"I see… Are you sure you want to go along with this? The easy way out is to ignore whatever is said about you by the citizens of Czech and stay in Aravel," Reginsleif voiced his concerns. "Just give us the word and we promise to protect you in our nation."
Kaze and Lunaria, with the company of all the princesses, met with Reginsleif and Laevia after dinner. Since they had decided that Kaze should return to Czech, this decision had to be told to the rulers of Aravel so they could deliver the message to Ethan. More importantly, it concerned the future of how things would operate between nations all because of the impact a single individual could have.
Upon hearing their decision, Reginsleif widened his eyes in surprise while Laevia fell silent with a crestfallen face. It was clear their decision wasn't popular for the leaders, even though it was the one that clearly had lesser hassle compared to what Reginsleif just proposed. This proved that the rulers were more than just people who cared for what's best for both nations, but also fighting against the injustice that Kaze could face it they went along with allowing Kaze to return.
"I am certain, father," Lunaria nodded, her right hand gripping Kaze's for support. "If this is regarding the risks and detriments, I have thought it through myself and want to put my faith in the human nation. Surely, with Sir Ethan's help, we should be able to solve the problem a few months down the line when people start to get over the issue."
"I like your optimism Lunaria, but we both know this goes beyond placing trust in people or a nation," Reginsleif made a wr smile at this. "If things go wrong, you may never get to see your lover again in the worst-case scenario. Are you willing to risk that from happening?"
"That's where you come in with your authority as the Emperor, isn't that so, father?" Lunaria asked, stepping forward. "You can easily pressure Czech, which values our relationship with them more so than we would, to signing a diplomatic agreement that all sorts of rights and protection will be given to Kaze so he won't be in harm's way. We have more tools at our disposal to make Czech work with us, especially when I am the one who destroyed a quarter of the city."
"L-Lunaria," Laevia stammered, sweatdropping at how vicious her daughter was pressing for their support. "Even if that is the case, Sir Ethan may not be able to agree entirely with us. Their Chancellors exercise more executive power than the King has to a certain degree, though prerogative power and certain special conditions are subjected to Sir Ethan himself. When considering the safety of the nation, which sounds dumb I know, that they would assume blaming Kaze is enough to completely ward off the devil threat in the future, Sir Ethan has not much authority. If it was me, I wouldn't put my complete trust in a foreign nation to protect your lover."
"… How about this?" Kaze tried to mediate between the parent and child. "Since it was a possibility that I could return to Aravel to meet Lunaria once a month, why don't we try to request an inter-nation pass for me? That way, we can verify that I would be able to enter Aravel's borders easily while having permission to travel out of Czech each month?"
"That is doable. I'm more concerned about the effort needed for you to consistently travel each month," Laevia carefully answered him with uncertainty in her tone. "How are to arrange transport for you? What about a place to meet up safely without the possibility of being ambushed? What if your pass gets stolen or lost? There are too many uncertainties for that plan of yours to work."
"How about this: Finish your school year in Czech and then move to Aravel," Reginsleif suggested. "Since you are already in the latter half of your term and a few months away from finishing your first year, it would be better to use schooling as an excuse for your return, which we will then later state that Kaze is transferring out of the nation due to his past crimes where he will be secretly welcomed back to Aravel? That can easily be arranged since Sir Ethan has ties with the principal of your school."
"I like that idea better, mother," Lunatea voiced out her opinion from behind Kaze and Lunaria. "As someone concerned for K-Kaze, I would be willing to sacrifice a few months without seeing him in return for a solution that could guarantee his safety down the line where he moves to Aravel with a solid reason instead of transferring mid-term."
"We can make the reason for transferring based on the crime imposed on Kaze and then ambiguous on how he is banished," Luniel made a cheeky smile at this. "It would satisfy the situation on both ends, making Sir Ethan seem like someone who adheres the law in the eyes of the citizen and makes people in our nation understanding why we would accept Kaze since we 'pity' him for being banished over such a snark reasoning."
"I am a little concerned about the bad publicity that would bring to Czech, but it is the most realistic approach we have," Lunaea supported her sisters. "It is Czech's fault for having such close-minded citzens when their ruler is a compassionate man."
"So, do we all agree that we shall use my plan?" Reginsleif asked, confirming that there was no backlash or complaints from them. "Alright then, I approve the decision taken. Kaze, thank you for being willing to endure this injustice for my daughters' sake. We will never forget your sacrifice."
"It's alright. I didn't have many attachments with Czech in the first place," Kaze laughed dryly. "While that would mean missing out on studying with Yuuji and the others, I would probably make more new friends in Aravel. Plus, I can't just leave Lunaria and her sisters here alone when they have already given me so much support and love."
