The morning sun shone gently through the windows of the Alden Mansion, lighting the room in a soft glow. Imperial stirred in bed, brushing a hand across his forehead as he slowly sat up.
Imperial woke from a deep slumber, a sharp ache still stabbing at the back of his head.
"Ahh!"
He groaned, pressing a hand to his temple. Slowly, he pushed himself up and glanced around. The room felt familiar — the room he grew up in.
"I guess… we've arrived home," he murmured.
Then he noticed a woman standing at his door, dressed in a maid's attire. Imperial narrowed his eyes, trying to focus.
"Are you okay, Young Lord Imperial?" she asked softly.
Imperial blinked, suddenly recognizing the voice. "Lady Velya? Is that you?"
"Yes, Young Lord," she replied, smiling faintly.
Imperial surged out of bed, a rush of memories flooding him. As a boy, Velya had been more than a servant — she was the one who kept him on schedule, ensuring he rose when needed, ate properly, and went to bed on time. He remembered being scolded for sleeping too long, and despite it, he had always respected her deeply.
Then the door opened, and Lyra stepped into the room. Without hesitation, she crossed the space and embraced him.
"Lady Velya, can you ask the chefs to prepare a protein-rich meal for Imperial?" she said gently.
"Yes, my lady," Velya replied with a bow before leaving the room.
Imperial smiled and wrapped his arms around Lyra. "Good morning, Mom."
"Good morning, dear," Lyra replied, holding him tight.
Imperial glanced around, brushing hair from his eyes. "Mom… why is Lady Velya here?"
Lyra smiled. "I brought all the servants back. Now that your father is home, and you're back too, I want to spend more time with both of you."
Imperial tilted his head, still puzzled. "Where is everyone else?"
Lyra sighed softly. "You've been sleeping for five days straight. Do you have any idea how much you pushed yourself?"
Imperial winced, brushing the back of his head. "Yeah… about that. What happened in those five days?" bag
Lyra smiled and pulled a chair closer, brushing a hand down the side of his bed. "Well, after you fell unconscious,
Then we got what happen in these five days.
Ari and the other arrived at the port of the Central Empire after two days of departure from Solaria Empire. A few hours later while the sun is about to set, they were in the royal town, and soon after; everyone arrived at the Alden Mansion. Lyra waiting for them and when she heard the knock at the door, she was both excited and emotional. Ari had already told me that everyone saves and they safely rescue Cyrus and now heading towards the empire.
Her voice softened. "Then she opened the door… and she saw Cyrus. Behind him were Ari, Dawn, Tracey and Gray carrying imperial— still unconscious? Erika and her team came in after, and then Ari's parents stepped out of the royal cart."
Lyra smiled as she remembered. "Cyrus smiled, lifting his hands for a hug. But she went straight to imperial, brushing a hand over his head and kissing his forehead. Cyrus just stood there, expecting a hug and laughing when he didn't get one right away. Then she embraced him too. He smiled as tears fell from both of them. It felt like the family was whole again."
Lyra glanced toward the door, brushing a hand down her dress. "After that, everyone came inside. Tracey and Gray placed imperial on his room's bed to rest. Ari asked why there are servants now, since when she was here last time, there weren't any. Lyra explained that when Cyrus left, she felt so lonely in this house. Kai and imperial were away — Kai at the Royal Academy, and Imperial under Lady Velya's care. So, she chose to work by herself and refused to have any servants around to deal with that loneliness by making herself busy. But now that Cyrus is back and imperial and you kids are back in home too, "I want to focus on this family. I brought the servants back because I want to spend more time with you all by taking and lessening about your journey."
Ari's mother smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Miss Lyra, for looking after our daughter."
Lyra waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing at all. Ari is a very good girl, and she helped me so much when she was here. She is someone I can talk all time and not feel loneliness, someone to share moments with. I'm the one who should be thanking you."
Ari's father, Zech, offered a faint smile. "We've caused enough trouble and burden for imperial and you Mrs. lyra.
Perhaps it's time for us to leave and for some time till w not go to our empire will stay at a hotel."
Gray shook his head sharply. "That's not a good idea, Sir. Not in this situation. Someone with a grudge could find out where you're staying — and even with security, it's too dangerous for you to stay in a hotel right now."
Lyra nodded firmly. "Gray is right. The safest place for you to stay is here, with us, until you can return to your empire."
Erika stepped forward, brushing a hand across the hilt of her blade. "Lord Zech, Lady Kira — when you're ready to return to your empire, I and my team can escort you safely."
Zech shook his head. "No, no… I can't ask now more favor from the royalty for help just for our own security."
Erika smiled softly. "It is our duty, Sir. We are royal soldiers of this empire, and it is only right for us to ensure your safety."
Cyrus placed a hand on Zech's shoulder. "Trust Erika and her team. After all, she is my one and only student. They'll make sure you return to your empire safely."
Zech and Kira exchanged a glance before nodding. "Very well. We'll accept your escort. But still… I wonder who's currently ruling our area under the Hale Family."
Erika replied calmly. "It's your younger brother. Only a few people know about the incident that happened. He announced to the people that you were attacked by unknown assailants, and until you return, he is acting as regent in your absence."
Zech clenched a fist, a hint of anger and frustration in his voice.
Gray spoke quietly, a knowing edge in his voice. "Even after you arrive in the empire, threats will still be lurking. But as long as you have the right people by your side, you can overcome it all."
Then Lyra spoke with a warm smile, brushing her hands together.
"For now, the best thing to do is to have a proper meal. You've all been traveling and fighting for so long — you must be exhausted. The servants will escort you to your rooms. Wash up, relax a bit, and then join us for dinner. It's almost ready."
As the servants appeared, Erika quietly tried to slip towards the door, hoping to disappear. But before she could step out, Lyra called sharply,
"And where are you going, Miss Erika, without eating?"
Erika froze, terror flashing across her face. The rest of the group exchanged surprised glances until Heya spoke with a faint chuckle.
"Have we ever seen you this frightened, Lady Erika?"
With a quiver in her voice, Erika stammered,
"N-No, Lady Lyra..."
Cyrus gave a knowing chuckle.
"Some things never change, eh?"
He and Lyra exchanged a warm laugh, puzzling the rest of the group. Lyra waved a hand and explained,
"When Erika was a child, she used to train under Cyrus. Erika's father and Cyrus were close friends. Erika pushed herself to the limit every day. And every evening, I would bring food to the training grounds for both of them. I treated her like a daughter — scolding when she needed it, and looking after her like a mother. So, she still fears my voice even now."
At that, understanding dawned across the room. Erika's cheeks warmed crimson, and she smiled shyly.
A servant stepped forward and announced,
"Lady Ari, your room is ready. You can use it when you're ready."
Ari smiled and thanked the servant.
Kira and Zech departed to their room, while the rest went to Imperial's room to check on him, making sure he was resting well.
After some time, they gathered for dinner. As the dishes were laid out and the room filled with savory aromas, Lyra spoke with a worried expression,
"I'm still concerned about Imperial. He hasn't eaten for over two days."
Then, with a hint of hesitation, Dawn spoke up,
"Uncle Cyrus, may I ask you something?"
Cyrus smiled and nodded.
"Of course, Dawn. What is it?"
Dawn met his gaze.
"It's about that book. Imperial told us that you started your journey because of a book that caught your interest. The same book is in my village, a book that tells the history of your homeland. But a few years ago, all the persons who could read its contents were killed. No one knows what's inside anymore. Did you ever find anything about it?"