Time blinked for Empress Matilda after her interrupted vigil. That night’s intrusion, with all its implications, left her in a haze. The entire chain of orders she issued raised more than just a few officiers’ eyebrows but no one dared to question her. Yesterday, the entirety of the Royal Court was roped into Lake Hope and The Darius' Dam Project in one way or another. Everyone jumped at the opportunities they were given. The allocation of funds, resources, and workforce took an entire day. The logistics and support battalions were moved to the construction site to build a base with living quarters for hundreds of soldiers and workers. With a project of this magnitude, it was obvious they couldn't use convicts. Too many soldiers would be focused on watching them instead of helping. Theresa Iceleon was correct. It was much wiser to use them digging since it was nigh impossible to run from a Dungeon. Matilda wasn't even sure how the Arcadians were going to build such a big dam but she never once doubted it was impossible. If Theon said it was, then she wasn't going to doubt a man who clearly had no acceptance of the meaning of the word impossible.

Thousands of people would be employed across the Empire to aid the construction effort. The logistic centres were planned in critical locations and the resources would flow through them. Thousands upon thousands of caravans would return to the roads that were unused for decades. These roads were going to be, very quickly, destroyed by the intensity of use and the sheer weight of the cargo. She put in motion plans for reinforcing feeder roads as much as possible but, it was obvious, that transport was going to be the biggest bottleneck for the project. Her engineers and architects spent hours debating whether it was even possible to increase transport speeds but, after the latest blunder with their expertise about the dam itself, they avoided the word impossible as much as they could. The easiest and already approved solution was using the Navy to haul materials. However, asking for even more help from Arcadia began to be awkward. As if, the Empire of Metaka was suddenly unable to do anything without help.

Matilda was tired. After yesterday, today seemed even more taxing. She finished her lunch and read the newest update on the movements of the armies of Vettalia and Guad. Her eyes went wide upon realising just how much progress was made on both sides. Each of the southern nobles was given a simple choice: to join the army that reached them first or be treated as enemies. Some nobles, foolishly, resisted the demands of the throne inheritors and found their assets confiscated while some of them, also, died. Those, whose lands were not already attacked, sent desperate messages to Yranta or the Sleeping Dungeon, demanding Matilda step in and protect them. Protecting them was the last thing she was willing to do after those insolent pricks worked against her and Darius for years. With satisfaction, she returned letters declaring her deepest shock for their immoral and lawless declaration of neutrality. As was stated in the Codex of the Empire of Metaka, each law-abiding noble from all regions, except the central, shall declare their loyalty and commit fully to the victory of their selected heir to the throne.

As satisfying as it was to watch the clash of the two armies and the destruction of the most treacherous nobles of Metaka, Matilda started wondering if both Guad and Vettalia hadn't planned cleaning house. It was hard to imagine those two would work together as neither wasted a single chance to point out any mistake made by their sibling. Vettalia hated Guad so much that she would sit on the opposite side of the table during the official ceremonies. Guad wasn't better himself. Matilda heard many stories about their childhood and how they were a menace to each other. He inflicted every mean trick imaginable on his sister and she wasn't going to leave his actions unanswered. Their teenage quarrels and banters caused many stories that, still, made the rounds among their maids and butlers to this day. As children, the two were very close but this future was an unfortunate fate for the Royal children of Metaka. The future, however, might be brighter for the people of Metaka once Lake Hope forms but it is still hard to imagine.

"Hi, mom."

Matilda turned around in shock and rushed towards her daughter. "Cass! Gods... No one told me that Dauntless had already arrived!"

"Because it's still two or three hours away." Hestia smiled.

"Goddess Hestia!" Matilda lowered her head.

"I guess, until my Husband and my sisters arrive, I can be a Goddess." Hestia tilted her head with a soft smile. "Since I wanted to talk with you, Matilda, I brought Cassmira. It won't take long."

The auburn-haired Goddess smiled as the Praetorians walked through the doors. The Metakan soldiers in the room tensed but otherwise ignored them.

"Don't mind them, Theon wouldn't let us go without an entire company." Hestia waved her hand. "I needed to tell you that all Eternals allied with Arcadia will be attending Darius' funeral."

Matilda felt a warm pressure in her chest upon hearing the Goddess. "Thank you, thank you so much, Goddess Hestia."

"Don't mention it. He was a great man who contributed greatly to the peace between our nations." Hestia waved her hand and walked towards a window that began to rearrange itself into a large panel with an over extended sill. "Besides, I couldn't stand watching Cassmira stand on the bow of Dauntless and count the moments before you could be together again. Someone might think she was the ship's figurehead."

