I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Chapter 85: Shadow on the Window

The hall erupted into applause. More intense than before. Not because of the victory. But because of the way both of them had fought.

Lady Elara ran toward Judite as soon as the arena was cleared, the blue ribbons in her hair fluttering behind her.

"You were amazing!"

Judite smiled. Her eyes glistened faintly, with a tear that had not been shed.

"I wanted to win."

"You’ll win next time!" Elara replied immediately, with the conviction of someone who still did not understand that life was not always fair.

Judite laughed.

"Next time, I’ll train even harder."

Count Hark approached the finalists.

The host rarely smiled. His face was a mask of military discipline and duty.

But now, there was approval in his gray eyes.

"You fought well."

Mira received a small golden medal, a polished disk of gold bearing the Hark family crest engraved at its center, suspended from a dark blue ribbon.

Judite received a silver medal of the same size, made of silver, with the same ribbon.

"Courage and determination deserve recognition," declared the count.

The veteran responsible for officiating commented to the captain of the guard in a low voice, though still audible to those nearby.

"The little Dmond girl will surprise many people yet. After all, she is primarily a mage, not a swordswoman..."

The captain nodded.

"Without a doubt."

Clavor heard the comments. He tried to maintain a serious expression. He failed.

Aurora laughed softly.

The music returned to the hall, gentle, cheerful, celebratory.

Servants began circulating among the guests carrying trays filled with sweets, candied fruits, and small red berry tarts.

The children returned to playing, running between the tables, laughing, and exchanging small gifts.

The adults resumed their conversations. Several nobles approached the Dmond family’s table.

They congratulated Judite. Praised her composure. Said that "House Dmond can be proud" and that "the girl has a bright future."

Aurora politely thanked each person, a graceful smile on her lips.

Clavor received numerous congratulations, handshakes, pats on the back, and promises to "train together in the future."

Lukas remained quietly observing everything.

Some children approached to talk.

They tried discussing swords. Noble families. Future training.

Lukas participated politely, nodding, smiling, and answering when asked.

But he soon lost interest. His gaze inevitably returned to the hall.

To the different families gathered there, each with their own crests, clothing, and histories.

To the distinct accents of the foreign visitors, the drawn-out speech of the south, the quick cadence of the north, and the melodic tones of Solaria.

To the silent alliances being formed at every table, nobles speaking in hushed voices, exchanging favors, sealing agreements with handshakes.

Lady Elara approached some time later.

The girl still wore her light-blue dress, although it was slightly wrinkled. The ribbons in her hair were also disheveled, probably from all the running and jumping.

She held the Dmond family’s gift with both hands.

The small initiation spear.

"Thank you for coming."

"It was my favorite present."

Judite’s smile widened tremendously.

"I’m happy!"

Elara turned toward Lukas.

"Did you like the party too?"

Lukas thought for a few seconds.

The party. The nobles. The introductions. The tournament. Judite’s defeat.

’Everything was so different from what I had imagined.’

Then he smiled.

"Yes. It was very interesting."

Elara tilted her head, confused.

"Interesting?"

"Very."

The birthday girl seemed puzzled. Perhaps she had expected "fun" or "great." "Interesting" was a strange word for a five-year-old child. Then, she laughed.

The hours passed.

The candles in the chandeliers dimmed, some having already burned out completely, while others flickered weakly.

The musicians began playing softer melodies, solitary harps, slow violins, and sorrowful flutes.

Some children slept on their parents’ shoulders, exhausted from so much excitement.

Other guests gradually said their farewells, thanking Count Hark and promising future visits.

Dawn was approaching.

Judite yawned. Then another. And another.

She tried to stay awake, her eyes half-closed, her head bobbing, but sleep was stronger.

Without success. A servant approached the Dmond family’s table.

He wore dark blue garments, the color of House Hark, and white gloves. He performed an elegant bow.

"Lord Clavor. Lady Aurora. The chambers reserved for your family are ready."

Aurora rose to her feet.

"Thank you."

Judite rubbed her eyes, still trying to remain awake.

"Is it over already?"

Aurora gently stroked her hair.

"It is."

Lukas cast one final glance around the hall.

The golden chandeliers, are now lit by low-burning candles. The partially empty tables, covered in wine-stained cloths and crumbs. The soft, melancholic music, like a farewell.

Lady Elara is saying goodbye to the last guests beside her father, already drowsy, her head resting against Count Hark’s arm.

His first party in this world. Judite’s first tournament. His sister’s first significant defeat. And countless people he might encounter again in the future.

The Dmond family followed the servant through the corridors of Castle Hark.

The walls were decorated with tapestries depicting ancient battles, knights fighting beasts, armies marching, castles under siege. The colors remained vibrant, though the fabric showed signs of wear in some places, revealing its age.

Windows revealed the City of Great Rock far below.

Thousands of lights shimmered in the darkness, yellow, orange, and some white, forming patterns reminiscent of urban constellations.

Lukas quietly approached one of them.

He gazed at the view. The world seemed enormous. Greater than he had ever imagined.

And he was only just beginning his journey.

"Lukas."

Aurora called out. He turned back toward the family.

Judite walked sleepily beside Clavor, firmly holding her silver medal. The disk gleamed beneath the torchlight, reflecting tiny silver specks.

Despite the defeat... she smiled in her sleep. Lukas smiled as well.

Then he continued through the castle corridors. The night had finally come to an end.

A servant led them to their chambers.

It was a spacious suite, with two large beds, a sofa, a fireplace crackling softly, and a window overlooking the castle’s inner courtyard. Smaller tapestries decorated the walls, and a plush carpet covered the stone floor.

Aurora settled Judite into the bed nearest the fireplace, covering her with a dark blue wool blanket. The girl did not even wake, merely curled up beneath the sheets and continued smiling.

Clavor sat in a chair near the window, his sword resting beside him.

Lukas lay down on a bed near the window, where he could see both the castle and the city.

The glass was thick, but he could still see the lights below, flickering like fireflies in the darkness. The sky was clear, and the moon, a moon different from Earth’s, larger and more silvery, shone high above.

He was almost asleep, his eyes heavy, his mind drifting, when something struck his window.

Lukas awoke.

His eyes opened immediately. He looked toward the window. Nothing.

’A dream?’ He blinked, exhausted.

Once again, there was a sound.

This time, he saw a small shadow.

It passed quickly, like a nocturnal bird.

Lukas sat upright in bed, his heart racing.

He looked toward his parents. Aurora slept in the neighboring bed, embracing Judite. Clavor remained in the chair, his head tilted to one side, snoring softly.

’What was that?’

He did not know exactly what it had been. But something had definitely struck the window.

Lukas hesitated. His body longed for sleep. The bed was soft. The blanket was warm.

He could get up. Walk to the window. See what it was.

Or...

’I’m so tired.’

He decided to simply sleep. He would see what had happened the following morning.

He lay down once more, pulled the blanket up to his chin, and closed his eyes.

Sleep came quickly, like a dark wave dragging him beneath the surface.

Outside, the moon shone over Castle Hark. And Lukas slept.