CHAPTER 106 – ADOPTED MOTHER

HIRAYA MISTELTEIN

As the Windwalker airship stands poised for departure, its hull gleaming in the sunlight, the crew bustles with final preparations. Supplies have been meticulously restocked, every detail attended to with care. The air crackles with anticipation as we bid our last farewells to the shadowed streets of Nocturnia.

Amidst the bustling docks, Prince Lancaster finds himself encircled by a cluster of vampires, their gratitude palpable in the air. They cluster around him, their voices a chorus of admiration and appreciation.

"We owe you a debt, your highness," one of the elder vampires intones, his words heavy with sincerity. "With the Famine Dragon defeated, we can finally tend to our lands once more. No more reliance on the blood of the innocent."

Another nods fervently, his eyes alight with newfound hope. "Vegetables and fruits will bloom where darkness once reigned. No longer shall we scavenge in the shadows for sustenance."

Prince Earvin Lancaster acknowledges their praise with a humble gesture, his gaze sweeping over his people with warmth. "This victory belongs to us all," he declares, his voice carrying the weight of unity. "To the valiant Daybreaker Squad and to Gaeun Medizin, whose courage knows no bounds. Together, we forge a brighter future for Nocturnia."

"Thank you, Miss Gaeun!" An elderly vampire's voice rang out, filled with genuine gratitude. "Please take care of our prince."

Gaeun's cheeks flushed pink as she pumped her fists in affirmation. "W-Will do!" Her words were accompanied by a shy yet determined smile.

Observing Gaeun's newfound confidence as she interacted with the crowd, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride, akin to that of an elder sibling watching their younger counterpart flourish. Gaeun, once a timid soul in search of purpose, now radiated a palpable sense of assurance. She had transformed from a lost girl into a beacon of hope, not just for the prince but for all of Nocturnia.

Amidst the throng of well-wishers stood the vampire queen, her presence commanding attention. Ignoring the crowd, she approached me directly.

"Are you the renowned Oracle of the Elves, the Daybreaker, Hiraya Misteltein?" Her voice was regal, tinged with curiosity.

"Yes, Your Highness," I replied with a respectful bow. "It is an honor to meet you here at the docks."

The vampire queen's smile softened. "Please, there's no need for such formality," she insisted. "I simply wished to meet the one my son speaks of as the Reincarnation of Goddess Exceria. Truly, you bear a striking resemblance to the Dragonoid Saint."

"Um, Your Highness... Have you ever beheld the goddess with your own eyes?" I ventured to inquire.

The vampire queen's gaze softened with reminiscence. "Yes, five hundred years past. Her visage mirrored yours in every aspect, save for one: her eyes bore a pure crimson hue, while yours gleam with a golden purity."

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness," I murmured, bowing once more in gratitude.

"Nocturnia stands steadfast as your ally, now and forevermore," the queen affirmed, her tone resolute. "Once my people have regained their strength, we shall march alongside you into the fray."

With a gracious smile, the queen took her leave, her departure signaling the onset of our journey.

As I made my way to the command room, joining the assembled crew and Prince Earvin Lancaster on the deck, I addressed the holographic globe AI overseeing the Windwalker's operations.

"ULYSSES, set course for the Empire's Sanctuary," I instructed.

"Roger that, Captain Misteltein," the airship's AI intoned in its customary monotone. "Initiating Fast Travel Magic in three... two... one..."

As if by a sudden surge of electricity, we found ourselves back in the hangar of the Empire's Sanctuary, surrounded by the imposing forms of the Imperial warships.

"So... that's it?" Prince Lancaster's voice held a note of incredulity.

Kate, ever nonchalant, flashed a carefree smile. "Believe it or not, that's the gist of it," she reassured. "You'll grow accustomed to the abrupt teleportation soon enough."

"Ah, I see," the prince responded, his tone tinged with acceptance.

"Speaking of which, Your Highness," I interjected, turning to address the vampire prince directly. "Are you prepared for exposure to sunlight? The castle is bathed in natural light, which could pose a challenge for you."

Gaeun, ever resourceful, stepped forward, her wand at the ready. "Fear not, I shall erect a Sunscreen Barrier to shield him at all times," she offered confidently.

Moved by Gaeun's newfound assertiveness, I couldn't help but offer a fond pat on her head. "You've truly come into your own, Gaeun," I remarked with a warm smile.

"R-Really?" Gaeun's cheeks flushed with shy pleasure. "I-I'm honored, Captain."

Surveying the faces of my companions, I couldn't help but offer a heartfelt expression of gratitude. "Kate, Mariko, Charlotte, and Your Highness," I began, a smile playing at my lips, "thank you for being here by my side."

Kate's response was immediate, laced with her trademark skepticism. "Seriously, Cap? You make it sound like it's our last day on earth!"

"Yeah, we've barely scratched the surface of fighting, eating, and traveling together," Mariko chimed in, her tone light-hearted.

"Please, Captain Misteltein, drop the formalities. As a member of your unit, you outrank me. Just call me Earvin, like Gaeun does," the prince interjected, his voice warm with camaraderie.

Meanwhile, Charlotte and Gaeun remained quiet, their expressions shifting subtly to reflect a growing concern. Sensing their unease, Kate's smile faltered, mirroring their somber mood.

"Just promise me one thing," I implored, my tone grave. "Promise me you won't take any unnecessary risks. We stand at a pivotal moment in this war."

"Is this about the traitor?" Charlotte ventured, her voice tinged with apprehension.

With a solemn nod, I turned my gaze to the members of the Daybreaker Squad, each face etched with a mixture of determination and concern. "I may have made mistakes in the past, and I may continue to stumble in the future," I began, my voice steady, "but I ask that you keep your faith in me. Not as the reincarnation of Exceria, not as a fellow Dragon Lord, and not even as the Captain of this Squad. Put your faith in me as your friend."

"You're more than just a friend, Hiraya," Kate interjected, her tone earnest. "You're like... our adopted mother."

Charlotte shook her head gently. "That's not quite right, Kate. You can't adopt a mother. Hiraya is more akin to a big sister to all of us."

"Um, we'll stand by you no matter what, Cap— I mean, Hiraya!" Gaeun added, her voice filled with loyalty.

Touched by their unwavering support, I felt a swell of emotion threatening to overwhelm me. Swallowing back the urge to cry, I offered them a warm smile, silently conveying my gratitude.

With renewed determination, I led the way toward the airship's exit, making my way to the hangar below. There, my gaze fell upon Madam Corasell, resplendent in her elegant attire, accompanied by her dragonoid partner, Eva. However, my heart sank as I noticed the armed human soldiers flanking them, their rifles trained on us with ominous intent.

"Captain Hiraya Misteltein. Welcome back," Madam Corasell greeted, her tone laced with thinly veiled anger.

Sensing the grim atmosphere, the members of the Daybreaker Squad tensed, readying themselves for confrontation. However, I gestured for them to hold their ground, unwilling to drag them into this conflict. Instead, I faced our handler with a confident smile.

"I have returned with the Fifth Dragon Lord. The mission was a success," I declared, my voice steady despite the mounting hostility.

"The Fifth Dragon Lord is meant to be located in Kraghelm, not in Nocturnia," Eva retorted, her hostility palpable. "You were granted autonomy in your approach to recruiting the Dragon Lords, but your actions—cutting off communication and deviating to Nocturnia—have deceived the entire Imperial Forces."

"Captain Hiraya Misteltein," Madam Corasell interjected, her voice heavy with authority, "you stand accused of second-degree treason and insubordination under Article 15, Section Three of the Imperial Forces Magna Carta. You are hereby placed under arrest."