[: 3rd POV :]

"Melira… it's time. The nobles… they're all waiting for you."

The soft yet steady voice belonged to Maiya**, Melira's most trusted aide and one of her oldest friends.

She approached quietly, her long silver robe brushing against the polished marble floor as she stopped beside the Empress.

Melira didn't respond at first.

Her gaze lingered on the sky, where clouds drifted lazily under the afternoon sun.

A faint breeze brushed through her hair, carrying the distant sound of laughter and music from the palace courtyard the celebration that felt so hollow to her heart.

Maiya's expression softened.

She could see the heaviness in Melira's eyes the weight of longing and grief that had never truly faded.

For years, she had watched her Empress stand tall before the world while quietly enduring the pain of a mother who had lost her son.

"Melira…" Maiya spoke again, more gently this time,

"I know this day… isn't easy. But your people love you. They're here not just to celebrate, but to see you, their Empress, their hope."

A small, fragile smile crossed Melira's lips, though her voice trembled when she answered.

"I know, Maiya. But… some days, it feels like I'm just pretending"

"Pretending that everything's fine, pretending that this throne fills the emptiness inside."

Maiya placed a hand over her heart and bowed her head.

"You've carried that pain longer than anyone should. But…if your son was here, he would want you to smile today"

The words struck deep.

Melira's eyes softened, the faint glimmer of tears threatening to spill.

After a long pause, Melira drew a slow, steady breath.

Her aura shifted, the fragile mother buried beneath layers of sorrow gave way to the Empress once more.

Her back straightened, and her regal presence returned, though her eyes still shimmered with melancholy.

"Alright then…" she murmured softly, brushing away the trace of tears before they could fall.

"Let's get this over with."

Maiya hesitated for a moment, searching Melira's expression.

She knew that strength came not from indifference, but endurance.

"You don't have to force yourself, Melira," she said quietly.

"If you need a moment..."

Melira interrupted with a faint smile.

"I'll be fine, Maiya. I've been living with this emptiness for years. One more day won't break me."

Maiya's eyes softened with sympathy as she nodded slowly.

"Then let's make it through this day together, as we always have."

"Rika, Caelira and Lilith, let's go"

Melira stood, her golden gown shimmering faintly under the sunlight.

She turned toward the grand doors that led to the hall, where countless nobles and rulers awaited her appearance.

For a brief second, she glanced back at the horizon as if searching for someone far away.

As Melira stepped into the grand hall, the sound of golden trumpets echoed, and every conversation instantly ceased.

The hall, a vast ocean of light and luxury — was filled with thousands of nobles.

About one-third hailed from her own continent, while the rest came from different continents.

Her entrance was a vision of radiance and grace.

Draped in a flowing gown of white and gold, a crown of crystals rested upon her head.

Yet, behind her regal composure was a lingering sadness in her eyes, a silent longing she could not hide.

The moment grew even more awe-inspiring as six other sovereigns followed her lead.

The Demon King, the Dwarf King, the Elf Empress, the Dragon Empress, the Spirit Empress, and the Demi-Human King, all stood together, side by side.

It was a sight few had ever witnessed in history a gathering of all continental rulers under one roof.

Whispers rippled softly among the nobles.

"Never thought I'd see all of them here"

"This is unprecedented… I never thought I'd see the day."

"Such power gathered in one place… the air itself feels heavy."

Melira paused at the center of the hall, her gaze sweeping across the faces before her, nobles, merchants, scholars, generals, all kneeling in reverence.

Her voice, calm yet dignified, broke the silence.

"It is my great honor," she began, her tone steady though her heart still ached, "to have all of you gathered here today on a day that holds much meaning for me."

A quiet murmur followed, but her gentle smile calmed the crowd.

"Though it may not be much," she continued, her voice softening, "I hope you will all enjoy what this day has to offer"

"May we set aside our differences, if only for this moment, and share in peace."

Applause filled the air, echoing like thunder through the marble hall.

Melira inclined her head politely, concealing the heaviness inside her chest, and made her way back to her seat on the elevated throne beside the other rulers.

Above, the kings and queens sat upon their jeweled seats, their children, princes and princesses beside them.

Below, the nobles and guests stood in respectful order, divided by rank and hierarchy.

As Melira and the other rulers settled down upon their thrones overlooking the hall, the soft melody of violins and flutes began to fill the vast chamber once more.

