The day of the grand banquet hosted by the Demon Lord's family had finally arrived.
Due to recent events, and rising political tension, Demon Lord Caelum had extended the invitation. Not just to royalty, but also to every high-ranking noble family, along with five knights from each house from the other five human kingdoms, just like the invitation sent to Aquilonis.
"I said, leave your carriage here. You won't need that in Velrathis," Comet growled, his voice sharp with authority as he lifted one of the knights from Zephyriax by the neck with a single hand.
The four other knights with him immediately drew their swords in defense, only to have their hands severed in a blur of motion.
Screams erupted from the onlookers around them, panic rippling through the gathering crowd.
"Comet, put him down," Nugget's voice cut through the noise, stern and unimpressed as she approached.
Comet glanced at her, exhaled heavily, and obeyed, though not without spite. He flung the knight across the clearing like trash.
Nugget raised a brow at him, thoroughly unimpressed.
"What's wrong with him?" she muttered, glancing at Milo who stood nearby, utterly bored. "I know he's always been more serious than Cosmo, but this? His temper is razor thin today."
Without a word, Milo snapped his fingers, and the four knights' severed hands instantly reattached, perfectly restored as if nothing had happened.
"He lost a game," Milo said, deadpan.
Nugget blinked. "Comet? Lost? A game?"
Comet never lost anything.
Milo gave her a sidelong glance. "With Seiryu. A few nights ago. Were you even paying attention?"
"I was busy," Nugget said with a grin, and promptly punched him in the side of the head. "Unlike you, we adults actually have work."
Milo chuckled, unfazed. "Anyway, it was a staring contest. First one to blink or look away loses."
"You're kidding."
"Nope. They started at midnight and didn't blink once until morning. Vivi, Neko, and I tried everything. Made faces. Waved smoke. Even tried tickling them."
"And they still didn't blink?" Nugget asked incredulously.
"Pixie even used her Silver Tongue. They resisted it," Milo said, genuinely impressed.
Nugget narrowed her eyes. "So how did Comet lose?"
Milo just raised an eyebrow, letting the silence answer.
It took Nugget a second. Then she grinned. "Luna called him."
"Exactly."
She laughed. "So what was the prize?"
"The winner gets to serve Luna for a year."
Nugget looked absolutely dumbfounded. "Seiryu's that bored?"
"Apparently," Milo snorted. "Mother hardly gives him anything to do. And even then, he's usually blocked by Delphine. Honestly, I think the last time he was actually useful to her was when Delphine was stuck in the Black Tower."
Before Nugget could reply, a commanding voice echoed through the air.
"Make way for the Empress!" Seiryu bellowed from above as he soared overhead, using his divine will to part the crowd like water before him.
Some of the nobles opened their mouths to protest, until they saw it.
A sleek, obsidian-black vehicle, like a metal carriage from the future, was barreling toward them at impossible speed, before stopping right in front of Milo and Nugget with a perfect, silent halt.
"WOW!!! Mama, you're so cool!" Pixie squealed, giddy with excitement in the front passenger seat.
Ceres was behind the wheel, driving Tuf's Evadne Nyx.
In the backseat sat Luna, Peanut, and Vivi, all looking calmly elegant as the crowd tried to recover from the shock.
"I know, right?" Ceres grinned, clearly enjoying herself. She turned toward Peanut in the back. "You should definitely make me one of these, Pea."
"You can have mine, Mama!" Pixie chirped proudly. Then her smile fell into a dramatic pout. "Papa said I can't drive until I'm eighteen. But I'm always six."
Ceres laughed as she stepped out of the vehicle, the door lifting with a smooth hiss of air. She scooped Pixie up into her arms with ease and kissed her cheek.
Everyone stood frozen in shock and awe, eyes locked on the sleek, otherworldly vehicle that had just pulled in.
Ceres immediately sensed the tension in the air.
"What's wrong?" she asked calmly, her gaze turning toward Comet.
"Your Highness," Comet said, his voice taut with irritation, "these knights insisted on bringing their carriages inside the portal station. I told them no."
His eyes glinted sharply as Seiryu, still smirking like a smug devil, helped Luna down from the Nyx in full view of everyone, clearly enjoying Comet's rising temper.
