The grand hall of the Presia Dukedom buzzed with faint murmurs from servants preparing for the arrival of the household's star child. When Roman entered with Duke Jacob, his eyes were instantly drawn to the elegant young woman waiting at the center of the hall.
Selena Crowell, the eldest daughter of the house, stood tall in a flowing blue dress that shimmered with noble grace. In her hand, she proudly displayed a golden medal, her expression brimming with confidence.
"Father!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace Jacob. "Look! The King himself awarded me the Medal of Excellence. Highest ranker in the history of the Royal Academy! No one in the empire has ever achieved this honor."
Jacob's stern face softened into a rare smile as he examined the medal. "Well done, Selena. You've brought honor to our house once again."
Roman stood silently a few steps away, studying the reunion. For a moment, Selena completely ignored him, basking in her father's praise. Only after her excitement settled did her sharp eyes shift toward him.
"Oh, Roman," she said casually, almost as if remembering he existed. "How are you, little brother? You've… changed a lot since the last time I saw you."
Roman met her gaze calmly. "A lot of things happened, sister. They forced me to change."
Selena blinked, taken aback. In the past, Roman had always lowered his head and stammered whenever she spoke to him. Now, the boy before her spoke with steady confidence, unflinching.
"You even talk back now?" she smirked, trying to mask her surprise. "What happened? Did a ghost possess you?"
Roman's lips curled faintly. "No. Just finally living as myself."
Their father interrupted before the tension could thicken. "Enough chatter. Selena, you must be tired after traveling from the capital. Go to your room and rest. We'll have a family dinner tonight."
Selena gave a graceful bow. "As you wish, Father. But first—" She turned back to Roman, mischief flickering in her eyes.
"Hey, little brother," she teased, "don't think you can brush me aside so easily. I've been away for three years at the Academy, and now you act all mysterious and confident? What happened to the timid boy I used to know?"
Roman frowned slightly. "There's nothing for you to know. Excuse me, sister. I'll be leaving now."
"Wait," Selena stepped forward, blocking his path. "I came all this way, and this is how you treat your beloved sister? Cold and dismissive? That's not fair, Roman."
His eyes narrowed. "Beloved sister? Don't make me laugh. For years, I was treated as though I didn't even exist. And now suddenly, you're playing the part of a caring sister? Drop the act. You were never good at it."
Selena froze for a second, then chuckled. "Sharp tongue. You're weak, but at least sharper than before. I even heard some ridiculous rumor that you defeated twenty knights of our household. Don't let that get to your head. You're still a weakling after all."
Roman's aura flared just slightly as he stepped closer. "Selena," he said firmly, "don't cross the line. Your old days of mocking and tormenting me are over. I don't care what you or Father think of me. If you continue, you'll regret it."
Selena's smirk faltered. Roman's voice carried no fear, no hesitation—it was a tone she had never heard from him before.
"I wasted my time welcoming a so-called 'big shot loser,'" Roman added coldly. Without another glance, he walked past her and left the hall.
Selena stood rooted in place, her hand tightening on the medal she had so proudly flaunted moments ago. For the first time, she felt as though her little brother had slipped beyond her control.
From the shadows behind a marble pillar, Butler Adam quietly observed the exchange. His expression tightened as he muttered under his breath, "A storm is brewing in the Presia Dukedom. And when it breaks… nothing will remain the same."