Influence

Kael leaned casually against the velvet armchair in her mother’s parlor, her arms folded and an impish grin playing on her lips. “Well, mother dear, the time has come to honor your promise. Cancel the arranged marriage.”

Aldren, the loyal butler standing at her side, adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “Madam, your daughter is right. She has accomplished something remarkable—an achievement that will be sung about for decades. Her word carries the weight of legends now.”

Lady Mael’s face twisted with frustration. She slammed her jeweled hand against the armrest. “Unbelievable! You’ve rejected a marriage that would have brought us immense advantages!”

Kael’s smile didn’t falter. She tilted her head, her tone sharp but playful. “Correction, mother: it would have brought you advantages, not us. I’m much happier with things as they are. Besides…” She gave an exaggerated sigh, flashing a mischievous wink. “I can’t stay cooped up here any longer. You know, the life of a champion of justice is exhausting.”

“Grrr… fine!” Lady Mael spat, throwing up her hands. “You’ve caused a spectacular mess. But honestly, wouldn’t it have been easier to just accept the arranged marriage?”

Kael stepped toward the door, her boots clicking on the marble floor. With one last smirk over her shoulder, she replied, “I don’t like easy things.” Then she left, her cloak trailing behind her like a challenge to the world.

Meanwhile, Mira and Lian sat together in the warmth of their small home. The quiet after the storm felt strange—almost heavy. Lian leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gaze soft yet steady as it fixed on Mira.

“You know,” he began, “Kael and I… we wouldn’t have gotten this far without you. You’re important to us, Mira. More than you realize.”

Mira looked down, her hands folded on her lap. “I just… I don’t always feel that way. Sometimes it feels like I’m dragging you both down.”

Lian shook his head firmly. “No. You’ve been the one holding us together more times than you can count. And if you ever feel like you’re drowning again, don’t keep it locked up inside. We’re here for you—always. But I need you to promise me something: talk to us. Don’t carry everything alone.”

Her lips trembled slightly before she gave a small nod. “…I promise.”

A sly smile spread across Lian’s face. “Do I need to read your mind to see if you’re telling the truth?”

Mira snapped her head up, narrowing her eyes. “Don’t you dare.”

For a moment, silence—then both burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the house like sunlight breaking through clouds. It wasn’t the laughter of denial or forced optimism, but the simple relief of two companions sharing a moment of honesty.

Back at Lady Mael’s estate, Aldren stood stiffly while his mistress paced back and forth across the parlor.

“Those three are such fools,” Mael hissed, her voice dripping with contempt. “Instead of seizing the throne of Orbis, they declined the offer, choosing to wander the land doing quests as if nothing had changed. Insanity! Their fame is not confined to Orbis—it has spread across the entire kingdom! The Demon King was a threat everywhere, and now that he’s gone, their names are on every tongue. This was their chance to rule, and they squandered it! But at least, with the Demon King gone, I can finally do as I please!”

Aldren, ever composed, clasped his hands behind his back. “I wouldn’t be so sure, Madam. Kael herself has gathered considerable influence. Even without a throne, her voice carries weight. I doubt she would allow you to act unchecked.”

Mael stopped mid-step, her face twisting in fury. “Kael! Must she always stand in my way? Always placing obstacles in front of me?”

Her hands clenched into fists, her jeweled rings glinting ominously under the lamplight. “Grrr… One day, she’ll regret crossing me!!!”