🧿 "You Don't Need 500"
The Ashura Princess leaned forward, fire flickering in her eyes.
"The glyphs don't say it has to be 500. That's just how we did it."
"With enough compression magic and blood rituals—"
"—you could reduce the load. Cut it in half. Or even less."
Her tone sharpened.
"It's risky. But if you're desperate—"
🛑 "Enough."
The Demon King raised a hand.
Not angry.
Just tired.
"I said enough."
She blinked.
He stood slowly, turning to face her directly.
"I chased shortcuts for two years."
"I've watched her"—he glanced toward Queen Alira—"give up her kingdom, her sleep, her life."
"And all I gave in return was disappointment."
"I've come to accept… there is no short way anymore."
👑 A Farewell Between Rulers
He turned to Alira.
She met his eyes, still silent.
He bowed his head slightly.
"Queen Alira. Go home."
"Your people need you. Your kingdom needs you."
"I've delayed you long enough."
She opened her mouth to argue—but stopped.
Because part of her… had already wanted to go back.
She missed Solmira. Her people. Her mountains.
But guilt had chained her.
"I brought you here," she said softly."I can't leave until—"
"You can," he interrupted."And you must."
"Train the mages. Build a future. That's how you can help me now."
"Not by standing in the ashes."
🌹 A Quiet Goodbye
The room held no royal fanfare. No audience.
Just them.
Two people who had been through too much together.
Queen Alira stepped closer, brushing a hand against his arm.
"If anything changes—if a path opens—"
"I'll be the first to find it," she said.
He nodded.
Their fingers brushed briefly.
And then she turned away, cloak sweeping behind her like moonlight in motion.
She never looked back.
But her eyes stung the whole way out.
🔥 An Unexpected Offer
The Ashura Princess watched this all with a detached smirk.
But then he turned to her.
"You wanted revenge," he said.
"You still might."
"But I destroyed your kingdom. I left a crater where your people once lived."
"So now… I'll help you rebuild it."
She stared at him.
Stunned.
"What?"
"You heard me."
"You're serious?"
"You said you survive. So let's start surviving."
For the first time…
She had no words.
No smug retort.
Just silence.
And something faint behind her eyes.
Not gratitude.
But maybe…
The beginning of respect.