"Issac… wait."
Roman's voice stopped him just as he was about to leave.
Issac turned immediately. "Yes, young master?"
"I'll write the letter to the Pope myself," Roman said calmly. "You focus on something else."
A brief pause followed.
"Keep me updated on the dungeons—behavior patterns, monster appearances, anything unusual."
Issac bowed slightly. "It will be done, young master."
Without another word, he stepped out of the room.
Roman remained where he was for a moment before moving toward the gallery.
From there, the entirety of Ephor stretched before him.
It was no longer the same city.
The roads once cracked and uneven were now properly laid and maintained. Carriage moved smoothly across them without obstruction. The water systems, previously unreliable, now flowed steadily, reaching even the outer districts.
Construction was still ongoing.
Buildings were rising.
Infrastructure expanding at a rapid pace.
But the most noticeable change—
Was the people.
They moved with purpose now. Their expressions were no longer hollow. There was fatigue, yes—but not despair.
Their lives had improved.
Significantly.
Roman's gaze shifted slightly toward the estate gates.
Near the entrance stood a structure that hadn't existed before.
A magical complaint box.
Simple in appearance, yet highly efficient.
Every citizen had been informed of its purpose.
If they faced any issue, they were to report it to the responsible official first.
If the matter remained unresolved for ten days—
They could write directly to Roman.
The message would reach his office without interference.
Because of that—
Everything had changed.
Officials who once abused their authority now worked with precision and fear. No one dared ignore responsibilities anymore.
They knew.
If their names reached Roman—
There would be consequences.
"…Effective."
Roman muttered quietly.
He turned away from the view and walked back inside, intending to rest for a while.
But before he could reach his room—
Voices echoed from near the estate entrance.
Raised.
Argumentative.
Roman's steps slowed.
Then he changed direction.
By the time he reached the entrance, a small crowd had already gathered.
A knight stood firm, blocking the path of a maid who was clearly agitated. Several other maids stood nearby, watching the situation unfold.
"…What is going on?" Roman asked.
The knight immediately straightened.
"Young master—this maid claims to be your head maid. She's causing a disturbance."
Roman's gaze shifted toward the woman.
She stood there, arms crossed, clearly annoyed.
"…So it's you," Roman said, a faint smile appearing. "Lyra."
The moment she heard his voice, the maid pushed past the knight and stepped forward.
"Is that really the case, young master?" she said sharply. "You missed me?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"Then why did you leave me behind?"
There was no hesitation in her tone.
"I've been with you since you were eight. And suddenly you decide you don't need me anymore and just leave?"
Roman sighed lightly.
"It's not like that."
He met her gaze.
"Father didn't allow it. I asked him… insisted, even. But he refused."
Lyra frowned.
"…So the Duke lied to me?"
Her expression turned more annoyed than before.
"He told me you only requested Knight Allen and Butler Issac."
Roman said nothing.
After a moment, Lyra crossed her arms again.
"…Fine."
A brief pause.
"I'll forgive you."
Roman raised an eyebrow slightly.
"But only if you appoint me as the head maid here," she continued. "Then I'll forget everything."
For a second, there was silence.
Then Roman nodded.
"Very well."
He turned slightly toward the knight.
"From today onward, she is the head maid."
The knight bowed. "Understood, young master."
"Show her a room."
Lyra looked satisfied.
"Good decision," she said, then waved her hand casually. "I'll see you later."
Roman gave a faint smile before turning away.
He walked back through the halls and made his way to his office.
Once inside, he sat down at his desk.
Without delay, he began writing.
Your Excellency,
I hope you are in good health and that the Holy Empire stands strong.
I am writing to inquire about the current situation regarding dungeon activity and the preparations made so far.
Have all kingdoms and empires completed the necessary measures to respond to the breakout?
Roman paused briefly before continuing.
On my side, everything has been prepared.
The Great Presia Dukedom and the Clover Kingdom have completed the installation of barrier orbs and the construction of structural bunkers.
Under my supervision and that of the Tower Master, these have been distributed to noble families and villages alike.
We have ensured that all systems are functional.
Additionally, the shipments previously arranged have already been dispatched to your side.
His expression remained calm as he wrote the final lines.
We must be prepared for the worst.
I would appreciate an early response.
Roman placed the pen down.
For a moment, he looked at the letter in silence.
Then
He activated the magical channel.
A faint glow surrounded the parchment.
Within seconds
It vanished.
Delivered directly to the Pope's office through the exclusive channel granted to him.
The room fell silent once again.
Roman leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting toward the window.
Ephor was stable.
Prepared.
Ready.
But beyond its borders
The world was beginning to shift.