The moon hung high over Nyvaris, casting a silver veil across the city. The joyous noise of the festival had mellowed to laughter and quiet music, and soft lights glowed from paper lanterns floating down the canals.
At the summit of the Celestial Spire—the heart of the city—stood the Sanctum of Stars, the high council chamber reserved for only the most critical of gatherings. Tonight, it was silent save for the soft shuffle of cloaks and boots on obsidian marble floors.
Each member entered quietly, one by one, cloaked in the weight of Varvatos' question.
A wide circular chamber greeted them, its ceiling a dome of enchanted glass reflecting the stars above, as though the night sky itself sat atop their council. In the center was a round table carved from white celestial stone—no hierarchy, no throne, only equality.
Varvatos stood waiting, arms folded, bathed in the pale starlight. He didn't speak. He didn't need to.
One by one, they took their seats.
Rimuru, contemplative yet resolved.
Diablo, dark eyes glinting, ever alert.
Shuna, serene as still water.
Shion, firm and sharp like a drawn blade.
Veldora, unusually quiet, his typical flamboyance reined in.
Rigur, honest and proud.
Ranga, curled at Rimuru's side, eyes half-lidded but focused.
Souei, practically a shadow, observant.
Hakuro, composed, the weight of decades in his posture.
Velzard, cool and divine, seated beside Elmesia.
Elmesia, playful yet thoughtful, chin resting on her hand.
Varvatos looked over each of them. He could sense it—they had all reached a conclusion.
"Let's begin," he said, his voice soft but resonant. "Speak freely. This is your home as much as it is mine."
Rimuru Speaks First
He looked at each of them, then back at Varvatos.
"I walked through the streets today… watched people from distant lands laughing together, buying from our stalls, dancing to our music. That… that's the kind of world I want. But I've also seen what lies behind political masks—envy, greed, manipulation."
He paused.
"Still, I say yes. Let Nyvaris open. But we must set the rules. Strong ones. Let them know this city isn't theirs to exploit. We build the door—and we guard it ourselves."
Varvatos gave a slight smile and nodded.
Shuna Follows
"I agree with Rimuru. But I would go further. We must form a Cultural Council. A body to manage education, arts, and societal exchange. Let them bring ideas—but let us guide how they take root. Nyvaris must remain Nyvaris."
She looked to Shion beside her.
"Strength protects us, but culture defines us."
Shion Answers Next
"I'll keep it simple. If anyone schemes, I'll break their legs."
Rimuru let out a half-laugh. Shuna sighed.
"I'm serious," Shion continued. "But I'm also not blind. We need to open the doors—carefully. Let them come. I'll be watching."
Diablo, Ever Calculating
He leaned forward, fingers steepled.
"Foreign interests bring not only trade, but influence. Influence becomes control if left unchecked. I propose a Strategic Oversight Division. I'll lead it. We'll investigate all who enter, who they speak to, what they offer, and what they really want."
He smiled coldly.
"If they come bearing honey, I will taste it for poison."
Varvatos arched a brow, amused. "And if it's clean?"
"Then I let them live."
(Laughter broke the tension slightly.)
Veldora, Surprisingly Grounded
For once, Veldora's voice carried a quiet weight.
"I love seeing the people happy. This festival has been... amazing. I want that to continue. So I say yes. But we need defense—visible and powerful. Let them see our strength from the moment they arrive. We must remind them we are not weak… we are kind because we are strong."
Varvatos nodded slowly. "Well said."
Rigur, the People's Voice
"The merchants are already preparing for permanent trade. The people want this. They feel proud that others look to us for leadership. So I agree—but let's not forget our own citizens. Create positions for our people to manage these exchanges. Let them benefit directly, not just the nobles."
Varvatos gave him a proud look. "Your heart never changes, Rigur."
Ranga, Quiet but Loyal
"I don't know politics… but I know this land. If anyone threatens it, I'll know before they do. I'll expand my patrols, work with Souei's spies, and protect the borders. Nothing will get past me."
Souei, Ever the Ghost
He stood as he spoke, his voice low.
"Information is key. I will strengthen our intelligence network. Let them come—but they won't hide. We will know everything."
He sat again without another word.
Hakuro, Voice of Wisdom
"I have seen nations rise with trade and fall with betrayal. I say yes—but let us train a new guard. One that understands diplomacy as well as battle. The Sword of Nyvaris must be sharp... but it must also be just."
Velzard, Cold Flame of Reason
"Nyvaris has always stood alone—by choice. That changes now. But power must not be diluted. We need tiers of diplomacy. Let in only those who earn trust. If they fail that trust... we freeze them out."
Elmesia, With a Smile
"I love watching all of you play rulers and tacticians. But it's adorable how much you love this place. Fine then—let's do it. Open the gates. Let the world come. We'll give them a show they'll never forget."
Varvatos, the Final Word
He looked at each of them again. Their voices were different, their approaches varied—but their hearts were the same.
He smiled, not as a god, not as a king—but as a man surrounded by those he trusted.
"Then it's decided. Nyvaris will open… not as a kingdom desperate for allies—but as a beacon standing tall. The world may come… but we will never kneel."
Silence followed—strong, proud silence.
Then, slowly, they each stood. Rimuru reached out and placed a hand to the center of the table. One by one, the others followed. Their hands joined in unity—not out of tradition, but out of truth.
Nyvaris would rise—not alone, but together.
As their hands slowly lifted from the center of the celestial table, the glow of unity still lingered in the air. The council had made its choice—but the journey was only just beginning. Before anyone could dive into logistics, laws, or strategies, Varvatos raised a hand, his calm voice gently breaking the silence.
"For now… enough of meetings and heavy thoughts," he said, his tone lighter but still commanding. "Let's not sour the joy outside with politics just yet. The festival is still alive—and it deserves all of us. We'll discuss the fine details after it's over."
A wave of relief passed over the room, like a breath everyone had been holding finally released.
Rimuru nodded with a soft chuckle.
"Good. I was about to sneak out anyway. I heard there's a fireworks show tonight, and I won't miss it for anything."
Shuna smiled warmly.
"There's also the Night Market Parade. The people would be thrilled to see all of us walk among them."
Veldora, already halfway out of his seat, beamed.
"Yes! I have a rematch scheduled at the spicy noodle contest. Last time I lost by one bite. One! That shall not happen again."
Shion cracked her knuckles.
"And I've been challenged in the arm wrestling arena again. Time to crush some dreams."
Elmesia, standing gracefully, gave Varvatos a wink.
"Darling, let's go enjoy the chaos we've created."
Velzard rose beside her, eyes soft for once.
"The world can wait. Tonight belongs to Nyvaris."
Even Diablo, ever the meticulous shadow, gave a rare smirk.
"Very well. Let the mortals dream a little longer. Tomorrow, we prepare for reality."
Souei vanished into a shadow with only a quiet, "Understood."
And Ranga, tail wagging, let out a pleased growl as he padded behind Rimuru.
Varvatos, now standing alone in the chamber as the others dispersed, looked up at the dome of stars above. He could already feel the shift of fate, the winds of change brushing against the edge of his senses. But for tonight…
"Let the people laugh. Let the music play. Let Nyvaris breathe before it must stand taller."
With that, he turned and descended the stairs of the Sanctum, walking back into the light and sound of the still-living festival below, where joy danced in every alley and the heart of Nyvaris pulsed strong.