The dining room remained frozen in that moment of tension, everyone processing the King's question. What to do with you now? hung in the air like a sword suspended by a thread.
Kael could feel the weight of multiple gazes on him. Lyssa looked genuinely worried, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, knuckles white with tension. The Queen watched with careful assessment, her expression unreadable. Duke Hadrian leaned back in his chair with calculating interest. Seraphina seemed caught between concern for her friend and curiosity about what her brother-in-law would decide.
Through his bonds, Kael sensed his companions' reactions. Vera's presence was calm but alert, ready to act if needed. Ember radiated simple trust—whatever happened, they'd handle it together. Fulminus projected fierce determination—if anyone tried to harm Kael, they'd face consequences. Mushy's gentle concern washed through their connection, worried but hopeful. And Spritz, the newest addition, sent quiet confidence—Kael had saved him, healed him, given him everything; the small dragon trusted him completely.
The legendary stag protector remained standing beside the King, its ancient eyes still examining Kael with that penetrating, curious gaze. But there was no hostility there, just profound interest in this young human with impossible healing abilities.
Kael himself felt surprisingly calm. He'd made his choice to reveal his secret, and he stood by it. Whatever consequences came from that decision, he'd face them head-on.
After what felt like an eternity but was probably only ten seconds, King Aldric finally spoke.
"I can think of a couple of options," he said slowly, his newly youthful face thoughtful. "First option—and hear me out before you react—you could marry either Seraphina or my daughter Princess Jasmine. She's the female twin of the twin prince and princess, not the eldest daughter. Either union would tie you formally to the royal family, give you status and protection, and ensure your loyalty through familial bonds."
Seraphina's head whipped toward Hadrian so fast that Kael was surprised she didn't get whiplash. "Is he actually serious about this?" she demanded.
"He is," Hadrian confirmed, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Though I suspect he's also testing Kael's reaction."
"Even if I were to agree to that—which I'm not—it would all be up to Seraphina and Jasmine themselves," Kael said firmly. "I'm not going to marry someone who doesn't want to marry me just because it's politically convenient. So option one is definitely out."
The King let out a small chuckle, the sound warm and genuine in a way his previous strained laughter hadn't been. "Your refusal makes me want to go for option one even more. But alas—" he waved a hand dismissively "—no worries. Options two and three are really quite similar and much more practical."
He leaned forward slightly, his restored vitality making him seem years younger than he'd appeared just minutes ago. "Option two: I hire you as the royal healer. It's not currently an open position, but I'm certain the current elderly royal healer wouldn't object to having an assistant with your abilities. You'd have chambers in the palace, a generous salary, and access to resources most tamers never see."
"Option three," he continued, "I hire you as Seraphina's personal bodyguard. It wouldn't change your current friendship—you'd still spend time together as you do now. But officially, your role would be protecting her when she travels or attends events outside the palace. Same benefits as option two in terms of accommodation and resources, just with a different title."
Kael considered both options for a moment. The royal healer position would likely be more prestigious, but it would also draw far more attention. Every noble in the kingdom would want his services. Every court politician would try to curry favor. And he'd probably spend all his time healing minor ailments for people who could afford conventional healers.
"I'll probably go for option three," Kael said. "The bodyguard position. Option two might cause way more commotion—every noble in the capital would be lining up requesting healings. As Seraphina's bodyguard, I'd have more freedom and less scrutiny."
He turned to Seraphina. "If that's okay with you? I know we're friends, but having an official bodyguard might feel weird."
Seraphina was still slightly taken aback from the marriage suggestion—her cheeks were faintly pink—but she responded quickly. "Of course it's okay! I'd love to have you as my official bodyguard. Though you should know I don't actually need protecting—Ripple and I can handle ourselves. But having the excuse to spend more time together sounds wonderful."
"Then it's settled," the King declared. Then he paused, looking at Kael with knowing eyes. "Though I suspect you're about to add a condition?"
"If you're hiring me, you're also hiring Lyssa," Kael said firmly. "We're a registered team at the guild. We work together. That doesn't change just because I'm taking a royal position."
Lyssa's head snapped up, clearly surprised. "Kael, you don't have to—"
"Yes, I do," Kael interrupted gently. "We're a team. We train together, quest together, and support each other. I'm not leaving that behind."
The King smiled, genuine warmth in the expression. "I didn't think you would have it any other way. Very well—both of you are hereby employed as Princess Seraphina's personal bodyguards, effective immediately. We'll handle the paperwork and formalities tomorrow. For tonight, just enjoy the rest of dinner."
The tension that had been holding everyone rigid finally broke. Lyssa sagged slightly in her chair with relief. Hadrian raised his wine glass in salute. Catherine smiled approvingly. And Seraphina looked genuinely delighted.
