Meanwhile, Nolan, Waze, Celia, Linda, Lyra, and Damian sat comfortably inside the royal carriage.

"Wow… this carriage is even—fantastic," Celia said, eyes wide. "It looks even more gorgeous than the last one we entered."

"Yes, it really is," Linda added, her voice filled with awe. "It's incredible. And… Master, it was truly an honor to witness what you're capable of. You can reduce time… and as much as you like. But… you told them it was a one-time skill, right?"

Lyra tilted her head, smiling faintly. "Oh, yes. I just said that. They might not believe it… or they might have a problem. But honestly, I'm the one who destroyed that city. I could have defeated the demon without it—just a single punch, if I wanted to."

Damian's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Wow… you're so impressive. I'm willing to serve you for the rest of my life."

Nolan smiled softly at him.

"I'm going to get stronger so I can be by your side," Linda said earnestly.

"Me too," Celia added, determination in her voice.

Nolan's smile widened, calm and reassuring. "There's no need to pressure yourselves. I'm okay. You don't need to overexert just to be by my side."

"Yes, Master — I'll be by your side, always." Celia's voice was fierce and sincere.

Around them a warm hush settled in the carriage. Then Lyra's brow furrowed, curiosity and concern threading her tone. "Master… tell me—how did you run into a demon again? You said you'd met one before. This is the second time. How did it happen?"

Nolan's expression went calm, eyes steady as he explained. "It was the court. Luther planned this all along. After he won the tournament, he intended to seize Sindra. He planned to join the hero party and convert its members — turn them to the court's side. If he lost… I'm sure he had a backup plan to become king by force."

He sighed softly. "When he lost, he gave the order to eliminate the king. They moved to strike, and the court used their influence to step in — stopping time and snatching away those who were going to kill the king." Nolan's voice went colder. "When that didn't secure his plan, they turned to darker measures. They'd already taken countless lives… even sacrificed members of their own court to fuel a summoning. That ritual brought out a demon—one weaker than you might think, but dangerous nonetheless."

Lyra's eyes flashed with indignation. "You make it sound like I'm weak. Still—if anything like that happens again, I'll be the one to fight it. Ten of them, a hundred of them—I'll beat them."

Nolan smiled faintly. "I'm sure you can. You're a divine behemoth—one of the heaven's greats."

Damian puffed up with pride, voice booming. "Hey, Master—don't forget me. I can fight too. I can kill the demon lord if you want. I am the Divine Dragon King from Heaven!"

Nolan smirked, indulgent. "I know, Damian. I know."

He leaned back, eyes softening as the carriage rolled on through the city toward the castle. "Let's save the rest of this talk for inside. We'll continue when we reach the castle—your rooms are waiting."

Celia, Lyra, Linda, and Damian settled, faces bright with resolve. Outside, the city still buzzed from the day's miracle—inside the carriage, the group prepared for what would come next.

The carriage continued to glide through the streets, the sunlight catching the polished wood and golden trims. Inside, the group shared a quiet, comfortable peace—a moment to breathe after the chaos, each feeling a renewed determination, inspired by the man who had just saved their city and changed their world.

The carriages rolled down the avenue and the castle finally came into view — towering turrets, banners snapping in the breeze. Everyone pressed toward the windows in excitement.

"Wow… we're back here again!" Siggia breathed.

"This time we won't be staying in the Marshall Wing," someone called. "We're finally going into the main castle."

Lyra clapped her hands, eyes sparkling. "Yes! And I'm coming, too. Last time I didn't even get a single dessert. This time I'm making up for it — I'm your companion, after all. There's surely a mountain of sweets waiting."

"It's been a stressful day," Damian said, stretching. "But we won the tournament. Luther… whatever became of him, his plan failed. I made sure of that." Nolan's voice was steady, almost casual. "If I'd wanted, a single punch would've finished him—same as the demon. The demon's body disintegrated from that force. Luther shouldn't cause trouble now; the royal guard probably already has him detained or imprisoned."

The carriage eased to a stop in the castle yard. Servants sprang into motion; a butler stepped forward and opened the door. One by one they climbed out, stretching limbs and smiling at the sight of the great palace.

The King descended from his own carriage and offered a gracious bow. "Please, all of you—come to my castle." He began walking toward the main entrance; they fell in behind him.

Two attendants awaited at the great doors. When the heavy wood opened, the sight inside stole their breaths: a cavernous hall hung with golden chandeliers, tables inlaid with gilded filigree—every surface spoke of wealth and care.

"Please, follow me," the butler said, guiding them to a grand dining table the size of a small hall—pure gold, laden with platters: roasted fowl, steaming breads, towers of desserts, fruits glistening like jewels.

"You all must be starving. Please, have your meal. I will go change into something lighter," the King announced, smiling.

Nolan inclined his head politely. "Thank you, my king."

"Don't be so formal here," the King replied, stepping closer with an easy laugh. "You're in my home. You don't need to call me King while inside. Call me—Ravannis."

Nolan arched an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Very well. Since you insist, Rovanis."

The table erupted in warm laughter and chatter as everyone took their seats, plates piled high. The castle hummed with relief and celebration—yet beneath the mirth, the day's events had set new wheels into motion. Allies and rivals alike would be reckoning with what they'd seen today.

Nolan and the others watched as the King walked away, the grandeur of the castle settling around them. A few butlers glanced at their group with faint curiosity, smiling politely as they served the meal.

This… this is a bit much just for us, Nolan thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. A table made of pure gold, plates and spoons of gold, even the chairs… this is what you call true riches.

Lyra's eyes sparkled as she looked at the spread. "Master… can I start eating? He already said we can, but… may I?"

Nolan waved his hand gently. "Oh, sorry. Yes, you may begin—but mind your manners."

Lyra barely nodded before diving in. A plate of roasted chicken vanished in an instant. Then she moved to the desserts—a cake, a perfectly golden omelet—her speed shocking even Nolan.

Damn… she's a behemoth, Nolan thought, exhaling slowly. As a human, she has zero restraint when it comes to food—it's like watching a vault being emptied.

He glanced at Celia and Linda, who were eating with composed elegance. Now, that's how a person should eat, he mused.

Then his eyes fell on Damian. He was a blur of motion, shoveling food into his mouth just as fast as Lyra.

Damn… he's doing the same thing, Nolan thought, shaking his head in amusement.

Finally, Nolan picked up his own plate. He started to eat at a normal pace, enjoying the meal while keeping an amused eye on the chaos around him—Lyra devouring desserts, Damian tearing through the chicken, and Celia and Linda holding a graceful balance.

It was a rare moment of calm, camaraderie, and simple joy after the chaos of battle—a scene that felt like a reward, as golden and rich as the castle itself.

Nolan kept eating slowly, savoring each bite, but his eyes couldn't help wandering to the table.

The food was disappearing at an alarming rate. Lyra and Damian were devouring everything as if there were no tomorrow. Plates that had seemed impossibly large at the start were now nearly empty.

I'm actually starving… Nolan thought, alarmed. If I don't start eating faster, they'll finish it all before I even get a proper bite.

Celia and Linda had already picked up their pace, realizing the speed at which Lyra and Damian were consuming the feast. Nolan smirked and finally began rushing his own meal, determined not to be outdone.

Just then, the doors opened and the King returned, his presence commanding yet warm. "Oh my! You all must be truly starving. Eat up!"

Nolan looked up, surprised. "Oh! The King is back." He realized just how absorbed they had all been—and that they'd been ignoring table manners even in the royal presence.

The King smiled and gestured toward a regal figure behind him. "This is my wife, Queen Delsey."

Nolan bent his head respectfully, as did Celia and Linda.

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