We're standing just outside the main gates of Mariselle, off to the side where we won't block the steady flow of travelers.

  Eldrin disappeared a few seconds ago to speak with the guards. Seraphina and Lucien are having a quiet discussion about the architecture of the guard towers. Aurelia stands nearby, looking around.

  I glance at the city walls, then remember something important.

  Vesper and Liora are still back at the residence in Thornhaven.

  I close my eyes and visualize the common area. The wooden table, the chairs, the window overlooking the garden. The image sharpens in my mind until I can almost feel the cooler air inside.

  The air in front of me tears open.

  A portal large enough to walk through appears. On the other side, I can see the familiar interior of the residence, the common area exactly as I pictured it.

  Aurelia makes a small startled sound.

  I step through.

  The transition is seamless. One moment I'm standing outside Mariselle's gates, the next I'm in the common area of the Thornhaven residence. The temperature drops slightly, and the light filters through the windows at a different angle.

  [Wright] "Vesper! Liora!"

  Footsteps echo from upstairs. Vesper appears at the top of the staircase, looking half-awake as usual. Liora follows.

  [Vesper] "That was fast."

  [Liora] "We were expecting you to arrive later tonight."

  [Wright] "We're already at Mariselle. Just waiting at the city gates for Eldrin to finish talking with the guards."

  Vesper rubs her eyes and starts down the stairs.

  [Vesper] "I was hoping to get more sleep."

  [Liora] "You've slept for almost the whole day."

  They reach the bottom of the stairs and walk toward the portal. Vesper pauses for just a moment, studying the edges, then steps through without hesitation. Liora follows.

  I take one last look around the residence, then step back through the portal. The moment I'm on the other side, I let the magic dissipate. The portal shrinks and vanishes, leaving no trace it was ever there.

  Aurelia stares at the spot where the portal was, her eyes wide.

  [Aurelia] "You just... walked to another city."

  [Wright] "Gate magic. It's pretty convenient."

  [Aurelia] "That's..."

  She trails off, still processing.

  Before anyone can say anything else, I hear voices approaching. Eldrin appears around the corner of the guard station with someone walking beside him.

  Pope Orell.

  He looks relaxed, like he's out for a casual stroll rather than attending important political meetings.

  Eldrin's eyebrows rise slightly when he sees Vesper and Liora standing with us.

  [Eldrin] "I see you've already brought them over."

  [Wright] "Figured I'd save some time."

  Aurelia goes completely still beside me. She stares at the Pope, her face shifting between shock and something close to panic.

  Pope Orell smiles warmly as he approaches.

  [Orell] "Wright! It's good to see you again."

  [Wright] "It's good to see you as well, Pope Orell. It's been a while since the hot springs."

  [Orell] "It certainly has. That cheese you gave me last time was absolutely exquisite. I'm still savoring the memory."

  Eldrin glances between us.

  [Eldrin] "I was speaking with the gate commander when His Holiness happened upon us. He mentioned he was out for a walk and saw me at the gates. After I told him of our arrival, he decided to come and offer his greetings in person."

  Pope Orell gestures toward the city.

  [Orell] "Let's not stand around out here. Please, follow me."

  We walk toward the main gates.

  The travelers and merchants in line notice us immediately. More specifically, they notice the Pope leading our group.

  Whispers ripple through the crowd.

  [Traveler] "Is that the Pope?"

  [Traveler] "Why is he personally escorting people?"

  [Merchant] "Who are they?"

  [Traveler] "High elves, maybe? And is that an angel?"

  The guards at the gate straighten immediately when they see Pope Orell. They don't ask questions, just step aside and let us pass without inspection.

  Once we're through the gates and into the city proper, Aurelia speaks up quietly.

  [Aurelia] "Um, I should take my leave here. I'm only here to shop for supplies."

  Pope Orell turns to her. His expression shifts to one of recognition.

  [Orell] "You're the Saintess everyone's been talking about."

  Aurelia flinches slightly.

  [Orell] "I've heard your story. How you trained so diligently, how you led and protected a group of refugees as they fled Aldencrest's collapse. How you plan to help with the rebuilding efforts."

  He smiles gently.

  [Orell] "You're doing remarkable work."

  Aurelia's face flushes. She looks down at her feet.

  [Aurelia] "It's just... what needs to be done."

  [Orell] "You should join us for the talks. If you truly want to help rebuild, you should understand what's being planned."

  Aurelia's expression shifts immediately. Her jaw tightens.

  [Aurelia] "I appreciate the offer, but I really should go. I'm not good with politics or negotiations."

  [Orell] "You're quite popular among the refugees. You could become a rallying figure for the new coalition government we're establishing."

  [Aurelia] "I don't want to be a figure for anything."

  Her voice comes out firmer now, almost defensive.

  [Aurelia] "I have bitter memories of dealing with nobles and royalty. The Aldencrest nobles used me for their own purposes. They'd parade me around, use my blessing for legitimacy, then ignore everything I actually said. It was exhausting and frustrating. I don't want to go through that again."

