CHAPTER 73 – EMPIRE’S SANCTUARY

LYSANDER FARADEISS

I found myself in need of an alternative limousine to reach Sawyer’s Cape, the designated site for activating the Empire’s Sanctuary. Clad in a sharp gray suit, a red-striped necktie, black slacks, and polished, pointed leather shoes, I couldn't recall the last time I adorned such formal attire. The Erudite gatherings of the past timeline were the only occasions that warranted such wardrobe selections.

Upon stepping out of the service limousine, I took a moment to adjust my tie, my gaze shifting towards the venue. The Empire’s Sanctuary, an artificial magical island meticulously crafted to emulate the Guardian’s Haven, stood before me. According to gathered intelligence, the Empress intended to declare the Empire’s Sanctuary as the new capital of the human empire. With Elysia, Sargus, and Fleija now in ruins, this sanctuary would become the refuge for all humans seeking shelter.

Stretching across one hundred and fifty thousand square kilometers, the Empire’s Sanctuary was more than adequate to be recognized as a new capital. This haven was destined to accommodate noble humans, as evidenced by the distinguished guests—dukes and duchesses who filled the space. It seemed like a modern-day Noah’s Ark, a refuge reserved for the affluent elite amid the Purge of Humanity.

Ordinarily, we wouldn't have received an invitation to such an exclusive place. However, as members of the Daybreaker Squad within the Chevalier Unit, a military group directly under the Empress's command, we had a role to play in ensuring her safety. Despite our official duty, the Empress herself encouraged us to partake in the festivities, blurring the lines between duty and enjoyment.

The sudden halt of a limousine jolted my attention, narrowly avoiding a close encounter with its bumper. Yet, the driver's precision suggested this was intentional. Stepping out, the chauffeur promptly opened the passenger door.

Emerging first was Kate, donned in a sleek black tuxedo paired with a matching tie. Her crimson hair, neatly tied back in a ponytail, framed her face, drawing my attention. In this moment, she exuded a certain charm, perhaps even outshining me. But such expectations were misplaced; after all, I knew Kate's inclinations leaned towards women.

"Lysander, you made it," Kate greeted, a smile gracing her lips. "Could you assist the ladies?"

With a nod, I moved toward the limousine's door.

Following Kate was Gaeun, radiating a contrasting aura in a delicate pink dress adorned with ribbons. Her ebony hair cascaded like a painter's masterpiece, lending her an ethereal quality. As our eyes met, a faint blush tinted her cheeks, causing her to shift her gaze.

Sensing the subtle tension, I stepped back, allowing Kate to extend her hand, gracefully guiding Gaeun from the vehicle.

The third person to grace us with her presence from the limousine was Charlotte, draped in an immaculate, flowing white gown. Her tall, slender figure resembled that of a fairy tale princess. However, as her eyes met mine, a disdainful expression marred her features, as though my very gaze repulsed her. Silently, I mouthed the words "Fuck off."

There was no way I would offer assistance to that arrogant individual, so I left it to Kate to extend a helping hand to Charlotte. As she took charge, I couldn't help but mutter my sentiments under my breath.

Observing my reluctance, Kate shot me a glare and spoke sternly, "Hey, get it together. You're handling the next lady." With that, she gracefully walked alongside Charlotte and Gaeun.

The final occupant of the limousine emerged, a captivating elven beauty named Hiraya Misteltein. Her long golden hair, adorned with a black ribbon, was styled into an elegant two-sided updo. Clad in a revealing long black dress, with a side cutout showcasing her cleavage and waist, and a side slit unveiling her flawlessly fair left leg, she embodied a goddess incarnate—quite literally. Hiraya Misteltein, the woman of my dreams, had stepped into reality.

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Swallowing the stagnant saliva that had accumulated in my mouth, I reached out, offering my hand. "Allow me to escort you, milady," I offered.

The elven girl's distinct ears quivered at the sight of me, her golden eyes gleaming with interest. A blush graced her cheeks as she replied, "With pleasure," placing her gloved hand delicately atop mine.

Together, we proceeded arm in arm down the crimson carpet. Hiraya initiated a casual conversation, her voice soft.

"You certainly present yourself better now than you did at our prom," she remarked, a smile playing on her lips.

