After concluding their business with the Prime Minister, the Crowell family took the officially signed documents. The ink was still fresh the seal of Clover marking the birth of a new era.
They were prepared to formally greet the people and address them, to declare before the masses that Ephor was no more.
It was now the dawn of Great Presia, under the leadership of Duke Jacob Crowell and Deputy Duke Roman Crowell.
As they stepped out of the royal palace, the evening sky burned in deep orange hues.
Ezra adjusted her cloak and turned toward Roman.
"I must return to the Holy Empire," she said calmly. "I have to report the progress to the Holy Pope. There are still matters pending, especially since you called me urgently."
Selena smiled politely.
"At least visit our estate for dinner next time, Miss Ezra."
Ezra gave a small nod. "I will."
Jacob thanked her sincerely, and soon her carriage rolled away.
After some time, the Crowells themselves departed from the royal palace.
But as their carriage began to move, someone stood in the upper gallery, watching them closely.
Roman felt the gaze first.
He slowly lifted his eyes.
And there he was.
King Augustus Nova.
His face twisted with suppressed rage and humiliation.
Roman met his eyes.
And smiled.
Not mockingly.
Not arrogantly.
But knowingly.
The kind of smile that said: I see you.
Inside the carriage, Jacob sat opposite Roman while Selena adjusted the curtains.
Jacob broke the silence first.
"You are truly cunning, Roman. You noticed Augustus's gaze… and you smiled at him. That will not be good."
Selena blinked.
"He was looking at us? I didn't notice."
Roman leaned back calmly.
"It was nothing, Father."
Then he looked at Jacob.
"Are you ready to give the speech for the dawn of Great Presia?"
Jacob cleared his throat.
"No. I won't be giving the speech."
Roman frowned. "Then who will?"
"You will," Jacob replied firmly. "Deputy Duke Roman Crowell."
Roman immediately shook his head.
"Me? No. I won't. It is your duty as Duke."
Selena intervened softly but seriously.
"You orchestrated everything. From the planning of Operation Specter to its execution. You brought down that bastard. You saved the people of Ephor. It should be you."
Roman fell silent.
For a moment.
Then he spoke directly.
"No. I won't."
The air shifted slightly.
"You both know about the upcoming dungeon breakout. It could happen anytime. It is my responsibility to counter it. There are preparations to be made across Presia — now Great Presia."
He looked at both of them.
"You should handle governance. And Father… I have a proposition."
Jacob narrowed his eyes slightly.
Roman continued.
"I, Roman Crowell, would like to step down from the responsibility of Deputy Duke. I propose that Big Sister Selena take the position. She is perfectly suited for it."
He paused.
"I also carry the responsibility of the Warherald chosen by Goddess Aria. It is right for the future of our dukedom. I will help when necessary, but I will not take administrative responsibility."
Selena immediately smacked his head.
"Absolutely not!"
She grabbed his collar.
"I will not take a position that is rightfully yours!"
Jacob remained silent for a long moment.
Then finally spoke.
"Very well."
Both siblings froze.
"I will release you from the position of Deputy Duke," Jacob said calmly, "and hand it over to Selena."
Selena stared at him in disbelief.
"But—"
Jacob raised his hand.
"However. You will remain involved in governance when required. If you decline this condition, you will not be released from the position."
Roman nodded instantly.
"Agreed."
Jacob turned toward Selena.
"From today onward, you are the Deputy Duke of Great Presia. And I will not listen to refusal."
Selena slowly exhaled.
"…Understood."
And just like that, inside a moving carriage, the future of Great Presia shifted.
A new Deputy Duke was born.
Roman yawned loudly.
"I'm tired. Wake me when we arrive."
He leaned back and fell asleep almost immediately, the carriage shaking gently along the road.
As he slept, his body shifted slightly with the motion.
Selena sighed softly and gently pulled his head onto her lap.
He slept peacefully.
Carelessly.
Like a child without burdens.
Selena smiled faintly.
"He sleeps so carelessly… like a baby who doesn't worry about anything."
Jacob looked at Roman for a long moment.
"Even now… it is hard to believe he is the Warherald chosen by Goddess Aria."
Selena nodded.
"It's difficult to accept. But the Holy Paladin and even the Pope acknowledged it. It cannot be false."
Jacob's gaze softened slightly.
"His burden is heavier than ours. We must support him… no matter what."
Selena's voice turned firm.
"We have a promise to keep."
Jacob nodded.
"Yes. But power alone is not enough. He must not feel alone while carrying that burden."
Silence filled the carriage.
After some time, they reached the Great Presia estate.
Selena gently shook Roman.
"Sleepy head. We've arrived."
Roman blinked lazily and stepped down.
"Finally…"
He walked toward his room without another word.
As he reached the corridor, something shifted.
A presence.
A familiar one.
After a long silence, the Shadow System activated.
A cold, emotionless voice echoed within his mind.
Warherald Roman. It has been a while.
You must train yourself for the upcoming Second Dungeon Breakout.
The power you currently possess will not be sufficient.
Remove the Veil Bracer before training.
The voice faded.
The sleepiness vanished instantly.
Roman stood still for a moment.
Then turned.
He walked toward the bath chamber.
Silence filled the hallway.
The era of politics had ended.
Training for war had begun.