After the arrival of Athena, the empire had become lively again.
Wukong was already trying to challenge Athena to training matches.
Ignisia was arguing that dragon combat styles were superior.
Athena was calmly explaining strategy while somehow winning the argument without raising her voice.
Kaelignis watched with curiosity.
Meanwhile
far away from the noise of training grounds and sparring arenas
Kael Veyris stood on one of the highest palace terraces.
Below him stretched endless worlds and floating kingdoms.
Soft footsteps approached.
He already knew who it was.
Nxy walked beside him and leaned lightly against his shoulder.
She looked at him quietly for a moment.
Then smiled.
..You're thinking again. Kael looked toward the distant stars.
...Observing.
...That's thinking.
A small silence followed.
Then Nxy gently kissed Kael on the cheek before resting beside him comfortably.
Not dramatic.
Not grand.
Just natural.
Kael looked at her for a moment.
...You seem happy.
Nxy smiled.
...The empire is peaceful.
...Our family is together.
...Kaelignis is growing.
...Why wouldn't I be?
For a few moments neither spoke.
The night sky above them shimmered peacefully.
Suddenly
a loud explosion echoed from somewhere below.
BOOOOM
Both of them slowly looked downward.
Smoke rose from the training grounds.
Wukong was running.
Ignisia was chasing him with dragonfire around her spear.
Athena's six shield-wings spun around her as she floated nearby.
Kaelignis stood in the center looking surprised.
...I think Uncle Wukong touched something, Kaelignis said.
Wukong pointed dramatically while running.
...IT WASN'T MY FAULT!
Athena crossed her arms.
...You challenged an ancient combat artifact to a race.
...I THOUGHT IT WAS DECORATION!
Ignisia lifted her black-red spear.
...Get back here, monkey.
Nxy stared silently.
Kael stared silently.
Then Nxy looked at Kael.
..Should we stop this?
Kael watched Wukong sprint across three floating islands while dragonfire followed behind him.
...No.
...Why?
...Wukong appears healthy.
Nxy blinked.
Then laughed softly.
Above them, the Veyris Empire remained peaceful beneath infinite stars.
Well...
Mostly peaceful.