Gardenia’s Heart

Behind one of the massive pillars of a far-from-modest three-story residence, two silver-haired girls hid within the shadows.

With her heterochromatic eyes narrowed, trying to peer through the building’s darkened windows, Lily gripped a wooden staff in her hand.

“What are we doing, Mama Lily?”

The whispered question came from the small girl in her arms. With her face pressed against her mother’s ample chest, Rose spoke drowsily.

The morning sun was already rising over the horizon, yet instead of going to rest, the moment their mothers returned to the guest wing, the two of them had slipped out again.

“I’m sorry, my love. You’re tired, aren’t you?” Lily gently stroked her daughter’s head and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, holding her a little tighter. “It’s just… with everything that’s happening, I really don’t want anyone trying anything with you.”

A little less than an hour had passed since Nia left with Bahamut. Even though Lily was certain Rose would be safe waiting with Selene, she couldn’t calm her heart unless she kept her daughter close.

“It’s okay. Being with Mama Lily feels really nice.” Rubbing her face against her mother’s soft body, Rose giggled quietly. “Are we going to visit Miss Tiamat?”

Surprised by the question—asked with slightly misty eyes—Lily stroked her daughter’s hair again.

“Yes, we’re heading there. But I don’t think we’ll be able to talk to her right now,” she said softly. “This whole situation is very strange. Ever since we arrived—no, even before we left Lampides—too many abnormal, unusual things have been happening.”

Leaning her back against the pillar, the silver-haired woman pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, her gaze sharpening.

“First, the message inviting the elven delegation to the meeting arrived only a few days before the date—when it should have come months earlier. Then that dragon attacked us. And now this situation with Tiamat.”

Lily believed in coincidences—small events that occurred by chance, not as part of some grand design. But after so many mishaps and strange incidents happening in sequence, she could no longer convince herself that nothing was wrong.

“There’s something happening in Athamas… and I need to find out what it is.” Her tone was calm but cold.

However, she couldn’t stop both eyebrows from lifting when she saw her daughter’s eyes shining brightly.

“Mama Lily is so smart! Is this like when you discovered the bad man at the clothing store?”

Clapping her tiny hands excitedly against her mother’s chest, Rose beamed—her eyes glowing so intensely with enthusiasm that they looked like two tiny suns.

“H-How do you know about that?” Lily stammered, eyes wide.

“Mama Nia told me about when you found the bad people who kidnapped Aunt Alice! She told me everything—how you saw through the villains of Caligo with just one look, freed everyone who had been imprisoned, and fought a huge monster on the plains!”

Flaming.

As if an eruption had burst from within her, Lily felt her cheeks turn as red as a beet.

Struggling to remain standing, the mother—who had unknowingly had heroic tales told about her—couldn’t even form words.

Her gaze dropped at once to the faintly blushing tentacle that had previously been poking her cheek as it quietly retreated back beneath her dress. As if her little secret had just been exposed, Nia executed a swift and strategic withdrawal.

“You little troublemaker…” Lily whispered, her face hopelessly flushed as she tried to decide what to do.

Even if she wanted to tell her daughter that Nia’s stories had been somewhat exaggerated, one look at Rose’s sparkling eyes made it impossible.

Even frightened by everything that had happened, Rose still saw her mothers as her heroes. At that moment, trying to be modest or giving in to embarrassment would be no different than crushing the little girl’s view of the world.

“You’re right, Rose. Don’t worry. I’ll resolve this situation just like I did before.”

Summoning the greatest display of confidence she had ever managed in her life, Lily puffed out her ample chest, struggling to keep her expression from collapsing under the weight of her embarrassment.

“Mama Lily is amazing, amazing!”

Though still flustered, seeing her daughter radiant once more swept away the growing awkwardness inside her like a gentle breeze of joy.

“Rose, listen to me. Mama Nia is going to be away for a while.” Smiling softly, Lily stroked her daughter’s hair. “While she’s gone, we can’t just stand by doing nothing, my love. I know your mother will come out victorious and that war will be avoided. But if we don’t understand what caused all this, we’ll only be postponing the conflict to a near future.”

Tightening her grip on the wooden staff adorned with spectral butterflies, Lily looked at her daughter with determination.

“Come on, Rose. We’re going all the way with this.”

“Yes, Mama Lily!”

The moment she answered enthusiastically, Rose watched as a purple tentacle slipped out from beneath her mother’s clothes and gently wrapped around her waist. Slowly pulling her inward, the little girl found herself tucked beneath Lily’s cloak, snugly secured against her mother’s back.

