[: 3rd POV :]

After their heartfelt understanding, the air in Daniel’s room finally felt... peaceful.

The weight that had hung over both of them for so long was gone, no bitterness, no guilt, no invisible wall of formality.

Only quiet acceptance.

Maiya stood for a moment, watching him from the side as he stretched.

His expression was calmer than she’d seen in years.

There was still sharpness in his eyes, the kind born from struggle and solitude, but now, there was a faint gentleness beneath it.

"You should freshen up before breakfast,"

Maiya said softly, her tone returning to its usual composed grace.

"Her Majesty has been waiting for you."

Daniel glanced at her.

"Mother’s already awake?"

"She’s been awake since dawn," Maiya replied with a faint smile.

"She was... quite restless, actually. She’s looking forward to have her breakfast with you, her son"

Daniel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I guess it’s time for me to get ready?"

Maiya smiled wider.

"Yes you do young master."

He gave a small chuckle before heading toward the bath chamber.

The marble doors slid open, releasing a mist of warm fragrance, lotus and faint traces of mana essence infused in the water.

By the time he finished his bath, the steam had fogged the mirrors.

He stepped out, toweling his hair dry, only to find a small army of maids waiting just outside.

He froze. "...Why do I feel like I’m about to be ambushed?"

Maiya, now back in full command as the head maid, crossed her arms.

"Because you are. Presentation matters, Young Master."

"I can dress myself, you know."

"Yes, and I can clean a battlefield barehanded," she replied smoothly.

"But I still prefer a broom."

He blinked, then squinted.

"...That analogy doesn’t even make sense."

"It does to me."

Before Daniel could protest further, the maids moved in perfect synchronization, efficient, disciplined, and absurdly overqualified for what they were doing.

"Hold still, young master," said one of the maids gently as she adjusted his collar for the fifth time.

"I thought it was fine the last four times,"

Daniel chuckled, watching her fuss over his attire.

"It was fine, but perfection is a standard, not an option," the maid said with a light smile.

Maiya stood nearby with her arms crossed, the head maid’s usual composure fully returned.

Though her heart still carried the weight of guilt, she masked it well behind her professional poise.

"And stop moving, young master," she said firmly.

"You’re going to wrinkle the sleeves."

"Yes, ma’am," Daniel said, feigning submission with an exaggerated sigh.

"I feel like I’m being prepped for execution instead of breakfast."

The maids exchanged amused glances.

Even though they were powerful individuals, each capable of wiping out a battalion alone, at that moment, they looked more like a flock of big sisters fussing over their youngest sibling.

"Execution, you say?" Maiya said with a teasing smirk as she inspected his jacket for the final time.

"You’ll wish that were true if your mother sees even one strand of hair out of place."

Daniel raised his brow.

"She’s that scary?"

"Oh, you have no idea," one of the maids whispered dramatically, which earned her a soft glare from Maiya.

After a few more adjustments and some brushing, Maiya finally stepped back, nodding in satisfaction.

"There, it’s finally perfect, and young master, you look exactly like how a prince should look."

"Does that mean I can finally breathe?" Daniel asked, rolling his shoulders.

Maiya smiled faintly, her tone soft but motherly.

"Yes, you may, your highness."

Daniel grinned, his earlier jesting expression melting into a genuine smile.

"Thanks, Maiya. Really."

Her eyes softened.

"It’s... my duty. And my honor."

"But I swear," Daniel muttered under his breath.

"If anyone saw this, they’d think I’m being prepared for a royal inspection, not breakfast."

Maiya arched an eyebrow.

"Her Majesty is royalty. And this is your first proper meal together since your return"

He sighed, resigned.

"I didn’t sign up for this kind of pressure."

"You didn’t sign up for a lot of things," she said teasingly, "and yet, here we are."

Daniel gave her a sidelong glance. "You’ve gotten bolder, Maiya."

Her lips curved faintly.

"Perhaps it’s because my Young Master has finally returned..."

That made Daniel pause for half a second.

The faint sound of fabric rustling filled the silence before he finally smiled, genuinely, this time.