Cassmira giggled and hugged her mother. However, Matilda observed how a normal-looking, office window changed before everyone's eyes. The dark stone of the wall parted, expanded, and made room for a cosy-looking sofa built onto the window. The window enlarged itself making it a great place to sit and relax. Hestia sat on it with a yawn. "Don't mind me."

Upon seeing this, Matilda decided that, maybe, work could wait...

•••

Dauntless was welcomed by a large crowd of excited people, who, despite being mindful of the circumstances, tried to remain calm in accordance with the seriousness of the situation. They failed, of course, but Matilda gave them points for trying. The massive flagship of the Royal Navy of Arcadia was awe-inspiring, or terrifying, depending on which side of its guns you stood. Fortunately, it was, also, a symbol of the power of their closest ally. The two destroyers that flanked the dreadnought seemed small in comparison. It might be easy to believe what Theon said when he related that they were the smallest ships of his Navy. The diminutive illusion, however, popped like a soap bubble each moment the ships drew closer. The three monsters made of steel gracefully landed on the water as gentle as a feather and rapidly came to a stop, approaching their destined wharves. Matilda looked at the sharp and aggressive shape of the biggest warship of Aderon with a sentimental and soft smile.

The people exchanged quiet respectful whispers but many of the children couldn't contain their excitement. Parents risked nervous glances at her throne but she didn't mind the children. In fact, she wasn't even sure if the people of Metaka should falsely mourn Darius. Those who felt their loss would be mourning his death anyway. As she pondered her next moments, the dock ramps connected the Arcadian ships and soldiers began disembarking the ship, followed by the Royal Family of Arcadia. As Emperor Theon stepped on Metakan soil, the heavens parted and ten majestic figures descended. A silence swept across the crowd as everyone felt the urgent need to kneel before the Gods. The feeling faded as Zeus, Hera, Zephyr, Verka, Vali, Tisiphone, Ertu, Akh'ila, Kaal'nai, and Tuul'kara exchanged pleasantries with Theon Avalon and his wives. Matilda shook her head in disbelief. They certainly knew how to make a spectacular entry. Beside Theon, she noticed a few faces she didn't recognise but they seemed important enough judging by their attires.

The Arcadian Marines poured from the ships and formed a security perimeter, barring access to strangers. Matilda watched as the Arcadians approached the open pavilion where she decided to greet them. Each wore a serious face, appropriate for the occasion, as, one by one, they offered her their sincere condolences. When the last Empress stood beside Theon, a young woman wearing a crown approached Matilda. She seemed uncertain but the man near her radiated with unquestionable confidence.

"Please accept my deepest condolences, Empress Matilda." She slightly inclined her head.

"Thank you." Matilda smiled. A sudden memory returning. "You have grown up since we last met, Queen Theresa Iceleon."

"It's been ten years, I believe." The younger woman smiled. "I wondered if you would remember."

"Of course, I would." She smiled and looked at the man, who inclined his head much deeper than Theresa.

"I'm Marquis Victor Thornton, Empress Matilda." He introduced himself. "I would like, as well, to offer you my sincere condolences. Emperor Darius was a wise man."

"Thank you." She nodded in acceptance.

The Queen and presumably the future King of Iceleon stepped aside, allowing the remainder of the party to approach Matilda in an orderly fashion. The first to offer their condolences were the governors of the Western Province of Arcadia, Calicarpa May and her husband Dastra Blair. The woman was visibly pregnant and her appearance seemed off. However, Matilda knew who she really was: one of the fabled Dryads and a sister of Empress Lavender. The next couple was the ruling Queen of Everlight: Elisabeth Nix with her husband, Raphael Nix. They were followed by Viscount Jehaness Terion and Countess Pyonta Veronica Del'mira who were instantly recognised by Matilda. The famous ship maker, Terion's family were praised for their airships for hundreds of years. Bernard and Ellen Nova were next and quickly followed by Rizk'a and Talani Rescatta- the Governor couple of the Southern Province. It seemed odd to hear so many honest words of support. It wasn't like the people of Metaka were heartless but, for her, it seemed as if they were alone. As if, only other Metakans could understand their hard reality.

Finally, the last couple approached her with their faces covered by hoods that overhung their faces. There was something familiar about them but Matilda couldn't tell what it was until they lowered their disguise.

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"It's been a while, Mother." Guad's voice was strange, different from how she remembered him.

"We are so sorry we caused such worry for you and Father." Vettalia was crying but she held up very well.

"What... Why?" Matilda extended her hands towards the two people for whom she was always afraid.

"We had to. I promise that we will explain everything." Guad's eyes welled up with tears.

