After the brief interlude, the banquet officially began. A parade of delicacies prepared from the rarest ingredients of the Lands Between was served. The master chef from Stormveil, whom the Queen had specifically recruited, presented a spread that honored the distinct traditions of the ancient Storm Dynasty.
Since the dawn of the Age of Stars, the Storm Forefathers had shared a spiritual bond with the Ancient Dragon Dynasty. They regarded the Dragon God Halaris as their own and honored Placidusax as the true Elden Lord of the old world. When the lighthouse of Farum Azula was completed, many Storm Knights followed the dragons into the sky, where their descendants remain to this day. Those who stayed behind eventually beca the fad Banished Knights of the current era.
Because the dragons and the Storm Dynasty shared a common lineage of faith, their cultures were inextricably linked. By inviting such a chef, the Queen had signaled her deep respect for Lucia's heritage.
The atmosphere grew harmonious. Marika and Lansseax drifted into a discussion on the training of the Ancient Dragon Knights, with Radagon offering sharp, tactical suggestions. Godrick ate in a sullen, self-imposed silence, leaving Lucia to chat with Miquella across the table.
Miquella seed to harbor a genuine goodwill toward Lucia. Unlike the asured, "perfect" responses the boy gave his mother, Lucia felt a strange sense of ease around him—a warmth that felt almost like being with a lifelong friend.
Between them, Malenia had abandoned her curiosity the mont the food arrived. She attacked her plate with vigorous energy, her cheeks puffing out like round balls as she wielded her silver cutlery.
"Slow down, dear," Miquella said, gently stroking her head. "No one is going to steal it."
Malenia nodded distractedly. Between bites, she stole quick, furtive glances at Lucia, looking away the second he noticed.
Lucia found it amusing. He reached out to pat her hair, echoing Miquella's gesture. "Why do you keep looking at , little one?"
Malenia hesitated, her expression shifting between shyness and bold curiosity. Finally, she leaned in and whispered, "Lucia... can you breathe fire?"
Lucia choked on his drink, coughing into his napkin. He leaned close to her, wrinkling his nose and putting on his most "ferocious" dragon face. "I can!" he growled. "And I don't just breathe fire—I eat people. Especially little girls like you!"
Malenia froze for a heartbeat.
Just as Lucia thought he'd successfully intimidated her, she burst into a bright, ringing laughter. She reached out with her healthy left hand and patted Lucia's head. "Little Dragon is so cute!" she chirped.
Lucia went rigid. He remained petrified for three full seconds before turning away, his ears burning a distinct shade of red amidst Miquella's irrepressible laughter. He couldn't fathom it. He had spent years in the Lands Between, he had cut down demigods and stood amidst mountains of corpses... and he had just been teased into a stalemate by an eight-year-old girl.
As the night deepened, the dinner concluded. Godrick had already excused himself, unable to bear the isolation of the table. Led by the Queen, the group moved to the inner palace living room.
"That official you recomnded, Clavell—" Marika began with a smile. "I reviewed his records. He was a Court Perfur here years ago. He was only banished to Caelid due to a mistake with a batch of dicinal aromatics. A tragic lapse, given his talent."
"However," Radagon added, "his conduct in Caelid has been exemplary. By breaking through the rebel lines to bring us word, he saved twenty thousand citizens. I have already dispatched the formal appointnt; he will be nad Regent of Caelid within the week."
Radagon looked at Lucia. "We must thank you, Lucia. Not just for turning the tide of the rebellion, but for identifying a talent the Dynasty had overlooked."
"Protecting the people is the mission of every demigod," Lucia replied with a polite nod. "There is no distinction of race or border in such matters. As for Clavell—he is a talent trained by your own capital. I simply gave him the stage. Why should Their Majesties thank for using your own people?"
Marika fell silent for a mont, letting out a troubled sigh. "If only Godrick had half of your awareness, Lucia, we would be spared so much worry."
Lucia smiled but did not pursue the topic. He had anticipated this "reward." While the New Faction and Old Party were locked in a cold war for influence, Marika still held the reins. By appointing Clavell—a man Lucia saved and recomnded—she was effectively granting the Ancient Dragons a voice in Caelid's governance. It was a fair trade for the "face" Lucia had given her by accepting her invitation.
As it stood, the world was in an unprecedented state of balance. The Erdtree awed the world, while the Full Moon and the Ancient Dragons held their respective domains. Demigods stood like pillars supporting the heavens, and mortals were born and died in a perfect, unchanging cycle.
To any observer, it seed this peace would last forever. The Fundantalism of the Golden Order had reached its peak. And as long as the balance held, the world would continue its slow, golden rotation... seemingly into eternity.
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