XIV: Don’t open the oven door too often.

Three races have coexisted in Zeltharia since the reign of King Freydor I, the only ruler who successfully negotiated a peace treaty between the Elves, Dwarves, and Humans. The Tri-Race Treaty not only united the continent by formally recognizing Humans as equals to Dwarves and Elves—thereby ending the longstanding war between the latter two—but also strengthened trade and commerce between all three races.

The Humans contributed their knowledge of modern alchemy, fishing, and navigation; the Dwarves shared their expertise in mining, dungeons, and minerals; while the Elves offered their mastery of farming, healing, and magic.

Generations later, King Freydor I's great-grandson, King Freydor IV, ushered in a new era by establishing Zeltharia's first seaport. This historic move welcomed seafarers from across the vast western oceans, including the nomadic Beastkin tribes and the ocean-dwellers of Meerestier, expanding Zeltharia's trade routes and further enriching its economy.

Given this prosperity, it's no surprise that Eldoria, a bustling hub of commerce and adventure, has seen a surge in tourism. Many guild members have happily and excitedly returned for the Summer Festival, some reuniting with comrades, while others introduce family and friends to their guild. Among them are the members of Exousia—except Gress.

"M-Mother?! Why are you here?" Gress stammered, his voice laced with disbelief. In nine years of celebrating the Summer Festival, neither of his parents had ever visited.

Queen Danara's expression was one of amused delight. "A little bird told me my son finally did something responsible," she said cheerfully, accepting an ice cream sandwich from Serys. She took a bite, her eyes lit up. "Oh, Serys, this is exquisite! What a brilliant use of the Koka bean."

The dessert in question—rich, velvety, and infused with the finely ground seeds of the Koka fruit—had been carefully cultivated, fermented, sun-dried, roasted, and transformed into a delicacy with deep, complex flavors. Serys had sweetened it with milk and sugar, elevating it into a treat fit for royalty.

"Thank you, Queen Danara. It's a pleasure to see you outside Waldreich." Serys bowed respectfully.

"I hope you had the chance to see the parade earlier, Your Highness," Rieze added.

"I did! It was splendid! You did very well, my son."

"H-Hold on! Since when did you arrive?! And why am I the only one surprised?!" Gress exclaimed, his horror evident.

"About two days ago. Serys's family met me outside Waldreich, and we traveled to Eldoria together. I had breakfast with Rieze's parents—oh, Rieze, be sure to tell them I must have their Almond Porridge recipe."

"Of course, Your Highness." Rieze inclined his head.

Gress, however, was too stunned to let the conversation move on. "What?! You've been here this whole time and didn't tell me?"

Queen Danara chuckled. "I wanted to see you the moment I arrived, but Heena convinced me that surprising you would be more fun."

Gress turned a bewildered look on Heena, who met it with a mischievous smirk.

"You're welcome, future husband." She winked.

Before Gress could splutter a response, a loud galloping drew their attention.

Prince Sylvas dismounted in one swift motion, his cloak billowing as he landed before them. "Your Highness." He bent one knee in deference to the Queen, who responded with a graceful nod.

"Prince Sylvas, it's been quite some time. You've grown."

The prince grinned. "And you're as radiant as the first time I saw you, Queen Danara."

The Queen giggled behind her hand. "Oh, you flatter me."

Gress, on the other hand, rolled his eyes. "Stop flirting with my mother Prince Sylvas. She's as old as King Freydor IV—and he's dead."

"Oh, hush, Gress." Queen Danara waved a hand dismissively. "He first met me when he was seven."

"And she hasn't aged a day since," Sylvas added with a charming smirk, earning a rare blush from the Queen.

Gress groaned. He grabbed Heena and his mother by the hand. "That's it, we're leaving. Enjoy your festival, friends."

"Here comes the scolding! We'll see you at lunch!" Heena called over her shoulder as Gress dragged them both toward Versarre's guild house.

"Try this, Prince Sylvas. This is the last one," Serys said, as she handed the last Koka bean ice cream sandwich to the prince, who looked like a kid surprised with a new toy as he took the ice cream.

"Is this nice? It looks odd," he said.

"Try it then let me know. " Serys said as she smiled.

"By the way, I would like to invite you for lunch. Halen is throwing a small party at the Registry office," Prince Sylvas asked.

"I'm afraid I have to turn that down, your Highness. My family is waiting for me at our guild house. We have a victory party with our members and their families and friends. You can drop by if you want," Serys explained.

Rieze scoffed at the thought, hurrying to drag Serys away.

"Why don't you do your princely duties, Your Highness?"

"I'll try to drop by!" the prince shouted at the disappearing duo as he scratched his head.