"Did you explain why?" Ceres asked patiently, one brow arched.
"I told them they don't need it," Comet replied curtly, as though that were more than enough.
Ceres rolled her eyes. "Pea," she said, turning to Peanut, who had also stepped down from the Nyx, "since you built the thing, would you mind explaining it properly?"
Peanut grinned and stepped forward, walking with elegant ease up to the top of the newly built platform at the center of the capital's grand Time Square.
The structure was magnificent, tall, sleek, and humming with magical energy. The Evadne Portal Station, a marvel designed by Peanut under Demon Lord Caelum's instruction, stood as the first transportation gateway from beyond the Blinding Mist to the heart of Velrathis. Inside, three magi-trains waited, the only means of passage through the veiled empire.
Peanut raised her voice, not shouting, yet somehow everyone could hear her crystal clear.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, with a graceful dip of her head, "you will not be bringing your carriages."
Murmurs rose, but she continued before anyone could protest.
"This Portal Station already has built-in transportation, three high-speed magi-trains, so there's no space for your personal carriages. And more importantly," she said, pointing to a rune-inscribed wall near the entrance, "the portal itself is highly saturated with mana. If a living creature passes through without sufficient mana reserves, especially humans or animals, you'll simply go poof."
Gasps echoed as she gave a sunny smile, tapping the section labeled Portal Station, Do's and Don'ts with one dainty finger.
"Please read the instructions carefully. If you can't follow the rules, you're free to make your own choice... but the consequences will be entirely on you."
A hush fell over the crowd as the guests exchanged nervous glances.
Peanut continued with the same pleasant, almost cheery tone.
"As today marks the grand opening of the Portal Station, all rides are free, just for now. And because you've been graciously invited by our father, the Demon Lord Caelum, your passage today will be complimentary."
She clasped her hands behind her back, posture perfect.
"There are three trains inside," she said, lifting three fingers.
"First, Economy. One silver coin per person. One seat. No frills.
Second, Business. Fifty silver coins. A more comfortable ride and a full meal.
And finally, Luxury. One gold coin. The word says it all, you'll receive the finest service Velrathis can offer during the journey."
She paused, then added with a soft smile, "It only takes five seconds to cross the veil through the portal, but once inside the Blinding Mist, the magi-trains will begin a four-hour scenic route around Velrathis. You'll witness the Empire from a bird's-eye view before arriving at your final stop, the Mor'Kael Portal Station."
A ripple of anticipation swept through the crowd.
"For today, the royal families will board first. Then high-ranking nobles and officers, in the Luxury train," she emphasized. "As for the knights and servants who came with you, they'll need to take the Business or Economy trains."
Her tone sharpened, ever so slightly.
"As you were already informed, each family is allowed five knights and one servant only. If you brought more than that, then you'll need to choose who stays and who goes. If you can't decide, then none of you go."
Peanut turned gracefully, her voice rising like a final bell.
"The trains leave in one hour," she said. "So on behalf of House Caelum, welcome to Evadne Portal Station. Bon voyage."
The crowd was silent for a beat.
Then chaos erupted, not in protest, but in hurried whispers, rushed counting of companions, and scrambling to adjust the excess.
As they stepped into the interior of the portal station, they were greeted by demi-human stewards and stewardesses dressed in sharp suits and elegant hats, stationed outside the entrances of each train carriage. Their poise was regal, every movement precise and practiced.
Each train had twenty carriages in total.
In Economy Class, there was one steward per carriage. Each carriage had vending machines where passengers could purchase instant food and drinks, simple but serviceable.
Business Class offered more comfort, two stewards per carriage, and each car featured a small bar and kitchenette for light dining and refreshments.
The Luxury Train, however, was in a class of its own.
Every Luxury carriage had four stewards. Unlike Economy's standard rows of seats or Business Class's casual dining tables, each Luxury carriage contained four private VIP rooms. Guests could choose to dine in the comfort of their suites or enjoy a refined meal in the first two carriages, converted into full-service fine dining restaurants with live chefs, crystal chandeliers, and magical ambiance.
Naturally, Ceres's entourage was the first to board. They were assigned to Carriage C3, the foremost among the VIP carriages. Inside was a cozy living area that branched off into the four private suites.
