The crowd erupted into hushed murmurs of admiration, and awe reflected on every face. Even El Capitan, usually unflappable, raised an eyebrow in surprise. His love for treasure was evident, and the protective energy emanating from the jade made his eyes shine.

In the kitchen, sensing the shift in atmosphere, a whirlwind of activity commenced once again — delicacies were artfully prepared, the bibingka adorned with shimmering gold leaf. At the same time, sinigang was served in elegant porcelain bowls. Crystal flutes overflowed with champagne, sparkling like gems in the evening light.

Lily, still adorned in her celebration dress, approached the gift with quiet reverence. Her fingers trembled slightly as they brushed against the edge of the scroll, the moment heavy with meaning.

Ling Li placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her voice a soft anchor in the moment. "You are seen," she said, her tone rich with pride. "Even by those who rule."

Lily nodded, her voice barely a whisper, "I just wanted to make you proud."

A rare, warm smile broke across Four Eyes' face. "You have. And now the world knows."

"Thank you, Paps, thank you, Mom," Lily emotionally said.

As the music swelled once more and the lights glowed even brighter, Peonies Castle transformed into the vibrant heart of a continent's celebration, if only for a single unforgettable night.

The celebration had finally quieted.

The lanterns outside swayed gently in the evening breeze. The halls of Peonies Castle were hushed, the laughter and music now a distant hum.

Most guests had retired to their rooms or wandered into the gardens for late-night tea.

The Morning After: A Table of Titans

The sun rose gently over Peonies Castle, casting golden light through the stained-glass windows of the formal dining hall. The long mahogany table stretched the length of the room, adorned with fresh orchids, embroidered runners, and steaming platters of Filipino breakfast delicacies — tapsilog, longganisa, danggit, champorado, and pandesal stacked beside bowls of fresh mangoes and dragonfruit.

Everyone was present.

Lily sat at the center, still glowing from the previous night's celebration, her medal tucked safely in a velvet pouch beside her plate. Fatty was beside her, dramatically narrating the events of the day before between bites of taho.

Shi Min poured coffee for Coach Carlos, who looked more relaxed than he had in months. Shun and Ren passed around suman and tocino, while Chatty tried to balance three plates and a juice glass with theatrical flair.

Kim Kim, and Chin Chin sang a morning song they'd made up on the spot, while Pharsa calmly buttered toast and kept the twins from launching pandesal across the table.

Ling Li and Four Eyes sat at the head, regal and composed, quietly observing the joy around them.

Then the doors opened.

El Padre, the Godfather of the Mafia, entered with slow, deliberate steps. His suit was immaculate, his cane polished obsidian. Beside him strode El Capitan, the enigmatic boss of the underground world, his coat lined with hidden blades, his expression unreadable.

They approached Lily with solemn grace.

El Padre bowed slightly. "We didn't want to give it yesterday among the rest," he said, voice deep and deliberate. "Moments like yours deserve silence, not noise."

El Capitan placed a velvet box before her. Inside was a necklace — an heirloom from the Sicilian vaults, once worn by a queen who defied empires. "This is for your courage," he said. "And for the fire you carry."

Lily blinked, stunned. "I… I don't know what to say."

El Padre smiled faintly. "You already said it. On the beam."

The room was quiet for a breath, then erupted in applause.

Not long after, the gates of Peonies Castle stirred again.

A convoy arrived, led by Butler Oda, representing Otako. He stepped into the hall with crisp precision, bowing to Ling Li and Four Eyes before presenting a lacquered box filled with rare spiritual scrolls and a ceremonial blade forged in Kyoto.

"Master Otako sends his deepest respect," Oda said. "And his promise of protection."

Then came the international envoys.

Representatives from the Russian President, Colombia, Laos, Myanmar, and more entered in succession, each bearing gifts wrapped in silk and gold — handwritten letters, rare gems, ceremonial garments, and tokens of honor from their leaders.

One envoy from Laos presented a carved elephant tusk etched with Lily's name in ancient script. The Russian representative offered a crystal orb said to amplify qi resonance. The Colombian diplomat handed over a woven tapestry depicting Lily mid-flight, embroidered overnight by master artisans.

Ling Li accepted each with grace, her eyes never leaving Lily.

Four Eyes stood beside her, his hand resting gently on hers.

Lily, overwhelmed, stood and bowed to the room.

"Thank you," she said, voice steady. "I didn't expect any of this. I just wanted to make my family proud."

Fatty stood too, raising his juice glass. "You did. And now the whole world's proud of you."

The room erupted in cheers once more.

And as the morning light bathed the hall in warmth, Peonies Castle became not just a home of celebration—

But a sanctuary of legacy.

The Living Room Assembly: A Storm Beneath Stillness

The morning's tranquility had been disrupted by a lively cascade of interruptions — gift exchanges, the arrival of guests bearing laughter, and spontaneous toasts erupting like fireworks. Breakfast had meandered far beyond its customary hour, a symphony of clinking cutlery and warm conversations. But as the final cup of robust barako coffee was drained and the last piece of warm pandesal savored, Ling Li rose from her seat, her presence commanding the room with an unspoken authority.

"Everyone," Ling Li began, her voice slicing through the muffled buzz of chatter like a blade, "let's proceed to the living room. I have many important matters to discuss."

In an instant, the atmosphere shifted, thick with anticipation.

Chairs scraped against polished floors, and plates were cleared with hasty precision. Conversations halted mid-sentence, voices trailing off like a vanishing echo. The family and allies, steeped in curiosity, followed her grace through the grand hallway into the formal living room, where the morning light streamed through silk curtains, casting a soft glow upon the scene. The fragrant aroma of peonies serenaded the air.

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