I returned from the castle shortly before the middle of the afternoon. The conversation with the king was still fresh in my mind. The movements of the Demon King's army could no longer be treated as mere rumors. The soldiers stationed throughout the north continued sending reports practically every day, and although no battle had begun, it was obvious that something was happening.
As I walked through the corridors of the mansion, I tried to push those thoughts aside for a few moments. There was no point in constantly imagining when the war would begin. The best thing I could do was continue preparing myself.
As soon as I entered the main room, I found everyone gathered there.
Elara was reading near the window. Liriel and her assistant were examining some magic books. Lyannis was organizing freshly gathered herbs in the garden. Vespera was calmly watching the fire in the fireplace. Scarlett was cleaning her sword while Rai'kanna was telling some amusing story.
When they saw me enter, they all turned their attention toward me.
Scarlett was the first to ask.
"How did the conversation with the king go?"
I sat down in a chair and took a deep breath before answering.
"Better than I imagined. He also believes that the situation is becoming more serious."
The smile that had been in the room gradually disappeared.
Liriel closed the book she was reading.
"So the reports are still coming?"
"They are."
She remained silent for a few seconds.
"That means the dream you had may actually be related to what is happening."
I slowly nodded.
"I think so too."
Elara placed the book on the table.
"Does the king intend to act?"
"Yes. He agreed that we should gather all the nations to discuss a joint plan."
Lyannis showed some relief.
"That was already necessary a long time ago."
"I thought so too."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"When will this meeting be?"
"After I return from the Dragon Kingdom."
As soon as I said that, they all looked at me at the same time.
Scarlett smiled.
"So we're finally going to see your lands."
"That's precisely the reason for the journey."
Liriel's assistant leaned forward, curious.
"Are we really going to the Dragon Kingdom?"
"We are."
She broke into a huge smile.
"I've never seen a real dragon."
Rai'kanna ended up laughing.
"Then prepare yourself. They are very different from humans."
The assistant immediately replied.
"I hope they really are."
Liriel watched her reaction and smiled faintly.
"You seem more excited than all of us."
"Of course I am. I've been reading about dragons since I was little. I've always imagined what that kingdom would be like."
I looked at her.
"Then this will be a good opportunity."
She replied without hiding her enthusiasm.
"It's going to be amazing."
The conversation continued naturally.
I explained that I intended to stay for approximately a month managing the lands I had received.
Elara rested her arms on the table.
"You're finally going to take on that responsibility."
"It's more than time."
Scarlett agreed.
"After everything that has happened over the past few months, we barely had time to think about those lands."
"Exactly."
Vespera asked calmly.
"Is there any specific plan for when we arrive?"
"I intend to speak with the Dragon King first. Then I'll calmly inspect the lands. Only after that will I decide what to do."
Lyannis showed interest.
"It will be interesting to learn about the vegetation of that region."
Liriel added.
"I also want to study the mana concentration of the mountains."
Her assistant raised her hand as if she were still in a classroom.
"I would like to see the dragons' libraries."
Everyone laughed.
She became a little embarrassed.
"What?"
Scarlett replied with a smile.
"You really think like a researcher."
"I can't help it. I want to learn everything I can."
Liriel placed her hand on her shoulder.
"And that's a quality."
We spent much of the afternoon organizing the journey.
The servants began preparing the carriage.
Some food was set aside for the journey.
The luggage was organized.
Each of them checked their own equipment.
Scarlett checked her sword.
Rai'kanna inspected her spear.
Elara prepared her bow and arrows.
Vespera checked her small daggers.
Lyannis organized medicinal herbs.
Liriel took several magical scrolls.
Her assistant carried a backpack that seemed far too heavy for someone her size.
I looked at her curiously.
"What did you put in there?"
She answered naturally.
"Books."
"All of those?"
"What if I find something interesting to compare?"
Rai'kanna laughed loudly.
"I think half of the luggage for the journey is made up of books."
The assistant replied proudly.
"Knowledge is never a burden."
I continued helping with the preparations while watching the servants move around.
They all worked with dedication.
Even after so many journeys, they always prepared everything with great care.
When the sun began to disappear behind the distant mountains, we decided to have dinner.
The meal was peaceful.
We talked about simple things.
For a few moments, we managed to completely forget about the war.
We talked about different foods we might find.
Rai'kanna shared some interesting facts about dragons.
According to her, many of them enjoyed testing their strength simply for fun.
Liriel's assistant asked questions practically the entire time.
"Do they really fly every day?"
"Are the castles located on top of the mountains?"
"Can they remain transformed into humans for a long time?"
Rai'kanna answered one question after another.
That kept the atmosphere quite light.
After dinner, we went to the garden.
The night was clear.
The stars illuminated the sky.
A pleasant breeze passed between the trees.
I spent a few minutes simply observing that silence.
Scarlett approached me.
"Thinking again?"
I smiled faintly.
"A little."
"About the Demon King?"
"That too."
She looked at the sky.
"When this war ends, I hope we can live many days like this."
"Me too."
She held my hand for a few moments.
"You'll make it."
I looked at her.
"Thank you."
A little while later, we went back inside.
Each of them went to rest.
Before going upstairs to my room, I confirmed our plans.
"Tomorrow we'll leave at dawn."
Everyone responded positively.
I spent the night mentally organizing everything I needed to do in the Dragon Kingdom.
Managing those lands would only be the beginning.
I also needed to strengthen our alliances before the Demon King made his next move.
Those thoughts remained with me until I fell asleep.
When I opened my eyes again, there was still little light coming through the window.
I quickly got up.
Outside, the carriage was already ready.
The women had also woken up early.
The servants were finishing loading the last pieces of luggage.
I took a deep breath as I looked at the road leading toward the mountains.
It was time to begin the journey to the Dragon Kingdom.