By some luck, Asterios and the ladies reached the Town Hall without any further unexpected encounters. However, it certainly didn’t happen without more surprises. The main one being the very destination of their short journey. The building itself made them pause to both admire and think deeply about what they were seeing.

What previously had been your usual administrative office was now partially redesigned. The foundation and general structure didn’t change, but the outer appearance was visibly altered. It was impossible to miss the draconic motifs running all over the front. Literally running. Lesser Dragon shapes coiled around the supporting pillars. And most surfaces were painted or carved to imitate scales.

Asterios glanced at Bryn and Grea questioningly. “Is this what the taxpayer money goes to now?”

His demon lover snickered. “Hey, with how much we are doing for the community, we ought to treat ourselves to something nice from time to time.”

“I think you should talk with your advisors, Master,” Bryn suggested with a knowing smile. “If I’m not mistaken, this is one of the smaller redesigns in their plans.”

A groan escaped his lips, to the amusement of his mates.

“Please, tell me they aren’t eyeing up the castle at least.” Asterios raised a brow at them.

The silence that descended upon the pair’s lips was very telling.

Tina giggled softly, patting him on the back. “Don’t worry. I’m sure they won’t overdo things. Besides, we have bigger problems to fuss over rather than how the city is stealthily becoming more Dragon-like.”

Forced to accept the truth for now, he nodded and led the party inside, eager to confront the Committee about their schemes. While being creative and proactive was great, things could always quickly get out of hand. If some enthusiasms weren’t properly curbed ahead of time, the next visit after a period of absence might greet them with something more outrageous.

Like a gate or two getting completely re-stylized into a True Dragon’s head to match the Old Town’s public name.

The interior of the Town Hall remained relatively the same, with just some minor alterations here and there. Upstairs still housed the round main meeting hall with all the advisor offices on the sides. It was tidied up and the circular table looked suspiciously draconic, but at this point, Asterios chose to just not acknowledge it.

He was sure some people were doing this for the fun of seeing his reactions.

“Hellooooooo! Anyone there?” Grea announced their arrival with a jovial call.

With a bit of shuffling, their elven general administrator scurried out of his office.

“Oh! You have returned, My Lord!” Ulyssen smiled warmly, coming closer to shake Ast’s hand. “Congratulations on your success, I assume?”

“More or less,” Silvia answered. “Things didn’t go exactly according to the plans we devised, but the final result can be considered satisfactory.”

“I’m glad to hear that! Everyone here knows something about deviations. But, if you weren’t capable enough to handle such twists of fate, King Welrond wouldn’t have entrusted the leadership of Glimmervale and then Dragon Valley to you,” the man offered them honest praise, evoking a few delicate blushes.

“Is no one else here?” Miria peeked around, tilting her head to examine the other offices.

“Busy times, My Lady.” The elf chuckled. “We are all tending to our tasks at almost every hour of the day. I’m sure you must have noticed the galloping progress of our charming town.”

“It’s hard not to.” Asterios nodded. “Especially when everywhere you look there seem to be more draconic themes.”

“Ah, I told them it was too much.” Ulyssen scratched his cheek. “But, no, it seems like the draconic fever has taken its toll even on our Committee. Trust me, My Lord, the proper constructions aren’t delayed in the slightest by these… negligible adjustments.”

“Well, it will certainly help some races feel more comfortable and appreciated.” Althea rested a hand on Ast’s shoulder and their gazes met. “How to better show your hospitality if not by displaying artistic depictions of the people you wish to welcome?”

“Speaking of which, I wonder how Rusi and the others are doing.” Tina tapped her chin. “Perhaps we should give them a visit. From what I can tell… they are near the dungeon?”

“Correct,” the elf confirmed. “The Dragon Guard has been using it to train themselves regularly. Keenu believes it helps with their teamwork and cooperation. Since their unit is still freshly made, there is no better way to get to know each other than through combat, where you can entrust your back to your partner.”

“Wise words.” Selene hummed approvingly.

“We’ll check up on them afterward, then,” Asterios offered. “Anything you can share with us? Or should we perhaps call for a meeting so that everyone has a chance to chime in?”

“I can provide you with a short summary,” Ulyssen replied. “They won’t mind, happy to focus on their work.”

He jogged to bring a few packets of documents and set them down. Looking up at Asterios, he found him somewhat pensive.

“My Lord?” Ulyssen frowned slightly.

“It’s just… Since the moment we arrived… I feel like something is missing.” Asterios stroked his chin. “Give me a moment.”

Closing his eyes, he dove into himself, letting his awareness spread through his mind and heart. It didn’t take long for him to discover the answer. Reaching even deeper into his very existence, he focused on the bond he shared with his mates. To be specific, on the connection with a certain individual, their presence the faintest yet the closest to his soul.

