The warmth of the family dinner slowly filled the grand hall, quiet at first, but laden with emotion. Duke John Ragnar set down his goblet and turned to his family, his voice deep and solemn.
"Mary, Janet… Sion. I've gathered you all tonight not just to dine, but to apologize—for everything. I committed the gravest sin a father and husband could make… I neglected you all. I buried my guilt under the guise of duty, but not a day passed when my heart didn't ache for what I failed to protect."
Mary looked up, her eyes soft yet filled with pain. Silence lingered before she finally spoke, "It's alright, dear. I've always known the burdens you carried. We all did. You fought silently, and we suffered silently. But maybe… maybe now we can begin again."
A breath of relief left John's chest, and then, more firmly, he declared, "From this day forth, I will not tolerate a speck of disrespect towards this family. Anyone who dares harm what is mine will answer to me."
He turned to Janet with a softer gaze, "In three days, we celebrate Janet's birthday. I'll host a grand banquet—no longer shall our family be hidden in shame. The world will know the name of Janet Ragnar, and they'll know the fate of those who dare oppose us."
Sion paused, gripping the edge of the table. "No, father…" he said quietly, eyes cast in shadow. Everyone looked up, startled.
"…because I'm not truly your son," he thought inwardly. "I'm Allen Soul, a king from another realm, reborn in your child's broken body to fulfill a mission far beyond any of us."
But after a heartbeat, Sion softened and nodded. "It's a good move, father. I… also want to meet the nobles."
John raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Nothing. Just curiosity," Sion replied with a sly smirk, concealing deeper intentions.
With tension dissolved, laughter and shared glances took over the table. The family—fractured for years—finally began to resemble one again.
As the servants cleared the dishes and everyone rose to leave, John stopped Sion. "Come with me. We have something to discuss."
Mary and Janet nodded and left for their quarters, while Sion silently followed John through the long, dim corridor of the estate. The marble floors echoed with their steps.
John spoke as they walked. "You've changed… completely. It's like you've become someone else entirely. Stronger, wiser, more… composed."
Sion's thoughts churned. Because I am someone else. I'm a king reborn, charged with a mission to prevent the fall of this world.
But instead, he answered calmly, "I've just been training. Trying out new methods—focusing on aura manifestation, magical circle reinforcement, and sword techniques. Just experimenting with things, that's all."
"Is that so?" John chuckled, though his eyes lingered longer on his son. "From two-circle magic to six-circle development in a week… even I never managed that. Your strength is monstrous, son."
Sion offered a faint smile.
They entered the duke's office, candlelight flickering against the old wooden panels and shelves of scrolls. John handed over two sealed letters from his desk.
"This first one came from the royal palace. The king's informants rooted out a few traitors in the court. The capital is uneasy. We've been ordered to investigate within our own territories. There may be more hidden among us."
Sion read the royal seal, his face unchanging, but internally, he took mental note. Unrest from within. This kingdom is worse off than I expected.
John then handed over the second letter. "This one's from Duke Samuel of Zion Dukedom."
Sion opened it, and his eyes widened.
"…It says your fiancée will be arriving soon to meet you. The exact date isn't confirmed, but she's coming within the next few weeks."
Sion froze.
My what!? his mind screamed.
From deep within his soul, Rapheal's voice chirped in telepathically, trying to suppress a giggle. Oh yes. Didn't I mention? Sion Ragnar was engaged since birth. Politics and all. Congratulations, lover boy.
You have to be kidding me, Sion replied internally, dragging his hand across his face.
John raised a brow. "Something wrong?"
Sion forced a tight-lipped smile. "No, no… just surprised. That's all."
John gave a nod, unaware of the inner chaos now erupting in Sion's mind.