The golden chandeliers shimmered gently, casting warm light over the sea of nobles below who had already returned to their merriment talking, laughing, and clinking glasses as if the world beyond these walls did not exist.

The nobles moved gracefully across the marble floor swaying with the rhythm of the music.

Conversations filled the air, talks of trade, alliance, and rumors about the presence of all six Rulers gathered in one place.

It was an event that would be remembered for decades.

Meanwhile, at the upper level, where the atmosphere carried more weight and less noise, the Rulers conversed among themselves.

"Melira, you look pale," said Caelira, her eyes filled with concern.

"You shouldn't push yourself too hard, even on a day like this."

Melira smiled faintly, her expression soft yet distant.

"I appreciate it, Caelira…, but as an Empress, I must at least show strength on my own birthday."

The Demon King, leaning back with a goblet of crimson wine, gave a low grunt.

"Tch. Strength isn't just about standing tall, you know"

"You've carried too much weight for too long, Melira. Even us, the demons, rest once in a while."

That drew a light chuckle from the Dragon Empress, whose eyes glimmered with amusement.

"Coming from you, that almost sounds wise."

The Dwarf King let out a hearty laugh, slapping the table lightly.

"Hah! It's her day, ye fools. Let the lass have her peace!"

Melira looked at them all, a faint warmth flickering in her heart.

Despite the crown, despite the loneliness, there were still those who cared who saw her not just as the Empress of Humanity, but as Melira.

She nodded softly, her voice low but steady.

"Thank you… truly. I just hope that someday… I can rest without regret."

A moment of quiet lingered, the rulers exchanging silent glances.

The Spirit Empress smiled gently, raising her glass.

"Then may this be the start of that peace. For tonight, let's simply celebrate."

Melira smiled again faint, but genuine. As laughter resumed around her and music swelled below, she gazed down at the glittering crowd.

At some point during the grand celebration, the Rulers themselves decided to leave their seats at the upper level and descend to the main floor.

The crowd stirred in surprise, after all, it was unheard of for the leaders of the six continents to personally mingle among nobles.

Yet, there they were walking side by side, their presence enough to make the air feel heavier and more reverent.

Even the musicians faltered for a second before resuming their melody, now softer and more refined.

Despite their crowns and divine authority, the Rulers understood the importance of connection.

Titles meant nothing if alliances grew cold.

And so, they greeted the nobles, exchanged words of diplomacy, and allowed the night to bloom with laughter and cheer.

"Such events… though tedious," the Demon King muttered under his breath, swirling his drink, "do have their uses. Keeps the smaller Houses loyal."

"Mm," the Elf Empress replied with a faint smile, her tone teasing.

"And perhaps it reminds them that their kingd and queens are not some untouchable brings."

Melira walked among them with grace, her presence commanding respect yet radiating warmth.

Her soft smile and poised demeanor charmed even the most hardened nobles.

Yet beneath that serene façade, a quiet ache still lingered an emptiness no crown could fill.

As the Rulers mingled, a noble dressed in crimson attire approached the Empress with a glass of wine in hand.

His steps were measured, his expression composed yet sharp.

"Your Majesty," he said with a refined bow, his silver hair glinting under the chandeliers.

"I am Jivian Valcroft, of the House of Valcroft the House renowned for its mastery over soul enchantment and perception arts"

"It is my honor to stand in your presence this evening."

Melira offered a polite nod, recalling the name.

The Valcroft House was indeed known across the continent, a lineage of people who could manipulate spiritual essence and peer into the emotions of others.

They were powerful, influential, and equally feared.

"The honor is mine, Jivian," Melira replied softly.

"I appreciate your attendance on such a humble occasion."

Jivian smiled a perfect, practiced smile — but there was something unsettling behind it.

His crimson eyes gleamed faintly, and his tone carried a subtle undercurrent of mockery that only the sensitive could detect.

"If I may, Your Majesty," he said, raising his glass, "allow me the privilege of a toast. To your everlasting reign, and to the prosperity of the Human Continent under your wisdom."

Melira hesitated for a moment, sensing the faint malice beneath his courteous words.

The warmth in his expression didn't reach his eyes, there was intent there, a hidden edge that made her fingers tighten around her own glass.

Still, as Empress, she maintained her composure.

"Very well," she replied, voice steady.

"To peace, and to the unity of our people."

Their glasses met with a faint *clink*.

And though no one noticed it yet, someone standing with invisibility in the far corner, shrouded in a dark robe, watching the exchange silently had already begun to move.

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