The silence remained.
"The demonic forces advanced, and the world responded. Among those who led that response… stands him."
Everyone's attention focused even more.
"Takumi."
Lyannis stayed silent this time.
Rai'kanna made no comment.
Scarlett remained firm.
Elara observed.
Vespera analyzed.
Liriel stayed calm.
"The Third General has been defeated."
A few murmurs arose.
But quickly ceased.
"Not through brute force… but through strategy, leadership, and endurance."
The king continued.
"And because of that… this banquet is not merely a celebration. It is recognition."
He made a slight gesture.
Servants began to move.
The organization of the event continued flawlessly.
"Eat, converse… and recognize."
Simple.
Direct.
Without exaggeration.
The tension lessened.
The conversations returned.
But now…
Different.
Lyannis let out a breath. "Okay… that was big."
Rai'kanna looked around. "I still prefer fighting."
Scarlett replied: "But this is also part of it."
Elara nodded. "Influence defines future outcomes."
Vespera added: "And stability."
Liriel smiled faintly. "Everything is connected."
We moved through the hall.
Without hurry.
Without a fixed objective.
But attentive.
Some approached us.
Nobles, adventurers, representatives.
Questions came.
Greetings.
Recognition.
Nothing excessive.
But constant.
Lyannis handled it easily.
Rai'kanna with little patience.
Scarlett in a balanced manner.
Elara analyzing everything.
Vespera controlling the flow.
Liriel maintaining harmony.
I simply answered what was necessary.
No more.
No less.
After some time, we moved a little away from the center.
"This is going to be constant now," Scarlett said.
"Yes," I replied.
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "I still think it's irritating."
Lyannis smiled. "You just don't like it because you can't hit anyone here."
Elara commented: "It's a different environment."
Vespera added: "But equally important."
Liriel said: "And inevitable."
I looked around once more.
Influential people.
Decisions being formed.
Implicit alliances.
Everything there…
Had weight.
And that made one simple thing clear.
The war was over.
But its impact…
Was not.
The night continued.
The banquet went on.
But the meaning had already been defined.
This was not an ending.
It was recognition.
And also…
A beginning.
When we finally moved a bit farther away, the sound of the hall no longer dominated as much.
I took a deep breath.
And understood.
The battle had changed.
It was no longer only about strength.
It was about position.
And now…
I was inside it.