However, there was still the question of what to do about it.

Then, Asterios got an idea.

The others watched his shadow ripple and expand, forming a dark pool spanning over the entire circular floor. While he remained heavily focused, a thin pillar rose from the sea of black. It wobbled and wiggled, soon assuming a familiar feminine shape. When the details settled in, no one other than Tia stood amongst them, albeit painted with just a single color like a statue. A statue that moved.

“Oh! How curious!” The Dryad giggled sweetly, testing out her new body. “I’m surprised you didn’t ask before grabbing my soul just like that.”

“Sorry—”

“I’m just teasing.” She silenced him with a finger on his lips right as he opened his eyes. “I like how kind and considerate you are whenever you do something involving others, but honestly, asking can ruin a great surprise. It’s good that you are growing bolder with what belongs to you.”

He didn’t have a response to her words, listening to the giggly female’s suggestive chuckles.

“What’s this?” Grea asked, poking the black depiction of their newest sister-mate. “You didn’t mention finding a way to get her a body during the earlier recap.”

“It’s still just my shadow.” Asterios shook his head. “But, I deepened my connection with Tia to the level of allowing her to pretty much read and influence my very mind for the moment. Without my supervision. You can say that she currently possesses this shadow by manipulating my thoughts.”

“That shows a great deal of unconditional trust,” Althea commented calmly, making the shadowy girl beam to the high heavens as she knew that too.

He shrugged. “Who would I trust if I couldn’t trust my own mates?”

Tia slid her smoking figure against his and pressed their lips together for a deep, loving kiss.

“Unfortunately, this form lacks physical sensations, but you know where to find me if you’d like to catch up on that.” She grinned at him, and he could swear he caught a sparkle in her monochrome eyes. “In the meantime, I appreciate the chance to accompany you in the outside world.”

And so, they brought some chairs and settled around the round table while their friend went through a bunch of topics and changes that had taken place during their absence. The construction and development were well on track, with no serious issues plaguing that sector. As mentioned before, the staff for the academies was slowly gathering. It was revealed that Grea had gone through quite a few applications to filter them, wanting to make Ast’s job of reviewing them easier.

Clearly, that bit was supposed to stay secret with how the demon lady blushed dark crimson, escaping with her gaze aside, her tail dancing underneath her robes. She then explained that it would be best if the two of them conducted interviews together, deciding on final picks after spending a few minutes face-to-face with the candidates. Everyone supported that idea and left it to her to decide on a date.

The population was booming thanks to all the arrivals and the first iteration of the noble system was working relatively well. Those who had taken the oaths were showing their dedication through visible efforts in the fields belonging to the specific ranks and files. It was something new and exciting for many. Having a clear guideline on what to focus on instead of guessing and thinking up their own plans to gain recognition fell well with many previously foreign nobles, even if they had to start from the bottom.

As for the Dragon Guard, it had become another iconic attraction of the region. Its members didn’t stay idle, taking care of missions and quests all over the small nation. Thanks to that, their sightings were more than regular and people had many chances to interact with the new elite squad of Dragon Valley’s protectors. They were already making a name for themselves, slowly carving their way to becoming as recognizable as the Royal Division.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

There were some minor problems in almost every category, but Ulyssen didn’t want to bother them unnecessarily when those issues were his and his colleagues’ responsibility. Unless something truly required the group’s attention, there were plenty of people more than glad to handle things. In the end, everyone wanted to show how capable they were. Asterios had stressed numerous times that he relied on the help of professionals as he wasn’t perfect in every area. Relying on one’s subordinates wasn’t a weakness.

“That reminds me, we have a message for you from King Welrond,” the elf administrator mentioned amidst his presentation. “It arrived about a week ago through a courier escorted by a representative from the Royal Division. It was to be handed to you at the earliest convenience, but they were aware that you were currently off-world, My Lord.”

Taking the envelope from the man, Asterios cut it open with his draconic claw. The girls gathered over his shoulder to read along. Still, he mouthed the words out loud for everyone to catch the missive. It simply requested his visit to discuss an important matter regarding their nations.

“Are you going to jump there right away, Master?” Miria glanced at him excitedly, her chin resting atop his shoulder.

He gave it a longer thought than they would have expected.

“No,” Asterios answered, which was another slight surprise. “I’m no longer just Asterios the Adventurer. As a certain beautiful lady of a high standing often reminds me, I’m now Asterios the Ruler, and I should act as one. We’ll send a reply, notifying the king that I will come in three days. Have one of the Dragon Guard deliver it. That should be an adequate response, am I right?”

