Chapter 39

Morning light filters through fractured ice windows. The chill lingers, but the oppressive frost has lifted. Kalt XVIII stands at the center, still dressed in the worn cloak of exile. Around him, the Universal Guard busies themselves with post-battle recovery.

Kalt XVIII
(looking down at his hands)
I didn’t think I’d be back here… not like this. Not so soon.

Celeste
(stepping forward, holding a clipboard and snapping her fingers)
Then don’t stand there like you’re still running from something. You’re the heir of Raureif, aren’t you?

Kalt
I am. But… I’m not the same boy who left.

Celeste
Exactly. Which is why I’ve prepared something special.

With a wave of her hand, a brilliant ripple of harmonic mana dances through the hall. Floating toward Kalt are shimmering new robes—an elegant fusion of noble frostwear and practical field armor. Frost-white plates with sound-reactive hexagonal motifs, dark azure lining, a half-cape over the shoulder embroidered with the Raureif sigil—a snowflake shaped like a flame.

Celeste
Armor laced with my best acoustic reinforcement runes. Fabric woven from thread spun in Minamo’s Sky Loom. These won’t just keep you safe—they’ll remind the people of who you are. Not just Kalt XVIII. But the soul of Raureif reborn.

Kalt XVIII
(softly, as the armor floats onto him and fits snugly)
I… I don’t know what to say.

Celeste
Then don’t say anything dumb.

Astera
(grinning as he walks over, arms crossed)
You clean up well, cold prince.

Lily
(jumping in)
You look like a true king now!

Kalt XVIII
(turning with a chuckle)
You three never stop, do you?

Astera
Not while there’s work to do.

Lily
Yeah, and speaking of work…

Celeste
—we’re staying.

Kalt
(confused)
What?

Astera
Raureif’s not just going to bounce back because Givre’s gone. Infrastructure is trashed, agriculture’s frozen over, and half the nobles don’t know if they’re loyal to you or the throne in general.

Lily
So we’re sticking around. One week, maybe more. We’ll help reorganize, replant, and rebuild.

Celeste
And I’m leaving my entire Arcana Sound and Support Guard here to assist. The best healers, boosters, and crowd-calming specialists in the universe. You’re not alone.

Kalt’s eyes widen. His hands tremble slightly in the new robes. For a moment, he looks overwhelmed. Then—he straightens, shoulders squared.

Kalt XVIII
Then I’ll do it right. This time. Not as someone running… but as someone who stays.

The three smile. Outside, workers and civilians bustle with purpose. Raureif is healing. And the sound of hope rings again.