After that embarrassnt...
Everyone turned their attention back to their responsibilities, and Xara did her best to support everyone in whatever way she could.
And soon... within just two more days...
Things began to calm down across the Pyra Empire. Only the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts remained—and even those progressed surprisingly fast, thanks to the collective effort of everyone involved.
Today was an important day—Maelona had officially announced the Selection of their Empire’s next ruler.
Aether was seated comfortably on a rounded chair, his gaze drifting slowly from Selene to Raven, Thalia, Emberlyn, and finally to Xara.
"So... is everyone ready to head out?" Aether asked softly, his voice calm and gentle.
Selene, Raven, and Thalia nodded in unison, their faces lighting up with eagerness and a hint of nervous anticipation.
anwhile,
Emberlyn and Xara exchanged a look before awkwardly glancing at Aether.
Emberlyn shifted slightly in place. She wasn’t entirely sure about going. She had never been particularly comfortable around unfamiliar people... and truthfully, she didn’t even know if she would enjoy herself there.
Aether let out a thoughtful hum, noticing her hesitation. He understood her reluctance. She was soone who thought deeply before stepping into unknown situations and probably didn’t want to make herself look out of place in front of strangers.
Still, he smiled and leaned a bit toward her.
"Mother-in-law," he said gently, "I know it’s not easy to suddenly mingle with new people, especially when you’re not used to it. But just take this first step. Could you do that for ?"
He could see the curiosity lingering in her eyes, the subtle pull of wanting to explore sothing new but holding herself back.
Emberlyn sighed, visibly softening as she looked at him. "Fine," she muttered with a resigned breath.
Aether then turned to Xara, who awkwardly looked away, pretending to be focused on sothing else.
He chuckled lightly. "No need to force yourself. I already know this isn’t really your thing. But tell , what are you planning to do while we’re gone?"
Xara tapped her chin in thought, then gave a casual nod. "I’m thinking of running a few tests... doing a bit of experintation. I’ll be fine on my own, so don’t worry," she said, waving her hand dismissively.
Aether’s eyes narrowed slightly with curiosity before offering a suggestion. "How about this... why don’t you try testing my blood?"
A sudden glint passed through Xara’s eyes. She blinked a few tis, then shook her head, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
"I... I don’t want to," she stamred. "I’m not sure why, but I really don’t like testing... your blood." as Her expression turned slightly shy as if seeing his blood... seeing him very naked or sothing.
Which was sothing... she had not read yet!
"Oh~ Look at her blushing and being all shy now... oh my~ Your mother is adorable, Selene~" Thalia teased with a playful smirk, clearly entertained by the rare sight of Xara flustered.
Selene groaned loudly and shot a glare at Thalia, who was obviously having fun at her expense.
’Bitch, mark my words. One day, you’ll be in my position, and I’ll be laughing my ass off at you,’ Selene thought bitterly, clenching her fists.
Aether smiled warmly. "To be honest, I’m not asking this just for you—I need it for myself too. I want to understand what’s happening with my body and my blood... can you check it for ? And please, don’t get too curious and try tasting it like the others did. If you do, the sa thing that happened to Mortir will happen to you."
Selene flinched at the ntion of Mortir. The horrifying mory of her grandfather’s body turning into bloody mist replayed vividly in her mind. She looked at her mother with rising concern, then turned toward Aether.
"Aether... if it’s that dangerous—"
"I’ll be fine, dear," Xara interrupted softly, placing a reassuring hand on her daughter’s arm. "I’ve been handling blood since I was a little girl. I know what I’m doing." She gave a firm nod before eting Aether’s eyes. "If this is what you want, then I’ll do it."
Her expression, however, darkened slightly as she reached into her coat, pulling out a large syringe—an evil glint in her eyes, clearly seeking so revenge for the embarrassnt she had suffered earlier.
"Hah... aha... I already collected it," Aether said quickly, pulling out a sealed test tube filled with his blood. He had seen her vengeful streak before and was not about to let her poke holes in him unnecessarily.
Xara, visibly disappointed, took the tube from his hand with a small pout.
"There’s also this," Aether added, handing her another vial—this one filled with a thick white fluid. "Check what’s inside this too," he said, his tone serious.
"What’s that?" Thalia asked curiously. Selene and Raven instantly turned red, both lowering their heads in embarrassnt.
