Returning to the Imperial City

The city’s towering spires and bustling streets welcomed them back with a quiet hum of familiarity as Terran’s group made their way toward his home. The moment was almost surreal, after a year of running, fighting, and uncertainty, they were finally returning to a place of comfort and stability.

My large, beautiful house loomed ahead, its gates opening smoothly as I approached. The grounds were meticulously kept, the gardens blooming with vibrant flowers and trees that seemed to whisper welcome. I paused a moment, soaking in the sight, a faint smile on my face.

Uriko was right beside him, her eyes bright with anticipation. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” she said softly. “It’s your first real homecoming in a long time.” She glanced at Vin, who was quietly admiring everything, her gaze flickering between Terran and the house.

Vin grinned, her voice teasing. “And I’m not leaving you alone with her, honey. I really want to see where you grew up.”

Poh, trailing behind with a boastful grin, chuckled. “My place is definitely bigger than this, for sure. It’s practically a palace.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. With a chuckle, “Well, it’s a little too big for me,” I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. “Feels like I could get lost in here sometimes.”

They approached the front door, which swung open as if welcoming them, and inside, my father waited—a figure of calm strength, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw his son.

“Terran,” my father said softly, stepping forward to clasp his hand in a firm overhanded handshake, then pulling him into a warm embrace like two warriors sharing a silent understanding. “You’re home.”

The group gathered around as my father outlined the plans. “We’ll investigate Eldrin carefully. His connections run deep, cause his legacy as part of my hero party. We’ll need to be cautious, but I trust that with your help, we’ll uncover the truth.”

After a moment of discussion, elaborating the connections that the Great Hunter has accumulated over the years. My father explained the plan for us to know in secret. 

Then with a nod they went to the Imperial Center, toward the grand hall. “Come. There’s someone I want you all to meet—someone very important.”

Enuma spoke in my head, "Oi, this is the exciting part. I barely got a small glance at this spoiled brat last time." and I was surprised and confused by his comments. "Ehh!? ...Who?"

They followed the great hero to the palace and were escorted into the corridors, winding their way to the throne room. The large double doors opened to reveal a grand chamber bathed in golden light, where Emperor Solja, in all his regal glory, sat upon his throne. His presence was commanding, yet warm, and his gaze immediately settled on the visitors.

“Welcome back home,” the emperor said with a smile that radiated authority and kindness. His voice was steady, full of pride. “I have heard of your deeds. It is good to see brave warriors returning home.”

Uriko stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesty, I am honored to return to you.”

The emperor nodded graciously. “It is an honor to have you here, Princess. My daughter you have grown into a mighty fine woman. Please, friends make yourselves comfortable. This city is proud to have you return.”

As they settled into the grandeur of the throne room, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Here, amid the comfort of his home and the strength of allies and family. In the grand throne room, the atmosphere grew tense as Emperor Solja leaned forward, his voice resonating with authority.

“Today,” he announced, “I declare the union of Princess Uriko and Terran, son of the hero Herro Kamina. This alliance is to strengthen our bonds and ensure the future of our realm.”

A stunned silence followed. My eyes widened, and I looked to my father, who stepped forward with a broad smile, clapping him on the shoulder.

“Congratulations, my son,” Herro said with a teasing grin. “Look at you two—already looks like you’re married. Didn’t take long, did it? This was the plan we had all along before you ran off.”  

My jaw tightened, confusion and disbelief washing over him. “Wait—wait, what? This was planned. Since before the graduation match? Are you serious?” turning to Uriko I said "Is this okay? I don't want to be an inconvenience." 

The emperor’s sneer sharpened at his words. “Challenging my decision, boy? That’s a foolish notion. I made this alliance for the good of the empire. Your doubts are irrelevant.”

Uriko, surprisingly, stepped forward with a soft smile. “Actually, it was my own idea,” she admitted, her cheeks faintly tinged with pink. “I thought it would be… fitting. A proper union for the future.”

I stared at her, still stunned. “You… you wanted this?”

Herro chuckled, crossing his arms. “The announcement would’ve come sooner, but the boy here ran away, causing us some delay.”

My mind buzzed with confusion, then Enuma’s voice echoed his thoughts, dry and amused. "Humans and their political ambitions, so similar, so boring. No one’s killing each other for a woman’s hand right now… or at least, not openly."

I shot back mentally. "I worry what you call entertaining."

Herro, meanwhile, looked wistful for a moment. “I’m sad that you mother is too busy to witness this. But I am proud of you, Terran. We are proud if you. You’ve become confident, strong—worthy of such a future.”

Some part of him hesitated, then a voice that sounded like Poh from the side murmured, “Some thought Vin would be upset by this news.”

At that, the Stoke family’s representative, Vin, stepped forward boldly, a playful smirk on her face. “Proud to be my honey’s concubine, and I’ll get his true love without an arranged marriage,” she declared loudly, with a wink.

Uriko’s face immediately pouted, crossing her arms. “Vin, seriously?” she huffed, glaring at her.

Vin grinned wider, clearly enjoying herself. Emperor Solja graciously bowed to Vin, "The Stoke Family is most welcomed as royalty in this empire." 

Which Vin bowed and thanked the emperor, and then grabbed hold of Terran's arm. 

The emperor chuckled at the spectacle, then turned to Herro with a teasing smirk. “You’ve been surpassed—by your own son, no less. Look at all the women falling for him. It seems the boy’s charm is quite contagious.”

Herro shook his head with a bemused smile, though a flicker of pride shone in his eyes. “Let’s see what the future holds,” he replied quietly.

The scene in the grand chamber was a strange mix of political alliance, playful teasing, and underlying expectations. 

Yet beneath it all, I felt a strange sense of the shifting tides—of power, of relationships, and of a destiny I was only beginning to understand. I knew that the journey ahead, investigating Eldrin, uncovering the secrets and the demon connections, and standing before the emperor—was only the small part of the world.