Leroy and Starmist walked side by side through Caelumreach, greeting the commonfolk they had not seen for five months since the council last gathered there. Cheers rose from the crowd as congratulations poured in for their engagement, hope stirring that unity between factions would grow stronger after the war.

  Calm had returned to the All Realm now that its leaders had come back.

  As they entered the tower, guards prevented the commonfolk from following. The pair climbed the stairs, leaving behind workers who occupied only the lower floors.

  Leroy held Starmist’s pale hand firmly as they approached the council chamber. When the doors opened, applause erupted at the sight of the leaders of Unus Bank and Sevenstar walking together.

  "There they are, the couple of the decade," Professor Bjorn laughed loudly while standing to clap, his heavy metal gloves echoing with sharp, clanging sounds.

  "I am happy for both of you," Elysius said with a warm smile as he approached to shake their hands.

  Cygnus remained silent, raising his cup with a faint smile.

  "Thank you all for your kind words," Leroy said.

  They returned to their seats, reports already prepared before them as the first meeting resumed. Leroy glanced toward the empty chairs of Amaterasu and Lucretius, representatives of the Elementalist and Abyss factions.

  "What of Amaterasu and Lucretius?" Leroy asked.

  "Amaterasu will not return for now. I spoke with her while discussing your engagement, but she will attend the ceremony later," Elysius replied.

  Cygnus set his cup down. "Lucretius has agreed to return to the council. However, after Cognisource announced your engagement, he need more time."

  Leroy and Starmist exchanged silent reactions as the room briefly fell quiet before Professor Bjorn broke the tension with humor.

  "Yes, he needs time. We would not want a repeat of last time."

  Only Bjorn laughed. Elysius shook his head, prompting the professor to clear his throat awkwardly.

  "Leroy, when will your engagement ceremony be?" Bjorn asked, shifting the topic.

  "We did not wish to rush it. Yet after you heard the news, you could not resist announcing it in the newspaper," Leroy replied.

  "I could not help myself. This news can restore our strength after months of separation," Bjorn said while lighting his cigar, pointing toward Elysius. "Ask him. He wrote the headline immediately."

  "Do not slander me. Who order the publication?" Elysius retorted.

  Soft laughter filled the room.

  "So it has been a long time since we last gathered here," Starmist said.

  "The people of the All Realm were suspicious. That is why I suggested we reunite," Bjorn replied.

  "My duty of delivering information is complete then," Elysius added.

  "Hold yourself. Do you not see that two faction seats remain empty?" Bjorn said, halting the young man’s relief.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Elysius rested his head on his hand. "Can we invite Lord Susanoo temporarily? At least the seat would not remain vacant. They reside in the same place, after all."

  "That will not happen," Cygnus replied while sipping his tea.

  The boy offered no further argument, closing his eyes to avoid prolonging the discussion.

  The others began reviewing the reports before them. The meeting addressed accumulated matters from urgent concerns to unresolved tasks left unattended during their separation.

  Reports from Cryptic Associate detailing efforts to counter rumors during the council’s absence surfaced, followed by discussions on the Forger’s new factory construction. The Sanctuary offered no major topics beyond a brief financial report entrusted by Amaterasu to Elysius.

  Concerns arose instead among the Elementalist deities regarding the prolonged absence of their Shogun, their unease compounded by Amaterasu’s unexplained departure from the council.

  "This unrest must be addressed. Amaterasu is too stubborn in maintaining her belief," Bjorn said, tossing aside his report once the review ended.

  "I should meet her personally to clarify everything," Leroy replied.

  "I doubt that is wise, especially since you intend to proceed with cloning. It may only lead to another argument," Elysius said.

  "I still speak with her through the transmitter at times, but she always changes the topic or ends the call abruptly," Starmist added.

  "Their faction consists largely of new users, many still unstable with such immense power. We cannot elevate them to the council table while they remain uncertain of their own abilities," Leroy said.

  "Susanoo truly seems like the last option," Elysius murmured.

  "We will wait until the Shogun returns and request that he take the seat," Cygnus stated.

  "But when will he return? This has gone on too long," Bjorn complained.

  "He refused previously, did we remember? I'm sure he will give the same answer again," Starmist said quietly.

  "He must take responsibility as faction leader and bear the consequences of Amaterasu choices. Circumstances will compel him this time. For the balance of the All Realm, we will do whatever is necessary to secure that council seat," Cygnus replied.

  "Will the Shogun be more patient? I have rarely met him since the beginning," Elysius asked.

  "You will see for yourself," Bjorn said.

  "Then what should we announce in Cognisource if Amaterasu withdraws and the Shogun replaces her?" Elysius asked again, ready with paper and pen.

  "Perhaps the Shogun is appointed to the council while Amaterasu assumes leadership of the Elementalist faction," Bjorn suggested while gazing at the ceiling.

  "So they would exchange positions?" Leroy asked.

  "Yes. We still need to speak with Amaterasu, but leading the faction may suit her better than sitting here," Bjorn clarified. "Can you attempt to persuade her, Starmist?"

  Starmist nodded slowly. "I will try. But we should wait until the Shogun returns so a better solution can emerge."

  The council members nodded in agreement. Leroy then spoke again.

  "And regarding Lucretius, do you believe he will return soon?"

  "Give him several month or after your engagement ceremony. I will summon him then," Cygnus replied.

  "Should we fill that vacant time with a temporary candidate? Abyss has few interesting capable candidate," Leroy said.

  "I already know where this conversation leads. You are all predictable," Elysius remarked, folding his arms.

  "You mean Princess Samartian?" Starmist asked.

  "As expected," Elysius murmured with a flat expression.

  Bjorn chuckled, exhaling smoke. "You are finished, boy."

  "Why not? I think this is the right moment. At least she can learn about the council before eventually replacing Lucretius," Leroy replied.

  "The Princess has resumed training with Lucretius and understands state structures. It is a reasonable temporary choice," Cygnus added.

  Bjorn clapped his hands and glanced at Elysius, who appeared irritated. "Very well. We will discuss this with King Darkon."

  "Elysius, if she agrees to serve temporarily, you must restrain yourself. Even if she provokes you implicitly, she remains a royal family," Cygnus said.

  "I understand, Master Spellbane. But she always provokes explicitly," the Child of Light replied.

  Starmist smiled softly and patted Elysius’s shoulder in reassurance.

  "You will understand each other better in time. Leroy and I did not always agree at first."

  Leroy exchanged a confused glance with Bjorn.

  "Very well. It is for the All Realm. I will be fine," Elysius nodded.

  "Should I send a peace letter between Celestial and Abyss beforehand?" Bjorn joked.

  "Thank you, Elysius. I truly appreciate this," Leroy said before standing, his expression turning serious.

  "Starmist and I have discussed this for several weeks. No council members have ever married one another before. Therefore, we believe one of us must step down."

  Every gaze fixed sharply on Leroy, waiting for what the council leader would say next.