Aldric gritted his teeth, seething.
"Damn brat acting so casual after nearly getting us killed."
He shot a glare at Draven, who continued eating his apple as if nothing had happened.
Draven, unfazed, noticed the stare.
"What the hell is this bastard glaring at me for? I just saved your life. You could at least say thank you.
he thought
In his arms, Elenya kept trying to reach for the apple.
"Would you stop that, Ele? You can't have it," Draven said, holding the fruit out of reach as he turned away and began walking toward his parents.
Lyriana gave a polite curtsy, her voice soft.
"Pardon, young master. If it's alright, I'd like to excuse myself for a moment to tidy up."
Aldric's voice followed, cold and clipped.
"Pardon me, Your Highness... I could also use a moment to clean up."
---
Scene Shift: The Imperial Capital – Lumenia
The Radiant Capital of the Holy Empire of Lumina Sancta
Inside one of the marbled hallways of the Imperial Castle, solemn footsteps echoed.
A middle-aged man with striking yellow eyes and flowing golden hair walked at the center—
was Theron Galewyn, current King of the Holy Empire—and a direct descendant of the legendary hero, Arthur Galewyn.
Flanking him were two armored figures—the Radiant Guard, elite Holy Knights chosen by the Church.
Unlike ordinary knights blessed by the goddess Liora, the Radiant Guard wield divine light holy magic capable of healing, purification, and smiting the darkness. They serve as both protectors of the royal bloodline and enforcers of the Empire's sacred will.
Their polished armor gleamed beneath the stained glass light they followed behind the king.
At the end of the corridor, they reached a heavy, ornate door.
But before they could open it, a voice called from within—
"Oh? Guess who finally showed up. King Galewyn… I've been waiting."
The door creaked open.
Inside Inside the king's royal chamber, stood
Ivan stood in the center of the room. A lifeless knight lay in a pool of blood at his feet.
In his hand, he held a woman by the throat—her brown hair matted, striking green eyes filled with pain.
Aurelia Galewyn. The Queen.Despite her suffering, her gaze turned toward her husband.
Theron's eyes widened.
"Aurelia..."
The two Radiant Guard beside him instantly drew their swords.
One of them thought, panic rising
A vampire... inside the royal chamber... and he's holding Her Highness. If we attack recklessly, he might harm her
Theron's grip on his sword tightened, but his expression remained cold, his eyes like sharpened steel.
A low hum of divine mana began to radiate from him—intense, blinding.
""To think... A vampire—a creature of darkness like you—managed to slip into the heart of my Empire... and now stands in my royal chamber.
But to dare lay your hands on my queen..."
Seeking death
His voice dropped, icy and deadly.
Theron: "Unhand her. Now."
Ivan tilted his head and glad at Aurelia, still holding her by the throat.
So... she's the queen, huh?
He smirked.
"Been waiting for so long… I got a little thirsty. She was just there, so I thought I'd help myself."
Suddenly, his grip tightened.
CRACK.
A sickening sound.
Aurelia's neck snapped, her body going limp.
Ivan turned his crimson eyes back to Theron with a wide, cruel grin stretching across his face.
"But now I've lost interest…".
With a cruel toss, he flung Aurelia's lifeless body toward Theron.
" So you can just have it?"