At this point in her life, Taki volunteered to become the Regent Grand Master, allowing Seren to fully enjoy the happiness of raising her two daughters.
This proposal was warmly accepted by the Elders, as Taki's skills and reputation were beyond question. Eventually, Seren requested that the title of Grand Master be officially transferred to Taki. Although this decision surprised many, the Paladins accepted it, acknowledging Taki as one of the most accomplished Paladins in their order.
From that day forward, Seren lived a life filled with joy.
At least until the year 2937, when Seren turned 40.
Terrifying news spread across Ivovnia: the Balrog Empire was preparing a ritual to summon the Outer God Yogshot in its true form—a horror beyond imagination.
The entire continent was thrown into chaos. The Loyal Swords Paladin and Forgiven Shield Paladin immediately convened. Alongside the Numen Kingdom, Lorenstein Kingdom, Merida Kingdom, and Starsbough Country, they planned a full-scale assault on the Balrog Empire, targeting its capital, Neoth.
The operation, however, was fraught with risk.
Rurford suggested waiting for reinforcements from Fonta Aria, Whiteford, and other Paladin Orders.
Taki, however, vehemently opposed this idea, insisting that if Yogshot succeeded in manifesting in its true form, a catastrophic disaster would engulf the entire northern region of the continent.
Moreover, the Spear of Justice and Blade of Mercy were conducting investigations on the distant continent of Arkhari.
Whiteford was engaged in an expedition to the Karvish'yal plains, while Fonta Aria was on a mission to The North.
This left them with a force of around 113,000 soldiers across the continent, of which only 40,000 could be mobilized for the assault.
Upon hearing this dire news, Seren, accompanied by Launcent, immediately made her way to the Loyal Swords Paladin Headquarters.
At the headquarters, Seren immediately sought out Taki.
After hearing the full situation, Seren and Launcent agreed to once again take up their roles as Paladins and join the fight against the Balrog Empire.
Hearing this, Taki became furious and forbade Seren and Launcent from participating.
"No… I won't allow it," Taki said firmly.
"Grand Master… no, Sister, why?" Seren asked.
Taki placed both hands on Seren's shoulders. "You have Maria and Sein to protect. They still need you. Irene needs you, too," she said.
"And if I were to leave you all behind, Sein, Maria, and Irene would never forgive me. More than that, if anything were to happen… I… I want my family to grow up in a world that is safe and peaceful," Seren said, her voice resolute.
Taki fell silent, her grip on Seren's shoulders tightening as if she were wrestling with an internal conflict.
"I still won't agree. No matter what, you're not going," Taki said firmly.
"Sister Taki… no matter what happens, we will always be together. We will never leave you. Don't worry. Besides, we already made a promise, didn't we? That we'd always be together," Seren said, her voice steady.
Taki remained silent, unwilling to see her younger sister rush into danger again, knowing that Seren would undoubtedly become the primary target of the Balrog Empire's royal forces.
Suddenly, Taki embraced Seren and Launcent tightly. "You both must promise me… no matter what happens, we will reunite again," she said.
Seren and Launcent returned Taki's embrace. With tears welling up, Taki silently prayed in her heart.
Rurford quietly left the room, granting the Eleison family their private moment.
Afterward, Seren and Launcent returned to the Eleison residence.
There, Seren immediately embraced Maria and Sein, taking them to their room.
Not long after, Irene returned home with Taki. Irene was carrying her bow and was accompanied by several members of her team.
Now a Paladin Cross of the Blade of Mercy Paladin, Irene had heard the news about the Paladin Orders preparing to launch an assault on the Balrog Empire.
"Fuh…" Irene exhaled deeply.
"Irene… I can ask so that you don't—" Seren began.
"No. If you're going, then I'm going too," Irene interrupted.
"Irene, this isn't just a mission or an expedition. This is full-scale war," Seren said firmly.
"Exactly. And it's my duty to make sure Sister Taki, Sister Seren, and Brother Launcent are safe," Irene replied confidently, smiling at her older sister.
Seren took a deep breath and looked toward Taki.
"You both must always follow my lead. No matter what happens, no matter the circumstances, do not break formation," Taki instructed.
Seren and Irene embraced Taki.
That night, they all shared dinner together. Later, Seren tucked Maria and Sein into bed.
"Mom… are you going somewhere?" Maria asked.
"Mom has to go to work, dear," Seren replied gently.
"Will it take long?" Maria asked, wrapping her arms around Seren.
"No, I promise it won't be long," Seren said, reassuring her.
"When you're done working, can we go out for a walk, Mom?" young Sein asked.
"Of course. Where would Sein like to go?" Seren asked, stroking Sein's head lovingly.
Maria and Sein giggled together before responding in unison, "White City!"
"Aunt Irene said the place is so grand and full of toys," little Sein said.
"Yeah, and Aunt Irene also said the food there is really delicious," Maria added.
"Hahaha, Mom's wallet will be crying," Seren said with a playful chuckle.
"Hm… then we should ask Aunt Taki?" Sein suggested innocently.
"Well, yes, but you'll both have to ask her together with me, okay? We'll ask Aunt Taki to take us all to White City," Seren said.
"Yay!" the two children cheered happily.
Seren continued telling bedtime stories to Sein and Maria until both of them fell asleep. Nearby, Launcent was watching his small family lovingly.
Once Seren got up, she kissed Launcent before they both retreated to their room, cherishing their time together for what might be the last time.
Though Irene had grown up and was already close to a man, in Taki's eyes, she was still the little baby she had cared for. Irene didn't mind this at all and actually enjoyed it—she still slept in her sister's arms every night.
And so, midnight finally arrived.