“I need to make sure they can’t catch our scent, so I’m going to move very fast. Hold on tight, okay, my love?”

“Hehe~”

Giggling softly, Rose rubbed her cheeks against her mother’s warm body, her fingers playfully grasping the tentacle that held her steady—perfectly balanced no matter how abrupt Lily’s movements might become.

Her mother’s cloak was one of her favorite places. Like a little home away from home, she could move as she pleased, knowing the purple tentacle of her other mother would always keep her safe.

Moments later, she felt Lily begin to move—and tightened her hold just as instructed.

Depending on the conditions and her concentration, walls were no obstacle for the little girl. Thus, not even the dark cloak prevented her from seeing the woman floating beside them.

(Don’t worry. I can assure you it wasn’t your fault that Tiamat fell ill.)

Noticing her granddaughter’s troubled gaze, the beautiful woman with long red hair and a wide-brimmed black hat spoke gently.

“The glow around Miss Tiamat looked so sad while she was talking to everyone. Even if it was a party, it doesn’t make sense if someone isn’t happy,” Rose whispered, remembering the painful shimmer she had seen radiating from the dragon woman.

(The responsibilities of a leader almost always outweigh personal desires or opinions. The more important your duty to your people, the less you’re allowed to care about yourself.)

Crossing her arms as she floated through the air, Sylvan appeared thoughtful.

“But even so… when she spoke with me, her glow got a little better.” Curling in slightly, Rose continued, “Miss Tiamat seemed like she just needed someone to listen to her.”

Sylvan remained silent for a moment after the little girl’s somber remark. Crossing her legs midair, the Archmage let out a short sigh.

(Not even I expected things to take this turn. Honestly… what a troublesome student.)

The words sounded unusual to Rose. A small urge to ask more surfaced—but soon, another voice drew her attention.

“I want to stay with my sister. I don’t trust anyone else to look after her.”

Peeking timidly out from beneath her mother’s cloak, Rose observed the vast hall inside the mansion.

Like an enormous white palace, the high-ceilinged chamber was even more luxurious within than its exterior suggested. Ornate curtains framed stained-glass windows, and the glow of hanging luminaires blended harmoniously with golden pillars that lined the room.

Hidden behind one of those pillars, her mother quietly watched the movement below. Several winged individuals—wings resembling frozen auroras and golden masks covering their faces—hurried through the hall, carrying boxes filled with incense and ceremonial garments.

“Cicuta, at this moment we must reinforce the Sovereign’s security to the utmost. We respect your familial bond with the Leader, but you are not a combatant. With strength comparable to that of common members, we cannot allow you to guard her alone.”

A male figure spoke sharply from the far end of the hall. Before him stood a girl with barely any presence at all, visibly agitated.

“At least let me donate my blood to her.”

Though she didn’t dare raise her voice, Cicuta’s tone trembled with urgency as she tried to persuade the man in front of her.

“Cicuta, we already have suitable combat-capable members handling that. With so little mana in your body, you cannot donate blood to aid in the Sovereign’s recovery.”

Adjusting the stacked boxes in his arms, the man did not soften his words.

“The Wing Clan has requested assistance from the Fang Clan to initiate the rite of succession. All non-combatants are already focused on that. Your duty now is to begin the preparations, Cicuta.”

Shrinking into herself, the nearly invisible girl stepped back.

“Not even the Sovereign’s health may stand above our responsibilities. If it is the will of the Founding Dragon, the Sovereign will survive.”

With that, the man turned and followed the others at work. Left with no choice, Cicuta did the same.

Tilting her head in confusion as she watched the exchange, Rose suddenly felt the world around her shift in a single blink.

Now inside what appeared to be a personal wardrobe room, filled with white dresses and ceremonial garments, the little girl couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly they had arrived.

She knew that when her mother and Akasha worked together, they could move incredibly fast—but witnessing it always left her impressed.

“Miss Tiamat…” Rose whispered, sensing the presence beyond the closet door.

Among numerous powerful glows, one small light flickered weakly—like the flame of a candle struggling against the wind.

Rose didn’t understand how the dragon woman had fallen into such a state. If she could, she would have gone closer, tried to help somehow—but she knew that wasn’t possible right now.

Pressing herself more firmly against her mother’s back, she continued peeking from beneath the dark cloak.

That was when her sky-clear eyes caught something unusual.

It was no larger than the palm of her small hand. Shaped like two hexagonal-based pyramids joined at their tips, the small bluish hourglass lay tucked among the dresses—strangely out of place.

Curiosity stirred within her. Rose reached out, trying to grasp it, but before her fingers could touch it, a voice spoke beside her.

