The air in the Ephor Dukedom's grand hall was heavy with silence. Velvet curtains draped across the walls, the glimmer of golden chandeliers reflected on polished marble floors, yet the atmosphere was suffocating. Three figures sat around a long obsidian table, their gazes sharp, their words ready to cut deeper than any blade.
On one side sat Duke Noah Rockson, the most influential noble in the Clover Kingdom. Known both as an unrivaled warrior and a shrewd statesman, his wealth and control over the economic heart of the kingdom had earned him the title of "King's Right Arm." His every word carried the weight of law and greed.
Across from him sat Duke Jacob Crowell, lord of Presia Dukedom. Though counted as the second-strongest noble in the kingdom, he was a man of compassion, who had reformed taxes and offered relief to the poor. A noble in title and heart, yet his mercy had weakened his influence among the corrupt aristocracy.
The third presence was Count Jerad Heuman, ruler of Meriah County. Dressed in extravagant silks and adorned with rings that sparkled on his fingers, he appeared the perfect host of luxury. But beneath that façade lay the reputation of a manipulator—a man who thrived on deception and sweetened lies, a merchant of illusions.
The silence was broken by Duke Noah's commanding voice.
"Jacob," he said coldly, his deep tone reverberating through the hall. "The lease of the Ore Dungeon has expired. As per our agreement, you are to surrender the mining rights… along with your commoners to work the shafts for me. Naturally, they will not receive wages."
Jacob's jaw tightened. His calloused hands curled into fists upon the table.
"Noah, those miners are my people. They will starve, suffer, and die without fair compensation. This is not—"
"—Not your decision anymore," Noah interrupted sharply, leaning forward with predatory eyes. "How many times must I remind you, Jacob? They are commoners. Worms. Their role is to serve us, to die for us if needed. What is the point of showing them mercy? By sparing them, you've brought your dukedom to ruin. Mercy doesn't feed the hungry, nor does it win wars. Strength does. Survival demands sacrifice."
Count Jerad let out a theatrical sigh, as if echoing Noah's thoughts.
"Quite so, Duke Noah. Jacob, you are a warrior, second only to this man here," Jerad gestured with his jeweled hand. "But you squander your power with kindness. Nobles exist to rule, not to nurture. Sacrifice a few for the survival of many—that is the way of power."
Noah's lips curled into a cruel smile. "And speaking of survival… your son, Jacob. I hear he has been mingling with the common folk. Roaming freely among worms, as though he belongs with them. I thought you kept him locked away? Tell me, has he inherited your foolish weakness? Or perhaps he's simply as useless as his mother was."
The words struck like lightning.
"Don't you dare!" Jacob roared, slamming his fists against the table. His voice thundered, shaking the room. "Do not speak of my late wife or my son! If you weren't her brother, Noah, I would snap your body in two right here and now!"
The veins on his neck bulged as fury burned in his chest, but before his rage could burst further, Noah's hand slammed against Jacob's shoulder and pushed him back into his chair. His strength was overwhelming, his presence suffocating.
"Calm yourself, ex-brother-in-law," Noah whispered dangerously close, his eyes gleaming like a wolf about to devour its prey. "You know my talent for devouring enemies. You wouldn't dare lift a finger against me—not when I am the King's most beloved duke."
Jacob's nails dug so deep into his palms that blood began to drip from his fists. His entire body trembled—not from fear, but from the helplessness of being cornered by these two cunning wolves. He clenched his jaw, swallowed his fury, and endured.
Meanwhile, far away in the halls of Presia Palace, Roman strolled through the corridors. His expression was calm, but his mind was restless, carrying the weight of his training, his growth, and the storm he sensed brewing outside.
As he turned the corner, he found Selena, his elder sister, sitting alone at a table. Her hands rested limply on her lap, her face pale with anxiety. Upon the table lay a letter, its seal still broken.
Roman approached gently.
"Big sister, what's wrong? You don't look well."
She didn't answer, only kept staring at the letter with hollow eyes. Roman frowned, leaned forward, and tried to peek at the paper. She quickly moved to hide it, but his hand was faster. He snatched the letter, his sharp gaze scanning the words.
It was from Duke Noah.
The letter detailed the mining agreements, the debts, and the summoning of Jacob to Ephor Dukedom—where the very meeting was happening at that moment.
"Give it back," Selena muttered, her voice trembling. "There's nothing you can do. I've begged Father not to rely on Uncle Noah for favors, but he never listens. Noah is a snake. He cares for nothing but wealth. Don't involve yourself in this, Roman. These are noble politics, not battles you can win. You'll only drag Father further into despair."
Roman folded the letter carefully and stared at the seal. His eyes were calm, but beneath them burned a storm of resolve.
"Butler Adam!" he shouted suddenly.
Within seconds, the loyal butler appeared.
"Yes, young master?"
"Prepare a carriage. My sister and I are going to Ephor Dukedom. And bring me an ink set and paper with the Presia Dukedom seal."
Selena's eyes widened. "Roman! Stop this! You don't understand, this is politics! You can't fight them with swords or spells. What can you possibly achieve by confronting Uncle Noah?"
Roman turned to her, his voice steady but sharp as steel.
"Don't worry, big sister. I'm not dragging Father into this abyss. No… I plan to drag our dear uncle into the abyss himself."
For the first time, his tone carried an edge Selena had never heard before—a tone of command, of unshakable will.
"But… Roman…" she whispered, almost in disbelief.
He cut her off.
"Remember this, sister—I am the future Duke of Presia. And starting today… I will act as its Deputy Duke."
The conviction in his words was unyielding. Selena could only sit in silence, shaken not by his decision, but by the man her brother was becoming.