The golden rays of morning spilled across the marble courtyard of the Ragnar Dukedom, casting a soft glow as the sound of hooves echoed through the grounds. A finely adorned carriage, bearing the crest of the Zion Dukedom, rolled to a smooth stop.
Sion stood at the entrance, trying hard to keep his composure, but his heart was racing.
The carriage door opened—and time seemed to slow.
There she was: Sara.
Her elegance and beauty were breathtaking. Her deep green eyes, the way she carried herself with quiet confidence—it struck Sion like a spell. His breath caught.
"She's… beautiful. Too beautiful."
He froze, staring blankly until Janet elbowed him. "Big bro, you're totally stiff. Say something."
Raphael appeared beside him, laughing uncontrollably. "Is that a blush? Did the great Sion just fall in love?"
"Shut it," Sion whispered, cheeks glowing red.
Sara stepped down gracefully and curtsied. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Sion."
Sion stammered, "T-the pleasure is mine."
Janet grinned. "You're doomed."
Raphael snorted. "Oh, I'm enjoying this far too much."
Elsewhere, in Duke John's Office
John stood silently, examining the documents and magic scrolls Sion had recovered from the Avalon merchant group. The scrolls alone—powerful enough to wipe out entire regions—were damning proof of an imminent large-scale conspiracy.
But John wasn't questioning the intel. Everything had been verified, and yet—
"He pulled this off... in a single night?" John muttered.
Luthor, standing beside him, nodded. "Yes, my lord. Unseen and unheard. His methods were almost... surgical."
John leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "The Sion I knew couldn't even handle basic sword form a year ago. And now he's operating in complete stealth, uncovering traitors and bringing back undeniable proof."
A strange smile tugged at the Duke's lips. "Someday, I'd like to cross blades with him—just once. I want to see with my own eyes how far he's come."
Before Luthor could respond, John glanced at the sealed envelope on his desk—a royal letter.
He sighed. "Still can't believe it…"
"What do you mean, my lord?"
John held up the envelope. "This summons from the King. It was addressed to both me and Sion."
Luthor's brows rose. "The King summoned the young master personally? That's... rare."
John nodded. "Unheard of. The royal family doesn't just send dual invitations—not unless they see you as someone vital to national interests."
Luthor stepped forward. "Do you think the King suspects something about Sion?"
John's tone lowered. "Nathan George is not a man to act without reason. He must have already gathered intel on Sion—his sudden power growth, his recent actions. The Royal Capital's Elite Eagle Squadron may already be watching us."
"That's disturbing," Luthor murmured. "And the King only invited the two of you… that's unsettling. What about the other dukes?"
John shook his head. "That's what worries me. Either he doesn't trust the others… or he sees Sion and me as key players in what's to come."
He turned toward the window, watching the training grounds below.
"The game has started," John said softly. "And I have no idea what move the King will make."
That Night, in Sion's Room…
Sion paced, the letter from the King lying open on his desk.
Raphael materialized, floating upside down. "So, big guy. Royal letter, huh? You're officially on the chessboard."
Sion frowned. "It's weird. Why summon me along with the Duke?"
"Because you're no longer just a 'young master.' You're a power piece now. And the King knows it."
Sion sat down, rubbing his temples. "I thought I'd have more time. But it feels like everything's accelerating."
Raphael shrugged. "Hey, on the bright side—your gorgeous fiancée is here. Maybe she'll calm your nerves."
Sion groaned. "Please don't start."
"Oh come on," Raphael smirked. "Didn't your heart just stop a little when you saw her earlier?"
Sion mumbled, "…A little."
"Ha! Admit it—you're completely smitten!"
"Go away."
Raphael burst out laughing again. "You better get used to this. You're dealing with traitors, royal politics… and now romance. Welcome to your new life, hero."
Sion looked out his window, watching the moonlit garden. His heart was heavy—but also strangely calm.
"Tomorrow, I'll deal with everything. The capital, the king… and maybe Sara too."
Raphael grinned. "Now that's the spirit."