It had been nearly a month since Elmesia returned from her groundbreaking visit to Nyvaris, the rising new nation led by the enigmatic Varvatos.
A nation unlike any other — where monsters and humans lived side by side, not just tolerating, but thriving together.
Though only founded months ago, Nyvaris's rapid rise shook the world's understanding of power and governance.
Now, rumors rippled across Sarion — and soon, beyond.
In the Council Chamber:
Sarion's ministers gathered once more in a grand, wood-paneled room illuminated by floating crystals.
Erald, Prime Minister of Sarion, stood at the head of a long marble table.
His expression was grave as he opened the discussion.
Erald:
"Nyvaris… a kingdom barely months old. Yet already it commands respect like no other."
General Kaelron crossed his arms heavily.
Kaelron (deep voice):
"Because of him. Because of Varvatos.
No normal ruler could create a country where humans and monsters coexist."
Lady Velmira narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
Velmira:
"And now... Her Majesty has walked alongside him.
Broken bread with him.
Returned by his magic… unharmed."
A buzz of whispered speculation filled the chamber.
One minister, a cautious elder named Lorvan, spoke nervously.
Lorvan:
"We must ask, Prime Minister... does this signal an alliance?
A formal binding between Sarion and Nyvaris?"
Erald (carefully):
"No treaty has been signed. No pact declared.
But the perception… is just as potent."
Later, Elmesia met with her closest advisors.
She poured herself a glass of shimmering fruit wine, motioning for Erald, Velmira, and Kaelron to sit comfortably.
Her voice was calm but decisive.
Elmesia (gently smiling):
"Varvatos does not care for mortal politics.
His concern is his people — monster and human alike."
Erald nodded, but pressed gently.
Erald:
"With respect, Your Majesty… the other nations will not see it that way."
Velmira:
"Already, whispers move through Sarion.
That you have won the favor of a god walking among us."
Kaelron (half-grinning):
"And if it keeps the vultures away from our borders... let them whisper louder."
Elmesia laughed softly.
Elmesia:
"Indeed.
If fools fear the shadow of Nyvaris cast across Sarion… so be it."
Her violet eyes gleamed sharply.
Elmesia:
"But remember — we do not control Varvatos.
No one does."
Meanwhile...
In the sacred halls of Ruberios, Luminous Valentine sat upon her throne of silver and black, draped in robes of shadow and light.
She listened as her high priest relayed the gossip from Sarion.
High Priest:
"It seems the Empress has returned from Nyvaris unharmed, even… honored."
Luminous smiled faintly, resting her cheek against her knuckles.
Luminous (coolly):
"Of course she has.
Varvatos is no fool. He sees beauty, wisdom... and ambition."
Hinata Sakaguchi stood nearby, arms crossed.
Hinata (grim tone):
"Do we consider Sarion and Nyvaris allies, then?"
Luminous (thoughtfully):
"Perhaps.
Perhaps not.
Varvatos does not move for kingdoms or thrones. He moves for... ideals."
She rose gracefully from her throne, her presence almost ethereal.
Luminous:
"But the world will believe they are allies.
And belief, dear Hinata…
can shape wars as surely as swords."
King Edmaris slammed a goblet of wine onto the stone floor, staining the red carpet.
Edmaris (furious):
"First that cursed Nyvaris rises from nowhere… and now Sarion dances with their King?!"
His advisors bowed low, trembling at his fury.
Vardis, his spymaster, stepped forward carefully.
Vardis:
"Nyvaris already humiliated the Eastern Empire, sire.
If Sarion is smart… they will ride the new wave."
Edmaris snarled.
Edmaris:
"Smart or cowardly.
No human nation should bow to monsters, no matter how 'civilized' they pretend to be!"
He paced furiously across the throne room.
Edmaris:
"Prepare new envoys.
We need alliances — fast."
In a vast underground hall glittering with gems, King Gazel Dwargo chuckled warmly.
Seated across from his council, a large mug of ale in hand, he listened to the updates.
Gazel:
"Nyvaris, eh?
Varvatos built it right under everyone's noses."
Tai, his old friend and chief smith, grunted approvingly.
Tai:
"Monsters and humans… living in peace.
It's a strange dream — but if anyone could do it, it's him."
Gazel raised his mug high.
Gazel:
"I say good for them.
We already trade iron, crystals, and herbs with Nyvaris.
No wars. No politics.
Just good, honest business."
He smiled wryly.
Gazel:
"Besides... if anyone's stupid enough to provoke Varvatos, I'll be sitting right here… with a fine drink, watching them burn."
Across the Cardinal World...
Sarion's prestige grew.
Nyvaris's mystery deepened.
And everywhere — from Ruberios to Falmuth to the minor human kingdoms — rulers recalculated their strategies.
Some dreamed of new alliances.
Others feared annihilation.
A new force had emerged in the Cardinal World.
