The Verdanian prince led his unification army to victory in Marpha and, finally, Verdane. It grieved him to see the state of its rundown capital after so many stark years of turmoil. But even more than that, he was rejoiced after completing his duty to his father's homeland . And despite their long adversity, the people's spirit remained unbroken.

As the grandson of Batu and Mananan, Ulster was both Verdane's crown prince and a descendant of Od. The newly unified citizens gladly coronated him as their king, granting him rulership in the name of the late Batu.

Amidst the bustle and festivity, Ulster and Lana saw their two companions off. Supplies had already been prepared for them, and all that was left was to say goodbye.

Ulster gave them a gratified smile. "Lester, Oifey, I'm glad we made it through this together. Thank you for your help, truly. We wouldn't have managed without you."

Oifey cast an even-tempered look to the archer knight before glancing back to Ulster. "Milord... as I once said, it is a privilege and a pleasure."

Lester couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. "All in a day's work, brother," the archer knight beamed. "Take care of yourselves, alright? And make sure to come visit Jungby sometime. Maybe with a niece or nephew for me in tow."

"Shut up, Lester," Lana snapped, suddenly flustered. "Th-that's none of your business, idiot!"

The old paladin chuckled bemusedly. "To see the two of you together like this, it's very heartwarming. Back when the first war began... Jamka's brother, Munnir, abducted the Lady Edain. It was Prince Jamka himself who aided her escape from Marpha. Whatever his intentions were..." Oifey's voice grew reminiscent and far-away as he continued. "The two of you are so very much like your parents were. Though they didn't end up together, it's almost like..." He trailed off, his lips quirking into a wan smile.

Ulster glanced to his princess, gently taking her hand. He was sure that Jamka and Ayra would be pleased to see things as they were, with Verdane unified once again. Lana turned to him with a weary smile, but the felicity in her doe eyes was unmistakable. The sight made him feel that his heart might burst.

"A match made in heaven," Lester said with a smirk. "Now then... Oifey, shall we be on our way? It's high time we were back to Grannvale."

"I must be back to the duchess swiftly," the paladin agreed before gracing them with another bow. "If you'll excuse us, milord, milady." Mounting their steeds, the two knights began their trek back home, leaving the lovers to themselves.

Lana turned to him slowly, her cheeks reddening. "Ulster..."

The swordsman squeezed her hand affectionately. "Yes, love?"

"You... you make me proud, you know that?"

Ulster couldn't help but smile at her. "Lana, you aren't getting all emotional again, are you?" he teased.

"Idiot," she mused softly. "Do you... do you remember back in Thracia?" she asked, her zircon eyes glistening.

The myrmidon nodded to her. "Of course. What about it?"

"I... I'm really glad you didn't go and perish like I told you to. I don't know what I'd do without you... mister second banana." She pressed close, gripping him with all the adoration she could muster.

"Don't worry, Lana." Pressing his cheek against her coppery hair, Ulster let loose a content sigh. "I would never leave you. Let's be together forever, okay?"

"Ulster..." she lifted her eyes, and their gazes met once more.

"Yeah?"

Her words were as beautiful as a chorus of angels and sweeter than Ambrosia itself. "I love you," she whispered quietly.

The myrmidon embraced his lover with a passionate kiss. Their trials were over and done with, and they'd finally found their happy ending. Together, the two would rebuild Batu's kingdom as the heirs of Verdane.