"Did you sleep well?"

Hongjoong peered up at Yeosang when the dryad fell onto the seat by his side. The Magus Maximus summoned everyone to gather in the sitting room where they wouldn't disrupt anyone's magical studies. The nymphs were also invited, having recuperated from their trip with the extensive libraries of the Spire of Magic.

"I did," Hongjoong replied, surprised the guess came so easily. "Does it show?"

"Your glow seems brighter," Yeosang smiled, smooth and gentle, like the trees he was born from. 

Hongjoong had to give San this point. Apparently, everyone could read Hongjoong's thoughts right off his face.

"How about you?"

Yeosang had been a marvel to Hongjoong from the beginning. A source of infinite knowledge about Seonghwa and the palace and key to his honest heart, but also such a rare and fascinating being. Together with Jongho, the pair originated from the most elusive races of the empire. Hidden even from the greedy eyes of the mages. Yeosang was a kind soul, but tremendous power was masked behind his serene features. He loved his tranquillity, just like the elf he was loyal to. But getting on his bad side meant no escape.

Even now, Yeosang's soothing scent of the earth and flowers washed over Hongjoong refreshing like a frigid forest river. He sighed, at ease under Yeosang's mossy green eyes. 

"I took a walk with Yunho and relished the night out on the fields. The spire is a work of many wonders. I'm sure Seonghwa would be proud if he could see how well you lead these mages."

A wistful smile dashed over Hongjoong's lips. Yes, he would be. Seonghwa always had love to give; so much affection even for those who didn't deserve it. 

Once, Hongjoong thought it a challenge to be the one Seonghwa was most dedicated to. But it was in Seonghwa's character to love many. To be considerate of his surroundings and listen to their woes.

And to die because he shouldered all their pain without acknowledging his own.

They talked about the spire and the novices of this year while the others arrived one by one. San didn't bat a lash at Hongjoong's sight, not mentioning anything since that was their pact. Wooyoung and Yunho arrived with the kids and their pets, bringing their typical noise and laughter. 

The nymphs also settled with their eerie eyes and their unnervingly fluid movements, then everyone was assembled. When Hongjoong took the word, he felt rested. No longer like a madman, but like the leader they asked him to be for this endeavour.

"So, our journey takes us to the Crystal Sphere. Assuming we can deal with the orcs, goblins and demons in our path by hiding away or battle, what shall our goal be? I have searched for Seonghwa for the past ten years, but I cannot detect him anymore. He might be with the slumbering dragon, buried under its power, but then we have no access to him. Or he is dead, as we can safely assume after watching him fall. What is our objective?"

Hongjoong saw no reason to beat around the bush with Morana, even when Yunho sent him a reprimanding look. The stubborn demon girl challenged the hazard of this empire for her personal vendetta against her athair whom Hongjoong loved and cherished. She wasn't his enemy, still Seonghwa's daughter he was sworn to, but she scowled with persistence, so Hongjoong would meet her head-on.

Even now, she wasn't perturbed by the news that shattered the souls of everyone else ten years ago. She flicked her fingers through her hair to lean over the map Hongjoong summoned onto the table in their midst.

"Can't we just have a look around there?"

Lillwen chuckled over her foolishness. San also shook his head.

"Impossible, it's too risky and there are no elves for you to find and feel comfortable with. They are all hidden away. If we want in, we also need to get back out quickly. Is there any trace of Seonghwa we can check on swiftly? Any other hunch you have?" 

Hongjoong gnawed on his lip. He did ponder just facing the dragon head-on to wring Seonghwa from its claws, but it would be foolish to challenge it in case Seonghwa died that night. And even with the harem gathered, he doubted they could defeat a dragon.

Yeosang interrupted before they could make a war plan. 

"This is for Morana, and she needs to be safe all the way back to her home. Foremost, she needs that sense of kinship. She knows something is amiss and we can't have her visit the demons, either. With Mingi gone..."

"I know where he is," Hongjoong fell in. He earned surprise around the table from everyone but Yunho. 

"You do?" Wooyoung asked, looking sceptical. Hongjoong scoffed at his ignorance. Of course, he kept an eye on everyone. It was what Seonghwa would have wanted from him. To make sure they were all safe. 

The only one Hongjoong couldn't find was Jongho. He had disappeared deep into the earth to return to his slumber, interested in his dreams and memories and lingering until the world would be restored enough to dare another peek. 

Since Hongjoong knew he would be fine no matter what, he didn't run after the golem. If he wanted to join them, he was more than welcome to. But a decade was nothing for one like him.

"Approximately. He disappeared into the dwarven mountains after the battle and never emerged. I know he is alive," Hongjoong offered. Mingi didn't want to see anyone and ignored Hongjoong every time he dared a visit. Mentally and from a distance, that was. Since the dwarven magic kept him from entering their territory through magic. Occasionally, Hongjoong checked on him through his dreams. They were convoluted and dark, haunted by misery and pain, but the demon himself was alive.

Hongjoong couldn't tell if he wanted to see anyone, but hearing Morana's voice might shake him from his suffering. 

"Can we bring her there instead? To have Mingi with her?" Yeosang suggested and Hongjoong sighed. The dwarves were no longer allied to the orcs, but there was no predicting they wouldn't rat them out for enough coin. It was a risky gamble, and while the sorcerer was confident in his abilities, he hated unnecessary risks.