Silvia met his gaze with a wide smile, taking hold of his palm to squeeze it affectionately.

“You pass,” she announced, letting out a quiet chuckle. “If it were to be a test, of course. That’s more than a proper response, My Lord Husband. I’m proud of you.”

Asterios smirked, feeling a little bit embarrassed now. “Well, if it really was something critical, he would have contacted us straight through the connection, definitely noticing our return. So, I figured it’s alright to follow the usual procedures.”

“It’s so hot when you act like a proper monarch.” Grea bit into her bottom lip deliciously. “Maybe I’ll get to experience it a bit more now that you don’t need to be as embarrassed of me as before.”

He snorted, shaking his head at her. “Sure. I’ll gladly take you with me if you are going to behave. In public, at least.”

She chewed on that lip even more, definitely considering how much she would be able to control herself already if given such an opportunity.

“I think you can take care of this when we visit the dungeon,” Tia chimed in merrily, delighted that she could interact with them this way.

“She’s right.” Ulyssen nodded. “Allow me to draft the reply for you, My Lord. Just a second.”

The man hurried back to his office and did as he had said, returning a few minutes later with a scribbled message. They verified it together and he went to transfer it onto the proper royal medium, bringing a sealed envelope and the royal sigil Asterios had left in his care for the duration of their expedition. Taking the seal, the true monarch heated it up and marked the blob of crimson wax with the draconic symbol, stuffing the letter and the stamp into his spatial storage.

Not wanting to take more of Ulyssen’s time, they gathered up and began heading for the dungeon camp. There was no doubt that they would learn about many more things from plenty of other people in their domain so it wasn’t necessary to torment a single person. He had his duties too.

Tia remained with them even as Asterios shrank the shadowy pool to be more or less twice the width of his body, allowing her to keep close without much strain. This wasn’t something they were going to utilize all the time, but he wanted to include his new lover in their daily life as much as possible. And so did the girls. The Dryad thanked them wholeheartedly for the gesture. It already felt like she was part of the family even with her missing body.

The guild encampment was as busy as they remembered, if not more. The noise was perhaps even bigger than in the very middle of the main market. Adventurers walked around and chatted about various things while the few authorized traders introduced their wares. Some owned wooden cabins with noticeable signboards, but a few were allowed to set up stalls. Clearly, everything was done under the guild’s jurisdiction, judging by the occasional sigils appearing in sight.

Ast’s party wandered into the spacious pavilion and squeezed through the crowd to enter the staff area. Avoiding drawing too much attention, they slipped into the guildmaster’s office after knocking first. Suanori greeted them with a smile, accompanied by two other women.

“Pipsqueak! I was wondering when you’ll remember the little old me.” Rusi snickered as she and her mother turned around to face them.

“We were on the way,” Tina answered with a delicate scoff. “There is an order to certain things. And I could tell you were in the middle of something.”

“Don’t be rude to your partner.” Phatru gently smacked her daughter in the back of her head. “It should have been you who flew to greet her at the first sign of arrival like the good familiar that you are supposed to be.”

The younger Lesser Dragon blushed faintly while scrunching her nose.

At the same time, a second shadow rose from the ground, taking the shape of a familiar butler.

“Umbra?” Asterios raised a curious brow at his own familiar. “Thought you would be busy with things back home.”

“I decided to see how Kori is doing since you are already here,” the Lord of the Nethernight realm replied openly instead of mentally. “I can feel the Dragons and their companions inside and will gather them up for you.”

He bowed respectfully and sank into the ground.

Asterios was intrigued by the interaction, but these would most likely become more common now that Umbra wasn’t being limited by the seal. On another note, that also meant he could now display his full power. Which had additionally grown after becoming one with the realm, pretty much.

His enemies definitely had something to be afraid of.

“So, what are you three doing here?” Tina asked the trio.

“They finished their practice recently and I was reviewing their progress,” Suanori replied, pointing at some data sheets resting atop her desk. “Phatru employed the dungeon in her lessons about the dangers of the wide world. Even without Umbra, she could use Rusi to partially communicate with Kori and produce specific monsters for their needs. It wasn’t perfect, but they got it right half of the time.”

“Smart.” Asterios nodded. “How are the disciples taking to our unique program?”

“Jellal is in big trouble.” Phatru laughed loudly. “They are so eager and fascinated that it’s a bigger problem having them not dedicate all their time to our studies. I had to lay down some ground rules as the first two weeks were a total war for my attention. Even Visenna could hardly keep herself on the sidelines, but she’s recently started skipping some lectures so it’s a bit easier.”

“I wonder why.” Selene let out a ladylike chuckle behind her palm and elbowed Asterios.

The girls giggled amusedly.