"For the time being, I would consider the situation solved. I will write to Sir Ethan about this and let you all know of the latest updates before Kaze and the others leave," Reginsleif nodded, getting to his feet. "My wife and I will let your friends know about this during dinner tomorrow, so don't worry about informing them of the situation. We are trying our best to resolve this conflict."
"When you return, maybe we can have your wedding with Lunaria?" Laevia giggled, clearly teasing Kaze for being so caring. "Just kidding~ Marriage is probably too soon when my other daughters are still in pursuit of your heart."
"L-Laevia-sama, please don't go planning for the future already," Kaze blushed brightly at the Empress's remarks. "I will… properly propose when the time is right."
This time, it was Lunaria's turn to blush while Laevia and Reginsleif both gasped in surprise. His words meant that marriage was truly on his mind, even if it was temporarily placed aside out of consideration for current affairs. It also meant that he was willing to date and marry the rest of their daughters, a sign that caused Lunatea and the others to blush just as much as Lunaria was right now.
"If you weren't Kaze, someone my daughters so dearly love, I would have plummeted you so fast you wouldn't be able to react," Reginsleif gave his signature hearty laugh and slapped Kaze's back. "Don't worry, I have your back. If it's my daughters you want, you have shown me you earn their hand in marriage. Just go along with life as you wish and don't rush things. As impatient as we may be, we dragonkins value sincerity more than a hasty decision made without much consideration."
"Good night, Reginsleif-sama, Laevia-sama," Kaze bowed after exchanging a laugh with the Emperor. "See you tomorrow."
Returning to their rooms together, Kaze and Lunaria were once again alone without her sisters around. It seemed like Lunatea and Lucentia were satisfied with Kaze's words that they didn't bother him as much as before. Even Lunaea and Luniel looked to be in a daze when Kaze waved at them, something that both baffled and humoured him since the twins were usually hard to faze. He considered this a win on his end, although things looked grim in the future.
With them both now alone together, Kaze felt much more relaxed as his tenseness disappeared. It was hard trying to bargain with the Emperor because he felt bad that they were willing to go so far for his sake. Asking for a favour was a double-edge sword when it came to rulers of a nation, since they usually needed a reason to accept any request. It only happened that Kaze was heavily favoured by them and their daughters, although the main reason was Reginsleif and Laevia were both kind people, that he was able to get as much help from them as possible.
"Kaze."
"Yes, Lunaria?"
"Sorry… I'm feeling tired right now. Do you mind if we just went to sleep without doing anything else? I didn't have as good a sleep last night…"
"Hehe, I feel the same. I don't believe that we would be able to sleep after learning something as devastating the night before."
"Mm, thank you for going along with my request. Shall we?"
A few scrunches were heard along with the sound of them undressing filled the room. The lights then went out as Lunaria waved her finger, dispersing the magic kept in the magic crystals used to light the room. Once the room was engulfed in darkness, all that was left was the shimmer of light leaking in from various corners of the room. They were barely enough to keep the room in complete darkness, but it wasn't enough to disturb Lunaria and Kaze's sleep.
With his head lying flat against the pillow, Kaze felt Lunaria snuggling to his side while lying next to him. This was their usual sleeping pose that was adapted ever since Kaze lived in the same room as Lunaria. If anything, it was something that ended up naturally happening since Lunaria was a clingy person while Kaze went along with anything he was alright with.
While staring off into the darkness, Kaze had some time of silence to himself. He began organizing his thoughts unconsciously, recapping whatever he had learnt from the past day or so.
Lunaria's soft natural breathing caused her body to rise and fall rhythmically. What little fabric on her body exposed her body temperature directly to him, transmitting her warmth onto his body. Combined with the softness of her skin and the occasional moan that escaped her lips, Kaze felt the sleepiness taking over his conscious self bit by bit.
"… Kaze?"
"Can't sleep?"
"No… I just have a question."
"Mm."
"Are you really going to marry me?"
"… In the future, yes. Not that I plan to right now."
"Why is that so?"
"Well, let's just say I am content with where we are in life. The only time I feel we should get married is when I want more from you, from both of us."
"… I see."
"Is there a reason you are asking me this?"
"… To find reason, I suppose."
"Reason?"
"Reason that my choice is correct one, reason that I can part ways with you without regret, reason that I can spend the next few months without you by my side, reason that I can go on living my normal life, reason that I can look forward to something… Reason."
"..."