One born of coexistence…
And guarded by a being beyond mortal reach.
While rumors swirled and kingdoms schemed beyond its borders, within the flourishing lands of Nyvaris, life carried on with vibrant energy — entirely unconcerned with the shifting tides of politics.
The streets bustled with merchants, both human and monster, hawking wares from colorful stalls.
Children, some with scales or tiny horns, chased one another past open cafes where dwarves, beastkin, and humans drank side by side.
The towering spires of the city shimmered under a pleasant blue sky, dotted by floating gardens crafted through magic.
Peace. Prosperity. Freedom.
Here, that was simply normal.
In the wide stone courtyard behind the royal palace, the sounds of sparring echoed.
Weapons clashing. Magic flaring. Shouts of encouragement and laughter.
Benimaru, the crimson-haired general of Nyvaris, adjusted his stance, facing off against Hakuro, the aged but spry swordmaster.
Hakuro (smirking):
"Come now, Benimaru. If you hesitate another moment, I'll have you pinned."
Benimaru (grinning):
"Old man, you've been saying that for years."
With a flash of crimson flame, Benimaru lunged — only for Hakuro to effortlessly sidestep and tap him on the shoulder with the flat of his blade.
Hakuro:
"Point for me."
Benimaru groaned and lowered his sword.
Across the courtyard, Shion stood over a trembling Gobta, who was flat on his back, groaning dramatically.
Shion (hands on hips):
"How are you this bad, Gobta? You tripped over your own sword!"
Gobta (whining):
"Training's rough, Boss Shion! Maybe if you didn't swing like you're trying to break mountains—"
Shion (grinning):
"Maybe if you learned to dodge."
She gave Gobta a playful whack on the head, earning another groan from him.
Nearby, Shuna tended a lush garden of rare herbs and fruits, humming softly as she harvested ingredients for the palace kitchens.
Ranga, the giant wolf, lounged under the shade of a nearby tree, tail wagging lazily, keeping an eye on everyone with calm contentment.
In a more secluded area, Souei drilled his network of spies — both human and monster — in the arts of stealth, information gathering, and infiltration.
His cold voice carried through the training hall.
Souei:
"Again. Blend with the wind. Your footsteps must not betray you."
A young trainee stumbled, and in a blur of movement, Souei appeared behind him.
Souei (softly):
"If I were an enemy, you'd be dead."
The trainee swallowed hard and nodded, determination flashing in his eyes.
From the shadows, Diablo observed with a rare glint of amusement.
Diablo (murmuring):
"How diligent... Our little nation is thriving beautifully, isn't it?"
That afternoon, Velzard — the mighty white dragon and Varvatos' old friend — returned from a visit to the far north.
She swept into the palace like a snowstorm, her long silver hair trailing behind her, radiating chill and elegance.
Velzard:
"Varvatos! You laze about while the world writhes in confusion."
Varvatos sat on a wide marble seat by an open balcony, casually sipping tea, a book of poetry laid open beside him.
He looked up with a smirk.
Varvatos (amused):
"You sound breathless. Did you run here?"
Velzard rolled her eyes and folded her arms.
Velzard:
"Guy told me.
The nations are stirring.
Everyone thinks Sarion and Nyvaris have formed some great alliance."
Varvatos chuckled, deep and warm, setting down his cup.
Varvatos:
"Let them think what they wish.
I have no interest in politics."
Velzard arched an eyebrow.
Velzard:
"That's what makes it more dangerous.
You're not playing the game — but they think you are."
Varvatos (grinning):
"It's not my fault mortals see shadows where there are none."
He leaned back comfortably, letting a cool breeze ruffle his dark hair.
Varvatos:
"Besides… my relationship with Elmesia is built on friendship.
Not treaties. Not pacts.
Just simple trust."
Velzard studied him for a moment, then allowed herself a small smile.
Velzard:
"Hmph. Then keep doing what you're doing.
It's working."
She joined him at the balcony, both watching the city below.
Children's laughter. Merchants' shouts. The clang of hammer on steel.
Life.
Later That Evening — The Great Hall
A small gathering formed — Benimaru, Shion, Diablo, Souei, Hakuro, Ranga, Shuna, and even Gobta (bandaged but grinning).
They shared food and laughter under the shimmering chandeliers.
Benimaru (raising a mug):
"To Nyvaris!
And to the days ahead — whatever they bring!"
Shion (grinning):
"As long as I get to smash something now and then, I'm happy."
Shuna (softly):
"And as long as our people are safe and smiling… that is enough."
Gobta (lifting his cup with both hands):
"To easy training!"
(Everyone laughs.)
Varvatos watched from his seat at the head of the table, a rare feeling of genuine warmth stirring in his ancient heart.
Varvatos (thinking):
"This… is why I created Nyvaris."
A home.
A sanctuary.
A dream made real.
Let the world scheme and plot.
In here, in Nyvaris — life moved forward, untouched.