The floating carriage descends steadily through the cloud-dappled twilight, the golden spires of Klago City—capital of the Menash Kingdom—coming into full view. The city below is no longer human-led. The banners of Menash are gone, replaced with a flag bearing Alix's crest.
As the carriage approaches the main gate, the soft hum of magic fades. Below, rows upon rows of monster soldiers—disciplined and fully armored—stand at attention on either side of the wide plaza, forming a corridor of reverent silence.
The moment the carriage touches down, a visible wave of tension lifts. Then, three figures step forward from the front ranks and drop to one knee in unison.
Gander speaks first, head bowed.
"Welcome back, Your Majesty."
Beside him, Mhazul—massive and looming even while kneeling—lowers his axes with respect. On Gander's other side, Lysaria kneels gracefully. Her violet eyes flick up briefly, gleaming with quiet approval.
