Claude returned to Elysium and was welcomed like a king out of legend.
The streets from the outskirts of the capital all the way to the palace walls were packed with people.
Commoners leaned over balconies and rooftops, showering his path with black asphodel petals.
The dark flowers rained down in a slow, fluttering wave, a sign of reverence for the Lord Of Calamity.
He rode through them clad in his shining black armor, the royal crest—a black asphodel crowned and held aloft by skeletal hands—fluttering from tall banners at his side.
The crowd roared with praise, but Claude only offered a small wave in return, his expression calm and unreadable.
As he reached the palace gates and dismounted, he hadn't even taken a full breath before someone came charging at him.
"Father!" a bright voice cried. "You're finally home! I've been waiting forever—I missed you!"
It was Morion. Her curly hair bounced wildly as she jumped into his arms, hugging him tight.