"The stars predicted her as a fighter and a future emperor. They must have known of her strong will to fight. I'm scared what her future might bring."

This harem was strong. Even after San lost his hand and even without Jongho. But they were no army. Yongguk upheld the tales of the two kids and bounty hunters would be out for them.

If Hongjoong lost them, he could never forgive himself. They deserved harmony, as did the tormented husbands.

But this was better than marching into the Crystal Sphere, where Yongguk lurked with his henchmen to claim a throne that never belonged to him. They could hide in the shadows of the mountains and Morana would feel at home.

If they could retrieve Mingi and make it her project to learn parental affection through him, Hongjoong wouldn't have to worry as much. 

The brittle shine of hope in Wooyoung's gaze worried him more.

"There is this legend floating around the Cliffs of Zephyr," he began when he recognised Hongjoong's decision on his features. 

"It goes like a song." Wooyoung cleared his throat.

"Deep in the dragon's cave... The brightest star of the night sky slumbers.

Waiting to be woken by the loves he misses so much."

A chill ran down Hongjoong's spine. He had to glance away and caught Lillwen's gaze. The queen was always loyal. So invested in the future of the empire. Whatever happened, whether Morana climbed the throne or not, the nymphs and the giants vowed their aid.

Could it be possible? 

Was there still something to hope for?

Could things turn back to how they were before?

"I have heard of it," Hongjoong offered. The same song made its rounds in human cities, and Yunho carried it back to the spire after a visit. It took a long time to soothe his tears. Hope hurt if there was no base to start on.

Hongjoong searched for so long...

He bit his lip. 

Of course, he wanted Seonghwa back. Missed him every night. But it was murderous to challenge the dragon. Or to hope they could even get an audience with it. Offering the entire world might not be equal to the treasure it gained with Seonghwa.

"Wouldn't it be good to... To check? Just a little? We notice more when we go together and Morana can revisit her past. And we have competent people with us now, right, Yeosang?" Wooyoung mumbled, taking the side of a very determined-looking Morana.

The same treacherous glow ignited the wise dryad. 

Hongjoong sighed to himself. They shouldn't do this.

The scent of tea wafted between them when Lillwen poured herself another cup. The herbs soothed their agitated minds. Hongjoong glanced at San.

"Do you believe it?"

San inclined his head. He also had an ulterior motive for coming along and not refusing them outright.

"I believe we are stronger when we search together. And if there is the slightest chance Seonghwa is alive, I regard it as my duty to free him."

"The rumour must have come from somewhere," Yunho threw in, though no one knew where it spawned. Some folks sang it, some didn't. It could be a medium's interpretation of the stars or a trap placed by Yongguk to eradicate the rest of them one by one as they came stumbling foolishly.

But it aligned with Pebble's appearance. Weirdly so.

The glow in their eyes was the answer Hongjoong needed. Even if he refused his help, they were ready to go. Driven by their mad yearning.

It was his duty to look out for them. 

Hongjoong gave in.

"I need a few days to prepare. And our goal will be Mingi, so we won't dawdle on the way there. I want the kids safe at all times and if any of the adults notice danger, we leave. We act as a group. Do you two brats understand that?" Seeking discipline, Hongjoong glanced between the siblings, but they already stopped listening.

"We are going to the Crystal Sphere!" Morana cheered, and Aodhán fell right in. 

"We will find your dad!"

"And your emmya," Wooyoung fed the flames. "I'm sure he must be down with that lizard, waiting for us. We can beat lizards; Mulberry and I took many in life."

They yelled all over each other, and the room drowned in chaos. Defeated, Hongjoong turned to the nymphs. He expected as much. But with the right spells, they should be safe. They had wit and physical strength and Hongjoong wasn't taking any risks to get them out if need be.

Lillwen chuckled with her silky voice. The image of them uniting delighted her and Wynn clapped her hands, cheerful for the mayhem.

"We could use your aid once more to get to the shore. I have to save my energy as long as I can," Hongjoong pleaded, and Lillwen nodded gracefully.

"Take care of your business here, then we can guide you."

Grateful, Hongjoong summoned a map. When he turned, San was the only one who didn't run head-first into adventure. When their eyes met, his nod offered Hongjoong a conversation under four eyes.

"I am by your side for the duration of this journey and have prepared accordingly. Let's make sure no one gets hurt. Tell me everything you know about Mingi's whereabouts and how we can access him."

Right, one step at a time. Maybe the dragon was unreachable for them. Maybe Seonghwa was gone. They would find out with time, but Morana's journey of the self and finding Mingi was a priority. Now that everyone united, Hongjoong hoped Mingi would spark the interest in being with them. From everything Hongjoong heard of him and Yunho, the demon shouldn't be alone for too long, lost in the darkness.

Buddy's yaps cheered them on while San and Hongjoong planned out their strategy and Morana boasted to the group she assembled. 

Perhaps she would be the empress one day.

Perhaps this willpower could steer the dragon anew. 

Whatever it was, the tentative blossom of hope was addictive in Hongjoong's heart. He wanted to nourish it, so careful to ruin its fragile growth. 

They may have lost their minds from grief, but for the purpose of protecting Morana and Aodhán, Hongjoong would allow himself his folly.