That night, the imperial banquet hall was alive with celebration. Lanterns cast a warm glow over tables laden with delicacies from both realms. Phoenix banners of Yanling hung alongside Carosso’s dragon emblem, a vivid display of unity.Emperor Ethan sat at the head table with Princess Fu Rong, flanked by King Jian and Queen Mei. Celestia stood like a sentinel behind Ethan’s chair, while Leon and Chancellor Lucius mingled with other honored guests nearby.Laughter and the clink of cups filled the hall as toasts were raised to bravery and alliance. Midway through the feast, King Jian rose to his feet, buoyed by jubilation (and perhaps a bit of wine).“Friends,” the King announced, raising his cup high, “tonight we celebrate victory—born from the unity of Carosso and Yanling! Such b

Two weeks later, King Feindo arrived in Yanling bound in enchanted chains. After a swift, closed tribunal, he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in Yanling’s deepest dungeon.That night, in a lightless stone cell beneath the palace, Feindo sat alone with his rage and fear. It was then that a familiar, chilling presence crept into the dungeon. A sibilant whisper echoed in Feindo’s mind – the ancient ice demon to whom he had bargained his soul was calling in its debt.Feindo tried to scream, to beg for mercy, but an invisible force seized his heart. Frost spread over his body from within. By the time the guards checked on him at dawn, they found the tyrant frozen to the floor, his face twisted in horror. The demonic pact he had forged had devoured him at last.News of Feindo’s death sp

Carosso’s golden dragon-crest banners fluttered proudly in the spring breeze as the capital city erupted in jubilation. After a hard-won victory, Dragon Emperor Ethan and his Empress Celestia had returned at last. The alliance with Yanling was stronger than ever, and the dark threat of Shuanglin had been vanquished. Crowds thronged the main avenue, cheering and tossing flower petals as a grand parade wound through the streets. Musicians played lively marches that echoed off the stone walls, and children perched on parents’ shoulders to catch a glimpse of their heroes.Ethan rode at the head of the procession on a majestic white drake, clad in imperial black and gold armor. At his side was Celestia, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight and her crimson eyes surveying the adoring crowd with bo

It took a heartfelt apology (and several hours of Ethan evading blasts of draconic magic) before Empress Celestia’s ire cooled. By nightfall, the palace was finally calm. Celestia sat with arms crossed and a sullen pout as Ethan knelt before her in their private chamber, gently taking her hand. He promised that the trip would be strictly official and that no one could ever take her place in his heart. Only after he swore to make it up to her—with a private vacation for just the two of them later—did Celestia relent. She harrumphed, cheeks flushed, but the dangerous glint in her eyes softened. The “royal holiday” was back on, under her watchful conditions.The next morning, Ethan convened the royal council and court ministers for a grand announcement. Sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows of the throne room as courtiers, scholars, and generals gathered in anticipation. At Ethan’s side stood Cele

As dusk fell on the day of their arrival, the capital of Yanling (nestled near the Bloomridge mountains) greeted them with open gates. Lanterns in shades of red and gold illuminated the streets. The sounds of distant music and laughter hinted that the festival had already begun.At the grand courtyard of Yanling’s royal palace, Princess Fu Rong herself hurried forward to welcome the travelers. The princess’s eyes lit up at the sight of Ethan and Celestia, and she performed a graceful bow. “Emperor Ethan, Empress Celestia! Welcome to Yanling, and to our Crimson Blossom Festival. We’re honored by your presence.”Celestia offered a polite nod, keeping a measured expression, while Ethan dismounted and clasped Fu Rong’s hands in friendship. “The honor is ours, Princess.