(It’s better not to touch things. You might make noise.)

Startled by Sylvan’s sudden warning, Rose nodded several times and slipped fully back under the cloak.

Not even a second later, sunlight brushed her skin once more.

Held securely in her mother’s arms, Rose looked up at the beautiful silver-haired woman wearing a confident smile. Between Lily’s fingers, a small vial filled with crimson liquid swayed gently.

“I got what we needed.”

---

“Here you go.”

Delicately accepting the teacup Selene handed her, Thelira gave a small nod of thanks before draining its contents in a single swallow.

“I hope Lady Gardenia is well.” Setting the cup back onto its saucer, the golden-haired elf brushed a strand of hair neatly behind her long ear.

“Wasn’t it supposed to be just a conversation? How did it escalate to this?” Picking up the teapot, Selene poured more tea to replace what had just been finished.

Thelira made a faint grimace.

“Sovereign Bahamut’s personality is… unique. According to what Lady Lily explained, Lady Gardenia is seeking her approval personally. But even with that possibility of resolution, the situation is still truly dire.”

Thelira swallowed a sigh, gently stroking the golden hair of her daughter, who lay asleep with her head resting on her lap upon the sofa.

“International politics isn’t my field of expertise, but… if a large-scale conflict were truly to occur—assuming my Rival and her wife join the battlefield, and the dwarves maintain neutrality—I don’t see how the elves would have no chance at all.”

Sitting on the window ledge, Selene commented, her rabbit ears swaying softly.

“Setting Bahamut’s existence aside, I’m not saying we would lose to the three clans without any chance of victory. The World Tree’s barrier gives us the advantage in a war of attrition, and we’re self-sufficient enough to endure a siege,” Thelira added, releasing another weary sigh she couldn’t suppress. “It’s just that, in a conflict of such magnitude, we must consider the consequences.”

“Consequences?” Selene asked uneasily.

“The dragons are the ones closest to demonic territory compared to every other race.” Tracing an invisible line across the table with her finger, Thelira’s eyes turned cold. “It’s not wrong to say that Athamas’ very existence is what prevented another large-scale invasion from the East after the Demon King’s death.”

With every word she spoke, the elf’s expression darkened further.

“If that were to happen—if a total war between elves and dragons erupted on the continent of Phaea—not only would it create the perfect opportunity for demons to invade, but even the humans of Anthus might attempt something against us in a pincer attack.”

War.

Not merely between dragons and elves, but one that could engulf the entire world.

Finally grasping the full gravity of what stood on the brink of unfolding, Selene wiped a bead of cold sweat from her cheek.

Though she possessed a certain understanding of politics—given her role in Caligo and her ties to the royal family through her sister—Selene had always prioritized her school. She had never truly stopped to consider the global context as a whole.

The land she stood on now was dragon territory. A council between three of the world’s greatest powers was taking place, and she was part of one of those delegations—whose decisions could determine the future of the entire planet.

“Mm…”

A soft groan pulled the rabbit girl from her racing thoughts.

Lifting her head from the warmth of her mother’s lap, a small elf in a pale yellow dress sat up sleepily on the sofa.

“At least my student can stay calm even in a situation like this,” Selene teased, stepping down from the window ledge as she looked at the little girl waking from her nap. “Would you like some tea, Cherry? I just brewed it—I’m getting better at this.”

However, ignoring both the rabbit girl and the mother who was about to try to coax her back to sleep, the elf rubbed her eyes.

“There’s someone at the door…” Cherry whispered.

Not even a second after she spoke, several soft knocks echoed through the room.

Exchanging startled glances, both Selene and Thelira turned toward the little elf, who continued rubbing her eyes.

Thinking it might be someone bringing their breakfast, Selene walked to the sliding door and opened it just a crack.

“Good morning, you can leave it outside, I’ll bring it in—!?”

She never finished the sentence.

Before she could, something warm and soft pressed down against her head.

“!?” Letting out a confused grunt, her mind struggling to process what had just happened, she found herself sinking into plush softness.

With just enough awareness and determination to tilt her gaze upward, the three-star mage—her face already flushed—turned even redder as her vision filled with amber.

“Hey…”

The sharp voice that left those cherry-colored lips did not match her breathtaking beauty at all.

With slow, deliberate confidence, the woman brushed a strand of her short orange hair behind her ear. Her honey-colored eyes looked down at the rabbit-eared girl whose head was buried between her breasts.

In the brief silence that followed, as if a spark of sanity finally returned to her, Selene jumped backward, freeing herself. Yet the motion that released her only allowed her to take in the woman’s full beauty.

