---
Near Skyster Castle – Dawn
The morning mist had just begun to lift. Rays of soft light filtered through the carved windows of the royal carriage, casting a gentle glow across Dian Skyster's face.
He blinked once.
Then again.
A soft [ding] echoed in his ears as a translucent screen appeared before his eyes—tinged in ominous crimson.
---
[Hidden Sub-QuestTriggered: Rival's Flame]
A rival has stepped into the shadows. Driven by love. Fueled by envy.
Objective: Disrupt House Skyster's influence
Reward: ???
Penalty: ???]
---
Dian's brows furrowed slightly. "What the hell is this now?"
"So, you are not gonna settle down easily. Huh."
A figure came to mind—blonde hair, golden eyes.
He knew exactly who the rival was.
His eyes narrowed. With a thought, he dismissed the screen. A faint chill brushed down his spine—not fear, but instinct. Something had shifted.
A piece had moved on the board.
But there was no time to dwell on it.
Beside him, Queen Emily Measter rested quietly, her breathing faint yet stable. His fingers lingered near the edge of her seat, careful and steady.
Across from him sat Emma, arms folded, eyes sharp—watching him, as always.
Beside her, Olivia remained quiet, her gaze flickering between her mother and Dian.
To his right, Gianna offered her usual quiet warmth.
And Suzine, with her fingers loosely entwined in his, leaned gently against his shoulder.
He allowed himself a breath.
Then the carriage began to slow.
The creak of wheels over stone. The muffled call of guards from outside.
"We've arrived, Young Lord," came Jones' voice.
---
Skyster Castle – Main Courtyard
The massive wrought-iron gates swung open. Under the amber dawn, the twin carriages rolled into the courtyard of Skyster Castle.
Servants, butlers, maids, and guards lined the white-stone stairs in full formal attire. After all, it was the long-awaited return of their young lord.
The door of the first grand carriage clicked open.
Dian stepped out first.
Gasps echoed through the courtyard.
Their young lord looked like something from legend—tall, radiant, his eyes calm yet commanding. But what truly stole their breath wasn't just his presence.
It was the woman in his arms.
A blonde-haired elven beauty, resting peacefully in his embrace, her skin a touch too pale.
Whispers rippled among the staff.
"Is that…?"
"No… it couldn't be…"
"Wait—that's Queen Emily Measter of Elora?!"
Dian descended the steps with quiet authority, every stride graceful yet purposeful.
Some maids looked away, their cheeks flushed.
Others whispered with excitement.
"Welcome back, Young Master…"
"My Lord, you've returned in style," one bold maid giggled.
Dian glanced her way, a teasing smile curling his lips.
"Would you rather I returned in rags?"
Laughter followed, soft and surprised.
Gianna stepped out next, radiant and composed. Suzine followed, her presence regal and warm.
Then came Olivia, hesitant and wide-eyed…
And finally, Emma—storm-eyed and visibly irritated.
"This is absurd," she muttered under her breath. "It's like we've been kidnapped."
The maids bowed again, more formally this time.
"Welcome home, My Ladies."
Their tone was respectful, but their eyes lingered on the unexpected sight: beautiful elf women beside their master. Five in total… at least, that's what they thought.
Whispers deepened. Cheeks reddened.
Dian didn't pause. He nodded once as guards bowed in unison and continued walking.
His destination—his chambers.
But his mind wandered a little. "Why is she so... soft. Squishy."
His right hand holding Emily by her thigh literally sank in there. And instantly a chime rang in his mind, followed by a sultry and teasing voice.
"Host~, why don't you feel a little more. Now is the best time, you know~."
Dian didn't deny her instantly. His eyes went a little behind him, towards Emma's stare. "You want your host dead?". He spat in his mind.
A long laugh followed.
Dian shaking his head, made his made inside.
.
.
---
Inside Skyster Castle – Dian's Chambers
The grand double doors swung open, revealing a suite bathed in soft, magical light. Enchanted flames danced quietly across polished stone, and plush carpets muffled each step.
Dian carried Queen Emily to the center bed, laying her down with care. He adjusted the covers gently, his hands moving with a grace that came from quiet resolve.
The others stood in silence, watching.
Then he rose.
"You may leave now," he said, voice low but firm.
Jones bowed wordlessly and exited.
But Emma didn't move.
"I'm staying." Her tone was sharp, rebellious.
Dian turned to her, arching a brow.
"What?"
Emma smirked coldly. "You expect me to leave my unconscious mother in the hands of a known womanizer?" Her eyes slid briefly toward Suzine and Gianna.
Dian didn't respond to the jab. He simply sighed.
"Suit yourself."
And so, she stayed—along with Olivia, Gianna, and Suzine.
Dian returned his focus to Emily.
Reaching into his robes, he withdrew a small silver vial, filled with shimmering golden liquid.
---
[Item: Cure for Eternal Poison]
Source: System Inventory
---
He uncorked the vial slowly.
Emma narrowed her eyes.
"What is that?"
No answer.
He crouched at Emily's side, cradling her head gently.
"I asked you a question," Emma repeated, louder now.
Still silent, Dian brought the vial to Emily's lips and tilted it.
A few drops fell. But her throat didn't move.
No swallow.
Gianna stepped forward slightly.
"Husband?"
His gaze flicked toward her… then back to Emily.
A choice formed in his mind.
Without hesitation, he raised the vial to his own lips—and drank. Not to consume, but to hold it.
Then, slowly, he leaned in.
And pressed his lips to Emily Measter's.
Sharp gasps filled the room.
Emma recoiled.
Suzine's hands flew to her mouth.
Gianna froze mid-step.
Their lips touched—gently but firmly. Dian held her close, transferring the potion in measured breaths. A golden droplet shimmered between their mouths before vanishing.
And then… Emily swallowed.
A faint glow lit her throat.
Dian pulled back, wiping her lips clean with his thumb.
Emma's voice cracked.
"What the hell was that?!"
Confusion warred with rage across her face—embarrassment, disbelief… and a trace of something else. Jealousy, perhaps?
Suzine and Gianna exchanged glances. Their emotions weren't rooted in envy—but in memory.
Desire stirred.
They couldn't help but stare at Dian's lips—still glistening faintly with gold. They swallowed, remembering nights where those same lips whispered devotion between shared ecstasy.
The fire within them flared.
Dian stood near the bed, turning to face them.
"It was the cure. She'll wake soon."
His eyes shifted back to Emily, softer now.
"She just needs time."
Everyone turned their eyes to the elven queen.
Waiting.
.
.
.
Five Minutes Later…
Silence.
Still nothing.
Emma shot a glare at Dian, who avoided her gaze.
"Hey! System!" Dian called silently in his head. "I gave her the cure. Why isn't she waking up?"
A soft chime. Then the system's voice answered—cool, feminine, and lazy.
"Why so tense, Host? Don't worry—she'll wake up any second now."
A pause.
"The poison's concentration was unusually high. That's why the recovery is a bit... slow."
Dian sighed.
"If she doesn't wake up soon, that hot-headed princess is going to murder me."
He didn't turn around. He didn't have to.
He could feel Emma's dagger-like stare stabbing into his back.
And then—
A breath.
A whisper.
Soft and sweet.
"...sweet."
The room froze.
Emily had spoken.
.
.