--

Rieze and Serys were welcomed by a rowdy crowd at their guild dining hall. Their guild house was alive with celebration, its great hall bustling with energy as returning adventurers reunited. Long wooden tables were piled high with food, the air rich with the scent of roasted meats, spiced wines, and fresh-baked bread. The hum of conversation and bursts of laughter wove through the hall, blending seamlessly with the music played by the younger bards.

"Rieze!"

"Lady Serys!"

The calls came from every direction as guild members flocked to greet them. Before they could respond, they were swiftly separated, each dragged into lively conversations with different groups.

Serys found herself face-to-face with Mrs. Butterfield, who clasped her hands warmly.

"Lady Larkwell, how wonderful to see you again!"

Beside her, Elliot, a beaming young adventurer puffed out his chest with pride.

"Mother, Lady Serys stepped down as vice-captain to open her own bakery! Isn't that great?"

Serys chuckled. "Nice to see you again, Mrs. Butterfield. And Toastie—I mean, Elliot—has improved so much. At this rate, he'll be a Steel-rank adventurer in no time."

Mrs. Butterfield's eyes shone with gratitude. "Oh, you're too kind, Lady Serys. Thank you for keeping him in the guild. I hope he hasn't been too much trouble?"

"By now he's learned how to dodge fire breathing monsters." Serys winked, earning a sheepish laugh from Elliot.

Not far from them, another young guild member proudly introduced Rieze to his father.

"Father, I'd like you to meet our guild master, Rieze Crestfall! He's been training me well!"

Rieze smiled, offering a firm handshake. "Your son's got potential. He'll make a fine adventurer."

Meanwhile, in a cozy corner, the more seasoned members of Exousia—those who rarely set foot in Eldoria more than a few times a year—were already deep in conversation. Among them sat Gaius Aurus, Lex Snow, Verscha Belova, and Li Wei, all sharing drinks and reminiscing over past adventures.

To them, this felt like coming home. To the rest of Exousia, it was a reunion long overdue.

Rieze approached, raising a brow. "Have your long-term assignments made you rich yet?"

Gaius scoffed. "I'd expect that kind of question from Gress, but from you, Cap?"

Rieze smirked. "I'm just filling in while he busies himself with 'son duties.'"

The group erupted into laughter, already sensing the chaos that awaited their absent friend.

From across the table, Serys raised her glass. "Welcome back, everyone! You were sorely missed."

"Oh? Did Tama and Khai tire everyone out?" Li Wei teased, earning an immediate rude gesture from Khai.

"Quit flirting, you two," Verscha cut in, laughing as she pushed Li Wei back into her seat.

Lex leaned forward with a curious glint in his eyes. "So, Madame Serys, I heard you stepped down. How's life as a baker?"

Serys crossed her arms, smirking. "Not too bad. I sell physical defense-boosting crackers for half the price. Dry as a rock, but pair them with redberry jam and butter, and they come with magical defense—at full price."

Lex snorted. "Sounds like a trick… I'll take five."

The table burst into laughter, the camaraderie thick in the air. Stories flowed, from wild quests to mishaps on the road, while Mira and Trej played music, Arden and Rex charmed the mothers of new recruits, Sander involved himself in a drinking contest with one of the fathers, and Veldar and Elric swapped tales of mischief.

Everything felt perfectly in sync—until the doors burst open.

Gress stormed in, looking utterly drained, followed gracefully by his mother—Queen Danara of the Elven kingdom of Waldreich—who waved with the poise of royalty as the room immediately acknowledged her presence with deep respect.

Before anyone could react, Gress snatched Rieze's mug, taking a long swig, then reached for the plate of food Serys had been about to hand to Gaius.

"Hey! That was mine!" Gaius protested, lunging for it—only for Gress to sidestep effortlessly, already shoveling food into his mouth.

Serys sighed, patting Gaius's shoulder. "I'll get you another plate. Let our friend here eat his heart out."

Rieze, watching the scene unfold, leaned back and grinned. "You should be happy, Gress. You made your mother proud."

Gress, mouth full, attempted to mumble a response—but the result was an incomprehensible mess of words.

"Ah eef ah can dwoenefhen—"

Queen Danara tilted her head, amused. "Don't talk with your mouth full, dear. You're spilling food everywhere."

Gress swallowed hard, took another swig, and grumbled. "I said: As if I can do anything at this point. My mother has seen everything already."

The Queen merely smiled, sipping her own wine. "Be grateful your father isn't here."

Silence. Then—

The table erupted in laughter.

Gress groaned and took another massive bite of food, while the Queen exchanged knowing looks with the rest of the table.

As the laughter faded into the background, the sounds of clinking mugs, lively chatter, and music filled the air once more. The Exousia Guild House was alive—not just with the revelry of the festival, but with the bonds of its members, both new and old.

This wasn't just a guild.

It was a family.

And tonight, they were home.