Jade turned his gaze upward, his eyes tracing the sky as it blazed in rich hues of orange and gold, the sun sinking lower and lower. The chill of the air deepened, but the light from the setting sun painted everything in a warm, almost ethereal glow.
He took a deep breath and then looked back at the soldiers, still standing at attention. Their faces were flushed with exertion, but there was a sharpness in their eyes, a sense of discipline that had defined their ranks for years.
"Listen up!" Jade's voice rang out, commanding and strong. "We'll take a short break from training. I've got some news to share."
The soldiers, hearing the shift in his tone, looked up, curiosity sparking in their eyes.
Jade allowed himself a small smile, his mood lifted by the unexpected news.
"Her Majesty," he began, "is gracious enough to host a dinner tomorrow evening to honor all of you who fought in the battle against Ash Kingdom. The dinner will be held at the palace guest hall, and all of you will be invited."
A murmur of surprise and excitement rippled through the ranks.
Jade raised his hand, silencing the chatter.
"Tomorrow's training will be canceled to make way for the event. Her Majesty wishes to recognize not only those who fought, but also those who helped provide weapons and supplies. So, we'll all be there—no one is left out."
The soldiers' faces lit up, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. A cheer of gratitude and enthusiasm erupted from the group.
"Thank you, Minister!" one of them shouted, and the others quickly followed suit.
"Long live the Queen!" another added.
Jade chuckled softly at their excitement, but his heart was still wrapped in the warmth of the Queen's kindness.
"Alright," he said, raising his hand again. "Let's take a break for now. Get some rest, and we'll continue with the training afterward."
The soldiers' voices rang out in unison, the sound carrying through the cold winter air.
"Yes, Sir!!!"
As the soldiers began to disperse, their voices fading into the chill of the evening, Jade stood still, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
'Your Majesty…'
The weight of her kindness and strength settled within him like a quiet storm. Her gentle, unwavering care for her people—despite the heavy burden of grief she bore—touched him in a way he couldn't quite articulate. It wasn't just the gesture of the dinner, though that alone was remarkable. It was the sheer, unrelenting warmth she exuded, even in the darkest moments. Despite losing her father, despite the endless duties that awaited her, Queen Genie still found space in her heart to honor those who had fought by her side.
Dinner came sooner than expected.
Led by Jade, the soldiers finished their duties and made their way toward the guest hall. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting golden hues across the courtyard, which was already alive with celebration. Long wooden tables had been set beneath the open sky, laden with steaming platters of roasted meats, colorful side dishes, and fruit-filled trays. Musicians played lively tunes on traditional string and wind instruments, the melody floating warmly through the air to welcome the warriors' arrival.
Walking at the front of the group, Danjin's eyes sparkled as he looked around and turned to Jade.
"Minister, Her Majesty has prepared all this for us," he said with childlike excitement. "I'm honestly touched."
Jade gave a faint, restrained smile.
"Yes, it does appear so."
The soldiers behind them echoed Danjin's excitement with cheerful murmurs. Their footsteps slowed as they took in the festive scene.
At that moment, Lady Park appeared near the entryway, her posture straight and voice calm but welcoming.
"Welcome to the banquet, Minister," she said, bowing slightly before glancing at the group behind him. "Everyone, please feel free to take your seats wherever you'd like."
She gestured toward the large round tables that ringed the courtyard.
At the center, musicians continued to play beside a towering arrangement of food and drink.
"Thank you," Jade said, then turned to address the men behind him. "Everyone, find your seats at the round tables."
As they began dispersing, Jade's eyes drifted toward the head table at the front. It stood slightly raised and centered, marked by ornate golden detailing. He noted the two seats positioned at its center—one larger, carved with the royal crest.
"I assume that's Her Majesty's seat?" he asked.
Lady Park followed his gaze and nodded.
"Yes, and the seat beside it is yours."
Jade inclined his head in acknowledgement and moved toward the table. As he sat beside the Queen's still-empty seat, his heart gave a quiet flutter. Though the evening was far from private, the thought of sitting beside her—away from the crowd—offered him a rare, almost intimate proximity.
A royal chef approached silently and poured a sparkling, jewel-toned cocktail into a silver-rimmed crystal goblet. The drink shimmered in the fading light.
"Thank you," Jade said with a courteous bow of the head.
Then he paused, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. He looked up.
'Her Majesty…'
There she was—Queen Genie.