They returned to their desserts, the atmosphere now considerably lighter. Servants brought coffee and tea, and the conversation drifted naturally toward Kael's healing abilities.
"How exactly does it work?" Catherine asked with genuine curiosity. "The healing, I mean. Is it something you learned, or an innate ability?"
"Innate," Kael replied, carefully omitting any mention of his elemental powers or the transmigration that had brought him to this world. "I've always been able to do it, since I can remember. Complete restoration from any injury or condition."
"Any limits?" Hadrian pressed. "Cooldown period, maximum number of uses per day, restrictions on what can be healed?"
Kael had anticipated this question. "One-hour cooldown between uses," he lied smoothly, mentally explaining to his companions: Better to have that buffer in case this information becomes public for any reason. Not that I suspect the royal family, but you never know how information might leak or who might be listening.
His actual cooldown was thirty minutes now, after healing so many high-rank mythbeasts, but letting people think it was twice that gave him operational flexibility.
"And it truly can heal anything?" the King asked, unconsciously touching his now-youthful face as if still not quite believing the curse was gone.
"As far as I've discovered, yes. Missing limbs, internal damage, curses, birth defects, ancient injuries—I haven't found anything it can't fix yet."
"Remarkable," Hadrian murmured. "With that kind of ability, you could become one of the most influential people in the kingdom. Everyone would want your services—nobles, merchants, military commanders, common folk. The power that comes from being the only one who can provide such complete healing..."
"I don't worry about power or influence," Kael said honestly. "As long as I can be strong enough to take care of those close to me, I'll be more than content."
"A humble goal," Catherine observed with approval.
"Unfortunately," Kael continued with a wry smile, "that means becoming the strongest tamer in the world when there are unimaginably powerful mythbeasts roaming around. Some of the creatures I've sensed..." He glanced at the stag protector, which was still observing quietly. "Like that magnificent being right there. Becoming strong enough to face threats at that level means a lot of training ahead."
The stag made a soft sound that might have been approval or amusement at being called magnificent.
"You have the right mindset," Hadrian said seriously. "Strength for protection rather than conquest. That's the mark of someone who'll use power responsibly."
The conversation continued for another hour, touching on various topics—the upcoming tournament, training methods, the situation at the sanctuary, Kael's companions, and their individual abilities. He was careful to reveal information strategically, sharing enough to satisfy curiosity without exposing every advantage he possessed.
Eventually, Seraphina brought up a practical consideration. "If Kael and Lyssa are to be my bodyguards—even informally—they should probably stay at the palace rather than at an inn in the city. We definitely have enough rooms. Actually, we have entire wings that are barely used."
"That makes sense," Catherine agreed. "You'd be on hand for any emergencies, and you'd have better training facilities than most inns can provide."
"We could set up rooms close to Seraphina's quarters," the King suggested. "One for Lyssa and Granite, another for Kael and his five mythbeasts. That way you're nearby but still have privacy."
"Five rooms would be better," Seraphina corrected. "One for Lyssa and Granite, one for Kael, and individual rooms for each of his companions. That's a lot of mythbeasts to cram into one space, even a large room."
"Actually, one room is fine for all of us," Kael said. "We're used to sharing space. My companions and I prefer being together rather than separated."
"If you're certain," the King replied. "Then we'll arrange accommodations for you both. You can move in tomorrow after settling affairs at your current inn."
"I have one stipulation," Kael added. "I need to continue visiting the sanctuary every night until the tournament. There are still mythbeasts there who need healing, and I promised I'd help them all."
"No objections," the King said immediately. "Though perhaps take a palace guard with you for safety? The capital at night can be dangerous."
"I appreciate the offer, but my companions and I can handle ourselves. Plus, some of the sanctuary mythbeasts are still nervous around humans. Having guards along might make them less willing to approach for healing."
"Fair enough. Just be careful."
The dinner finally wound down as the evening grew late. Servants cleared the remaining dishes, and people began standing to leave. The legendary stag protector gave Kael one last long look before dissolving into a swirl of leaves and vanishing as mysteriously as it had arrived.
Seraphina led Kael and Lyssa through the palace corridors toward where their new rooms would be. The walk took several minutes; the palace was truly massive in scale. They passed through beautifully decorated hallways, past rooms whose purposes Kael could only guess at, until finally reaching a wing that seemed quieter and more residential.
"My quarters are here," Seraphina said, gesturing to a set of ornate doors. "Your rooms will be just down this hall. Let me show you."
She led them about fifty feet further, stopping at two adjacent doors. "This one for you, Lyssa. And this one for you, Kael. I'll have your belongings brought from the inn tomorrow—just give the servants the location and room number."
"Thank you, Sera," Kael said warmly. "For everything. For introducing us to your family, for supporting us, for being a genuine friend."
"That's what friends do," she replied with a smile. "Now get some rest. You've had a very eventful evening."