Without a word, Lunaria gently pressed her lips against his mouth. Kaze opened his eyes, finding her staring back at him with her crimson red iris. No matter how many times he stared deep inside of them, even through the current darkness that had polluted the room, he was always captivated by how charming she looked. The redness of her iris was enough to suck up his soul, allowing him to stare into them forever.
In respond, Kaze wrapped an arm around her body and kissed her back. A gentle moan escaped the side of her mouth as she wrestled for control from him, wanting to be the one to initiate the kiss. Kaze allowed her to do as she pleased, resulting in a gentle make out with their tongues twirling where their mouths met. Sliding back and forth deep inside of her, Kaze had gotten skilful with kissing from multiple experiences with Lunaria that he was able to enjoy making out with her during moments like these. It helped that Lunaria, as a dragonkin, had a longer tongue than normal humans, so she was able to make their deep kisses a lot more intimate.
One moment Kaze had control, the next Lunaria caught up with him. Their bodies shifted ever so slightly throughout, eventually causing Lunaria to shift her body to lie on top of his. Her drool collected itself in his mouth due to gravity, making the session even more heated than it already was. More and more moans came from Lunaria, her cheeks growing warm under the cover of darkness as their tongues collided.
Her hand naturally slid down Kaze's body to where his pants was, slipping between the crevasse and stroking his hard length gently. The inside was already slimy with precum, a sign that he was turned on from their kisses and her almost-nude appearance. It didn't help that her ample breasts were pushed up against him, a part of her body that would naturally drive any man's sanity to the peak if in the same situation as Kaze right now. Since she laid on top of him, she could already feel it poking at her lower belly, as though begging for attention like an impatient child.
The fact that her lover was this turned on from the feeling of her body made Lunaria react to it, her crotch growing warm and itchy with expectation. Yet, she chose to stop as far as stroking went, her hands retracting the moment their kiss ended with her sucking tenderly on his lower lip.
"Sorry… not tonight," Lunaria addressed to Kaze guiltily, crawling back down to his side. "I will make it up to you, after making you anticipate something..."
"Mm, I wasn't expecting anything much too," Kaze's understanding smile was visible even in the darkness. "Good night Lunaria, get some sleep."
Lunaria buried her face into the side of his arm, allowing herself to inhale his scent whenever she breathed as a way to comfort herself to sleep. Kaze soon followed suit as soon as the blood circulation in his nether region stabilized, allowing him to drift off into the darkness after Lunaria.
- - - - - -
It was expected that reality would have caught up with him sooner or later. If Aravel was paradise, then Czech was metaphorically a place serving to remind him that the road to paradise was a hard one.
Once again, Kaze was summoned to meet with Goddess Tiel in his dream world, where he found himself floating above the map of the continent. He was high enough in the sky that he could spot Aravel's borders on one end and Czech on the other, a sight that he would never be able to get without wings or flying. His body was directly in the middle of an invisible line that separated both territories while facing Goddess Tiel.
"What is this?"
"A representation of the state of your mind, simply put. Your concerns fall on deciding between Czech and Aravel, no?"
"No, I mean, if what you said was true, Goddess Tiel, I wouldn't have needed to meet with you, would I?"
Goddess Tiel, dressed in the same outfit as the time he talked with her, made a slightly provocative grin at Kaze's question. With her arms crossed across her chest, she walked towards Kaze and gave him a pat on the shoulder.
"You are half-correct. It's not like I can randomly enter people's dreams as I wish. Even as a goddess, I am swarmed with work in the god's realm. Think of my visit as something you 'earned'."
"What did I do to warrant a visit from the one and only Goddess Tiel?"
"Do you really need me to answer that for you?"
"… Oh no… don't tell me we made the wrong choice to return to Czech…"
"There are no wrong choices in life, Kaze. What there is would be choices that lead to different outcomes. How good or bad the final results end up depends on your actions and how others react."
"Uhh, if that is the case, then what is Tiel-sama here to tell me? You say that as if you mean you can't tell me whether I'm correct or wrong, because you may or may not know of the result."
"Schrodinger's cat, Kaze. Until something has happened to confirm an outcome, the results may or may not be one way or the other. In other words, it is in a non-existent state, or a state where two different things happen at the same time. I can't go against a natural phenomenon determined by the laws of the universe; I am only here to give you some advice on what to look forward to ahead, depending on what happens."
"Scro… what? Okay, whatever that was isn't important. Is this visit due because my existence is not defined?"
"That is a separate issue on its own, but it does explain why I am meeting you again. I believe I said that I have been instructed to look after you and verify your existence, meaning a certain level of interaction between us is allowed."