She glided gracefully into the courtyard, draped in a flowing silk gown of soft rose and ivory, the fabric catching the sunset like light on water. A gentle smile played on her lips. Behind her trailed several court ladies and a pair of royal guards, their steps perfectly in rhythm with hers.
Jade rose to his feet immediately, eyes fixed on her approach.
Genie met his gaze and gave a subtle, knowing smile.
"Good evening," she greeted softly, stepping up to the table.
"Good evening, Your Majesty," Jade replied as he pulled out her chair.
She nodded in thanks and sat down, her movements fluid and refined. Once she was seated, Jade followed suit, taking his place beside her once more.
The soldiers, seeing their Queen arrive, stood in unison and offered a deep bow.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" they exclaimed in a chorus—equal parts joyful and reverent.
Genie looked around the yard, her expression warm.
"Thank you all for coming," she said. "I hope you enjoy this evening's dinner. It's a small gesture of gratitude—for all of you who fought bravely and protected our kingdom in the last battle."
She gave a graceful wave of her hand, prompting the soldiers to sit.
Once the crowd had settled, Genie turned her head slightly and addressed Chief Han, who stood nearby.
"Where are the ones who forged the weapons we used in the battle?" she asked with genuine curiosity.
"They'll be arriving shortly, Your Majesty," Chief Han replied with a respectful bow.
Soon after, about ten men and women entered the courtyard, each dressed in simple but tidy garments—craftsmen and women, smiths, and armorers who had toiled behind the scenes. Their faces glowed with pride as they walked in.
Genie's expression brightened at the sight of them. She stood briefly, smiling in welcome.
Each of them bowed deeply toward the Queen as they entered—except one.
Genie's smile faltered.
Seated beside Queen Genie, Jade's eyes widened in recognition the moment he spotted the man standing tall among the craftsmen.
Genie leaned slightly toward Jade and asked, "Is that… San-gi?"
Jade blinked, then chuckled as understanding dawned.
"Yes, Your Majesty. That's San-gi."
At that very moment, San-gi broke into a wide grin and started striding confidently across the courtyard—completely unbothered by the formal setting.
"Gene!!! Bro, Jade!!!" he called out, laughter booming from his chest as he marched forward without hesitation.
Before he could come too close, however, two royal guards swiftly stepped in front of him, blocking his path with firm, synchronized movements.
"You mustn't approach Her Majesty without permission," one of them said sharply.
San-gi halted, startled, and then scratched the back of his head.
"Oh, right. She's the Queen now."
Genie let out a soft laugh at his awkward realization.
"It's all right," she said, waving off the guards. "He's a friend."
Then, turning to the craftsmen still standing nearby, she addressed the group with warm authority.
"First things first—please take your seats. Now that you've all arrived, the dinner banquet may begin."
The craftsmen and women bowed low in gratitude before finding places at the remaining tables. Genie's gaze returned to San-gi, her smile bright with lingering disbelief.
"I still can't believe it. How are you even here, San-gi?"
San-gi laughed and gave an exaggerated shrug.
"Came all the way to the Hana Kingdom to learn the secrets of arrow-making from Master Tanan himself," he said proudly.
"Oh!" Genie exclaimed, the memory rushing back. "You did mention that once, didn't you?"
She gestured to the empty chair across from her.
"Come, you can sit here."
San-gi's eyes scanned the space—and then met Jade's.
There was a flicker of silent understanding, or perhaps playful rivalry. San-gi grinned inwardly, imagining Jade silently begging him to sit elsewhere.
He gave a mock-serious nod.
"Ah… no worries. I'll sit with Master Tanan. We'll talk more later—if Your Majesty permits," he added with a wink and a hearty laugh.
Genie laughed again.
"All right then. Go sit with your crew. We'll catch up after the banquet."
With everyone now seated, the musicians shifted seamlessly into a new melody—an elegant medley of Hana Kingdom's traditional victory songs and sacred hymns. A troop of dancers in flowing garments entered the courtyard, their movements poetic and precise as they danced to the rhythm of the kingdom's heritage.
The royal chefs stepped out in orderly lines, placing ornate dishes before the guests—sizzling meats, delicate rice rolls, sweet jellies wrapped in leaves, and intricately carved fruits, each dish more extravagant than the last.
Laughter filled the air, mingling with the scent of fresh herbs and the distant hum of a summer breeze. The evening bloomed into joy—lively, sincere, and touched with a rare sense of peace.
And for that moment, under the twilight sky, the kingdom celebrated not just victory—but the bonds that had carried them through it.