The sun dipped low, painting the skies in hues of orange and crimson. The capital was quiet for once, its streets weary from war, its people finally breathing in peace. Yet inside the palace, another storm brewed—one that had nothing to do with battlefields.
Aizen sat on a carved throne-like chair, his golden eyes heavy with fatigue. He had barely recovered from his long slumber, only to be confronted by something wholly unexpected.
Before him, bowing with elegance, stood a young woman. Her porcelain skin was pale, her long midnight hair glimmered faintly under the torches, and her crimson eyes reflected both nobility and determination. She carried herself with the weight of a kingdom, yet her voice was soft as silk.
> "Hello, Father-in-law. My name is Lucien Vespera. Your partner, Lady Lyra—my mother-in-law—has already agreed to our engagement. The same goes for my aunt… the Vampire Queen of the Red Continent."
Aizen blinked. Slowly, he turned his head toward Lyra, who stood gracefully at his side. She gave him a sly smirk, her dragon tail flicking as though this had been decided long ago.
> "I see…" Aizen muttered, scratching the back of his head. "So Theodore is engaged… without me knowing. Hm. But if Lyra approves, then I suppose I shall too. Still—" His gaze sharpened on Lucien, piercing like lightning. "You're a vampire. You could harm Theodore at any given moment. Do you expect me to ignore that?"
Lucien's crimson eyes widened slightly, but she quickly lowered her head in respect.
> "No, my lord. You misunderstand. I would never harm Theo. I swore to protect him. I… love him too much."
Her voice quivered just slightly at the end.
Aizen narrowed his eyes, testing her resolve. "Then tell me. Tell me how it began. Tell me why you love him."
Lucien drew a slow breath, her pale cheeks faintly flushed.
> "It was simple. Theodore was being bullied. I stood against them, and in that moment… he clung to me. He looked at me with those innocent eyes and told me he loved me at first sight. I thought it was childish, so I told him we could just… meet every day for lunch. And so we did."
Her lips curved faintly as she spoke, crimson eyes softening.
> "We played, we talked, we shared meals. I tried not to let myself feel it, but his kindness… his warmth… the way he smiled even when the world was cruel… I couldn't resist. I wanted to protect that innocence forever. And then, one day, he asked me again. 'Will you be with me forever, Lucien?' He looked so fragile yet so determined. This time… I accepted. And from then on, I stayed by his side."
Her voice trailed, the silence filled with sincerity.
Aizen leaned back, studying her carefully. He could feel no malice, only genuine affection. Slowly, he exhaled through his nose.
> "Hmph. I see. Well then, Lucien Vespera… I approve. Tomorrow, we celebrate the end of war with a grand ball. I expect to see you and Theodore together. I will be watching."
Lucien bowed deeply, her crimson cloak flowing like blood-stained silk.
> "Thank you, my lord. I will not fail your expectations."
---
Hours later, night had fallen. The palace glittered under lantern light, yet Aizen's steps carried him away from its comfort. His golden eyes turned toward the horizon, where a strange forest loomed like a dark veil.
> "…What was her name again?" Aizen muttered. "Vaelith, right. She told me to come here."
He entered the forest alone.
The air was thick, heavy with an ancient presence. The trees were twisted and dark, their leaves black as obsidian, their roots glowing faintly green like veins of emerald. Every step crunched with unease, yet Aizen pressed forward.
Then—
CRACK.
The shadows shattered like glass, fragments scattering into golden sparks.
From the light stepped a figure clad in black, wearing a lion-shaped mask. They struck a dramatic pose, one fist pressed to their chest, the other raised toward the sky as though announcing their arrival to the universe.
> "Behold! The heir of storms, the Black Lion himself! At last, I stand before you!"
Aizen blinked. "…What."
The masked figure pointed straight at him, voice echoing with theatrical pride.
> "I am your tutor! The apprentice of the First Black Lion herself, and the chosen servant of the Goddess of Darkness! She commanded me to aid you in mastering every technique you have yet to uncover. From this day forth, I will guide you, mold you, and make you worthy of the mantle you bear!"
Aizen raised a brow, unimpressed. "So… you're saying you're here to train me?"
The masked figure nodded fiercely, cape fluttering in nonexistent wind.
> "Correct! And by the time I'm done with you, Aizen Arcime, the world itself will tremble at your roar!"
Aizen sighed, rubbing his temples. "…This is going to be annoying, isn't it."
---
End of Chapter 61