Aether didn’t answer her. Instead, he handed the tube over to Xara.
Xara blinked and stared at the contents for a mont, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. It only took her a second to realise what it was—especially after seeing the way Selene’s face burned red. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but her mind was already whirling with possibilities.
’With this... I could create a new life—’ she thought, her brain kicking into overdrive.
But before her thoughts could spiral too far, Aether leaned in close to her and whispered softly near her ear.
"Don’t even think about creating anything artificial with that... if you want, we can go the natural route~" he breathed, blowing gently against her ear.
Xara’s ears twitched from the sensation. She blushed deeply and lowered her head, her thoughts drifting into unfamiliar fantasies that left her flustered and speechless.
Aether nodded, satisfied with the reaction, and stood up. "Alright, everyone—get ready. Ti to leave."
After exchanging goodbyes, they left Xara behind in the lab. She imdiately dove into her work, hooking herself up to machines, preparing the test kits.
Testing the blood with utmost caution and...
Tasting the... Anyway, she delved into her research.
Strictly research!
anwhile, Aether placed his puppet, Victor, to keep watch over the Empire—just in case.
And with that, the others departed the Empire.
****
Zephyra Empire—despite having recently endured a major disaster... was now preparing for a new beginning. They were holding the long-awaited Throne Ceremony.
So people were still shaken and disheartened, unsure if they were ready for such a celebration. Others, however, felt a sense of relief. At long last, their Empire would have a proper ruler to guide them forward.
Maelona didn’t plan it like a grand festival but more like a sacred, honourable gathering. The streets were lined with banners, each decorated with the nas of the tribes and their fluttering flags—symbolizing unity and rembrance.
Elves, wolves, spirits, demi-humans—mbers from every tribe and every corner of the Empire arrived with candles in hand, gentle laughter in the air as they walked together toward the massive open ground that had been prepared for the ceremony. There was sothing beautiful about the mix of sorrow and hope that filled the atmosphere.
Behind the stage platform, Maelona stood alongside Liora, greeting the arriving dignitaries.
"Welco, Princess Aqualina Naiadia," Maelona said formally, giving a small respectful bow.
Aqualina nodded with her usual composed hum. "Hmm..."
"Welco, Saintess Helena Sunfire," Maelona continued with a warm smile.
"Thank you," Helena replied politely.
As they entered, Maelona asked with a knowing look in her eyes, "What about the Empress and the Archpriestess? Will they be attending?"
She already suspected the answer, but tradition demanded the question be asked.
Aqualina responded softly, "Due to the situation in the Empire, my mother wasn’t able to leave. She’s staying behind to manage recovery efforts."
Helena gave a respectful nod as well. "The Archpriestess is also tending to the citizens. Many are still emotionally unstable and need spiritual comfort."
"I understand. That’s very responsible of them." Maelona gave a light sigh, then smiled. "Very well. Please co inside—the function will begin in about an hour."
She turned and gave a subtle glance to Liora, who nodded back and stepped forward to guide the guests.
As they walked down the corridor, Aqualina glanced at Liora’s swaying tail with narrowed eyes.
"Tsk... Aether likes it, doesn’t he?" she muttered under her breath, clearly annoyed but pretending not to care.
Liora smirked mischievously over her shoulder. "Of course he does. He hugs it every ti we sleep together."
Aqualina clicked her tongue in irritation again, looking away with a fake scoff.
Helena glanced at her own hips, her expression thoughtful and just a bit longing.
As they reached the guest room,
"Aether!"
"Aether!"
Both Aqualina and Helena broke into sudden smiles and hurriedly ran inside when they saw Aether sitting comfortably on the sofa, his posture relaxed as he waited for them.
Aether raised his hand casually in greeting, but before he could say a word, the two won threw themselves at him with full force—landing straight on his arms and chest.
Aether, of course, accepted the impact with a warm grin, enjoying the affectionate squish of their bodies against him. Their softness... well, it was still softness, and who would complain about that?
He chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around them both. "Looks like your mother and Sera decided not to co... that’s a wise decision," he murmured, his voice low as he held them gently.
Across the room, Raven, Selene, and Thalia were watching this unfold with jealous sparkles in their eyes.
Without hesitation, they all jumped onto the sofa too.
"L-Ladies, calm down... I’m not going anywhere... Hehehe~" Aether laughed nervously as he was suddenly buried under the pile of warm, possessive won.
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