Chapter 24
Ando passed through his first winter without snow, and at last, spring arrived.
As though unwilling to wait for the season’s turning, Tatsuno received the Imresian delegation earlier than expected.
Beyond the gentle hills at the edge of the capital, the procession came into view.
Through the veil of spring haze, rows of mounted figures emerged one after another.
At their head rode Crown Prince Antonius, guided by a Dracoserpens from Hokurin.
He sat astride a white horse, clad in deep indigo ceremonial dress beneath a cloak embroidered with the crest of House Imresius. A slender ceremonial sword rested at his side. Even amid the escort surrounding him, there was no mistaking who stood at the center of the delegation.
Before long, two figures appeared waiting further along the road.
One was a towering Dracoserpens dressed in formal attire—Kiba—standing with effortless dignity, his great tail swaying lazily behind him.
Beside him stood Ando.
He too wore the formal dress of Tatsuno, posture straight as a spear, heels aligned in the manner of a Royal Guard captain.
The mounted procession came to a halt before them.
Antonius dismounted without a word and stepped forward several paces.
Only after watching him do so did Kiba finally speak.
“—Welcome, Crown Prince Antonius Imresius of the Kingdom of Imresia. I am Kiba, Chief Chamberlain of the Imperial Court of Tatsuno.”
His voice carried effortless refinement, accompanied by the faintest trace of amusement.
“In return for the hospitality shown during last summer’s royal ceremony, we shall ensure that neither you nor your entourage find cause for inconvenience during your stay.”
Antonius brought his heels together and bowed with flawless precision, never lowering his gaze from Kiba.
“We are deeply honored by your welcome. Permit me above all to extend my profound gratitude for the extraordinary care bestowed upon my younger brother, Andri Chaire, captain of the Royal Guard of Imresia.”
At that, Kiba’s eyes softened slightly, and he gestured toward Ando with slow elegance.
“The Dracling entrusted to our care by your kingdom has grown beyond recognition. In time, he shall stand as both shield and blade to the realm.”
At those words, the air shifted subtly among the rear ranks of the delegation.
Without hesitation, Antonius bowed his head once more.
“…Your gracious words do us great honor.”
Then Ando stepped forward.
“Your Highness. It has been far too long. I welcome your arrival with all sincerity.”
His heels struck together sharply as he bowed low.
The presence surrounding him no longer belonged to the guarded young boy he once had been.
Antonius’s expression softened ever so slightly.
“…You truly have grown beyond recognition.”
The low words carried unmistakable relief.
At last, Kiba inclined his head.
“Her Majesty awaits within the palace. Pray, proceed.”
At his words, the waiting procession began to move once more.
