War on the Horizon

The two queens stared at Raphael, their minds racing with questions. But they didn't need to ask—Raphael told them everything.

He recounted every detail of his journey, sparing nothing. From his battle at the Three Divine Academies to his escape from the palace… even the moment when he had fingered the Emperor's daughter.

That particular detail made Maria shift uncomfortably in her seat, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.

By the time he finished, he expected them to be furious. After all, he had just killed a student of one of the most powerful schools in the empire, practically ensuring that the Five Schools had gained an enemy.

But what the queens said next surprised him.

"He attacked you first," Maria said sincerely, her voice calm. "And you said you gained a new power from it? Then it was worth it."