"I guess...it made sense."

"Thank you for your understanding young master."

"Come then," Maiya said, turning gracefully.

"She’s waiting in the Grand Garden Hall."

The hall was enormous, with sunlight cascading through tall crystalline windows that shimmered like flowing water.

The scent of flowers filled the air, carried by a soft morning breeze.

And at the center of it all sat Melira, his mother, radiant even in simplicity.

She wore a soft silk gown the color of dawn, her silvery white hair cascading freely over her shoulders.

When she saw Daniel enter, her eyes brightened immediately, lighting up with warmth and relief.

"Daniel!" she called out, standing up so quickly that her chair nearly toppled.

"Come, come, sit beside me!"

Daniel blinked.

"Mother, the table’s long enough for a royal banquet. I can sit-"

"No," she said firmly, smiling.

"You’re sitting here"

He chuckled. "Cant day no to that."

Melira huffed lightly, guiding him to the seat beside her.

"Of course. You think I’d let my son sit at the far end of the table like some stranger?"

"I wouldn’t dare," Daniel said with mock seriousness, sitting beside her.

Maiya took her place behind them, overseeing the serving maids as a wave of dishes began arriving, steaming, fragrant, and extravagant.

The chefs had clearly gone all out.

Golden platters of roast drake meat glazed with mana-infused honey, bowls of fruit marinated in starlight syrup, soft rolls made from enchanted grain that shimmered faintly when touched by light, even Daniel had to admit, the sight was impressive.

After all, their life reputation were depended on this situation.

Melira watched his expression closely, trying not to seem too obvious about it.

"Go on, try it," she urged softly.

"I made sure they didn’t over-season the meat this time."

He looked at her, amused.

"I never thought I could see so many dishes in one single table"

"Well, how could I not ignore what my son likes to eat" she said with a proud little smile.

"I heard from Caelira and your friends that you like spicy food, so I tried asking the chefs to made some dishes that were appropriate for breakfast"

"You don’t have to do that mother. I’m fine with anything" Daniel said while smiling.

Melira giggled. "I don’t mind and I just hope that you’ll enjoy this"

Daniel picked up his utensils and took a bite of the drake meat.

His eyes widened slightly.

The flavor was rich but balanced, the texture soft, it wasn’t too spicy, and the mana-infused sweetness dancing faintly on his tongue.

"...That’s... actually really good," he admitted.

Melira’s expression softened, her relief visible.

"I’m glad you like it."

"Like it?" Daniel said with a grin.

"If I didn’t know better, I’d say this came straight from an Emperor Beast’s banquet."

She covered her mouth, laughing.

"Oh, you flatter your mother."

He leaned slightly closer.

"Maybe or maybe I’m trying to earn more of these breakfasts."

"Then you’ll have to come and eat breakfast with me in every morning" she said playfully, her tone almost childlike.

"Deal," Daniel said, smiling.

Maiya, standing nearby, quietly hid a smile of her own.

To see them both like this, laughing, eating, existing peacefully, it filled her with quiet satisfaction.

The meal continued with light chatter.

Daniel told her a few vague stories about his life throughout the years, carefully omitting the parts involving the system and apocalyptic battles.

On the other hand, Melira briefly poke about her life and her tone was warm and tender.

At one point, Melira looked at him, eyes glimmering.

"Even though I was never there for you...but look at you now...you’re taller and stronger and I can’t help but feel proud of my son" Melira said.

"Maybe, that’s because you’re my mother, otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to survive all my own" Daniel declared.

Melira smiled at his words and they both enjoyed their breakfast together while chattering.

Even though it only has been a few days since they had reunited, it seems like even as time passes by, blood is still thicker than water.

Even Maiya was smiling and she almost teared up.

But for this moment, it wasn’t a time where Melira should be depressed, it was a time that she felt happy and no words could describe the emotions that she was experience.

Even though it was only for a moment, she finally felt what it means to be a mother.

At some point of time as they ate, Melira finally brought up a topic that she wanted to avoid.

"My son, as much as I hate this and I don’t wish for you to go, but have you heard of the Academy?"