The sun was dipping below the horizon when the gates of the Persia Dukedom opened for a royal guest. A knight, armor stained with dust from the road, arrived breathless at the main hall.
"Young Master Sion!" he bowed deeply. "A visitor… Princess Rebecca Esther, second heir to the Sidom Elven Kingdom. She claims urgent business."
Sion paused mid-conversation with his mother, Mary. His eyes sharpened. "From Sidom?"
Raphael, resting on the nearby pillar, smirked. "Another princess, my king? You're building a kingdom of brides."
Sion shot him a glance. "Not the time."
Mary stepped forward. "Should I receive her?"
"No," Sion said gently. "I'll speak to her myself."
Inside the Receiving Hall
Princess Rebecca stood with regal stillness, her elven grace untouched despite the exhaustion in her violet eyes. Her arrival, unannounced and alone, spoke volumes.
"I come not as a guest," she said, "but as a messenger of war. The Leaf Kingdom has declared open aggression against Sidom. Our borders are burning. We request immediate support from the Clover Kingdom."
Sion frowned, absorbing the weight of her words. "This is sudden. Why now?"
"Because they think you're distracted," Rebecca replied calmly. "Internal chaos. Political unrest. They're hoping the Clover Kingdom collapses under its own weight."
"I'm not the king," Sion said, voice low. "It's not my decision."
Rebecca stepped closer. "But the king listens to you. The people follow you. If you stand with us, so will Clover."
Sion didn't answer. Instead, he raised his hand and whispered a spell. A burst of golden light etched a cryptic rune mid-air, glowing briefly before vanishing.
"I've informed the King directly," Sion said. "He'll understand."
She looked confused. "How?"
"I used a soul-linked sigil. Now, I'll bring him here."
Rebecca's brows lifted as she watched Sion summon the Wrap Gate—a swirling portal of luminous force. The ground trembled slightly with the sheer mana coursing through it.
"You… you created a spatial gate this vast?" she breathed. "Even our highest mages can't open one across kingdoms."
"Where I come from," Sion said, "this was basic."
Royal Palace
Moments later, the Wrap Gate shimmered into existence in the royal chambers, startling the guards and advisors. King Nathan stepped forward, shocked but not surprised.
"Sion?"
"There's no time," Sion replied, calm but firm. "Sidom is at war. This palace is vulnerable. I've come to bring you, the Queen, and both Dukes to the Persia estate. Now."
Queen Elizabeth hesitated, but King Nathan nodded without argument. "Let's move."
With swift precision, the royal family and their elite guards prepared. The Dukes—Ragnar and Jonathan—stepped forward, grim but composed. They trusted Sion more than most.
Persia Dukedom – Grand Atrium
The Wrap Gate flared once more as the royal party emerged inside the Persia estate. Servants gasped and knelt at the sight of the king and his family transported like legends through light.
Princess Rebecca stood quietly to the side, her eyes wide with astonishment.
"I've seen elder dragons," she whispered, "but never this."
Raphael chuckled, fluttering beside her. "He's full of surprises. And headaches."
Sion turned toward Luthor, the loyal head butler of the estate.
"Luthor," he commanded, "Double the perimeter guard. Lock down the estate. Begin food inspections, and coordinate with the knight captains."
"Yes, young master," Luthor bowed, already in motion.
Finally, Sion turned to his mother. "Mother… please see to our guests."
Mary nodded, her eyes lingering on her son. "Of course. I'll make sure they're treated like royalty."
Then, Sion looked at Rebecca. "Now… tell me everything. And we'll decide how to answer this war."