  Pope Orell's expression softens.

  [Orell] "I understand. Truly. But consider this–"

  [Aurelia] "I'd rather just buy supplies and go back to help with the rebuilding. That's something I know I can do."

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  There's a moment of silence.

  Eldrin steps forward.

  [Eldrin] "Aurelia, if I may. The nobles you dealt with before were corrupt and self-serving. The people gathering for these talks are different. They're genuinely trying to help the refugees."

  [Aurelia] "I know, but..."

  [Seraphina] "Darling, you don't have to make speeches or negotiate. Just listen. See what's being planned."

  Aurelia shifts her weight from foot to foot.

  [Lucien] "Understanding the larger efforts will help you be more effective when you return to rebuild. You'll know what resources are available, what the timeline looks like."

  [Aurelia] "I suppose that's true, but I really don't think I'd be useful in those meetings."

  I speak up.

  [Wright] "You led a group of refugees to safety. You've seen firsthand what they need, what they're going through. That's more valuable than any political theory."

  Aurelia blinks, looking at me.

  [Orell] "Wright is right. The people making these plans, myself included, we're working with reports and estimates. You've lived it. Your perspective could help ensure we're not overlooking something important."

  [Aurelia] "I... I don't know."

  [Vesper] "Just sit in the corner and observe. If you hate it, you can leave."

  Vesper's blunt delivery actually seems to help. Aurelia's shoulders relax slightly.

  [Liora] "And if anyone tries to use you the way those nobles did, just punch them! Like how you won the tournament. One punch at a time!"

  I can't help but smile. That catches me off guard coming from Liora. She even lifts her hand, clenching it into a fist, mirroring what Aurelia did when she declared she'd win the tournament.

  It works. Aurelia's expression brightens immediately.

  Pope Orell nods.

  [Orell] "Absolutely. You've grown stronger, haven't you? Strong enough to stand on your own terms."

  Aurelia is quiet for a long moment. Her eyes drift, that distant look appearing as she thinks.

  [Orell] "Simply listen, and if you have thoughts to share, we'd be grateful to hear them. But there's no pressure."

  [Aurelia] "If I'm just listening..."

  She takes a breath, then nods slowly.

  [Aurelia] "Okay. I'll stay for the talks. But I'm not making any promises beyond that."

  [Orell] "That's all I ask."

  Pope Orell smiles warmly and gestures for us to continue. Aurelia falls into step with the group, though she looks like she's half-expecting to regret this decision.

  We make our way through the city streets. The architecture here is impressive. White stone buildings with blue-tiled roofs, canals running parallel to the main roads, bridges arching gracefully over the water. Merchants call out from their stalls, boats ferry goods along the canals, and the smell of salt and spices drifts on the breeze.

  The castle rises ahead, built on a hill overlooking the harbor. Its towers catch the late afternoon light, and the blue tiles gleam like sapphires.

  Guards salute as we approach the main gates. Servants bow respectfully as we enter the castle grounds.

  He gestures to a nearby servant, who approaches quickly.

  [Orell] "These are guests of the King. Please escort them to the prepared rooms."

  The servant bows.

  [Servant] "Of course, Your Holiness."

  Pope Orell turns back to us.

  [Orell] "I'll see you all at dinner shortly."

  With that, he heads off down a different corridor, his white robes flowing behind him.

  ---

  The servant leads us through the main entrance. The interior is just as impressive. Marble corridors, tapestries depicting sea battles and trade agreements, tall windows offering views of the harbor below.

  We go through several hallways until we reach the east wing. She stops in front of one of the doors.

  [Servant] "These are your quarters, sir. The other rooms for your companions are just down the hall."

  I push open the door.

  It's lavish. A large bed with deep blue covers and far too many pillows, polished wooden furniture that looks expensive, a window overlooking the harbor with curtains that probably cost more than most people's monthly income. There's even a separate washing area with a basin of clean water and neatly folded towels.

  I barely have time to look around before there's a knock at the door.

  I open it to find a maid standing there, hands folded neatly in front of her.

  [Maid] "Dinner will be served in a few minutes. Please let me know when you're ready, and I'll escort you to the dining room."

  [Wright] "Thanks. Give me a moment."

  I close the door and head to the washing area. A quick rinse to get the dust from the road off my face and hands, then I'm done. I'm not one for long preparations.

  I step back into the hallway and find the maid waiting patiently.

  One by one, the others emerge from their rooms. Eldrin appears first, looking as dignified as ever. Vesper comes out next, her hair still messy but at least she's awake. Liora follows, then Seraphina and Lucien together. Aurelia is the last to appear, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.

  Once we're all gathered, the maid leads us through the castle.

  The dining room is large, with a long table that could easily seat twenty people. Tall windows line one wall, offering a view of the city below as the sun begins to set. Candles are already lit along the table, casting warm light across the polished wood.

