In the palace, Liam reviewed the edicts awaiting the royal stamp. As he unrolled the parchments, his hands suddenly went still. His eyes drifted over the lines of one specific document once more:
"...A royal engagement, intended to protect the coexistence and amend the peace between humans and vampires..."
He quickly rolled the decree back up and set it aside, as if it had never been touched, just as a tall, black-haired man stepped into the room. Warren Davies entered with a humble expression, bowing low.
"Long live Your Highness," Warren said. Liam gestured for him to enter, his face a mask of perfect stoicism.
"My Lord, it concerns the Land Revenue Department of Ironevale. It has been reported that someone challenged the department's authority, claiming the officials were not up to their duties and had caused them harm."
Liam leaned against the table, crossing his legs while his gaze remained fixed on the shelves. He clicked his tongue softly. "It seems it is time to see our guests," he said.
Warren looked troubled for a moment before the realization struck him. "Do you mean the guests from Mornareth?"
Liam nodded. Mornareth—the Witch Kingdom. Peace had finally been established after a long, grueling era of war. This fragile truce allowed those separated during the conflict to settle down without fear of being hunted or harmed. The migration of kin had become the primary path toward lasting peace.
"Ensure the guests are registered under the Royal Registry," Liam commanded. "We cannot have them feeling... neglected."
Back in Ironevale, a lean lady walked back and forth, calling out orders to the servants. Two children—a blonde girl of twelve and a boy a few years younger—were playing. The younger one darted around the table, closely pursued by his older sister.
"...and Ellie, keep the curry mild for the children," the lady of the house instructed.
The servants obeyed in unison, "Yes, Lady Saipon."
Just as she turned to walk toward the dining table, she bumped into the small boy who was moving hastily. The fair-skinned boy took after his mother, though he inherited his father's black hair.
"Jace, be careful. Both of you—Flor, Jace—sit down like good children before your father comes downstairs," the lady said with a gentle scold.
The children immediately scrambled into their seats just as a man began descending the staircase. Mr. Saipon walked down to the dinner table where both children now sat quietly, subdued by their mother's warning.
"Hello, Dad," they chimed together.
Mr. Saipon chuckled warmly at his little ones. His eyes softened as he looked at his wife, Lily Saipon, who beamed at him with a bright smile.
"Hello, dear. Hello, sweethearts," came his jolly, deep voice. He hummed thoughtfully as he took his seat beside his wife.
"It seems someone has been scolded..." he noted, his gaze shifting from a pair of blue eyes to a pair of amethyst ones, both of which instantly darted toward Lily.
At that, the entire room burst into a light, shared laughter.