The Dragon King's Substitute Bride (Morgan and Tsuneo)
Chapter 120

CH120 Morgan

There had to be a reason why fairies would leave if they'd been ere all the time.

He shook his head. "And I haven't had the chance to look into it, either. I know it's likely related to the attacks on the border, but anything more than that is a mystery to me right now." I nodded, taking note to ask Pyra if she has any ideas.

"While we're figuring out the money issues, we still have to prepare. I figure we'll simply cut down on spending so we have the money to import from other places." He sighed. "This means we're likely going to have to talk to a lot of different people in the coming days."

I chuckled. "You seem like you don't want to."

"I'm not diplomatic," he said. "Tarofu seems completely unwilling to do it too." He glanced at me.

Typically, matters of diplomacy like this would fall to the queen or the crown princess..."

I scoffed. "You all expect a lot out of person that just got here and hasn't had a bit of peace sense.

Tsuneo laughed, his voice seemed darker, like there was another voice beneath his.

"Truer words have never been said," he said smiling at me. "Do not worry. I will simply... pull myself together to get things done."

He leaned down and kissed my forehead. "You need not worry about being overburdened while you get used to your new circumstances."

I blinked and looked into his eyes. I narrowed my eyes.

"Tarofu?"

He smiled, his eyes sparkling. "You have a keen sense of people, little flower."

My eyes widened. My face heated as he looked down at me. He must have more access to Tsuneo's memories than I thought. Tsuneo never called me Ren, but he knew what the name meant to me. He tucked a curl behind my ear.

"I can only assume that my Pyra is... feeling shy today, or perhaps she is upset. If she cannot hear me, I ask that you pass her a message."

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CH120

I blinked, nodding.

Then, he spoke a stream of words that I more felt than heard. I didn't understand any of it, but it zipped through me like sparks. Then, his expression changed to the reserved, almost regal expression, I was used to. Tsunco blinked and tutted. "Tarofu?"

I nodded.

"What did he say?"

"He asked me to pass Pyra a message, but I didn't understand a word of it."

"Memory sharing," the kingdom's resources have dwindled. It's going to take time to recover, and until we do, we'll need to be careful with spending.

I pressed my lips together, anger simmering beneath the surface. It was hitting a bit too close to home. I looked up, wondering how long had passed in the human realm since I'd fallen. unconscious. I winced. At the least, I could be sure that Hiro was likely about ready to leave the hospital, if not already released. Was he back at the house with the family?

The idea of leaving him behind with Goro and Adele made my heart ache, especially now that he knew the truth about who his real father was. I had promised that he could come live with me in the palace.

"I'm going to the human realm for a bit."

Tsuneo frowned. "Will you be back before dinner?"

I laughed. "Yes, I imagine I will. I want to bring my brother through the Veil today if I can. After everything he's learned..."

Tsuneo's expression immediately shifted, a crease forming between his brows. I could sense the hesitation before he even said anything.

"Morgan," he began, his voice careful, "That's not... possible."

"What?"

"Your brother... he's human. The celestial realm isn't made for humans, not long-term."

I blinked, a knot forming in my chest. "But he's my brother. Surely, there must be a way. I'm here. Your mother-"

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CH120

"You both went through the Trial, it's different," Tsuneo said gently. "Humans can't survive here for extended periods. The magic here is different, the atmosphere-it would take a toll on him. He wouldn't be able to thrive here." "But what about before when the veil was up?"

He shook his head. "There were interstices, but humans still couldn't live in the celestial realm... Not without a lot of help. It would be very difficult for him, and... I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be sustainable in any case."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I felt my heart drop. "But... I promised him. I told him he wouldn't have to stay with Goro and Adele anymore. He knows the truth now, about who his real father is. I can't just leave him behind," Tsuneo drew me closer. "I'm sorry, Morgan. I wish there was a way, but there isn't"

"There has to be something!" I got to my feet. "The palace had human staff at some point. My family... We moved from closer to the mountain, I think. There's a way."

A heavy silence hung between us, and for a moment, it felt like the walls were closing in around me. I had always been able to figure things out, but I didn't know enough about how this realm worked.

What's worse was that I couldn't be sure that I would be able to keep my promise.

I had never lied to Hiro before, or to anyone.

Just as I felt the weight of despair settle in, a familiar warmth bloomed in the back of my mind. It

was Pyra.

There is a way

I sat up straighter. How?

Tsuneo looked at me, confused. "What is it?"

"Pyra says... there's a way," I whispered, hope blooming in my chest like a fragile flame.

There is rite I created long ago that could allow a human to exist in the celestial realm. It's the basis of the Trial gates.

My heart lurched. But-

Yes, there would be a cost.

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CH120

"What kind of cost?" I asked aloud.

Tsuneo tensed beside me, clearly uneasy about the direction this conversation was taking.

"Morgan, what kind of magic are we talking about? The celestiallm isn't-"

It's not ideal, Pyra continued, her voice serious. But it would work. He would would need to

sacrifice something of great value, and it's not a decision to take lightly. But if you're willing, I can guide you.

I frowned at that. You're being vague, Pyra. Sacrifice what?

She sighed. I would have to meet him to know for certain.

Is there an alternative?

There are methods, but they are made difficult by the state of the kingdom.

I set my jaw. Leaving him behind with people who didn't care for him wasn't an option.

"Morgan..." Tsuneo's voice pulled me back to the present, and I looked into his eyes, filled with

concern. "What did Pyra say?"

'She said there's a rite, but that there are other options. I don't need the details right now, but... I will soon."

Tsuneo's expression hardened. "Morgan, are you certain?"

I looked

up at him. He went still. It mut have been in my eyes how very serious I was.

Tsuneo squeezed my hand, his touch grounding-me.

"Okay," he said softly. "But you don't have to make a decision right now."

"I hadn't planned on it."

But I'd have all the information I needed before I went to the human realm.