They stepped aside, opposite from each other, increasing Matilda's confusion. For a brief moment, those two were different from the people she remembered but, the moment passed, as the faces of the inheritors of the throne of Metaka donned their usual facial expressions. She furrowed her brows but, after a moment, she simply assumed that Guad and Vettalia decided to act decently during the funeral ceremony. She turned and, according to tradition, she led the procession to the chapel. She had stopped questioning dungeon magic as convenient things came into existence as soon as she needed them. Like now, when she thought there would not be enough room for all the attendees but, as soon as she entered the former chapel, it was the size of an average temple. With a sigh, Matilda waited for everyone to take their places as she slowly approached the podium. She wasn't surprised to see Vettalia and Guad on opposite sides of the temple but, for the moment, she ignored them.

"Emperor Darius Nineteenth peacefully passed away in his sleep." She proclaimed and, after she took a single red rose prepared exactly for this purpose, she turned away from the crowd as they lowered their heads.

Her steps echoed through the temple, slowly and methodically like ticks of a clock. She approached the open casket and looked at the calm face of her husband. He was so peaceful and she wanted him to wake up from this dream. But he was gone. Her tears flew on their own, leaving marks on the white burial robes of the Emperor. She slowly put the flower on his chest and took the crown of Metaka from his head. Her vision clouded with tears.

"Don't cry, Matilda..." Darius' voice sounded behind her. "I want you to be happy."

In shock, she slowly turned around and saw a young and tall man. His dark eyes were full of wisdom and his strong arms rested on his hips. The Gods of Nilmerthis were standing in a circle holding hands. She saw the soft smile of Goddess Hestia who stood between Goddess Hera and Goddess Verka.

"Darius? I miss you so much..." She reached to hug him but her arms just passed through his incorporeal form. It was so strange to look at his younger image while his body lay just behind her.

"I know, my Butterfly." He smiled and bowed to someone behind her. "I owe you much, my Gods..."

"You were a good and wise man, Darius Metaka. One of the greatest Kings your country ever had. Before you leave, we can offer you this last farewell to honour everything you have done." Zeus' voice was proud and genuine. "You owe us nothing, Darius the Great. But, before you pass, you can hear the last words from your family."

"Father? I..." Cassmira was standing near Leonard. "I love you, dad..."

"I love you too, my cute girl." He smiled softly as he made a step towards her. "You look fabulous, my little girl."

"I... I read your letter. I promise you that I will be happy." She smiled through her tears. "My heart whispers to me to honour your wish. Not only because you wanted it but because it's something that I desire."

"That is all I wanted, Cassmira. Live a long and happy life." Darius smiled but as his hand raised towards Cassmira's face, it left the circle of Gods and faded away. It reappeared as he took it back. "Stay safe in Arcadia."

"I will!" She promised and stepped away.

"You regretted that you couldn't meet my fiancée, Father. So please, let me introduce Rose." Leonard smiled proudly as his tears rolled down his cheeks.

"It's a shame we couldn't meet earlier, young Lady." Darius smiled. "You are even more beautiful than Leonard wrote in his letters."

"I'm happy that we could meet, Emperor Darius." Rose blushed as she bowed to the ghost.

"Be happy, Rose and Leonard. I now have one less regret on my way into the afterlife." He smiled.

"Thank you for everything you have done. I love you, Father!" Leonard's voice was full of emotions.

"I love you too, my Son." Darius slowly turned around and his eyes went wide in shock.

Vettalia and Guad were standing together, their faces were torn by pain and regret.

"We are so sorry, Father," Vettalia said with a warm voice.

"We are so sorry that you thought about us as failures, Father." Guad tried to smile, but the tears trickled down his face.

"I'm sorry that I disappointed you, my Children. I'm so sorry I couldn't change that cursed future..." Darius clenched his fists and lowered his head.

"But you have!" Vettalia protested with a strange zeal in her voice. "You have made everything possible!"

"You don't have to be worried about Metaka anymore." Guad joined her plea. "Thanks to you, Metaka allied itself with Arcadia and Iceleon! Thanks to you, our nations are working together to create a better future for all of us! We won't disappoint you, Father! Not any more."

"What... what are you talking about?" Darius stepped back in shock and looked at Matilda.

"It's true, Darius. It's all true. Soon, Metaka will have enough water to blossom once more. We have friends and allies." Matilda smiled despite her pain.

"But we have done more, Father!" Vettalia said, fighting with her rugged voice. "We have weeded out everyone who tried to attack Mother Matilda."

"We killed everyone who was connected with the death of our Mother, Flora." Guad's voice was full of anger. "We humbled the southern Nobles. We put an end to their rebellions and plots."

