Two months had passed since the battle.
Aznar had finally regained its former glory, and peace had returned to the kingdom.
The former Dark Knights had returned to the lives they had once lived before the war, while the people slowly began rebuilding what had been destroyed.
Phoenix was now living in the royal palace. After regaining all of his memories, he had apologized to Xylon for the mistakes he had made in the past.
Although he chose not to carry the Serolf surname, he remained a Duke of the kingdom.
One of the reasons Phoenix refused to use the Serolf name was because being a Broider was the only remaining memory he had of his mother. He wanted to preserve that part of her within himself.
Owen had also returned to his former position as the Gate Keeper. He was now responsible for guarding and securing the kingdom's passages.
Spring remained Marquis while Hades continued as his knight.
Meanwhile, Sheen had returned to his position as a Count.
He had also changed his appearance. He didn't want the citizens to recognize him and be reminded of the cruelty he had committed in the past.
Lycan had returned to his wolf pack.
He was now the new Alpha of the wolves, having inherited the position from his father.
As for Ira, he had become a Hunter and was now training under Sagittarius.
And the nobles?
They were happily ruling their respective districts, helping Aznar recover and prosper once again.
The kingdom had finally found peace.
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.....
"Happy birthday, Akuma and Viel!"
Lilith greeted the two princes warmly.
Today was Akuma and Viel's birthday.
"Thank you very much!" the two princes said together.
The palace was filled with laughter and celebration.
There was a grand feast, music, and dancing as everyone gathered together to celebrate the princes' special day.
Amidst the celebration, Aria and Cedrick happily approached Xylon.
"Your Majesty… everyone," Aria said with a smile. She glanced at Cedrick.
Cedrick gently took his lover's hand.
"There is something we'd like to tell you," Aria continued.
"What is it?" Xylon asked curiously.
The two exchanged a smile.
"We're going to have a baby!" they announced together.
Everyone immediately turned toward them in surprise.
"R-Really?" Heberlin exclaimed.
"Wow! Congratulations!" Lilith said happily.
"That is wonderful news. Congratulations to both of you," Xylon said with a warm smile.
"Aria is already one month pregnant," Cedrick said proudly. "I'm so happy. I'm going to be a father."
"I hope your child grows up to be as kind and wonderful as both of you," Lilith said.
Aria smiled warmly.
"And because of that… let's eat!" Blake suddenly announced.
Everyone burst into laughter before heading toward the long dining table.
.
Titus had overheard Aria and Cedrick's announcement.
He could only let out a quiet sigh.
Why had he allowed himself to hope?
He laughed bitterly at himself and shook his head.
Then he turned around and began walking out of the palace.
But before he could leave, someone called out to him.
"Brother Titus!"
Titus stopped and looked back.
It was Viel.
"Are you leaving already?" Viel asked.
"Yes. I still have many things to do," Titus replied.
Viel hesitated for a moment before shyly asking, "If you're willing… could you take me to Hell with you sometimes?"
Titus was caught off guard by the question.
He stared at Viel for a moment before smiling faintly. "Very well. If that's what you wish, Your Highness."
With that, Titus continued walking.
He finally stepped outside the palace.
Waiting for him outside was Owen.
Without saying a word, Owen opened the portal to Hell.
Titus walked toward the portal and crossed through it.
The portal slowly closed behind him.
.
.
Xylon and Akuma stood before the portrait of the late Queen Jade.
They gazed at her beautiful face in silence for a moment.
"Mama… Aznar is peaceful again," Akuma said softly. "Papa has been such a great king."
Xylon smiled and placed an arm around his son's shoulders.
"Babe, our son has already become an excellent fighter. One day, he will become a great king of Aznar."
Akuma smiled proudly.
"Papa, no matter what happens, I will protect our kingdom just as you protected us."
"I'll hold you to that, Akuma," Xylon replied with a warm smile.
After spending a few more moments in front of Jade's portrait, the two returned to where their friends were gathered.
"Xylon! Hurry up! We're about to start another game!" Heberlin called out.
Xylon chuckled and walked toward them with Akuma.
For now, the vampire kingdom was peaceful once again.
But would that peace last forever?
Or would another threat eventually emerge from the shadows?
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Seventeen years later…
Xenon was quietly reading a book when his son, Xaki, suddenly approached him.
"Papa, I saw a woman earlier…" Xaki said.
Xenon lowered his book and looked at his son.
"She was staring at me, but then she suddenly disappeared," Xaki continued.
Xenon immediately became serious.
"Where did you see her?" he asked.
"Outside," Xaki replied. "She had long, curly hair… and she was very beautiful."
Xenon suddenly stood up.
Without another word, he rushed outside.
He looked around, searching every corner.
But there was no one there.
The woman was gone.
"Papa, is something wrong?" Xaki asked curiously.
But Xenon seemed not to hear him.
His eyes remained fixed on the empty path before him.
A familiar image flashed through his mind.
A woman with long, curly hair.
Xenon's lips trembled.
"Aria…"
That was the only word that escaped his lips.