[: 3rd POV :]

Laughter still lingered in the air from the previous exchange.

The atmosphere in the grand hall had turned from solemn reverence to familial warmth.

The kind of warmth that came only when warriors, rulers, and friends laid aside their crowns and remembered their kindness.

The clinking of glasses, the soft murmur of conversation, and the faint melody of string instruments filled the hall like a lullaby of peace.

Then, a deep, resonant voice cut through the chatter with easy confidence.

"I guess we’re on the same side, Kaelgor."

Heads turned as Demon King Xerarh strode forward, his imposing frame wrapped in dark crimson robes.

His long black horns glimmered under the chandeliers, and his eyes gleamed with mischief.

Kaelgor smirked.

"Well, well, if it isn’t the Demon King and trouble himself."

"If you’re saying that having three sons is already hard enough," Xerarh said, lifting his glass with a knowing grin, "then try being in my position. You’ll learn what true headaches feel like."

Laughter rippled around the nobles nearby.

Kaelgor raised a brow, amused.

"Oh? Do tell, Demon King."

Xerarh chuckled, shaking his head as if reminiscing about old battles.

"Kiel’s always been a troublesome and rebellious boy, stubborn, reckless, constantly challenging my patience"

"But... that’s exactly what I love about him."

His smile softened, the mirth in his eyes dimming into fond nostalgia.

"He reminds me of myself when I was young."

Before anyone could comment, Kaelgor leaned his massive form slightly toward him, grinning with teeth sharp enough to make orcs nervous.

"Nah, you were much worse compared to Kiel. If I had to compare, your son’s a saint."

The hall erupted in laughter.

Even the servants covering their mouths tried to stifle their chuckles.

Xerarh placed a dramatic hand over his chest.

"Oh come on, read the mood a little, you furred oaf!"

Kaelgor burst out laughing, his booming voice echoing off the marble pillars.

"Ha! I’m just speaking the truth, old friend."

Xerarh sighed theatrically, shaking his head before turning his gaze back toward Daniel.

"Anyway..." He coughed into his hand, trying to regain his composure.

"As I was saying before someone decided to roast me alive, Kiel has always been the kind of boy who struggled to make friends"

"Not because he didn’t want them, but because of his temper he inherited from me."

From behind him, Kiel groaned, rubbing his neck awkwardly.

"Father, are you seriously putting bad words out for me in public? You’re ruining my reputation!"

Xerarh chuckled, his sharp fangs flashing.

"My son, I haven’t even finished my words and you’re already interrupting"

"Have some patience."

At that, a soft feminine laugh rang from the side, melodic and teasing.

"You my dear? Talking about patience?"

The speaker’s tone carried the weight of centuries of amusement.

"That’s the kind of thing I refuse to believe unless the world is ending."

Everyone turned toward the elegant figure standing beside Xerarh, Queen Lilith, the Demon Queen.

Her beauty was regal and untamed; her hair fell like a waterfall of dark silk, and her amethyst eyes sparkled with humor.

"Are you all against me or on my side?"

Xerath muttered, glancing between his wife and Kaelgor, feigning a wounded expression.

Kaelgor crossed his arms, smirking.

"Depends. Which side offers better words?"

"Traitor,"

Xerath muttered under his breath, making Lilith chuckle softly as she shook her head.

Then, Xerarh’s playful demeanor softened.

He stepped closer to Daniel, his presence commanding yet warm.

His large hand landed on Daniel’s shoulder with the weight of a father and the gratitude of a king.

"Jokes aside..." he said quietly, his tone shifting to something more sincere.

"Daniel, I’m truly glad you became Kiel’s friend. Ever since he returned from his travels with you, he’s been... different"

"He had been mer, stronger and more focused."

He paused, his eyes glimmering faintly.

"And ever since the day he came back, the entire palace hasn’t known a moment of peace"

"He’s been running around, trying to find you, the boy he calls his sworn brother."

Kiel looked away, trying to hide the faint flush rising on his cheeks.

"Tch. You didn’t have to say that part, Father."

But Daniel only smiled softly, his gaze filled with quiet understanding.

"Kiel..."

The two of them met eyes, from a slave now to brother to brother.

Then Daniel spoke with a calm that carried the weight of unbreakable trust.

"Kiel is someone I consider not just my dearest friend... but my sworn brother. Someone I can trust with my life."

His voice wasn’t loud, but the conviction in it struck deep, silencing the entire hall for a moment.

Kiel blinked, taken aback.

His throat tightened as his usual bravado faltered.

He punched Daniel’s shoulder lightly, grinning through the emotion that glimmered in his eyes.

"Damn it, Daniel... why do you have to say things that make it hard to keep my cool? You’re making me cry here!"

Daniel chuckled softly, rubbing his shoulder.

"Well, consider it payback for all the times you made me almost die laughing."

Lilith watched the two of them with a gentle smile, her amusement shining through her composure.

"I never thought I’d see such a sight, my son, embarrassed and speechless."

Kiel groaned softly. "Mother, please..."

Lilith tilted her head, her smile widening.

"What? I’m just proud. It’s nice to see that even the fiercest demon of the next generation can have someone who truly understands him."

Xerarh nodded slowly, his deep voice resonating with pride.

"He needed that. Someone who would challenge him, stand beside him, and never treat him like a king’s son, but for who he truly is."

He looked at Daniel with genuine gratitude.

"Thank you for being that person, Daniel. You have my respect... and my friendship."

Daniel met his gaze steadily and gave a small bow of respect.

"It’s an honor, Your Majesty. Kiel has been like a brother to me. If I had to do it all again, I’d still do the same thing for him without hesitation."

Kiel’s lips curved into a wide grin.

"You better. Because I’m not letting you out of my sight next time. Wherever you go, I’m going too."

Daniel laughed quietly.

"Just try to keep up."

Kaelgor snorted.

"Look at this, two hot-headed brats talking like they’re the saviors of the world."

"Technically," Lilith said with a sly smirk, "they kind of are."

Everyone laughed again, even Melira, who watched the lively group of rulers and warriors bantering like old friends.

Xerath raised his glass high, his deep voice carrying across the hall.

"Then to bonds forged in fire and friendship! To brothers not by blood, but by choice!"

Kaelgor joined in, slamming his own cup into the toast.

"To family, the kind that finds you even in chaos!"

Rika grinned, lifting hers next.

"To my little brother Daniel! Our little star who keeps lighting up everyone’s lives!"

Daniel blinked, startled, before laughing quietly.

"I guess I don’t have a choice but to accept that title now."

The hall roared with laughter and cheers, the warmth of celebration filling every corner.

Queen Lilith leaned slightly toward Melira, her voice soft and full of affection.

"Your son has a way of bringing people together, doesn’t he?"

Melira smiled gently, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

"He does..."

Xerarh crossed his arms, chuckling.

"He’s dangerous, that boy. Not because of his power, but because he makes kings forget their crowns."

Kaelgor nodded firmly.

"And that’s exactly the kind of danger this world needs."

Daniel simply smiled, his gaze sweeping across the group, Rika’s bright laughter, Kiel’s proud grin, Kaelgor’s teasing smirk, Lilith’s warmth, Xerarh’s fiery grin, and his mother’s soft, tearful joy.

For the first time in years, he felt surrounded... but by family.