### The Weakened Seal
Night had fallen.
Moonlight spilled gently over a towering black castle nestled deep within the forest. Its dark walls stood silently beneath the pale glow of the moon, surrounded by endless stretches of trees.
High within the castle, in a spacious chamber, a woman's voice broke the silence.
"Earlier today… I sensed that the seal had suddenly weakened. I managed to repair it, but I can't help wondering what caused it."
She stood beside a tall window, gazing out into the moonlit forest. Silver light washed over her face, illuminating her long white hair as it shimmered softly in the darkness.
"Everything was perfectly stable this morning. How could it have weakened so suddenly?"
Behind her, a man stepped forward.
He gently wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her from behind.
"Don't worry too much," he said calmly. "Perhaps the seal is simply growing old. Even something like that can wear down over time."
The woman lowered her hands to her belly, gently resting them over her stomach.
She was clearly expecting.
"Maybe…" she murmured. "But I still can't help worrying."
Her gaze remained fixed on the distant forest.
"Especially about him."
The man rested his chin lightly against her head before speaking again.
"So, how did it go? Did you give him the good news?"
The woman hesitated.
"Not yet. I was so focused on repairing the seal that I completely forgot. I'll tell him tomorrow—"
"No need."
He gently interrupted her, a small smile forming on his face.
"Let me tell him instead."
He paused briefly.
"Actually… I've been wanting to spar with him."
---
### An Unwelcome Summons
Morning arrived.
Sunlight filtered through the tall stained-glass windows, casting colourful patterns across the castle's long corridors.
A young woman dressed in a neat maid uniform walked quietly down the hallway.
It was Lyriana.
She stopped in front of a particular door and knocked lightly.
Knock. Knock.
"Young Master? May I come in?"
Receiving no immediate response, she carefully opened the door and stepped inside.
Draven was still in bed, having only just woken up. His white hair was slightly dishevelled, and he rubbed his sleepy eyes with one hand before letting out a long yawn.
"What the hell do you want?"
Lyriana approached the bed and bowed slightly.
"Pardon me, Young Master. His Majesty requests your presence in the training yard."
Draven's eyes snapped open.
He immediately sat upright.
"What?!"
His sleepy expression vanished, replaced by irritation.
"What the hell does the old man want now? I thought I was already done with training!"
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Go tell him I'm not interested."
Lyriana lowered her gaze.
"Forgive me, Young Master, but… I'm afraid I cannot do that."
*Is he really trying to get me killed…?*
Her expression remained composed, but inwardly, she couldn't help feeling troubled.
Draven frowned.
"Why not? Aren't you supposed to be my personal maid? Just do as I say."