The gates of the Capital Bragan?a had finally been rebuilt. Banners fluttered in the wind. Children ran through the streets, waving colorful ribbons. It was the first true celebration after three long years of war.

  In the center square, Lukas and Adriele walked side by side, both wearing ceremonial cloaks.

  — *There they are!* — shouted the crowd. — *The Blood Demon and the Queen of the Sword! Heroes of the Empire!*

  Young women of all ages sighed as Lukas passed, casting dreamy glances his way.

  — *Please, young master!* — cried a noblewoman in a lilac dress. — *Take this rose! And... if it isn’t too much to ask... take my heart as well!*

  Another shoved her aside, declaring:

  — *He doesn’t want roses, fool! He wants someone who will truly love him!*

  She grabbed Lukas’ hand.

  — *I swear I would give everything to warm your broken heart!*

  Lukas sighed, his eyes half-closed.

  — *I... just wanted to buy some bread...* — he muttered.

  Adriele fought to keep from laughing.

  — *That’s the price of fame, Lukas,* — she teased, poking his arm. — *Soon you’ll need a spear just to fend off the suitors.*

  Amid the chaos, Luiz of the Copas appeared with his usual relaxed steps. Beside him walked Valquíria of the Trevo, her trademark ironic smile in place.

  — *Well, well,* — Luiz said, throwing an arm around Lukas’ shoulders. — *Who would’ve thought... the little brother nobody respected is now the dream of half the Empire. So... have you chosen one of these young ladies to marry yet?*

  — *Shut up,* — Lukas growled.

  — *I’m serious.* — Luiz wagged a finger, as if lecturing. — *You should think about getting yourself a wife. Or two. Or four. Stop being, let’s say... a stubborn virgin.*

  Lukas turned his face away, scowling.

  — *And you? Are you married?*

  Luiz smirked.

  — *Me? What I do know... is that I’m not a virgin.*

  Lukas froze, wide-eyed.

  — *Who said I am?*

  — *Leli did,* — Luiz said casually, pointing with his thumb. — *She said she’s never seen you with a girl. Not even the ones throwing themselves at you.*

  — *Lukinhas...* — Valquíria added, feigning pity. — *Is it true? Not even a little kiss?*

  Lukas turned red.

  — *I’m just not interested!* — he nearly shouted. — *I’d rather fall in love for real. Have true bonds. And if I ever take wives...* — he gestured wildly — *maybe four at most!*

  Luiz threw his head back, laughing.

  — *HAHAHA! That’s the spirit! I’d love to see you handle four wives. You’d be dead before forty.*

  — *STOP MAKING FUN OF ME!* — Lukas exploded.

  Adriele crossed her arms, shaking her head.

  — *You two act like children,* — she said. — *But Lukas... don’t get mad. They’re just... proud of you. In their own idiotic way.*

  — *I know,* — Lukas muttered, looking away.

  Valquíria smiled, running her hand through Adriele’s hair.

  — *Keep an eye on Lukinhas, will you? While we’re not around, he’s going to need you.*

  — *I always do,* — Adriele answered seriously.

  Even Lukas couldn’t stop a faint smile.

  ### The Pope’s Summons

  Hours later, in the Grand Cathedral of the Sun, Pope Aurelius III awaited them beside the Cardinal and twenty priests. The great doors opened with solemnity.

  — *Welcome, heroes,* — the Pope intoned. — *The Empire owes you eternal gratitude. Today, you have the right to choose weapons from the Sacred Relics of the Imperial Treasury.*

  Behind them shone a hall filled with pedestals. Blades, spears, hammers, and bows glowing with their own light.

  — *Choose the one that resonates with your soul,* — said the Cardinal.

  Lukas passed by each weapon. He reached for a blue sword — nothing. Touched a spear of obsidian — nothing. Placed his palm on a golden bow — absolute silence.

  The Pope frowned, puzzled.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  — *How... strange. Try another.*

  Lukas walked through the hall. Nothing. Not even the Dagger of the Sun, said to respond to any worthy warrior.

  A priest whispered to another:

  — *This is... depravity.*

  — *Perhaps because he carries the title of Demon,* — another muttered in horror.

  — *I can hear you,* — Lukas snapped, brow furrowed.

  — *H-how dare you hear sacred thoughts?!* — stammered the first priest.

  Lukas sighed, rubbing his face.

  — *Some things never change.*

  Adriele covered her mouth, laughing so hard she almost choked.

  — *HAHAHA! This reminds me of little Lukas... trying to manifest aura and only making invisible sparks!*

  — *Shut up, Leli,* — Lukas growled.

  While he continued his humiliating parade, the Cardinal turned to Adriele.

  — *Lady Adriele, would you care to choose?*

  She walked confidently to a sword with a gray-green blade, its hilt carved with floral reliefs. As her hand reached out, translucent petals rose, swirling around the weapon.

  — *This one,* — she said.

  The Cardinal gasped in awe.

  — *An excellent choice. The Primaviera, Blade of Eternal Dawn. Forged in the Garden of a Thousand Flowers. They say it blooms with the blood spilled for justice and never loses its edge. When wielded, its fragrance can restore allies and strike fear in enemies.*

  Adriele lifted the sword. A delicate perfume of petals filled the hall.

  — *Thank you,* — she said calmly.

  The Cardinal wiped away a tear.

  — *A worthy choice. Oh, what an inspiring sight!*

  Meanwhile, Lukas was still in the corner, pressing his hand to a heavy mace — which ignored him completely.

  — *I give up,* — he muttered.

  The Pope cleared his throat, stepping closer.

  — *Young Lukas, even if no weapon has chosen you, you may still ask for any reward. Gold, land, titles.*

  — *Money,* — Lukas said flatly.

  The Pope blinked.

  — *Excuse me?*

  — *Money. Two hundred million Reis.*

  The Pope paled.

  — *B-but... that’s... impossible... All these relics together aren’t worth that much!*

  Lukas pointed at the pedestals.

  — *Sell something. This hall alone must be worth twice that.*

  The Cardinal clutched his chest, aghast.

  — *These are sacred relics! Touched by the martyrs of the first dynasty!*

  — *Then sell the chandelier,* — Lukas said, pointing at the golden ceiling. — *That thing alone is worth fifty million.*

  A priest nearly fainted.

  — *SACRILEGE!*

  — *Unheard-of blasphemy!* — screeched another.

  — *The Demon wants to loot the temple!*

  — *Look at him!* — shouted a priest, pointing. — *This is why no weapon would take him! He’s soulless! A heretic! A... a speculator!*

  — *I fought three years in this war! I earned it!* — Lukas roared, fists clenched.

  — *Next thing, he’ll be pawning the altar cloths!* — cried one priest.

  — *And then the prayer benches!*

  The Pope raised his hands, sweating.

  — *I... I swear by the One God... I will one day find a fair way to reward you. But not with... not with the chandelier!*

  — *Whatever.* — Lukas shrugged. — *We’re leaving.*

  He stormed out, scowling. Adriele followed, laughing so hard she nearly collapsed.

  As they crossed the cathedral courtyard, she wiped a tear from her cheek.

  — *Lukas... even the priests are scared of you. And you... asking for two hundred million! You’re hopeless!*

  — *Stop laughing,* — he muttered.

  She rested a hand on his arm, still smiling.

  — *You know... even if you’re a Demon... you’re still my idiot brother.*

  He sighed, but couldn’t help a small smile. For the first time in years, his heart felt a little lighter.

  And that afternoon, as the bells rang and the sun painted the Empire gold, Lukas understood that maybe there was still room for smiles.

  End of Chapter 3