All my wars were for her

 "Victory meant nothing. Not when his world waited inside the castle."

The Kingdom of Eith had fallen. In its place now stood Navora — the newly named territory under ogre rule. To oversee it, a trusted ogre named Duta was appointed as governor, tasked with restoring peace and order. It took nearly a month for the ogre forces to fully secure the state, establish command, and stabilize daily life.

Once Navora was running smoothly under Governor Duta's guidance, King Draganov began the long journey home, leading his army back to the Ogre Kingdom. Alongside them traveled a human woman and her infant daughter — quiet passengers who had survived the chaos.

After six grueling months on the road, the war-torn warriors finally reached the gates of their homeland.

Back in the Ogre Kingdom, news of victory had already reached the ears of Queen Agony. Overwhelmed with joy, she immediately began preparing for her husband's return — the castle was cleaned and adorned, banners raised high, and the kingdom buzzed with celebration.

As King Draganov and his army passed through the colossal stone gates of the Ogre Kingdom, cheers erupted from the citizens. The streets swelled with celebration. People sang and danced, shouting,

"Long live King Draganov! Long live the army of ogres!"

When the King arrived at the Castle of Umbra, he dismounted from his steed and walked through the gates, flanked by rows of kneeling servants and officials. At the end of the line stood Queen Agony, dressed in an elegant blue gown. Beside her clung Mork, holding tightly to her dress.

The moment Mork spotted his father, he broke into a run, his small arms wide open.

Draganov's eyes lit up. He stepped forward and caught Mork mid-air, lifting him into a warm embrace. Laughter escaped them both. Holding his son in one arm, Draganov walked toward Agony.

She stepped forward, bowing slightly in respect. Draganov smiled, gently cupped her face, then pulled her into his arms.

In that moment, the king felt something far greater than triumph. It wasn't the conquest, the power, or the cheers that made his heart full — it was this: his world, his queen, and his son, all held tightly in his arms.

After a moment of quiet joy, Draganov whispered,

"I have something for you."

Agony raised an eyebrow.

"I'm eager to see it."

Draganov stepped aside and gestured toward the human woman standing nearby, her baby cradled in her arms.

"You always used to be curious about humans and their food. Well, here she is. She cooked for us during the journey — she's quite talented."

Agony approached the woman, who immediately lowered her gaze and trembled.

"What is your name?" Agony asked.

With a meek voice, the woman replied,

"H-Hana, my lady."

Agony glanced down at the baby in Hana's arms.

"And the child?"

Hana clutched her daughter tightly and replied,

"Her name is Acasia, my lady."

Agony gently touched the baby's head and observed her silently. After a moment, she turned to one of her most trusted servants.

"Lana, get her cleaned and show her a room."

Lana bowed.

"As you command, my lady." She turned to Hana.

"Come with me."

Hana hesitated, then followed, trembling slightly.

Once they were gone, Agony turned to Draganov.

"Thank you for the gift. I'll take good care of her."

Draganov smiled.

"That's what I expect from you."

---

Later that night, Agony made her way to Hana's room. Inside, she found Lana preparing the bed while Hana — now bathed and dressed in a clean white gown — stood silently, holding Acasia.

"I hope you're comfortable here," Agony said. "I've heard you have magic in your hands when it comes to food. I'd love to try it someday."

Hana bowed lightly.

"It would be an honor, my lady."

Agony turned to leave, then paused.

"By the way... have you eaten?"

Hana's stomach answered before her mouth did, growling audibly. Her face flushed in embarrassment.

Agony chuckled.

"Oh! How rude of me — I must've forgotten my manners." She turned to Lana.

"Bring food for our guest. And some warm milk for the child."

Lana bowed and exited swiftly.

Hana lowered her head.

"Thank you, my lady. You're very kind."

Agony gave a soft smile.

"We may not look like you, but we're not monsters."

With that, she turned and left.

---

Hana sat down on the bed, cradling her sleeping daughter. She looked around the room — warm, silent, safe. Then she looked at Acasia again, her eyes softening. This child... she's all I have now. My reason to live.

A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts as the door creaked open. Lana entered with another female servant carrying a tray of food. They placed it carefully on the bed.

"Eat well," Lana said. "If you need anything, my room is just next door."

"Thank you very much," Hana replied.

As Lana turned to leave, she opened the door to find Mork standing there, eyes wide and mouth agape.

It was the first time he had seen a human.

Lana was just as startled. She knelt down to meet Mork's eyes.

"Master, what are you doing here? Your mother will be worried."

Mork didn't answer. He pointed at Hana.

"Who is she? Did she come with Father? Does she bite? Is that her baby? What's her name?"

Lana held back a laugh.

"Slow down, Master Mork. I can't answer everything at once."

She scooped him into her arms and began walking back. Mork wriggled.

"Can you ask the baby if she wants to be my friend? I want to play with her!"

Lana giggled.

"So Master Mork wants a friend?"

"Yes, I do!" he exclaimed.

"Well, in that case," Lana smiled, "you'll have to ask her yourself someday."

Mork nodded excitedly.

Suddenly, a stern voice echoed down the hall.

"So there you are! I've been looking everywhere!"

It was Agony — clearly not amused.

"Didn't I tell you not to sneak around at night?"

"Oo-oops..." Mork whispered, eyes wide.

He leapt from Lana's arms and tried to run, but Agony caught him swiftly and dragged him away.

Lana laughed softly to herself, watching the scene unfold, then quietly returned to her room.