We left the demi-dragon lands early in the morning. The climate was stable, and that gave me the freedom to move without immediate concern. The carriage moved at a steady pace as we crossed the routes connecting the territories. This time, it wasn't a journey to solve urgent problems, but to confirm something more important: consistency.
Rai'kanna was beside me, calmly observing the road ahead. Scarlett maintained a relaxed posture, but I knew she was always analyzing everything around her. Elara flipped through some records she had organized over the last few days. Lyannis seemed focused, already anticipating possible adjustments. Liriel kept a light but attentive gaze on the surrounding energy. Vespera, as always, silent, simply observed.
"We're heading to the elves first," said Lyannis.
"Yes."
Elara closed the record book.
"If things there are stable, then the pattern is confirmed."
"That's the goal."
The journey continued without interruptions. As we approached the elven lands, the difference was clear. The air felt lighter, the vegetation denser, and the very presence of mana was more refined. There were no signs of instability.
"You can already feel it," said Liriel.
"Yes," I replied.
We entered the region governed by the elder. It didn't take long for him to appear, walking with the same firm posture as always.
"You arrived at the right moment," he said.
"I figured."
He made a simple gesture.
"Come."
We followed him to the central area of the lands. The plantations were organized, well distributed, and visibly healthy. There were no signs of corruption or irregularities.
"As expected," said Elara.
"Better than expected," Lyannis corrected.
The elder nodded.
"The purification stabilized everything. The mana density is now balanced."
Liriel looked around.
"It's flowing better."
"Yes."
I looked directly at him.
"And the numbers?"
He made a slight gesture, and two elves approached carrying sacks.
"Fifteen thousand gold coins."
Scarlett let out a soft whistle.
"Again."
"Consistency," I replied.
Lyannis analyzed quickly.
"Production increased while maintaining quality."
"Exactly," said the elder.
"And the taxes?"
"Twelve thousand have already been sent to the king."
I nodded.
"So this here is clean profit."
"Yes."
I picked up one of the sacks, feeling the weight.
"Good."
Elara crossed her arms.
"This confirms the pattern."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna looked around.
"And no signs of instability."
"For now, no."
Liriel smiled slightly.
"The purification worked better here than I imagined."
"Because the environment was already favorable," I replied.
Vespera finally spoke.
"And now it's controlled."
I nodded.
"Exactly."
We spent some time reviewing everything. Structure, distribution, reserves. There were no major flaws.
"It's efficient," said Lyannis.
"Yes."
The elder maintained his firm tone.
"We will continue like this."
"I want that."
He nodded.
We said our farewells shortly after. There was no need to prolong things.
"Next," I said.
"Humans," Elara replied.
The trip to Vailor was direct. The terrain gradually changed, leaving behind the lightness of the elves for something more solid and structured. Once we arrived, I went straight to the village I managed.
The minister was already waiting.
"My lord."
"Report."
He smiled slightly.
"Production increased again."
"How much?"
He gestured, and two more men brought sacks forward.
"Sixteen thousand gold coins."
Scarlett let out a small laugh.
"Now this is getting interesting."
"Yes."
Lyannis stepped closer.
"This surpasses the others."
"Slightly," I replied.
"And the taxes?"
"Twelve thousand sent to the kingdom."
I nodded.
"Consistent."
Elara analyzed the surrounding structures.
"The village is more organized."
"Yes," said the minister. "After the latest adjustments, everything flowed better."
Liriel observed the plantations.
"The energy is clean."
"No interference?"
"No."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"So all the lands are stable."
"Yes."
Vespera looked at me.
"Three regions."
I nodded.
"Three regions."
I picked up one of the sacks, feeling the weight.
It was real.
"This changes a lot," said Scarlett.
"It does."
Lyannis added.
"You no longer depend on missions."
"No."
Elara was direct.
"Financially, you're consolidated."
"Yes."
Liriel tilted her head slightly.
"Then why continue?"
I looked at her.
"Because it's not about that."
She smiled.
"I know."
Rai'kanna spoke next.
"You were never driven only by money."
"No."
Scarlett let out a soft laugh.
"Good thing."
Vespera concluded.
"Then you continue."
"Yes."
I spent the rest of the day reviewing everything in the village. There were no major problems, only maintenance and minor adjustments. The minister was doing a good job.
"Keep it this way," I told him.
"Yes, my lord."
When we finished, it was already late afternoon. We took all the sacks and headed directly to the mansion in Vailor.
The journey was silent. Not because of tension, but because of understanding.
Once we arrived, I went directly down to the underground vault. The system responded to my mana, opening without resistance.
I entered.
The space was organized, with clearly defined sections. I placed the new sacks alongside the others. The volume was already considerable.
Scarlett looked around.
"This place is getting full."
"It is."
Lyannis analyzed the room.
"You need to start thinking about expansion."
"Later."
Elara crossed her arms.
"But soon."
"Yes."
Liriel observed the environment.
"It's secure."
"It is."
Vespera simply said,
"For now."
I nodded.
"For now."
We left the vault and returned to the main part of the mansion. Night had already fallen.
Rai'kanna approached me.
"So… everything's fine?"
"For the first time… yes."
Scarlett smiled faintly.
"That sounds strange coming from you."
"I know."
Lyannis added.
"But it won't last."
"No."
Elara looked out the window.
"Something is coming."
"Yes."
Liriel stayed silent for a moment.
"I can feel it too."
Vespera said nothing.
She didn't need to.
I took a deep breath.
"Then we enjoy it while we can."
Rai'kanna nodded.
"Yes."
I looked at all of them.
"But don't lower your guard."
"Of course," said Scarlett.
"Obviously," added Lyannis.
"Expected," said Elara.
"Understood," said Liriel.
Vespera simply nodded.
I walked toward the window.
Three territories.
Three sources of power.
Everything functioning.
But that didn't mean safety.
It meant preparation.
And I knew that.
"Now… it's only a matter of time," I murmured.
And this time, I was ready for whatever came next.