The gate shimmered softly as Reeve stepped through first.
Behind him walked:
Seraphyne, the Vampire Queen, calm and regal
The little girl, quietly holding Reeve's cloak
Nerisse, alert and observant
And a single Dryad, her presence soothing the mana around them
This was not a war party.
This was diplomacy.
---
Fairy Kingdom
Crystal towers rose like frozen music.
Mana drifted freely, untouched, alive.
Reeve approached the throne room without hesitation.
"Do you have the new world map?" he asked directly.
The Fairy King nodded.
"Yes. Astra Nox is now… acknowledged."
Before Reeve could respond—
A voice echoed from behind.
"So this is how it is, huh?
You got married and didn't tell me?"
The room froze.
Reeve turned.
A young man stood there—silver-black hair, lazy smile, eyes sharp enough to cut mana itself.
"…If you're discussing something important," Reeve said calmly,
"We can speak later."
The young man laughed.
"Still cold. Still unfair."
Reeve frowned.
"Who are you? And I didn't get married.
But when I do—I'll invite you."
The young man burst into laughter.
"Hahaha—good. I'll hold you to that."
Then he turned to the throne.
"That's enough, King."
Reeve's eyes narrowed.
"…You're the new Fairy King?"
The man smirked.
"No."
Nyx's voice whispered instantly.
[Nyx — System Notification]
Confirmed.
The Fairy King has adapted a secondary vessel.
This individual is the Fairy King.
Reeve's gaze sharpened.
"So… you're wearing another body."
The man—Yuzora—shrugged casually.
"Kings don't always rule from one shape."
---
The Treaty
Reeve stepped forward.
"Then let's speak as kings."
Yuzora leaned against the throne.
"You built a kingdom in demon land.
You connected worlds without breaking balance.
And now you ask for recognition."
Reeve nodded.
"I ask for open passage.
Trade. Travel. Mutual defense against Heaven's interference."
Seraphyne's aura flared slightly.
"We will not kneel," she said softly.
"But we will protect what we sign."
Yuzora studied her.
Then the little girl.
Then the Dryad.
"…Interesting group."
He smiled.
"Very well."
The Fairy King raised his hand.
"Fairy Kingdom recognizes Astra Nox as a sovereign kingdom."
Mana rippled.
"Trade routes will be opened.
Information shared.
And if Heaven moves—
We will not stand aside."
Reeve extended his hand.
"Then we are allied."
Yuzora clasped it.
"Treaty accepted."
The world map glowed faintly.
A new mark appeared.
---
Toward Eldmere
As they exited the Fairy Kingdom, Nerisse exhaled slowly.
"That went smoother than expected."
Seraphyne smiled faintly.
"Kings who hide their true faces are usually the most dangerous."
Reeve looked ahead.
"Next—Eldmere."
The gate opened again.
And somewhere far away—
Something ancient noticed the movement.