The throne room had not felt this light in years.
Sunlight streamed through tall arched windows, washing over polished marble and banners that had once been darkened by war. The air smelled clean again—no blood, no smoke, no fear. Heroes stood shoulder to shoulder beneath the high ceiling, armor set aside, weapons absent. For once, no one was braced for an attack.
At the center of it all sat the king.
He leaned forward on his throne, hands resting proudly on the armrests, a broad smile stretching across his face as his gaze settled on Reider.
"Reider," the king said grandly, his voice echoing through the hall, "for all you've done for this kingdom… for the battles you've fought, the lives you've saved, and the future you've secured—"
He gestured, and servants stepped forward with heavy chests.
"I present you with ten thousand platinum coins."
The lids were lifted.
Even the light seemed to pause as it struck the polished stacks inside.
A hush fell over the room.
Every head turned slowly toward Reider.
Vael folded her arms, already smirking. Mei clasped her hands nervously in front of her, half-expecting the moment. Eryndra leaned back with a lazy grin, one eyebrow raised. Zera crossed her arms, amused. Juno watched carefully. The twins exchanged knowing looks. Kael leaned toward Zera, lowering his voice.
"Bet he'll refuse," Kael whispered, smirk deepening. "Like always."
Reider stood there, arms crossed, posture relaxed, expression unreadable.
The silence stretched.
Long enough for the king to shift slightly.
Long enough for the servants to glance at one another.
Long enough for everyone in the room to wait for the inevitable refusal.
Then Reider spoke.
"I'll take it."
The room exploded.
"WHAT?!"
Vael blinked. Mei froze. Eryndra straightened. Zera choked on a laugh. Juno's eyes widened. One of the twins audibly gasped. Kael's jaw dropped.
Vael stepped forward first, disbelief written all over her face. "Since when do you care about money?"
Reider looked away slightly, tone flat. "I'm not taking care of three women with no money."
Silence.
Then—
"WH-WHAT DO YOU MEAN TAKE CARE OF US?!" Eryndra snapped, face blazing red.
"R-Reider!" Mei squeaked, covering her face with both hands. "You can't just say that here!"
Zera burst out laughing, pointing at them. "Finally, someone said it out loud!"
Reider glanced back at the three of them. "You all eat a lot."
Vael stepped closer, eyes blazing. "Are you saying we're expensive?!"
"Yes," Reider said seriously. "You are."
Eryndra clutched her chest dramatically, leaning on Mei. "How could you say that after everything we've been through?!"
Mei giggled despite herself. "I mean… he's not wrong…"
Juno leaned toward the twins. "You think he'll make them pay rent too?"
"Probably makes them cook," one twin snickered.
Kael sighed, rubbing his temple. "Man's got priorities."
Reider turned back to the king. "So, when do I get the money?"
The king laughed nervously, wiping sweat from his brow. "R-Right away! Of course!"
Behind him, Vael, Mei, and Eryndra stood together, arms crossed, all blushing.
"I can't believe this," Vael muttered.
Eryndra leaned in, whispering with a grin. "Guess he's serious about keeping us."
"Don't say it like that," Vael hissed.
Reider glanced back. "If you don't want to share, I can take the money for myself."
"NO, NO, NO!" all three shouted at once.
Reider raised an eyebrow. "Thought so."
Zera laughed so hard she had to brace herself. "He's got you all wrapped around his finger!"
Mei sighed, smiling fondly at Reider. "You're impossible."
"At least he's planning for a future with us," Eryndra whispered to Vael.
Vael glanced away, lips curling into a soft smile. "Yeah… guess that's true."
Reider walked ahead, hands slipping into his pockets as if nothing noteworthy had occurred.
Behind him, voices rose in playful argument.
Juno watched them go, amused. "You think he knows what he's gotten into?"
Kael smirked. "Oh, he knows. He's just too calm to care."
As they walked down the grand hall together, sunlight bathing them in gold, Reider allowed himself the faintest smirk.
Three women.
A kingdom.
A future.
Better get used to it.
The mansion's living room was warm and alive again.
Furniture had been rearranged for comfort rather than strategy. The tension of war had given way to something else—lighter, but no less dangerous.
Reider sat relaxed on the couch, Mei beside him. Eryndra lounged against a chair, arms crossed lazily. Vael stood nearby, posture confident.
Peace had returned.
But something was brewing.
Vael glanced sideways at Reider, smirking. "So, Reider… don't think I forgot."
"Forgot what?" he asked.
She stepped closer. "The bet. The date. I won that fight."
Eryndra straightened instantly. "Hold on. I was in that bet too."
Mei flushed bright red. "I—I'm his wife! Why would we bet on dates?!"
"You still lost," Reider said bluntly.
Mei puffed her cheeks. "That's not the point!"
Eryndra nudged her playfully. "Don't worry. You can have him for breakfast. I just want dinner."
"I already planned the date," Vael said smugly. "You're not invited."
Eryndra leaned onto Reider's shoulder. "So… when do I get my date?"
Reider blinked. "Do I have a say?"
"Nope," Vael replied.
Mei leaned close, voice serious. "Pick wisely."
"I'll go on three dates," Reider said.
"WHAT?!"
"One with each," he added. "Efficient."
Eryndra smirked. "Impressive."
"I'm not playing," Reider replied. "It's practical."
Vael facepalmed. "By the gods…"
Zera whispered to Kael, "They're fighting over him like he's a prize cow."
"But to be fair," Kael replied, "he is Reider."
"So who's first?" Reider asked.
"Me," Vael said instantly.
"I like dessert first," Eryndra added.
"I'll take last," Mei said shyly.
"Noted."
As they bickered, Reider stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the city lights.
So much noise.
But… it wasn't bad.
For once, he smiled.
And when they saw it—
They stopped.
Peace, laughter, and a future yet unwritten.