After a long and exhausting journey, the Crowell family's carriage finally rolled through the gates of the Presia Dukedom Palace. Roman was fast asleep, his head resting lazily against the window as if the intensity of the previous days had drained him completely.
Selena leaned closer and tapped his forehead lightly.
"Wake up, sleepyhead. We're home."
Roman blinked slowly, his golden eyes adjusting as he stretched his arms.
"Already? That was quick."
"Quick? We traveled for hours," Selena scoffed, shaking her head as she stepped out first.
Duke Jacob, though still burdened by the weight of what had transpired in Ephor, stood tall and composed. As soon as his boots touched the palace floor, he turned toward Roman.
"Come to my office now. There are things we need to discuss."
Roman yawned and waved his hand dismissively.
"Later, Father. I'm really tired."
Jacob's eyes narrowed for a moment, but instead of pressing, he simply nodded.
"Fine. Rest for now. We'll talk later."
Selena and Roman both made their way toward their quarters, while Jacob disappeared into his office, weighed down by countless thoughts.
The Kingdom Shaken
The events in Ephor spread like wildfire across the Clover Kingdom. Whispers filled taverns, marketplaces, and even the courts of minor nobles: "The Crowell heir humbled Duke Noah—the strongest duke!"
Noah tried desperately to deny the incident, but the evidence was too strong. The new contract, signed under pressure, heavily favored Presia Dukedom. Witnesses—guards, servants, and even Noah's own officials—leaked pieces of the truth. His reputation, once untouchable, now carried a blemish that could not be erased.
Soon, the scandal reached the heart of the kingdom: Aurelia, the golden capital of Clover Kingdom.
Inside the radiant palace of Aurelia, upon a throne crafted from pure gold, sat the king. Though his body appeared frail and thin, his presence was suffocating; his aura was beyond comprehension. His sunken eyes glimmered with an ancient sharpness as he leaned forward, a faint smile curling his lips.
"So… Presia Dukedom rises from the ashes," the king murmured, his voice echoing softly through the grand hall. "I have waited a long time for this day. Let us see what kind of man Duke Jacob's son truly is. Perhaps… it will be interesting to meet him."
A Day of Rest
Back at the Presia Palace, Roman was reclining comfortably, finally free from courtly chaos. After a short nap, he followed his daily routine: a grueling set of physical exercises designed by the shadow system. Sweat clung to his body as he pushed himself harder, the voice of the system echoing faintly in his mind, urging discipline and focus.
Afterward, he summoned Butler Adam.
"Has the loan amount from Ephor arrived yet?"
"Not yet, young master," Adam replied with his usual calm tone. "But I assure you, the moment it does, I will personally report to you."
Roman nodded. "Good. Keep an eye on it."
As the hours passed, Roman found himself growing restless. He gazed outside, searching for something—anything—to break the monotony. That was when he noticed a small group of children standing at the palace gates, arguing with the guards.
"Lyra," Roman called, summoning one of the palace maids.
"Yes, young master?"
"Go ask the guards what's happening."
She returned moments later with the answer.
"A girl named Martha and her friends have come to see you."
Roman's lips curved into a rare smile.
"Let them in. And tell the guards: never stop them again. They are always welcome here."
The Joy of Innocence
The children burst into the courtyard, their laughter filling the air. Martha, with her bright eyes and unyielding energy, ran straight into Roman's arms. He scooped her up effortlessly.
"How are you, my little princess?" he asked warmly.
"I'm fine! But… big brother, is it true? People outside are saying you fought the strongest duke! Are you hurt? Tell me the truth!"
Roman chuckled softly, brushing her hair back.
"I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry about me. Besides, if I were hurt, wouldn't my little princess take care of me?"
Martha puffed her cheeks, nodding vigorously.
"Of course I would!"
"Good," Roman smiled. "Now come on. Let's all play together."
He led the children to the training grounds, where wooden dummies and practice swords lay scattered. But instead of training, Roman surprised them by lowering his guard completely—playing tag, lifting them high onto his shoulders, even letting them "defeat" him in mock battles. Their laughter echoed like music through the palace.
The sight was so unusual that even the maids paused in their chores, watching quietly from afar.
A Sister's Doubt
From a balcony above, Selena watched the scene unfold. Her eyes softened but quickly turned uncertain.
"Is this really my brother…?" she whispered. "Or does Roman suffer from some kind of split personality?"
Her thoughts were interrupted when a small girl tugged her sleeve. It was Ella—one of the orphans Roman had named himself.
"Big sister Selena! Come join us! We're playing with big brother Roman!"
For a moment, Selena froze. The way Ella looked at her, so bright and trusting, made her heart skip. Without realizing, she lifted the girl into her arms.
"How can you be this adorable…" Selena muttered under her breath. Then, to everyone's surprise, she actually joined in the game, laughing as she sparred gently with the children and even with Roman.
For a brief time, the burdens of dukes, contracts, and politics melted away. It was just family and laughter.
The Darkness Stirs
But far away, deep in the abyss of a forgotten realm, the joyous echoes were drowned out by a voice—low, guttural, and filled with malice.
"So… the gods have chosen their warrior," it hissed, every word dripping with hatred. "I will kill him. I will bathe in his blood."
The sound spread like a curse across the void, announcing the rise of a new danger.
Yet within the Presia Palace, Roman remained unaware, smiling genuinely as children clung to him, their laughter shielding him—at least for now—from the horrors awaiting in the shadows.