"Are you leaving?" Hades asked, raising his brows.

Quintessa nodded slowly. "Yes. I just wanted to see you… and now that I know you're healthy, I can return with a smile," she said softly, holding her son's hands.

They stood in the reception hall. Kaelith had gone to her office for some work, leaving just the two of them.

Luna and Peri sat a little farther away, giving them space to talk.

Hades looked at his mother with warmth in his eyes. "I'm glad you came, Mom. And on such a lucky day too. Quite the coincidence, isn't it?"

Quintessa lowered her gaze and nodded. "Right… I suddenly felt like visiting you, and it turns out this day was meant to be celebrated. Aren't I lucky?"

Hades studied her face, his brows lifting slightly. Quintessa's smile faltered under his gaze, and before she could look away, he spoke,

"Lying doesn't suit you, Ma. Tell me the truth—did you really come here for a casual visit?"

It was easy for him to tell when she wasn't being honest. Anyone close to her knew that whenever she avoided eye contact, she was hiding something.

Hades had a feeling there was more to her visit. Count Trevon wouldn't have allowed her to travel this far without a reason.

Luna and Peri exchanged a glance. They hadn't sensed anything unusual at first, but seeing the look on Quintessa's face now, it was clear—something had happened.

Hades gently cupped her cheek and urged, "Whatever it is, Ma, I promise I'll make it right. So please, just tell me."

Quintessa shifted uneasily, her voice low and hesitant. "I don't know if I should say this… I feel like I'm ruining your celebration. You've only just recovered from an injury, and now…"

"You can't possibly go back without telling him, Mother," Luna said, stepping closer to them. "You know Hades as well as I do. Please, tell us what happened."

Quintessa sighed. She knew her son wouldn't let her leave without answers—and deep down, that was probably why she came in the first place.

'I feel so selfish…'

With a faint, defeated smile, she finally began to explain.

"About two weeks ago, Doven went to participate in a tournament held in the beast realm. Drevon warned him not to, but he still went ahead on his own."

Hades frowned but stayed silent, listening carefully.

"When he came back, he was bruised and badly hurt. He apparently lost in the second round."

Peri almost scoffed, thinking the lady might be here to ask Hades to take revenge for her son. But Luna and Hades, who knew Quintessa well, understood—she wouldn't have traveled all this way over something so small.

Quintessa continued softly, "Five days ago… an army appeared around the county."

"Army?" Hades repeated, his expression hardening.

"Yes… the army of Ruler Raarka. He's one of the rulers of the beast realm."

Hades frowned, trying to make sense of it. "But… why would he bring his army when Doven just lost a match?"

Normally, beastkins didn't attack those weaker than them. They valued strength and respected those who could stand their ground.

If Doven had won, he might have wounded someone's pride—but losing in the second round shouldn't have caused such trouble.

"We asked him the same thing," Quintessa said, her brows knitted tightly. "It turns out… Doven caught the attention of a certain female beastkin during his match. She admired his resilience and determination, and after the fight, she proposed to him. But instead of refusing politely, Doven insulted her—and her entire race." Looking up, she added, "And it turned out, that girl was Raarka's only daughter."

Peri drew in a sharp breath while Luna rolled her eyes, clearly unsurprised. From the first time she met that boy, she could already tell what kind of person he was.

Hades pressed his lips together, thinking for a moment before asking, "What was the name of the ruler who brought his army?"

"Raarka," Quintessa replied. "I've heard he's quite powerful back in the beast realm."

Hades nodded slowly, then turned toward the pink-haired maid standing quietly in the corner of the hall.

"Ava."

She stepped forward and bowed. "Yes, my lord?"

"Do you know this Raarka?"

Ava thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I believe I've heard of him. He belongs to a branch family of one of the Fangs."

"Fangs?" Luna asked curiously.

Ava explained, "There are seven major territories in the beast realm, each ruled by one of the seven Fangs. The more Fangs a ruler has under their command, the greater their authority. Raarka serves under the Third Fang—King Kaizar."

"So he's connected to someone important," Hades murmured.

Ava nodded again. "Exactly. Only those with exceptional strength and loyalty are allowed to serve under the Fang families. If I recall correctly, Raarka is a commander working directly under King Kaizar."

Hades crossed his arms, his expression darkening. "Tell me—there's a law that forbids the royals of different realms from interfering with one another's affairs, isn't there?"

"Yes, young master," Ava confirmed. "You're correct. By attacking a human nation, Raarka has broken that law. Which means… no matter what happens to him, King Kaizar won't be able to interfere or overturn the judgement later."

Hades nodded, "Then they won't mind if I take care of this guy Raarka right?"

Quintessa panicked, "But son, he has an army of more than a thousand people."

That begged the question, "Has the King not made a move?" Luna asked.

Quintessa sighed, "Negotiation has been going on, but given the forces being distributed to the borders for the preparation of possible attack from the dragons…the King has no other option but to let the Count handle this."

Luna nodded, as she muttered in her mind, 'It's no surprise.' For humanity, dragons are still the main concern, and more so now that the Sage is getting old.

It wouldn't be surprising if the King actually abandons Devon because of the situation.

Quintessa held her son's shirt as she said, "Son…this is way too dangerous."

Peri added, "Even if you want to interfere, the Pact wouldn't let you or Aethernox forces enter the human realm. You are now a recognized dragon."

The pact would prohibit Hades from entering the human lands, now that he has awakened his core.

Hades smiled at the girl and said, "I won't be taking Mother's forces for this, I will go there myself. And there is someone I know who will allow my entry in that realm."

Peri was stunned to hear those words but Luna only sighed.

Ava suddenly added, "Please take me with you, My lord. I might be able to negotiate with them better."

Hades gave a brief nod before declaring, "We will leave tomorrow early in the morning."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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