“The situation is as severe in Phasmantia,” Rusi added. “These guys can’t keep their mouths shut about how incredible their lives here are. I pity Nestmother Rhufija a little bit. She has her hands full with an overeager community. Last I heard, someone even started a fanclub of yours in hopes of getting into the next batch of familiars soon. They are actively convincing people that a certain True Dragon is their salvation and rightful custodian.”

Althea snorted audibly. “Flash them a compassionate True Dragon once and they leap straight into willingful submission.”

“I’m starting to think that part isn’t just your personal preference,” Tia teased, bringing a rosy splash over her friend’s graceful cheeks.

There was a movement in the shadows behind the group and they turned around just in time to witness the appearance of Dragon Guard’s full team. The squad was dressed in what could be identified as training equipment, their gear displaying signs of wear and tear through lots of direct experience.

Before anyone was able to say anything, the core members of the troop put their fists to their chests, straightening up.

“Your Majesty!” they shouted in unison.

Then, the Dragons fell to one knee beside their respective companions.

“We greet the Dragon Emperor!” they exclaimed.

Asterios ran his palm down his face throughout the silence that descended onto the guildmaster’s office. He didn’t have to guess with how a certain individual with a very distinctive carnation shuffled a bit further out of his sight.

“Stand up. And at ease.” He put his hands on his hips, giving the team a slow look. “Kathy.”

“Yes, sir!” Their captain stepped forward.

“Have one of yours deliver this to King Welrond post haste. With all the necessary decorum.” Asterios handed her the envelope.

“Sir, yes, sir!” She stowed it in her personal storage artifact without the slightest hint of curiosity. “It’ll reach the destination in a blink!”

He smirked. “Good. No need to push like it’s the end of the world, though. It’s just a simple message.”

“With all due respect, My Lord, the boys and girls have been waiting for this opportunity!” Kathy replied confidently. “This will be our first real assignment as your representatives and whoever tackles this mission will undoubtedly give their best to test how far they have come together with their partner!”

Meeting the eyes of her subordinates, Asterios could easily discern the eager shine filling their gazes. After almost two months of training, his first troop was looking forward to proving that he hadn’t chosen wrong. This would be their first actual trial.

“I’m expecting great results, then.” He gave them a serious nod. “Dismissed.”

With another salute to the chest, Kathy started ushering her squad outside, the men and women struggling to conceal their enthusiasm.

“It’s so damn lively here today.” A familiar voice reached their ears before the door closed, a blue-haired head poking through the gap. “Oh, hi, Sis.”

“Gwen!” Tina launched herself forward to bring her sister in, the two sharing a cordial hug. “How are you doing?”

“Suffocating as of now!” The taller girl squeaked as the much stronger short lady squeezed too hard.

“Oops! I sometimes forget about all that draconic strength!” Tina laughed bashfully, letting her go.

Taking a deep breath, Gwen showed a lovely smile. “Great, I’m doing great. I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed my stay in your city. It’s turning into something unrivaled.”

“Just like its leaders,” Suanori commented. “And their loyal subjects.”

Meeting her senior’s gaze, the guildmaster-in-training pondered over something briefly, returning her attention to Asterios and Tina afterward.

“Say, are you doing something important right now?” she asked.

“That depends,” her sister responded. “Why?”

“I’ve been gathering information about the dwarves from Wintercrown and my report is pretty much fully compiled for a while already,” Gwen explained. “I could share my findings with you… while also finally introducing you to the chief executive of the organization I have mentioned in the past. I think we are ready to tell you the truth.”

“That sounds kind of ominous.” Asterios laughed. “Up to you, Tina. I’m sure Umbra will appreciate some more time alone with Kori.”

Staring right back at her tense sister, Tina exhaled softly. “Alright. Let’s get it over with. I know she won’t stop worrying about this until she sees my reaction now that the matter is up in the air. That part runs in the family.”

The younger girl tried to huff offendedly but everyone could tell the older sibling had hit the nail on the head.

Therefore, they bid a temporary farewell to Guildmaster Suanori and the draconic mother-daughter duo, letting them finish their debriefing. The blue-haired sisters chatted away during their trip into the city, but Gwen remained tight-lipped about the matter. Asterios had noticed Suanori’s knowing smile before they departed, so it seemed to be something the elf official was aware of.

“Ummm… Why have we stopped in front of our residence?” Tina asked as they arrived at the shared mansion of the Hestizo-Nobelle families.

“You’ll see.” Gwen grinned. “Come on. They are already expecting us.”

Blinking blankly, Tina shot Asterios a confused look before being dragged away by her sister. He chuckled and shared a look with his other mates, wondering what kind of crazy surprises awaited them this time.

Because there was no normal day where his mother was considered.