"Allowed? Gods need permission from someone to interact with mortals?"
"Even gods have bosses too, you know? Anyway, my advice would be to not stress over the imminent future. You have made a choice, now it's time to see how you play according to the developing scenario. Take this as a god's advice."
"… I understand, Tiel-sama."
Immediately, the surrounding vanished in a poof, leaving the two in the same white space that Kaze was in when he met Tiel for the first time. Kaze got on his knees and assumed a respectful pose against Tiel to show his respect. Whether or not he liked the reason for the visit, his instinct and knowledge told him that respect for the goddess was number one.
"Hehe, you don't have to be so uptight around me. I'm not someone who would bother having a casual chat with a person while expecting them to be respectful. I may be a goddess, but I just want to have a short talk right now," Tiel stated, pulling Kaze up from his respectful pose and sitting down in two chairs that appeared out of nowhere. "You know, I admire your act of putting Lunaria's safety over your own. Good job."
"It was the natural thing to do. If anything, I won't stand her being upset again," Kaze answered strongly.
"By the laws of the universe, your actions will be answered accordingly," Tiel nodded. "How will you deal with Lunatea and Lucentia? Those two must be agitated that they might not have the time to win you over with their own ways."
"Ah, speaking of which. Sorry for interrupting, Tiel-sama, but I forgot to thank you for your advice on the large tree that led to the development with Lucentia and Lucentia," Kaze bowed lightly. "Thank you. About the two of them, I have honestly no idea what to do. From the looks of it, Lunaea and Luniel are getting attached to me too even though I did nothing."
"Worrying about someone they have feelings for is only natural, don't you think? You don't have to worry too much about something that happens just because it happened."
"I guess so. To be honest, I'm doubting the fact that I am even worthy to have the princesses falling for me. I am…"
"A nobody?"
"… That sounds about right. Like, I didn't do anything that is enough to justify them falling for me. I understand if I charmed Lunaria, Lunatea and Lucentia, but what exactly about me did Lunaea and Luniel like? Their efforts to try and understand their own emotions is affecting me too, which I never thought was possible since I figured that it would be something I gain along the way like with Lunaria."
"Hehe. Aren't you confusing something?"
"P-Pardon?"
"Has it never occurred to you that your emotions are built upon the fact you spend time with Lunaria over the few months of schooling together? Taking into consideration that only two major events had happened with you two involved, those aren't enough to immediately influence Lunaria to fall for you or vice versa. It was all about the time spent learning and socializing together that got you close with Lunaria like it did for the rest of your friends. From there, it was about letting love naturally bud."
"… T-That's true…"
"What about Lunaria's natural ability to distinguish who is good and bad based on their intentions? Lunaria must have influenced her sisters to think that you are special enough for her to fall for you and give you so much of her trust, causing them to want to learn about you. In the process, they just fell for you too. I believe Lucentia got attracted by your will to save her sister back when you cooperated to rescue Lunaria. Lunatea has also been charmed for a similar reason, hasn't she?"
Tiel's words rendered Kaze silent at once. The more the goddess explained her point of view on the entire situation, it made Kaze reconsider a multitude of things he thought he previously knew, including the potential reasons why the princesses fell for him. He didn't know why it made him so confused in the first place that he needed to research and understand why Lunaria and her sisters had so much affection for him to the point he kept doubting himself. Now that Tiel, the Goddess of Love and Sex, had given him some of her insight, it cleared up some of the doubts he had in mind while also providing space for improvement within his mental state.
Their talk continued for a rather long period of time, which Kaze was unable to tell how much time had passed due to them being in his dream world where the flow of time was different than reality.
Tiel continued to counsel him, providing some advice relationship-wise along with stuff to get him moving forward. With how things were progressing, Kaze found their talk this time to serve more purpose than their first one had. He felt comfortable being around Tiel since he could now tell that Tiel was just genuinely curious and concerned for how things were going on around him. As a goddess, she must view their mortal issues as a form of entertainment, which should be why she chose to butt in.
"Oh my, look at the time," Tiel gasped softly as soon as they finished a recent segment of their talk, even though there was no clock around them. "You should be waking up soon. For the time being, we will end our chat here."
"Y-Yes, thank you for everything," Kaze deeply bowed out of respect for the goddess. "I enjoyed our talk very much, Tiel-sama."
"Glad you found it useful. It was also great for me since it helps with my evaluation of you as a person," Tiel merely nodded at his gratitude. "Notice I chose the word 'person' instead of 'existence'. To me, you are very much alive."
With a huge grin, Kaze vanished from his own dream world while Tiel waved him off to return to the real world.