Raising an eyebrow in mock surprise, I responded, "Really? I never pegged you as someone who'd notice me back then."

Chuckling softly, Hiraya clarified, "As one of the judges for the prom, it was my duty to observe every attendee closely. I evaluated them based on their attire and presentation, you know."

"So, you were silently critiquing us," I mused aloud. "How would you evaluate my transformation from then to now?"

Hiraya didn't hold back. "Back then? Let's just say you wouldn't have made the cut. Your suit seemed to overpower you, and that hairstyle? It reminded me of those anime characters with exaggerated, spiky hairdos," she remarked with a playful scoff.

Feeling a tad defensive, I retorted, "Fashion never was my strong suit, pun intended."

Pausing for a moment, Hiraya examined me with a discerning eye. "Now, though, you're a solid nine-out-of-ten. A few adjustments," she said as she tousled my hair, undoing all my careful styling, "and voila, a perfect ten! From toad… to a prince!" Her laughter was infectious.

Caught off guard, I blushed deeply, my gaze unintentionally drifting downward. When I realized where I was looking, embarrassment flooded me. Hastily averting my eyes, I stammered, "Y-You look absolutely stunning tonight."

Hiraya's playful smirk suggested she had noticed my flustered state, but she gracefully accepted the compliment, enjoying our shared moment of lighthearted banter.

Hiraya's cheeks took on a rosy hue, her eyes twinkling. "You certainly have a way with words," she murmured, drawing closer. Resting her chest lightly against my arm, she leaned in, her voice a soft whisper against my ear. "Being with you feels so familiar, as if our souls have crossed paths in a past life, tethered by a bond deeper than comprehension."

"Yes. As sworn enemies." I grinned.

Hiraya shook her head slowly. "No. As lovers."

My heart pounded furiously, each beat echoing the intensity of the moment. The sensation of Hiraya's heartbeat against my arm felt electrifying, as though a simple phrase from her could unleash a torrent of emotions and memories, transforming me into a formidable dragon with the mere mention of "Activating Vesryn Pulse."

Yet, the fragments of memories from a different timeline resurfaced, memories tainted by the events where she'd administered the Heart of Exceria to revive me post-battle. Questions bubbled within, but voicing them seemed premature. Could this version of Hiraya truly provide answers, or had our paths diverged too greatly in this reality?

Our introspective reverie was abruptly shattered by the commencement of the evening's program. Dominating the entrance of the Empire’s Sanctuary was a grand red ribbon, and at its forefront stood Empress Serenity Elkyria. Clad in regal attire, she wielded a ceremonial golden sword. Beside her stood Emperor Consort Cleru Neos, a distinguished figure with striking white hair, impeccably dressed in a pristine gray suit.

"The Empire’s Sanctuary… is now open!" announced the Empress, her joy evident as she gracefully cut through the ceremonial ribbons at the gate.

The atmosphere erupted into a symphony of celebration — fireworks illuminated the night sky, confetti showered down, and the assembled nobles applauded in unison. Amidst the revelry, a butler approached, offering a tray adorned with wine glasses. Hiraya and I each took one, our eyes meeting in a shared moment of anticipation.

"To the salvation of mankind and to a new future," Hiraya proposed, raising her wine glass.

"To a brand new peaceful world," I responded, echoing the sentiment as our glasses clinked in a toast. We both sipped the wine, exchanging smiles tinged with a blush. Hiraya then leaned onto my shoulders, and together, we gazed at the Empire’s Sanctuary beginning its ascent, accompanied by the mystical chants of one of the Erudites Twelve—Generia Fachias leading the incantation. In my knowledge, she would eventually pioneer the creation of the Wings of Light, with the Empire’s Sanctuary serving as the prototype for her spell.

Hiraya's fingers lightly grasped my sleeve, pulling me back into the moment. "Lysander," she began cautiously, "they claim the Empire’s Sanctuary will remain untouched by future wars. Was that the case in your past timeline?"

A somber expression crossed my face as I shook my head. "No," I replied, my voice tinged with regret. "After a decade, the Empire’s Sanctuary was renamed the Final Sanctuary. And tragically, it became evident that nowhere and no one was truly safe."