  There are already people here.

  Two people stand near one end of the table, deep in conversation. A fox beastfolk with sleek white fur gestures as she speaks. Her tail flicks behind her. She's talking to a composed woman with raven-black hair.

  [Selis] "I'm telling you, the paperwork alone will be a nightmare."

  [Mirelle] "That's what assistants are for."

  [Selis] "Our assistants will have nightmares about the paperwork."

  Near the windows, Pope Orell is speaking with Supreme Mage Lysara. She's holding a glass of wine, her platinum hair catching the candlelight. Her fingers tap against the glass.

  [Lysara] "The purification enchantments will need to be standardized. We can't have different kingdoms using incompatible magic."

  [Orell] "I trust your expertise in that matter. The church will support whatever specifications you establish."

  They notice us entering.

  I walk over to Supreme Mage Lysara and Pope Orell.

  [Wright] "Nice to see you again, Supreme Mage. It's been a while since we stayed at Arcanis Academy."

  Lysara's violet eyes study me for a moment before she smiles slightly.

  [Lysara] "Indeed. I heard you caused quite a spectacle when you landed in Thornhaven."

  [Wright] "Ignatia just got a bit heated."

  [Lysara] "A bit heated is an understatement."

  Eldrin steps forward and gestures to the people across the room.

  [Eldrin] "Wright, allow me to introduce you. This is Chancellor Selis of Rathen, and Chancellor Mirelle of Respera."

  Chancellor Selis grins, her tail swishing.

  [Selis] "So you're the one growing all that food. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

  Chancellor Mirelle inclines her head politely.

  [Mirelle] "It's an honor. Your assistance in this matter is invaluable."

  [Wright] "It's nice to meet you both."

  Selis leans in slightly, her eyes sharp with curiosity.

  [Selis] "Is it true you can grow entire fields of crops in a matter of days?"

  [Wright] "More or less."

  [Selis] "That's going to wreak havoc on agricultural markets if you're not careful."

  [Mirelle] "Which is why we're ensuring the distribution is carefully controlled and limited to refugee relief."

  [Selis] "Still. The farmers are going to have questions."

  The doors open, and Demon Lord Kaelith enters with Chancellor Velira beside him.

  Demon Lord Kaelith's crimson eyes find me immediately. His expression shifts to something almost friendly.

  [Kaelith] "Wright. Good to see you again."

  [Wright] "It's nice to see you as well, Demon Lord Kaelith."

  [Kaelith] "The vegetables and fruits you gave us last time were extraordinary. Especially that durian."

  He pauses, and there's the faintest hint of amusement in his expression.

  [Kaelith] "The smell was unlike anything I've ever experienced. But the taste was remarkable."

  [Velira] "Several of our staff refused to be in the same room as it."

  [Kaelith] "It was worth enduring."

  Seraphina, who's been listening from nearby, perks up.

  [Seraphina] "What does it smell like?"

  [Velira] "Imagine if something died, then continued decomposing for several weeks, and then someone decided to serve it as a delicacy."

  Lucien makes a face.

  [Lucien] "That sounds horrifying."

  [Kaelith] "It's an acquired taste. Or smell, rather."

  [Selis] "I'm almost curious enough to try it."

  [Mirelle] "I am decidedly not."

  Another person enters the room. He's in practical robes with sharp blue eyes and an air of quiet confidence.

  He overhears the conversation and laughs.

  [Alden] "I heard about this interesting food the Demon Lord received. I'm quite curious to try it myself."

  He walks over and extends a hand.

  [Alden] "Wright, I presume? I'm King Alden of Respera. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

  I shake his hand.

  [Wright] "Nice to meet you, Your Majesty. There'll be plenty of chances to try food like that once everything's set up."

  [Alden] "I'll hold you to that."

  [Selis] "Your Majesty, with all due respect, you have no idea what you're volunteering for."

  [Alden] "How bad can it possibly be?"

  [Velira] "We had to air out the room for three days."

  [Kaelith] "And it was still worth it."

  [Lysara] "I'm a researcher. I appreciate unique experiences. But I draw the line at foods that qualify as potential biological hazards."

  Everyone laughs at that.

  King Alden gestures to the table.

  [Alden] "Please, everyone, take your seats. Let's not let the actual food get cold."

  We all move to the table. I end up seated between Eldrin and Aurelia. Across from me are Seraphina and Lucien. The political figures take seats further down, though the atmosphere feels less formal than I expected.

  Servants begin bringing out dishes. Seared fish with a citrus glaze, the flesh still pink in the center. Grilled shellfish brushed with herb butter. Roasted root vegetables that still have a slight crisp. Warm bread with a golden crust, steam rising when broken open. Small towers of layered ingredients I can't quite identify but look intricate. Wine in crystal decanters.

  Vesper eyes the seafood hungrily.

  King Alden raises his glass.

  [Alden] "To new partnerships and the hope of a better future."

  Everyone raises their glasses in response.