The carriage stopped in front of the castle gates shortly before noon. The activity there was greater than usual, but not chaotic. Guards positioned with precision, officials coming and going with purpose. Nothing out of control, but there was clearly something happening.
We got out without delay. The messenger walked ahead, guiding the way through the castle's wide corridors. The sound of our footsteps echoed across the polished floor, creating a steady rhythm that accompanied our progress.
"It's busier than usual," Scarlett commented in a low voice.
"Yes," I replied. "But still organized."
"That means it's not an immediate problem," Lyannis said. "But it's not something small either."
We continued until we reached the main hall. The doors were already open, and the moment we entered, I felt the attention of everyone present turn toward us.
The king sat on his throne, his expression serious but not tense. Around him, several advisors and important members of the court were positioned, discussing things in low voices before our arrival.
We stopped at a respectful distance.
"Your Majesty," I said, giving a slight gesture of respect.
He nodded.
"Takumi. I am pleased that you came so quickly."
"I received the message and came immediately," I replied.
The king made a subtle gesture, and the others stepped back a few paces, keeping enough distance to ensure privacy while remaining attentive.
"I won't drag this out," he said. "The reason for your summons is straightforward."
The girls beside me remained silent, but their attention was completely focused.
"The Dragon King has made contact," he continued.
A brief silence settled over the room.
"Dragons?" Liriel murmured in surprise.
Rai'kanna narrowed her eyes slightly.
"So it has reached that point…"
I looked back at the king.
"What does he want?" I asked.
"The same thing everyone else started wanting after the war," he replied. "To meet you."
Scarlett crossed her arms.
"That's all?" she asked.
The king let out a small sigh.
"Not only that. He wishes for you to travel to the dragons' territory. Personally."
"A formal invitation?" Lyannis asked.
"Yes. And it is not something we can simply ignore."
I remained silent for a moment.
"Why now?" I asked.
"The impact of your last battle was greater than we imagined," the king replied. "The fight against the Second General... was witnessed by every nation."
"That includes the dragons," Vespera added.
"Exactly," the king said.
He leaned forward slightly.
"They usually do not involve themselves with other races. They prefer to keep their distance. But this time... it was different."
"He wants to evaluate him," Elara said directly.
"Yes," the king confirmed. "And more than that."
There was a brief pause before he continued.
"The Dragon King has also made a proposal."
"A proposal?" Scarlett repeated.
"He wishes to fight you."
The silence that followed was heavier.
"A fight?" Rai'kanna asked.
"Yes," the king replied. "A direct challenge."
Liriel let out a small sigh.
"Of course there had to be that."
I kept my eyes on the king.
"And if I refuse?" I asked.
"You can," he replied. "But... it is not recommended."
"Why?"
"Because this is not merely a personal invitation," the king explained. "It is a demonstration of respect... and also a test."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"If he refuses, it could be seen as weakness."
"Or disinterest," Vespera added.
"And that could affect relations with the dragons," Rai'kanna said.
I nodded slightly.
"I understand."
The king continued.
"There is more."
"More?" Liriel asked.
"Yes," he said. "If you win... he promised a reward."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow.
"What kind of reward?"
The king looked directly at me.
"The hand of his daughter in marriage."
Silence returned, but this time with a different kind of tension.
"…Seriously?" Liriel said, almost in disbelief.
Rai'kanna froze for a moment.
Scarlett released a slow breath.
"This is becoming ridiculous."
Lyannis simply closed her eyes for a second.
"Politically... it makes sense," she said.
"That doesn't help," Liriel shot back.
I ran a hand across my face for a moment.
"That won't be necessary," I said. "I have no interest in that."
"The Dragon King does not see it that way," the king replied. "To him, it is part of the arrangement."
"And that's not all," he continued.
"There's more?" Scarlett asked.
"Yes," the king said. "He also mentioned a... power."
"What kind of power?" I asked.
"It was not specified," he replied. "But coming from him... it is not something ordinary."
The room fell silent for several seconds.
I took a deep breath.
"So he wants to meet me... test me... and possibly tie me to his family," I said.
"Basically," the king confirmed.
"This sounds more like a political game than a simple challenge," Lyannis commented.
"It's more than that," Rai'kanna said. "Dragons value strength above all else. If he's doing this... it's because he recognizes something."
Elara looked at me.
"And now?"
I remained silent for a few moments, organizing my thoughts.
I had no intention of fighting without reason.
Much less accepting something like a marriage of convenience.
But I also couldn't simply ignore it.
I looked back at the king.
"I'll go," I said.
The girls turned their eyes toward me.
"To meet him," I continued. "Nothing more than that."
"Do you intend to refuse the challenge?" the king asked.
"Yes," I replied. "I see no reason to fight."
The king watched me for a few seconds.
"I understand."
Scarlett nodded slightly.
"That makes sense."
Liriel crossed her arms.
"Finally, a decision without complications."
Lyannis, however, kept a watchful gaze.
"It won't be that simple," she said.
"I know," I replied.
Rai'kanna looked at me.
"Dragons do not accept refusals easily."
"Then I'll deal with that when I get there," I said.
The king leaned back on his throne.
"If that is your decision, then prepare yourself. The journey is not short."
"We'll leave soon," I replied.
He nodded.
"Good luck, Takumi."
I gave a respectful gesture and turned around.
The hall doors opened again as we left.
The atmosphere in the castle remained controlled, but now there was something different.
Expectation.
As we walked back, Liriel broke the silence.
"So... we're going to meet dragons."
"Yes," I replied.
Scarlett let out a small laugh.
"This is going to be interesting."
Rai'kanna remained thoughtful.
"And dangerous."
Lyannis looked at me.
"You know this won't stay as just a visit."
"I know," I replied.
Elara adjusted the sword at her waist.
"Then we'll be ready."
Vespera simply said in a low voice:
"This is only the beginning."
We left the castle and headed back toward the carriage.
As I climbed in, one thing became clear in my mind.
The calm had truly ended.
And this time...
The next step would take us toward something even greater.