"Welcome aboard, Your Highness. Masters and Mistresses," the elves assigned to C3 said in perfect unison, bowing with grace.
"This will be your room, Your Highness," one of the female elves said, opening the door to the largest suite.
"Thank you," Ceres replied, her tone warm but composed.
"No!" Pixie suddenly shouted, halting Legion as he was about to follow Ceres inside. "You and that Duke are not allowed in here. Only Seiryu and Delphine can stay with us."
Legion arched an eyebrow. "I am the Empress's Celestial Knight, young Regent," he said, not unkindly, but with a trace of tension.
Ceres glanced over her shoulder, still holding Pixie in her arms.
"Join the knight commanders instead, Legion," she said, tone final, offering no room for discussion.
"…Understood, Your Highness," Legion replied, bowing slightly before stepping back with quiet resignation.
Pixie looked at him triumphantly, and stuck her tongue out.
"Baby, that's a little rude," Ceres said gently. She wasn't angry, just slightly reproachful.
"I don't like him or the Duke, Mama," Pixie said with a pout. "They keep looking at you like they're planning to steal you away from Papa."
Ceres said nothing, because her daughter wasn't wrong.
Ever since learning that Caelum and Zeus were one and the same, she had slowly pulled away from both Aurelian and Legion. She rarely used her magic anymore, and when she did, it was usually for necessity. Sleeping beside Zeus not only calmed her, but replenished her HP faster than Aurelian and Legion combined ever could.
She sighed and gently set Pixie down on the velvet sofa near the window.
Then she took a moment to examine the rest of the VIP suite. There was a queen-sized bed, two velvet couches beside the panoramic window, and a compact private bathroom tucked behind a frosted glass door. The layout was efficient, the luxury understated but complete.
Vivi and Milo wasted no time, flopping onto the bed and immediately switching on the holographic screen to play video games, arguing over which console avatar was superior.
The adults took their seats on the sofa, relaxing as warm, spiced tea appeared on the glass table beside them.
Ceres leaned back, brows furrowing thoughtfully. "So… if someone is assigned to one of the back carriages, how do they get to the fine dining area at the front? These VIP suites aren't connected by interior doors, right?"
Peanut perked up from the other sofa. "If you noticed the structure earlier, Mother, it's actually a two-story train," she explained. "For Economy and Business, each carriage has upper and lower floors. But the Luxury carriages are different."
Peanut continued, "The upper floor for Luxury is a dedicated one long viewing deck hallway that connects all carriages from C1 to C20. There are also small coffee shops and lounges upstairs. Since the fine dining area only has a hundred seats, reservations are prioritized. If you didn't make one, it's first come, first served."
Ceres tilted her head. "Hmm… but you mentioned the fare is just one gold coin per person. This entire suite only costs that much? Doesn't seem to add up, especially since this room can easily fit eight people if they don't all sleep on the bed."
Peanut smiled knowingly. "Only Carriages C3 through C8 are designed like this, VIP Family Suites," she clarified. "The rest, from C9 to C20, are more like Business Class on an airplane. Each room has eight capsule-style beds, each with touchscreen entertainment systems. The beds still face the windows for the scenic view, so it's compact but still luxurious. It's shared space, but premium comfort."
"Wow… You really thought this through. I'm so impressed, Pea," Ceres said with sincere pride, her voice soft with admiration.
Peanut's grin widened. "Well, I'd love to take all the credit… but I can't," she admitted with a shrug. "Tofu made some final changes, especially for the Luxury train. I originally planned for all the carriages to match the C9-C20 layout, even the upper floor. But he insisted we needed something more exclusive. Something the rich would fight to get into."
Ceres chuckled, already imagining the chaos.
"For now," Peanut continued, "Carriages C3 to C8 are reserved for the royal families of the six human kingdoms. The rest, nobles and high-ranking officials. When luxury is this limited, it creates competition. And people at the top of the food chain won't complain about prices if they believe they're buying status."
She smirked.
"Each VIP room only allows four people max. And the cost?" Peanut leaned in playfully. "One hundred gold per room."
Ceres let out a low whistle.
"Tofu is a shrewd businessman," Peanut added. "Unlike Father, who still has some conscience when it comes to pricing. Tofu's motto? Take it or leave it."
