Duke Noah's agonized scream echoed through the chamber as blood dripped from where his left hand had once been. Roman stood firm, his blade gleaming coldly under the candlelight, his eyes sharp as razors.
"Uncle," Roman's voice cut through the chaos like steel, "you tried to defraud my family. That is not something I will forgive lightly. As compensation, you will pay fifty thousand Valon Clover coins to the Presia Dukedom. Consider it a penalty for your deceit."
Noah, trembling and pale, nodded frantically.
Roman's gaze then shifted to Count Jerad. "And you, Jerad Heuman… for three whole seasons, you will not receive a single copper coin from the dungeon's profits. That's your punishment for colluding in this farce."
"But, young master—" Jerad tried to argue, but Roman slowly unfastened his blade once more. The soft shhhk of metal was enough.
"Yes, young master. No problem," Jerad stammered, lowering his head instantly.
Roman smirked faintly. "Good. Don't scream too much, uncle. I'll heal you. It wouldn't be right to let you rot with one hand."
He raised his hand and whispered an incantation.
"Ars Vitae: Regeneratio."
A bright golden glow enveloped Noah's severed stump, and within moments, flesh, veins, and bone reformed seamlessly. His left hand regenerated as if it had never been severed.
Noah gasped, trembling as he flexed the newly restored fingers. "Such… mastery…"
"Now," Roman said coolly, "we should put everything in writing, shouldn't we?"
Noah nodded quickly, still shaken. "Yes, my nephew. Yes, let's."
The New Agreement
Butler Adam unrolled a fresh parchment, dipped a quill into black ink, and began drafting as Roman dictated terms:
The dungeon and its profits would remain under Presia Dukedom's sole ownership.
Duke Noah's loan of 100,000 Valon Clover coins would be acknowledged, but the repayment deadline was set at one year—no earlier.
Interest would be minimal, nearly symbolic, as recognition of Presia's good faith.
Count Jerad's merchants would be allowed entry into Presia for trade and investment—but no share in dungeon profits for three seasons.
In case of breach, Presia Dukedom would not owe repayment, and the lenders would lose all rights permanently.
Roman leaned back in his chair once Adam finished reading the terms aloud.
"Seal it," he ordered.
With trembling hands, Noah pressed his crest upon the parchment. Jerad followed reluctantly, and finally, Duke Jacob added his own seal.
Roman smirked. "Good. Now we have a proper partnership."
He rose from his seat, sword still at his hip, and looked directly at Noah. "But let me give you a word of advice, uncle. Listen well, Count Jerad—you too. From this day on, the reign you both enjoy will be numbered if you ever think of crossing my dukedom or my people. I am the Deputy Duke of Presia. And in the future, I will be the Duke himself. Anyone—be it king, noble, or commoner—who dares threaten what is mine will pay with blood."
Noah and Jerad remained frozen in silence, unable to meet his gaze.
"Oh, and Jerad," Roman added casually, "send some of your merchants to Presia soon. We'll discuss investment opportunities. Don't delay. I don't like waiting."
"Yes, young master," Jerad said quickly, bowing his head.
Roman turned to his father and sister. "Father, big sis, let's go. We're done here."
The three Crowells walked out of the chamber with their heads high, leaving the once-proud Duke Noah trembling with rage and humiliation.
In the Carriage
The carriage wheels creaked as they began their journey back to Presia. Inside, the atmosphere was heavy.
Jacob and Selena sat in stunned silence, their minds replaying what had just transpired. Roman, however, sat calmly, studying the newly signed contract in his hands.
Finally, Jacob broke the silence. "Roman… do you realize what you've done? Noah is not just any man. He is cunning—a wolf dressed in silk. Worse, he has the king's ear and influence at court. He will not forget this humiliation. You've declared war without saying the words."
Roman looked up, his eyes calm yet firm. "Father, I was thinking about our people—their empty wells, their sicknesses, the lack of proper schools, orphanages, and roads. Their suffering has gone on long enough. You tried, and you did your best, but it wasn't enough. I will give them more. That is my only thought."
Selena's voice trembled. "That's noble, Roman, but you've made enemies of monsters. Noah and Jerad won't keep quiet. They will come for us."
Roman leaned back, smirking. "If they come, we'll crush them. And when the time comes, we'll take their lands as well. Simple."
"Have you lost your mind!?" Selena snapped, her voice rising.
"Silence," Jacob commanded firmly. His gaze locked onto his son. "On what basis do you speak this way, Roman? What exactly are you planning?"
For a moment, the carriage was silent except for the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the road. Roman finally spoke, his voice steady.
"Give me three months, Father. In three months, I will transform Presia Dukedom. That's all I ask."
Jacob studied his son's eyes carefully. For the first time in years, he saw not recklessness, but determination—a burning will. Slowly, a smirk tugged at his lips, though he hid it as he leaned back to rest.
"So be it. For three months, I will not interfere. You will have full authority over the dukedom. Let's see what you can achieve."
Roman nodded firmly, his resolve unwavering.
In Ephor Dukedom
Back in Ephor's palace, chaos reigned. Noah, his pride in tatters, smashed a wine goblet against the wall. His knights trembled as his aura flared violently.
"Crowell…" he growled. "I will destroy you. I will erase Presia Dukedom from the map of Clover Kingdom. Mark my words."
But little did Noah know—he was no longer dealing with the quiet, forgotten nephew. He was facing the storm that would shake kingdoms.
Awakening
Meanwhile, in the carriage, Roman closed his eyes. A cold whisper stirred in the depths of his mind, and a dark interface flickered before him.
[ Shadow System Awakens ]
[ Status: Good work, War Herald. ]