Seraphina headed back to her own quarters, leaving Kael and Lyssa standing in the hallway outside their new rooms.
"So that just happened," Lyssa said faintly. "Or am I dreaming? We're employed by the royal family now. Living in the palace. Official bodyguards to a princess."
"Don't sell yourself short," Kael replied. "You and Granite are plenty strong. And maybe—" he grinned "—maybe it's because your so-called bad luck, after being healed, turned into a good luck blessing? Ever since I used Divine Restoration on you, things have been going remarkably well."
Lyssa blinked, clearly not having considered that possibility. "Huh. That's... actually kind of terrifying to think about. What if my bad luck was actually suppressed good luck, and now it's all catching up at once?"
"Then we're in for an interesting ride." Kael smiled. "But seriously, Lyssa, you deserve this. You're skilled, you're smart, and Granite is incredibly powerful. The royal family isn't hiring us just because of my healing—they're hiring a team. We're partners, remember?"
"Partners," Lyssa repeated, warmth entering her voice. "Yeah. We are." She paused at her door. "Goodnight, Kael. And thank you. For insisting they hire me, too. You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did. Sleep well, Lyssa."
They entered their respective rooms. Kael's new quarters were enormous compared to the inn room—easily four times the size, with a massive bed, comfortable furniture, and large windows overlooking the palace gardens. His companions filed in, exploring the new space with varying degrees of interest.
As everyone settled in for the night, Spritz approached Kael, where he sat on the edge of the bed.
I want to bond with you, the small dragon projected through Vera's translation. Officially. Permanently.
Kael looked at the creature he'd healed just days ago. "Of course I want to bond with you. But are you sure? Bonding is permanent. Once we make that connection, it's for life."
I've never been more sure of anything, Spritz replied. You gave me back my life, my abilities, my future. You accepted me when I was broken. You brought me into your family. I want to be part of that family officially.
"Then yes," Kael said softly. "I'd be honored to bond with you, Spritz."
The bond formed naturally, easily, as if it had been waiting to happen. Kael felt the now-familiar weight settle into the back of his mind—the fifth mental connection, joining Vera, Ember, Fulminus, and Mushy. But Spritz was right that the enhanced psychic capacity from Vera and all his previous bonds meant the weight was barely noticeable.
What was noticeable was the new power flowing into him. Water elemental control, joining his existing arsenal of psychic, fire, lightning, and poison. And something else—an ability to breathe underwater, to move through water as naturally as through air.
Five bonds. Five elements. And according to the world's standards, having five bonds was nearly unheard of for someone his age and rank.
Welcome to the family, Vera projected warmly. Officially, this time.
Happy you're here! Ember's presence radiated joy.
You'll fit in well, Fulminus added with approval. Your determination to grow stronger matches our own.
We're glad to have you, Mushy, contributed in their gentle way.
Spritz's gratitude flooded through all their bonds, wordless but profound.
Kael lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling of his new palace room, and couldn't help but laugh quietly.
"Even I didn't expect this was how tonight was going to end," he murmured to his companions. "Employed by the royal family, living in the palace, officially bonded with five mythbeasts, with complete elemental control over five different powers."
The world is full of surprises, Vera observed. Who knows what else it might offer?
That was the exciting part, Kael thought. This world was vast, filled with mysteries and opportunities he'd barely begun to explore. Legendary creatures like that stag protector. Ancient powers and forgotten techniques. Entire kingdoms he hadn't visited yet. Challenges that would push him to his absolute limits.
But underneath the excitement, there was still that small voice in his head—the part of him that had died in his previous world, been offered transmigration, and chosen adventure over heaven.
I still wish for an easy, peaceful life sometimes, he admitted to himself and his companions. No tournaments, no politics, no having to become the strongest. Just... simple happiness.
That's impossible, and you know it, Vera replied gently. Not because the world won't allow it, but because you won't allow it. You see someone suffering, and you have to help. You find injured mythbeasts, and you heal them. You make friends, and then you protect them. That's who you are.
Besides, Fulminus added with fierce satisfaction, where's the fun in an easy life? The challenges make us stronger.
Kael smiled in the darkness. They were right, of course. He could wish for simplicity all he wanted, but when it came down to it, he'd choose the harder path every time if it meant helping others and protecting those he cared about.
Five bonds. Five elements. Employed by royalty. With a tournament approaching and countless mysteries still to unravel.
Life was anything but simple.
But it was good.
And tomorrow would bring new adventures, new challenges, and new opportunities to grow stronger and help more people.
For tonight, though, he could rest surrounded by his family—five companions who trusted him absolutely, who'd fight beside him through anything, who made every challenge worth facing.
Kael closed his eyes and let sleep claim him, content despite the impossibility of his peaceful-life wish.
Tomorrow would be interesting.
He couldn't wait.