A flawless golden dress adorned her body, so intricately crafted it seemed as though thousands of weavers had devoted years of their lives to that single garment. An opening at her back made space for a pair of translucent wings. From her head extended two black antennae, matching the dark stinger that protruded from her waist.

“You’re the young lady from the dwarven delegation, correct?” Rising from the sofa and placing her daughter behind her, Thelira spoke cautiously, unable to discern the meaning of this visit.

The bee-woman, who by now had already stepped fully into the room, stared down at the floor, her expression hidden.

“The old man told me that if things keep going the way they are, all of you will die. I can’t let them wipe you out before I figure out what I want.”

Her honey-colored eyes narrowed in a smooth, controlled motion, a cold glint pulsing within them.

“Figure out? What are you talking about?” Thelira demanded quickly.

The sound of grinding teeth filled the room.

Clenching her jaw with intense tension, veins stood out along the perfectly sculpted cheekbones of the woman.

“When you showed up at that meeting, I had my suspicions. But when this girl also appeared at dinner, I was certain it wasn’t a coincidence…” Her rigid posture collapsed. Her shoulders trembled with agitation, her breathing quickened, and then the beautiful woman shouted at the top of her lungs. “Why do you smell like her!?”

Leaping between the furious woman and Thelira, Selene planted her feet firmly on the floor.

“Don’t you dare take another step. For your information, I’m married—your big breasts have no effect on me!” Selene declared, already wielding her stardust brush.

She didn’t know what abilities or magic the woman possessed, so the rabbit-eared girl positioned herself protectively, alert to any sudden move.

Then a powerful white flash consumed her vision.

“W-What!?”

With her pupils contracted from the intense brightness that momentarily blinded her, Selene shielded her face with her elbow.

It wasn’t just before her eyes or above her head—as if a small sun had been born inside the room—even looking down at the floor offered no relief.

Yet losing one of her senses was not enough to stop the three-star mage.

Her rabbit ears caught the sound of rapid footsteps rushing past her. She reacted instantly. Spinning and sprinting forward, Selene pursued the intruder toward the back of the room, guided by her memory of the layout.

As she ran, she noticed the intense glow was finally beginning to fade. Her vision would return soon.

“Aah!”

And then, together with the cry of a small girl, everyone in the room regained their sight.

“I knew it. You can hide the antennae or the wings, but it’s impossible to hide that woman’s scent from me.”

Lifting Cherry off the ground by her wrist, the woman in the golden dress stared at the small girl with cold eyes.

“Step away from her!” Instantly, Thelira kicked toward the intruder’s stomach. The woman leapt back to avoid the blow.

Pulling her daughter into her arms and retreating behind Selene, the elf quickly checked Cherry for injuries. Finding no marks on the girl’s wrist, Thelira released a short breath of relief before stepping protectively in front of her once more.

“What do you think you’re doing? This is a direct attack on the elven delegation!” Thelira shouted, fury plain on her face.

Now with their positions reversed, the woman in the golden dress stood at the back of the room, her back against the wall. A low laugh slipped from her lips.

“It’s been two… maybe three hundred years since I last had any trace of her. Finally, I’m close to finding that wretched woman.”

The laughter that seemed endless cut off abruptly.

Pushing herself away from the wall, the beautiful woman straightened her back, amber eyes fixed on the girls before her.

Smoothing her short hair back, she placed her fingertips against her chest—a self-assured, dignified gesture that radiated pride.

“I am the First Princess of Mellonella, Annona!”

Her voice rang through the entire room as she lifted her chin, looking down at them as though from a higher plane.

“As the princess of my people, I command you! Answer me! What is your relationship with that traitor!?”

Pointing rudely at Thelira, Annona demanded an answer.

“Traitor?” Genuine confusion flickered across the elf’s face as she echoed the word.

Clenching her teeth, tension returning to her jaw, Annona’s eyes filled with hatred.

“Don’t think I don’t know that you know! I have not forgotten that woman for a single moment of my life!” She stomped the floor so hard her high heel punched a hole through the wooden boards. Any trace of composure vanished from her face. “I know you know her. I know you know Rhei!”

At the sound of her wife’s name, Thelira narrowed her eyes, shielding her daughter further behind her back.

That small gesture did not escape Annona’s notice. Bloodlust surged from her like a flood.

“Rhei abandoned the Golden Hive! She abandoned her duty to the royal family! She abandoned everyone who depended on her…”

With a torrent of fury, the woman screamed so loudly her voice seemed to challenge the heavens themselves.

“And she abandoned her own fiancée!”