The night wind howled softly across the Frostwind Palace.
Arin still stood on the balcony, his gaze fixed on the distant lights of the capital.
Behind him…
Elara gently adjusted his cloak.
"You haven't rested since morning," she said softly.
"Even steel breaks if it's stretched too far."
Seren leaned against the railing.
"Yeah, hero. If you collapse, who's going to protect us?" 😏
Mira crossed her arms.
"Physical and mental fatigue detected. Recovery recommended."
Arin finally smiled.
"Alright… you three win."
They moved inside.
Inside the royal chamber…
Warm candles lit the spacious room.
Silk curtains swayed gently.
Elara sat beside Arin and took his hand.
"When I saw that attack…"
"I thought I would lose you both."
Her voice trembled slightly.
Arin pulled her into his arms.
"I promised," he whispered.
"I will never let harm reach you."
Seren smirked.
"Hey, don't hog him all to yourself."
She climbed onto the bed casually.
"If he's making promises, I want mine too."
Mira hesitated for a moment… then sat close as well.
"You are our pillar," she said quietly.
"Losing you is unacceptable."
Arin looked at them.
Three women.
Three pillars of his life.
Three hearts bound to his destiny.
"My strength," he said softly,
"exists because of you."
Emotion filled the room.
Slowly…
The night turned gentle.
Laughter mixed with whispers.
Warmth replaced fear.
For a while…
There was no politics.
No enemies.
No system.
Only family.
Later that night…
As they rested together—
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Emotional Bond Strengthened]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Intimacy Level Increased]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Family Unity +35%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Hidden Blessing Activated]
Arin's vision blurred.
A golden screen appeared.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Due to deep emotional resonance and bloodline stability,
Dynasty Blessing: Fertile Lineage has been unlocked.
Effect:
✔ Increased probability of powerful heirs
✔ Enhanced talent inheritance
✔ Bloodline purity boost
Arin froze.
"…What?"
He glanced at Elara.
Then Seren.
Then Mira.
A strange feeling spread in his chest.
"This system…" he muttered.
"Even monitors this?"
The next morning…
Sunlight flooded the chamber.
Seren stretched lazily.
"Mmm~ Morning, Emperor."
Elara blushed lightly.
"You're embarrassing…"
Mira adjusted her robes calmly.
"Physical recovery: optimal."
Arin laughed.
"You three…"
A servant knocked urgently.
"Your Highness! Emergency report!"
Arin's expression hardened instantly.
"Enter."
The guard bowed deeply.
"Last night, three hidden bases of the Second Prince were destroyed."
Arin frowned.
"Destroyed?"
"Yes… by unknown forces."
Mira's eyes narrowed.
"External interference?"
Seren grinned.
"Or someone helping us?"
Arin thought silently.
Then—
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Shadow Alliance Detected]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Unknown Support Entity Identified]
[Threat Level: Unclear]
"So there's another player," he murmured.
Interesting…
Later that day…
In the Council Hall…
Arin sat at the center.
Nobles, generals, and scholars gathered.
"The assassination attempt," Arin said calmly,
"will not be ignored."
His voice was steady.
But dangerous.
"I am announcing—"
"Operation Iron Dynasty."
Murmurs spread.
"From today," he continued,
"all internal security, intelligence, and military response will be unified."
"Any traitor…"
"Any conspirator…"
"Any hidden enemy…"
"Will be eliminated."
Silence.
Then—
Thunderous agreement.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Authority Increased]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Political Dominance +20%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Dynasty Stability +18%]
The foundation was strengthening.
That night…
Arin stood in the garden.
Watching lanterns float into the sky.
Elara joined him.
"Do you ever feel lonely… at the top?" she asked softly.
He shook his head.
"Not with you all beside me."
She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.
In the distance…
Dark eyes watched.
A hooded figure whispered:
"The Emperor Seed has awakened…"
"The real war begins now."