Ceres just smiled, shaking her head. Ruthless. But brilliant.
Exactly one hour later, the chime echoed across every carriage. Doors slid shut with a hiss of magic, and an elegant announcement filled the air.
"This is your final call. All passengers, please remain in your assigned carriages. Departure in three… two… one."
The train surged forward, smooth, silent, and impossibly fast and then they heard an announcement.
"Welcome aboard the Evadne Express, your premier line to the heart of the Velrathis Empire, where magic and future are one.
This journey will take you across the Five Great Cities.
Emberwrought. Home of the dwarves, where every spark of innovation is born.
Mor'Kael. The city of the night dwellers, where fashion, enchantment, and entertainment thrive.
Veyln. Land of shapeshifters, renowned for exhilarating sports and fierce but friendly combat.
Duskborn. The elven and fae haven, glowing with elegance and cutting-edge modernity.
Malvakar. The mighty capital of demons alike, where the Demon Lord Caelum resides. Here stands the Black Tower and the prestigious Academy of Advanced Magic.
This train will stop at Mor'Kael, where you will be warmly welcomed and transported to any of the other cities you wish to explore.
Thank you for traveling with Evadne Express. The Empire awaits you."
"Mother, we can head to the upper floor if you want," Nugget suggested. "You'll get a better view of Velrathis from the deck."
"Yes. Let's do that," Ceres said warmly, standing up.
As they exited their suite, they ran into Aurelian, along with Aurora, Celion, Legion, and several Knight Commanders.
"Where are you headed, Empress?" Aurelian asked, his tone too casual, his gaze lingering too long.
"There's a viewing deck upstairs," Ceres replied simply. "We're going up. Tell the rest of the passengers in this carriage they're welcome to join."
Without waiting for a reply, she followed Nugget and Peanut, who led the way toward the grand staircase connecting the lower suite level to the enclosed second floor.
Apparently, the stewards had already informed other carriages as well. More nobles and dignitaries began emerging from their compartments, curious and eager to explore.
And when they reached the upper deck,
Everyone fell silent.
Even Ceres.
It was breathtaking.
The entire second floor of the Luxury train was a seamless blend of modern opulence and magical grandeur. Floor-to-ceiling crystal windows revealed the endless skyline of Velrathis, clouds parting as the train soared through the air. There were plush lounge chairs arranged in aesthetic clusters, artisan-designed coffee shops, and colorful market stalls offering food, drinks, bags, shoes, and clothing, exclusive to the Velrathis Empire.
All of it, unmistakably styled with a modern twist, reminiscent of the finest luxury malls on Earth… except this time, laced with magic.
To the other humans, it was a marvel.
To Ceres, it was memory.
A life she thought she had left behind.
Her eyes welled unexpectedly.
"Mama, why are you crying?" Pixie asked gently from Delphine's arms, concern in her voice as she noticed the tears forming at the corners of Ceres's eyes.
"I'm sorry, baby," Ceres said, wiping quickly at her cheek. "I just… I never thought I'd experience this again. Not in this life."
Nugget handed her a handkerchief, her voice soft. "Everything you see here, that was Father's idea."
Ceres looked over in surprise.
"He wanted to make sure that if he ever found you again… you'd still have the kind of life you had on Earth," Luna added quietly from behind them.
Ceres smiled, despite the tears.
Even when there was no certainty she would return in his embrace, he still thought of her.
He built this for her.
Delphine leaned close and whispered, "Are these… normal things in your original world, Your Highness?"
"Yes," Ceres nodded. "Come. I want you to try some of it. If you liked coffee with milk, there are many other kinds of coffee here you're going to love."
At that moment, a chime echoed above them as the onboard voice system made another announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Upper Deck. For today only, all food and beverages are complimentary. You may also shop for premium items, exclusive to the Velrathis Empire.
For seamless transactions, please visit the Currency Conversion Booth located in every fifth carriage. You may deposit your gold or silver coins, and receive a prepaid crystal card for all your purchases."
Excitement buzzed in the air. Guests and dignitaries moved eagerly toward shops and cafes, whispering about the strange Earth-like goods, unaware they were experiencing the world Ceres once called home.
And from her place near the glass wall, Ceres watched the sky stretch wide above Velrathis, shimmering like a memory reborn.