The third morning dawned clear and bright.
Dew still clung to the garden paths like scattered pearls as Kiara walked between the flowering trees. Arceus walked beside her, his fingers occasionally brushing hers in quiet rhythm. Scarlett moved with them, always within the invisible boundary of the divine chain, her presence no longer a source of tension but a quiet, accepted truth.
For the first time in many days, the silence between the three of them felt almost peaceful.
Footsteps approached from behind.
The same Royal Knight bowed and extended another sealed scroll.
"Miss Kiara. His Imperial Majesty requests that this reply be delivered directly into your hands."
Kiara accepted it with a nod. "Thank you."
She broke the seal as they continued walking and read while the morning breeze stirred the petals around them.
The Emperor's reply was concise and measured.
He accepted the majority of her proposal.
But several points required adjustment.