Everyone looked at the siblings in shock but, suddenly, Darius started laughing. "For all those years... You sneaky little...! It was all a ploy!"

"Yes, Father." Vettalia smiled as she wiped her tears. "We couldn't let anyone know. Even you."

"But we thought that you would understand. We did it for Metaka." Guad grabbed Vettalia's hand and held it eagerly. "Please, Father! Before you go, you must see our plot at its end. You must witness the end of the succession war!"

"We beg you, Father!" Vettalia sounded almost like a little girl.

"If I must witness the death of one of you..." Darius sighed with pain as everyone took their breath.

Vettalia and Guad stepped aside from each other and faced the crowd. They approached Cassmira and Leonard. Vettalia stood proud and took out a gold coin and gave it to the stupefied Leonard. She smiled at her younger brother and said softly. "Tails..."

"Heads." Guad shrugged and took a relaxed pose. "Toss a coin, Brother."

Leonard looked at the golden circle in shock but he flicked it with his thumb. The coin flew high, tumbling in the air, followed by the silent stare of thousands of the people in the temple. After a short flight, it hit the ground with a metallic ding that echoed across the temple, only to stop in the circle of Gods, right in front of Darius's ghost.

"Heads." Darius proclaimed and raised his head upon hearing applause.

Vettalia was smiling and clapping her hands as she walked towards her brother. "The old Emperor is dead! Long live the Emperor!"

She proclaimed and everyone looked at her as if she lost her mind.

"Thank you, my Sister." Guad inclined his head towards her. "As my first Royal Decree, I appoint Vettalia Metaka as the Prime Minister of the Empire!"

Darius looked at his oldest children in disbelief but his face betrayed his emotions and pride. The people, however, were somewhat shocked. Their unhappy murmurs started spreading but were suddenly silenced by a heartfelt laughter. Emperor Theon Avalon was laughing and his wives were widely smiling as they all started clapping their hands. All remaining Arcadians followed suit, with Queen Theresa joining the applause.

"I'm so proud of you, my Children." Darius smiled. "You fooled everyone. I'm so ashamed that I hadn't seen through your play! What kind of father is so blind?"

"The great and responsible Father who taught us everything about the legacy of Metaka." Vettalia smiled as she approached the circle of Gods.

"The wise and valiant Father who, not only, cared for his children but, also, the entire Empire," Guad added as he wiped his tears. "Empress Matilda, I'm so sorry for all those embarrassing remarks. I want you to know it was all a lie. You are the mother of Leonard and Cassmira, our beloved siblings, and the wife of our Father. That makes you our Mother as well. I'm embarrassed by everything I have done but I don't regret doing it. It was for the sake of our Empire and the legacy of our Father."

"You truly fooled everyone, Emperor..." Her voice faltered as she looked at him questioningly.

"Oh, my bad…" Guad ruffled his short hair. "I desire to continue your work, Father. With your permission, I would like to assume the name Guad Darius Twentieth."

"All hail Guad Darius Twentieth!" Darius proclaimed and nodded at Matilda who put the crown of the Empire on his head, awkwardly maneuvering her hands between Ertu and Akh'ila, who laughed as they tried to adjust to give her space.

"We are sorry, Darius," Hestia said with a very tired voice. "We can't keep you much longer."

"You gave me enough. Thanks to you, I have no regrets." Darius's ghost deeply bowed his head. "I wish you luck, Guad and Vettalia. I wish happiness to you Cassmira and Leonard. Don't mourn my passing but celebrate the bright future ahead. I'm so glad I was able to see you once more, my Love."

He looked at Matilda who smiled sadly. "I don't say farewell but see you soon, my Emperor. I hope that one day we will meet again."

"Until we meet once again, my Love." Darius smiled and lowered his head. "I'm ready."

A golden light turned Empress Irene into a magnificent figure as she walked up the dais. Her robes and hair turned gold with a bright circle of light hovering over her head.

"May you peacefully walk the verdant plains." The Saintess of Arcadia put her hands together. "May..."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Darius's ghost suddenly panicked. "The Gods of Metaka are gone! Isn't it too late to... You know? To board the boat, I guess?"

"Don't worry." Irene chuckled. Her voice was pure and captivating. "Eriar preserved the lands of the dead."

"Then, I bid you farewell my friends and people of Metaka." Darius's ghost laughed. "I'm glad I managed to meet you, Theon Avalon. May luck be always on your side."

"Farewell Darius Nineteenth of Metaka. I will save this luck for times when I truly need it." Theon saluted with a smile.

The golden beam of light covered Darius's ghost and, when it faded away, only his reposed body remained.