I am Just an Average Tamer

As soon as the servants gave the signal, the lids were lifted, and the rich aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the dining hall.

Without waiting for any formalities, Elina was the first to grab a piece of bread and start munching.

Liliana joined in with a smile, while Kai simply took what he needed, eating in silence.

For a while, the only sounds were quiet clinks of silverware and the occasional satisfied sigh from Elina.

When the plates were cleared and everyone leaned back slightly in their chairs, a pair of servants returned with something new—a beautifully decorated cake, soft cream frosting topped with delicate fruit slices and edible flowers.

Elina's eyes sparkled like stars. "Cake~!"

Selene smiled softly and nodded toward her. "I had it prepared especially for you."

Elina beamed. "Thank you, Aunty!"

Selene blinked at the title—then let out a light chuckle, her lips curling. "You're very adorable, Elina."

The little girl giggled and clapped her hands before digging in with a spoon nearly too big for her face.

Liliana ruffled her hair with a gentle smile.

Once the cake was eaten and the plates whisked away, a brief lull settled in the room. The fire crackled low, shadows dancing across the marble floor.

Then Liliana glanced up, her voice hesitant but curious. "Aunt Selene… why weren't you home? When we arrived, we heard you were gone for a month."

Selene's posture stiffened just slightly. Her expression cooled, and her fingers curled loosely over the edge of the armrest.

"There was a problem," she said, her voice calm yet heavy. "I was summoned by the Emperor himself."

The air stilled for a moment. Kai's eyes subtly narrowed, his gaze sharpening. Liliana's brows furrowed, and even Elina paused, spoon halfway to her mouth.

Selene let out a soft sigh, folding her hands atop the table.

"There's unrest between our empire and the Kingdom of Virelia," she began, her voice calm but laced with weight. "It started as a minor border skirmish… but things have escalated. Too fast."

Kai straightened slightly, eyes focused.

Liliana frowned. "Escalated? How?"

"There was an incident," Selene said, her expression tightening.

"A clash between the—Virelia's elite task force—and our own Royal Guard division at the southern border. Both sides suffered casualties."

Kai's gaze sharpened. Even Elina, despite not fully understanding, went still.

"The emperor summoned every influential noble, military commander, and high-ranking official to the capital for an emergency war council," Selene continued.

"He fears Virelia is preparing for something far more than border defense. The diplomatic talks have stalled… and now forces are quietly mobilizing."

"So…" Liliana asked slowly, "are we going to war?"

Selene was silent for a moment before she answered.

"No declaration yet," she said. "But… the winds are shifting. The old peace is cracking, and if things continue like this…" she paused, her eyes turning distant.

A hush settled over the room.

Then Selene's gaze returned to them, sharp again.

"That's also why I needed to ensure your safety, Liliana. With tensions rising, no one knows who might make a move in the shadows—especially those who want to stir chaos within our own borders."

Liliana nodded, smiling at her, "You don't need to worry about me Aunt, I can take care of myself."

To which the latter chuckled and shook her head.

Then Selene leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping lightly on the table.

"We had to stay in the capital for almost an entire month," she added, her voice low. "To manage the situation… to calm things down before some fool made a reckless move that sparked a war."

Liliana bit her lip, a flicker of concern in her eyes.

Selene's expression hardened then. "Just a few years ago, we fought against three different kingdoms in a brutal campaign. We won… but not without cost. Our forces are still recovering. And now, the vultures are circling us, sensing our weakness."

"…Though what they don't realize," Selene said after a pause, a cold glint in her eyes, "is that even weakened, we're not an empire that bends easily."

Her voice lingered for a moment like an echo of steel in the air.

But then, her tone softened. "Anyway, you don't need to worry about all this," she said, waving her hand.

"For now, it's all politics and posturing. No official declaration. So just relax. Focus on your own goals."

Liliana gave a slow nod, though her gaze drifted in thought.

Elina blinked between them, still hugging a half-eaten piece of cake.

Kai simply murmured, "Understood."

Selene gave them all a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Leave the war to the ones trained for it. You just enjoy your days before the academy begins."

No one spoke for few moments.

Then, Liliana leaned forward slightly, a frown tugging at her lips.

"The other noble houses in the city… they're acting so smug lately," she muttered, poking at the last bits of cake with her fork. "Like they've already figured out how to take over everything."

Selene sighed and took a sip of her wine. "Yes… I heard about that when I returned."

Kai raised a brow slightly, listening.

Liliana turned to her aunt. "You're not going to do anything about them?"

Selene's gaze sharpened.

"Believe me, I'd love to put a few of them in their place," she said coolly.

"But right now, with tensions flaring and eyes from the capital still watching, I can't afford to offend any other powerful houses without just cause. My hands are tied... for now."

Liliana's jaw clenched, her grip on the fork tightening.

"But," Selene added, her voice laced with a dangerous calm, "if they start anything—if they dare cause trouble for you first…"

Her smile turned sharp, predatory.

"Don't hold back. Give them hell."

"I'll handle the aftermath," Selene added, placing her goblet down with a gentle clink. "No one messes with my dear niece."

A flicker of pride flashed in Liliana's eyes.

Kai, meanwhile, gave a small nod. Elina just whispered to Nox, "Aunty's scary when she gets serious…"

Selene gave a soft chuckle, "Oh dear, Aunty is not scary, she's just playing around."

"Okay." Elina nodded and began munching the cake again.