Chapter 51

The sun, refracted through the planet’s crystalline atmosphere, casts long violet shadows across the glistening towers of the capital. Kalt XVIII stands beside Rhodendris Azalea Flores as the final documentation scrolls hover before them in a gentle spin of mana light.

Azalea
(finishing his signature with a flourish of arcane petals)
And with that, Raureif and the Floral Kingdom are now officially trade allies.
Mana textiles, stabilized weather scrolls, flora-based agriculture, and mana-silk fashion—welcome to a new era, little king.

Kalt XVIII
(looking over the floating glyphs and seals, eyes wide)
Are you sure about this? This is… this is a lot.

Azalea
(grinning, folding his arms)
It’s exactly the right amount. Raureif needs roots as much as it needs wings.
You’ve got the strength of the Universal Guard on your side—but trade and culture? Those are what keep kingdoms alive, not just protected.

Kalt XVIII
(humbly)
Thank you. Truly. I won’t let you down.

Azalea
(smiling, stepping toward a floral portal glowing behind him)
You won’t. And if you feel like you might?
You can always teleport to the Floral Kingdom while I’m there.
Ask for me. There’s always a bloom with your name on it.

Kalt XVIII
(chuckling softly)
Does that line actually work on people?

Azalea
(smug)
It works on everyone.
Ask Shizuku—he’s tried to steal it before.

A shimmering breeze, perfumed with wild roses and sage, swirls around the balcony as the portal brightens.

Azalea
(sincerely, just before stepping in)
You’re doing well, Kalt. Never be afraid to ask for help, or to lean on the friendships you’ve forged.
They’ll carry you when frost alone cannot.

With a final wink, Azalea vanishes into the portal, leaving behind only a cluster of spectral lilies—and a contract bearing the sigil of both Raureif and the Floral Kingdom, glowing in unison.

Kalt takes one step forward, hand on the railing, wind tousling his cloak. The frost is still everywhere, but for the first time, it feels like it’s beginning to melt.