Hey hope yall enjoy and just know things are about to get interesting.
I'll also give y'all a vague hint towards future events. There is a very specific reason varion was remade by veldnava. It wasn't on a whim.
Thats all your getting as a hint I have literally intentionally or otherwise littered things nodding towards this throughout the story you probably have id say maybe 40 chapters until it is revealed.
Chapter 60: Preparations, departure and arrival
A full week had passed since they decided on the trip to Sarion, and Prinz had been in overdrive the entire time.
She had taken complete control of the preparations, and while everyone understood how important this was to her, it had quickly become clear that she was pushing herself too hard. Every detail had to be perfect in her eyes. She spent hours with Shuna and a team of skilled seamstresses going over fabric choices, measurements, and designs multiple times. She was dead set on white as the primary color for both of their formal outfits, insisting it would be appropriate and compulsory to Varion and her colors, while still fitting within Tempest's more practical and elegant style.
Varion's outfit ended up being a long white coat with subtle purple and silver accents, clean lines, and a high collar. formal enough for noble company, but still allowing him freedom of movement. Prinz's own outfit was an elegant white dress, designed to complement his outfit while maintaining a distinctly Sarion noble feel.
Even so, she kept finding small things to adjust. She checked everything 3 separate times, made sure they had the right gifts for her family, and kept going over what they should and shouldn't say when they arrived. It was obvious she was nervous, even if she tried to hide it behind her usual confidence.
On the fourth day, Varion and Rimuri finally stepped in.
"Prinz," Rimuri said gently but firmly, pulling her away from the work table where she had been going over fabric samples again. "That's enough for today. Come eat with us."
"I just want to make sure—"
"It will be fine," Varion said, taking her hand and tugging her away from the seamstresses. "You've been at this for hours. Shuna and the others know what they're doing."
Prinz tried to argue at first, but eventually gave in when both of them refused to let her keep working. They spent the evening together in their residence, and for a little while, she allowed herself to relax. This happened more than a few over the next few days. Varion or Rimuri would find her overworking herself and drag her away for a meal, a walk, or just to sit and talk about something other than the trip.
-day of the trip-
The morning of their departure was clear and calm.
Most of the executive members had gathered near the edge of the city to see them off. Benimaru, Shuna, Souei, Hakurou, Rigurd, and several others stood waiting as Varion and Prinz finished their final checks.
Rimuri walked up to them, her expression warm but carrying a hint of reluctance.
"Be careful out there," she said, looking between the two of them. "And don't cause too much trouble in Sarion, yea?."
Prinz gave her a small smile. "No promises."
Varion stepped forward and put his hands around Rimuri pulling her into a deep kiss. One hand rested gently on the back of her neck while the other settled at her waist. He took his time, clearly not wanting to rush the goodbye. When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers for a moment.
"we'll be back before you know it," he said quietly.
Rimuri smiled up at him, her golden-yellow eyes soft. "You better be. Both of you."
She then turned to Prinz and gave her a quick hug. "Take care of each other. And try not to stress too much, okay?"
Prinz nodded. "I'll try."
Rimuri stepped back and looked at the group. "Benimaru, I'm counting on you and the others to keep things running smoothly while we're gone. We'll likely both be away for a few months."
Benimaru placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly. "We won't let you down."
Rimuri gave one last wave before turning and walking forward as Great sage opened a [astral gate] for her using Varion's skill. She stepped through it without looking back, heading toward Blumund first.
Once she was gone, Varion turned to Prinz. Without saying anything, he scooped her up into his arms in a bridal carry. Prinz let out a small surprised sound but quickly settled against his chest, her arms looping around his neck.
"Ready?" he asked her quietly.
Prinz looked up at him and nodded, her expression serious but warm. "Ready."
Varion raised one hand and opened an [Astral Gate]. The portal shimmered into existence in front of them. Without another word, he stepped through it while carrying Prinz, the gate closing behind them as they disappeared.
The group watched in silence for a few seconds after they were gone.
Shuna was the first to speak, her voice soft. "They'll be okay."
Benimaru nodded. "They will. And we have our own work to do."
With that, the group began to disperse, each person returning to their duties as Tempest continued to move forward in the absence of its two leaders.
As the final wisps of Astral Gate unraveled behind them as Varion and Prinz stepped out into the open air. A warm breeze carrying the scent of grass and flowers washed over them. They had appeared on a wide, grassy hilltop a fair distance from the capital of the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion.
Prinz had specifically chosen this spot.
She slipped out of Varion's arms and took a few steps forward, standing beside him as she looked out toward the horizon. The massive form of the Divine Tree dominated the landscape in the distance, its enormous canopy stretching high into the sky like a living mountain of green and gold. Sunlight filtered through its countless leaves, making the entire tree glow with a soft, ethereal light. Smaller floating islands and structures could be seen nestled within its branches, connected by bridges and glowing pathways.
[Insert image]
"That," Prinz said quietly, her voice carrying a hint of pride, "is the heart of Sarion. The Divine Tree. I wanted you to see it like this first… in its full glory. Not from inside the city."
Varion didn't answer right away.
He stood completely still, his emerald eyes locked onto the massive tree. A strange, powerful feeling stirred deep in his chest. His [Stellar Heart] reacted on its own, pulsing strongly as if recognizing something familiar. The energy radiating from the Divine Tree was ancient and immense. It wasn't just powerful. it felt familiar.
So familiar it hurt
It felt like his father.
The realization hit him harder than he expected. This tree wasn't just a landmark or a national treasure. It was a direct creation of Veldanava. Even after all these years, traces of his father's power still lingered within it, strong enough that Varion could feel it clearly from this distance.
His vision blurred.
Tears welled up in his eyes before he could stop them. One slipped down his cheek as he continued staring at the tree, overwhelmed by the sudden, intense wave of nostalgia and longing. It had been so long since he had felt anything that carried his father's presence this strongly. It hurt, it ached, it made him want to be happy and sad all at the same time.
Prinz noticed immediately.
Without saying a word, she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him from the side, resting her head gently against his shoulder. She didn't ask what was wrong. She already knew. She could feel the way his body had gone tense, and she understood what the Divine Tree meant to him, due to knowing its history.
Varion didn't speak. He simply lifted one arm and wrapped it around her waist, pulling her a little closer as he continued to look at the tree through slightly blurred vision.
Prinz stayed quiet, offering silent comfort as she held him. She knew this moment was important. For all his strength and the responsibilities he carried, there were still pieces of him that were just a son who had lost his father far too soon.
After a long moment, Varion finally spoke, his voice quiet and a little rough.
"…It feels like him."
Prinz tightened her hold on him slightly.
"I know," she murmured softly. "That's why I wanted you to see it first."
Varion closed his eyes for a second, letting out a slow breath as he leaned his head lightly against hers. The tears had stopped, but the heavy feeling in his chest remained.
Prinz didn't rush him. She simply stayed there with him, giving him the time he needed.