A dragon maid, Agni thought, blinking. That's new.

The second figure followed.

And the entire plaza seemed to hold its breath.

The Hero.

He was a man with lush blonde hair that seemed to catch and hold the sunlight, and light blue eyes that radiated confidence and warmth in equal measure. His Academy uniform was impeccably tailored, and he moved with the easy grace of someone who'd never doubted his place in the world.

As he dismounted, the maid handed him his suitcase. Her eyes opened, revealing distinctive slit pupils set in golden irises that decorated her beautiful face with an otherworldly quality.

"My role ends here, Young Master Draekon," the maid——said with a small bow.

"Thank you for the escort, Seraphina," Draekon replied warmly, taking the suitcase.

"I have to fulfill the request of majesty before I leave by night so please feel free to reach out in case of needing assistance.."

Draekon nodded…

A moment later, another arrival.

The sound of hooves.

Thundering, rhythmic, powerful.

A Royal Chariot of the Moon Empire rolled into the plaza, drawn by five massive horses.

But these weren't ordinary horses.

They were Shadowmane Horses—jet-black, with manes that seemed to flicker like dark flames. Their eyes glowed crimson, burning with some inner fire. Each one was the size of Big B, muscles rippling under their glossy coats.

The chariot came to a halt.

A man stepped out.

Prince Cassius of the Moon Empire.

He had white hair—not the white of age, but pure, silvery-white that fell in elegant waves to his shoulders. His eyes were gray, sharp and calculating. He wore the formal uniform of Moon Empire nobility—white and silver, trimmed with dark blue.

He smiled.

But his smile didn't quite reach his eyes."

"Prince Cassius looks pissed," Lyralei chuckled quietly. "He got completely outshined by the Hero's entrance."

"Definitely fancy entries," Agni agreed. "Both looked impressive."

And those horses...

They really do look like Big B.

I miss that grumpy bastard.

Below, Draekon turned toward Prince Cassius.

The Hero gave a small, respectful nod.

"Prince Cassius. A pleasure, as always."

Cassius returned the gesture, his smile tightening slightly.

"Hero Draekon. The pleasure is mine."

They shook hands—firm, measured, the kind of handshake that doubled as a test of strength and dominance.

Neither gave ground.

After a moment, they released and turned to enter the academy together.

And that's when their eyes traveled upward.

To the balcony.

To the vision of unparalleled beauty standing at the railing.

Lyralei Valen.

Both men froze.

Their eyes widened—just for a moment, just a fraction of a second—but enough.

Draekon's confident smile faltered.

Cassius's irritated expression smoothed into something closer to awe.

Lyralei watched their reactions with satisfaction.

Now that's a worthy reaction, she thought, pleased. Glad to know I haven't lost my touch.

Both men quickly recovered, but the damage was done. Their jaws had nearly dropped. Their composure had cracked.

And Lyralei had noticed.

Now that's a worthy reaction, she thought, pleased. Glad to know I haven't lost my touch.

Agni was already turning away from the railing, stretching his arms above his head.

"So," he said. "Are we done watching arrivals? Can I go find a place to nap?"

Lyralei's eye twitched again.

"...No," she said evenly. "We're not done yet."

This is going to be a long engagement.