[Immortal Flame Spirit Lv. 1 – Chosen of Mett Lv. 134]

Rank A creature. Originating from the core of a phoenix and the soul of a human, members of this race gain pseudo-immortality and a mana elemental physique from the former, as well as sapience and access to classes from the later. Neither phoenix nor human, immortal flame spirits promise to reach ever greater heights.

As I took in the Nico’s new status, Nico slowly opened her eyes. Uncle Dimri stepped next to her bed and spoke gently to her.

“How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?”

Nico groggily shook her head.

“I am alright.”

As I looked at her from a distance, I realized that Nico looked a little strange. She still mostly had the same appearance as her human body, but there was a strange, indescribable quality to her now.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

“You are Lord Dimri, the Life Dragon.” She answered before she tried to sit upwards.

“Now, now! Please stay where you are – we’ll finish our check up then we’ll get you on your feet soon enough.” Dimri said, gently keeping her on the bed.

“Now, how many fingers do you see?” he said, raising three fingers over Nico’s head.

“Three raised and two folded. If my mind wasn’t all there, I might’ve said five instead of three.”

Dimri laughed.

“If you’re joking already, then we’ve nothing to worry about. One last thing – tell us about something funny from your childhood.”

Nico looked confused but complied anyway.

“When we were kids, Ozeir said he wanted to be a nanny because then he’d get to keep all the toys for himself.”

I snorted, and Ozeir’s brows twitched. Dimri heaved a relieved sigh and turned towards us.

“She’s alright. You may come and see her.”

Immediately after, Nico’s mom rushed towards her and held her in a tight hug. She was tearing up as Nico felt a little uncomfortable and more than a little guilty. Duke Sept and Ozeir stepped ahead to speak with Nico as Dimri discreetly signaled for me to follow.

He must’ve wanted to give the family some private time.

I nodded and followed after him to where mom and auntie stood.

“Well, that went as well as we could hope for. Did you ask her if the status effect is gone?” I asked.

“There’ll be time for more thorough checks later. For now, your friend needs to rest near familiar faces. Is your home prepared to host them, Azoth? I’ll send over Durreg to help if you need anything.” Auntie asked.

“Wait, we’re hosting the Sept family?”

“We are, and I’ve prepared the extra mattresses and rooms. Besides that, Dimri, how are things on your end?”

Uncle Dimri frowned for a minute before answering.

“We’ve definitely gotten some interest, particularly from wind and your water dragons. You’ll have to ask Ighir about the flame dragons, but I expect them and the earth dragons to stubbornly boycott attempts at reconciliation. The arcane and atypical dragons are mostly uninterested either way.”

“What are you guys talking about? I am feeling out of the loop.” I interjected.

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“It’s been hundreds of years since the Celestial War, and we have a new generation of dragons in its infancy. It’s a particularly good time to reconcile with the humans and the gods, especially for your sakes. But the dragons are no more of a monolith than the humans are.” Mom said.

Aunt Ighir took over from there.

“Do you remember about how the kind of person you are determines the affinity you’re born with? While it’s not a hard rule or universally applicable, it’s not surprising that most fire-attributed dragons can’t put aside their anger at the humans and their gods. The same can be said for the earth dragons stubbornly clinging to the traditional view of draconic supremacy over all others, especially with the bruised ego from the events of the war.”

“But I thought most of us were fiercely independent? Why is everyone simply following what other dragons of the same affinity are thinking?”

“That remains true. Dragons generally do not accept a master, whether that be another dragon or someone else. Still, that doesn’t mean we are blind to the benefits of organization, nor are we submitting to another’s authority simply by going beneath their banner. The leaders of each of the isles, such as your mother and your aunt, only coordinate other dragons’ efforts when we are in conflict with another power or are undertaking a project of some sort.”

Huh.

“I get it. It’s just frustrating that they’re not thinking about the matter pragmatically and just obeying their own feelings over the matter.”

“That’s not kind nor reasonable to say, Kiara. You yourself have made a number of less than pragmatic decisions; you have neglected your physical combat skills in favor of your magic, much like the arcane-attributed tend to do, and you’ve taken reckless risks like the atypical-attributed are known to take. Don’t be too eager to judge others over their flaws.” Mom chided me.

“Sure, sure. But you still didn’t say anything about what you’re planning just yet. What are you planning to do?”

Dimri nodded before he started ruffling my hair.

“All in due time, young one. More importantly, you should go and chat with your friend. It seems that her family is finally reassured of her wellbeing.”

***

We bid Uncle Dimri and Auntie goodbye. He provided an enchanted casket that would preserve Nico’s old body for burial in Tamery, which was apparently a very important matter in their culture. He said he’ll keep it somewhere safe until the Sept family was ready to fly home. With that settled, we left for the isle of the water dragons.

Since we didn’t want to soak the family with seawater, mom directly opened an entrance through the side of the glacier for the griffins to fly through, which she closed immediately afterwards. Soon enough, we landed within our front lawn.

“Please, come in! Our home is yours as well. Kiara, take our guests to their rooms. Once everyone is settled, please bring them downstairs for lunch.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Azoth. We are in your care.” Duke Sept said as he dismounted from the Griffin, which laid down comfortably on the grass.

With that settled, I helped the Duke and the Duchess to their room then helped Ozeir to his. I took Nico to my room, where she went in and locked the door while she looked for a change of clothes.

It didn’t take long for all four of them to be in comfortable but semi-formal attire before I brought them downstairs, where a veritable buffet awaited.

“Mom, when and how did you prepare all this?!” I asked incredulously.

Mom chuckled.

“I have my ways, Kiara. In any case, please take a seat everyone!”

The Sept family sat together, while I sat next to mom on the opposite side of the table. The family offered a prayer to Mett, while mom and I waited for them silently. When they were finished, we all ate in silence.

***

“Thank you for the wonderful meal, Lady Azoth.” Duke Sept said.

“I’ll say! You’ve got to share that strawberry shortcake recipe with me, Lady Azoth! It was exquisite!” Duchess Sept gushed.

“I am glad to hear you’ve enjoyed the food. I’ll be happy to give you a copy of my recipe book for your use, Duchess Sept. That said, I’d also like to discuss a separate matter with you, if you don’t mind.”

The Duke and the Duchess shared a glance.

“We are at your service, Lady Azoth. What is on your mind?” he asked.

“You see, the relationship between humanity and the dragons is still strained, and I’ve been meaning to do something about that…”

***

“A commendable initiative. You have our full support.” Duke Sept said immediately after mom pitched them the idea.

I blinked.

“Wait, that’s it? You agreed on the spot?” I asked.

“Why wouldn’t he? It’s a good offer, and our house stands to gain great honour and renown if we can successfully begin mending relations.” Ozeir answered.

“It would be lovely if we could put the tragedies of the past behind us and look to build a better tomorrow for future generations. Some may think it’s too difficult, but what argument could be more compelling than the Frost Dragon’s daughter and Lady Mett’s champion being such good friends? We’re uniquely suited to backing such an attempt.” Duchess Sept said.

“Seeking peace with the next generation also follows in line with the values of our Goddess. War isn’t particularly conducive to order or justice, and proactively preventing a reignition of the Celestial War goes a long way for that.” Nico chimed in.

“Those are all good reasons. But most importantly of all, we owe you a debt of gratitude and have declared you a friend to our house. House Sept has always honoured its debts and supported its allies, and we do not intend to stop now. It’s only natural that we offer our aid. On that note,” Duke Sept said as he leaned back into his seat, “I have relevant news to share with you, and its subject is the Latium Republic.”