Back within the Solara Kingdom, in the capital of Zone Fifteen, the city of Ilis, the streets lay bathed beneath the steady warmth of the midday sun. Light spilled across stone-paved roads and tall, sunlit structures, giving the entire city a sense of life and motion. Citizens moved about as they always did, merchants calling out from their stalls, workers tending to their duties, and nobles passing through with quiet authority. It was a scene of normalcy—one that masked the strain the kingdom had endured not long ago.

At the heart of the city stood the royal palace, towering above all else with quiet dominance. The sunlight caught against the crimson banners draped along its high walls, each one embroidered with the Solaran crest, a blazing sun, radiant and unyielding. Royal guards maintained their steady patrols along the corridors and outer grounds, their armor gleaming faintly under the light, while maids and servants moved with practiced efficiency, tending to their endless responsibilities.

Within the palace itself, deep in the King's study, King Tharion Magna sat behind a broad desk layered with documents, scrolls, and reports. A quill pen rested between his fingers as he wrote with measured precision, his focus unwavering. Sunlight streamed through the tall window behind him, casting a warm glow over his well-kept red hair and neatly trimmed beard, outlining the quiet authority he carried even in solitude.

The steady scratch of the quill continued for a time, until a knock sounded against the heavy double doors.

"Come in," Tharion said calmly, not lifting his gaze from the page.

A few seconds passed before one side of the doors creaked open. A young man stepped inside, no older than his mid-twenties.

He wore the formal uniform of a Solarian High Marshal, dark, nearly black in tone, adorned with intricate patterns of gold and red that marked his rank and status. At his side rested a sheathed sword, its golden hilt catching the light with quiet elegance.

With red hair falling neatly across his brow and eyes that mirrored the king's own, calm, sharp, and unwavering, it was immediately clear who he was. Tharionson Magna, the third child of the Magna family, stood as a near-perfect reflection of the man seated before him.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Tharionson said, offering a slight bow of his head.

"Greetings, High Marshal," Tharion replied, his tone even as he continued writing. "What brings you here today?"

"Just the report, Your Majesty," Tharionson answered without hesitation.

At that, Tharion finally set his quill aside. He leaned back into his chair, lifting his gaze to meet the young man standing before him.

Their red eyes locked for a brief moment. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Go ahead then. I'm listening," Tharion said.

"Regarding the recruitment of new knights," Tharionson began, his voice steady and professional, "progress has been strong and consistent. We have already replenished more than half of what we lost during the war."

The weight behind those words was not lost on either of them.

During the Gaia War, the Solara Kingdom had borne the brunt of the devastation, being the primary target of Demon Lord Sylvathar. Entire divisions had been wiped out, casualties had reached staggering numbers, and nearly every branch of their military had suffered significant losses. Though the kingdom had managed to stabilize itself in the months that followed, it was far from fully recovered.

In truth, compared to the other two great kingdoms of Amthar, Solara now stood at a greater disadvantage than they already did.

"There are also several promising talents among the new recruits," Tharionson continued. "They've been identified and are being prepared for future placement within the Royal Corps. As for the academies, they are functioning well, though I don't have complete oversight on their current status. Lady Largh should be able to provide a more detailed report on that front."

"I see," Tharion said, absorbing the information with a thoughtful pause. "And what of the incident in Zone Nineteen?"

"The squad deployed there has yet to return with any valuable intelligence," Tharionson replied. "I'm still waiting on their report. However, if the delay continues, I'll head there myself."

Tharion studied him for a moment, his gaze lingering with quiet scrutiny before he spoke again.

"If you believe that's necessary, then proceed," he said. "But ensure that whatever demon is responsible does not cause further damage before it's dealt with."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Tharionson answered firmly. "I'll make sure of it."

A faint, humorless smile tugged at the king's lips.

"Don't make promises you have no control over, Marshal."

The words struck just enough to cause a subtle shift in Tharionson's expression, though he quickly steadied himself.

"...Understood, Your Majesty."

"Very well. If that is all, you may take your leave," Tharion said, already shifting his attention back toward the documents on his desk.

But just as he reached for his quill once more, Tharionson spoke again.

"There is one more matter I'd like to discuss, Your Majesty."

Tharion paused, his hand hovering slightly above the desk. His eyes lifted once more, settling on Tharionson with a quieter, more measured look.

After a brief moment, he leaned back into his chair again.

"Go on," he said evenly. "What is it?"

"Permission to speak freely, Your Majesty," Tharionson requested, his head lowering slightly.

That alone was enough to draw a faint frown from Tharion's face. For Tharionson to ask such a thing meant the topic was no longer strictly official, it carried something more personal beneath it.

The king observed him for a moment longer before finally giving a small nod.

"Permission granted."

Tharionson straightened, clearing his throat lightly before continuing.

"It concerns my nephew," he said, his tone calm, though subtly weighted.

"Liam Hunter… the son of my late sister."

Tharion's expression dimmed slightly the moment those words left Tharionson's mouth.

"What about the child?" he asked calmly, his face giving nothing away.

Tharionson met his father's gaze without hesitation as he spoke.

"I wish to know what you intend to do, Father," he said evenly. "Having seen him with your own eyes—unlike me—I want to know if you stand on the same ground as King Valemir."

Tharion studied him in silence for a brief moment before responding.

"And what if I do?" he asked at last. "Would it trouble you that I choose to honor what King Valemir and I agreed upon when we signed that decree years ago?"

"Not at all," Tharionson answered without pause. "Who am I to be troubled by your decisions? You are the King of this nation, after all."

Tharion's gaze lingered on him, sharp and observant. It was clear Tharionson had not yet said everything he came to say.

"Then again," Tharionson continued, his tone shifting slightly, "it would be dishonest to say I am not bothered in the slightest."

He held his father's eyes as he spoke the next words.

"Tell me, Father… do you truly believe it is right to push for the execution of an innocent child? Especially when that child is your grandson."

"Did your mother send you here for this… unnecessary conversation?" Tharion asked, his voice even, though colder now.

"No, she did not," Tharionson replied. "I came here of my own accord."

He paused briefly, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"Unlike you, Mother, and my brother," he went on, "the time I spent with my sister was limited. I was only a child then. And afterward, I had no choice but to grow into the legacy she left behind—to carry her name, her duties, her expectations."

His expression hardened just slightly, though his voice remained controlled.

"And because of that, I have spent every day wondering who she truly was."

He exhaled quietly before continuing.

"What was she… beyond the fame? Beyond the stories of her victories, her battles, her achievements? Beyond the title of glory everyone clings to?"

"For a long time, I believed I would never know."

His gaze sharpened, something more personal surfacing beneath the discipline.

"But learning that she left behind a child… a son… made me realize something."

"That she was more than just the Phoenix of Solara."

A brief silence followed his words.

"And with that understanding," Tharionson added, his voice steady but resolute, "I intend to do whatever I can to ensure that her son is protected."