Chapter 26: The Banquet of Rebirth

The Hidden Sovereign: Beyond Fate

The Grand Hall of Nox Aeterna had not seen such life in a thousand years.

Music echoed through the ancient palace.

Crystal chandeliers glowed with soft golden light.

Long tables were filled with dishes from every corner of Aetherion—human cuisine, elven delicacies, dwarven roasts, and even dragon recipes specially prepared for Seraphina and Ignis.

For the first time since the kingdom's fall...

Nox Aeterna celebrated.

---

Abster stood on the palace balcony, looking over the restored city.

"So many people are smiling..."

He whispered.

"I hope I can protect that smile."

A familiar voice came from behind.

"You really are different."

It was Zarek.

He walked beside Abster, resting his arms on the stone railing.

"You know," Zarek said with a chuckle, "the old you would've been inside the hall giving a speech."

Abster smiled.

"I'd rather avoid speeches."

Zarek laughed.

"That part never changed."

The two friends stood quietly beneath the stars.

---

Inside the banquet hall...

Seraphina glanced toward the balcony.

"So that's where he disappeared."

She started walking toward the exit.

Before she could leave—

Elena stepped in front of her.

"Where are you going?"

Seraphina smiled mischievously.

"To talk."

Elena raised an eyebrow.

"Just talk?"

"Maybe."

The two princesses stared at each other.

Nearby, Lucien nudged Lyra.

"I have a feeling this won't end quietly."

Lyra sighed.

"I think you're right."

---

Outside...

Seraphina and Elena reached the balcony at the same time.

Both stopped.

Both looked at each other.

Then at Abster.

Abster blinked.

"...Is something wrong?"

Seraphina folded her arms.

"No."

"I just wanted to ask if you'd like to see the Dragon Empire someday."

Before Abster could answer—

Elena smiled politely.

"Actually, Abster promised to visit Valoria first."

Abster tilted his head.

"I... did?"

Elena coughed lightly.

"You were about to."

Seraphina laughed.

"Well played."

---

The three of them ended up talking for nearly an hour.

For once...

There were no arguments.

Only stories.

Seraphina shared tales of dragons soaring above volcanoes.

Elena spoke about the royal gardens of Valoria.

Abster listened more than he talked.

He realized something.

Despite their rivalry...

The two princesses genuinely respected each other.

---

Meanwhile...

Deep beneath the palace...

Inside the Chamber of Memories...

The cracked Memory Crystal began to glow once more.

A shadow emerged from the darkness.

Its form was blurred, neither human nor monster.

A whisper echoed through the chamber.

> "The Sovereign has returned..."

> "The seal weakens..."

> "Soon..."

> "The Void shall awaken."

The shadow vanished.

Unseen by anyone.

---

The next morning...

Caelum summoned everyone to the royal council.

On the ancient table lay a weathered map.

He pointed toward the western sea.

"There is another kingdom that once stood beside Nox Aeterna."

"The Kingdom of Lunaris."

"It fell shortly after our own."

Orion stepped forward.

"Our scouts have discovered unusual activity there."

"What kind of activity?" Garrick asked.

Orion's expression turned serious.

"Someone is searching for the Second Sovereign Relic."

Lyra frowned.

"Second?"

Caelum nodded.

"There are seven relics."

"Each was entrusted to one of the Seven Sovereigns before the First Cataclysm."

"If they fall into the wrong hands..."

"The balance of the world could collapse."

Abster looked at the map.

"Then we'll go."

No hesitation.

No debate.

Everyone around the table smiled.

That was exactly the answer they expected.

---

As the meeting ended, Seraphina caught up with Abster.

"So..."

"Looks like we're traveling together."

Abster laughed.

"It seems that way."

She grinned.

"Good."

"I still haven't had that duel."

From behind them, Elena crossed her arms.

"You'll have to wait."

"He has a kingdom to save first."

Seraphina winked.

"I can be patient."

Abster sighed dramatically.

"I have a feeling..."

"My adventures are only getting started."

Far above the palace...

Hidden among the clouds...

A pair of emerald eyes watched the group.

A young woman with long silver-green hair smiled softly.

"So..."

"I finally found you..."

"...Your Majesty."

Without another word, she disappeared into the wind.

---

End of Chapter 26

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