Chapter 15 — Wartime Skies, Peacetime Skies

 Part 1 — Exile, Then Saving the Nation

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“Don’t touch Princess Tarin,” I told the sisters. “I don’t wanna turn you guys into criminals.”

They both made faces but nodded.

“Fine,” Liza huffed. “Forget her, then. And, uh… I could cheer you up whenever. Not that it means anything! I just don’t want you lonely, that’s all!”

Elza’s tone was calm. “I’m available any time, Master. I’d gladly share your bed.”

Left and right chatterboxes.

“Nope. I’m good.” I pried them off and stood. They looked disappointed, but sincere worry warmed my chest.

“Thanks, both of you,” I said, ruffling their hair. Liza pouted; Elza smiled softly.

◆◆◆

We left Chloe in charge of the rebuild and headed south to shop. Liza and Elza shifted into wyverns, each carrying two passengers—Ellie and I on Elza, the twins and Mimi on Liza.

To avoid a panic we flew high, just above the clouds. It felt like skimming a snowfield under a flawless blue sky. Through gaps in the cloud cover, toy-sized houses and roads peeked through; the reminder that no human should be up here settled in.

I’d ridden them countless times during the war, but the scenery was always bleak—a battlefield to scan for targets. Today the ground shone with order: rows of trees, a sunlit lake, a distant forest, mountains capped in white.

I never knew the world was this beautiful.

“They’re still as fast as ever! I can see the town!” Ellie shouted over the wind, hair fluttering, eyes sparkling.

“Elza, drop near that forest,” I called. She trilled in response and started our descent.

Ellie had flown with them before—support sorties, wide-area healing. Seeing her grin at the view felt different now.

We landed in a forest outside town to keep from spooking the locals.

“Brother, that was amazing! I’ve ridden them before, but never seen anything like that,” Ellie gushed. “Can’t wait for the flight home!”

Her excitement warmed me.

◆◆◆

We bought replacement furniture and supplies and took off again. This time we cruised lower, catching the sunset glow. Ellie’s soft gasps echoed over the wind while my mind ran ahead.

First priority: the house. Chloe’s blunder flattened it, but honestly we hadn’t settled in yet. Maybe we could rebuild with everyone’s tastes in mind.

Next, the dungeon hidden in the woods. With this crew—and three dragons—exploring sounded… tempting. The adventurer itch lingered even if slow life was the goal.

We should expand the fields, too. More people means more mouths. Maybe more livestock for meat and milk.

So many plans. Things I never had the luxury to dream about at the front.

◆◆◆

We reached Norwald just as the sun dipped. Our homestead was a bustle: logs piled high, unfamiliar tents dotting the grounds, foxkin simmering huge pots.

“Dan!” Mimi waved, bounding over. Cute… and ominous, given the murderous aura from Ellie beside me.

“Welcome back! Dinner’s ready!” she chirped.

“Thanks, Mimi. Uh… what happened here?”

She scratched her cheek. “When I told everyone the house collapsed, my whole tribe came to help build a new one!”

I could only laugh. It was chaotic, but generous.

“The boss’s husband is back,” one older foxkin said.

“Why’s the boss surrounded by beauties?” another muttered.

“Because Dan’s super popular,” Mimi boasted. “I gotta step up my game!”

“You’re the guy who stole my girl?!” a booming voice cut in.

We turned to see a hulking foxkin glaring at me.

Great. What did I do now?

----- End of chapter -----