Roman sat by the banks of the Solara River, the reflection of the broken sky rippling against the crimson-stained waters. The shadow system's final message still echoed in his mind—
"Only a chosen few will receive the blessings of Goddess Aria to stand against the dungeon monsters. You are the Warherald, the pinnacle, the last hope of humanity."
For a moment, the weight of those words pressed down upon him like an unshakable burden. He exhaled deeply, closing his eyes.
This is my second chance. I won't waste it. I will live for the promise I made to my beloved… and for the dream of a peaceful life. For them. For myself.
He heard the faint shuffling of feet behind him, too light to belong to knights. A smile crept across his face.
"Big sister Selena. Martha. Sara. You can stop hiding now," Roman called out, his voice calm yet firm. "Come. Sit with me. No need to skulk in the shadows."
There was a pause, followed by Selena emerging with an embarrassed expression. She had been caught red-handed watching over him. The two children, Martha and Sara, ran forward without hesitation, their eyes bright with joy. They leapt into Roman's lap, giggling as they clung to him tightly. Roman chuckled, his once-heavy heart softening as he hugged them both.
Selena sat beside him silently, her gaze fixed on her brother. Roman broke the silence first.
"Big sis… it's time for us to rise. The Presia Dukedom has always been looked down upon. But now, we'll raise our banner high. We'll protect our people, unite the counties and dukedoms—not for power, not for greed, but for their well-being."
Selena tilted her head, listening carefully as her brother spoke with conviction. "Do you even know why our dukedom is considered the weakest," she asked, "even though Father is the second strongest knight in all of Clover?"
Roman nodded, eyes narrowing. "Because of Father's kindness. His sincerity toward the people. He never used underhanded measures, never exploited others. That kindness is what holds him back from using the darker tools of power."
A faint smile appeared on his lips as he clenched his fist. "But kindness… kindness is the sharpest weapon we have. The nobles have underestimated us for too long. I've seen Father's true strength during the dungeon breakout. He is terrifyingly powerful, but he hesitates because of our lack of resources. That ends now."
Roman's tone grew sharper, carrying an edge of determination that startled Selena.
"It's time we claim everything that belongs to us—starting with our dear uncle, Duke Noah Rockson of the Ephor Dukedom. We'll take what is his and make it ours."
Selena's eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. "You're insane, Roman. Duke Noah Rockson is one of the strongest dukes in the entire kingdom. And you're talking about conquering his land?"
Roman leaned back against the riverbank, his expression calm but unyielding. "Relax, big sister. Everything will fall into place. The tides are shifting, and they will turn in our favor. All I ask is that we prepare."
For a long moment, Selena stared at him, torn between outrage and… a faint, reluctant trust. Finally, her voice softened. "Do you remember Mother's face?"
Roman froze.
Selena's gaze drifted to the Solara River, her voice trembling with a mixture of nostalgia and sorrow.
"She was always so caring with you. Always playing with you. Sometimes, I felt… ignored. Neglected. I hated it. One day, I asked her why she cared for you more than me. I cried so much that day."
Her lips trembled as she smiled bitterly. "She told me, 'Selena, Roman is still small and weak. I have to look after him. You are his older sister—it's your responsibility to protect him, guide him, correct him if he goes astray.' From that day, I trained harder than anyone else. I swore to become strong enough to keep you safe. That's why I became the youngest Swordmaster in the history of our kingdom. Not for glory. Not for power. But for you."
She turned to him suddenly, grabbing his ear with a sharp tug. Roman winced.
"And don't you dare ever pull that 'safe room stunt' again. If you do, I'll beat you myself."
"Alright, alright! I'm sorry!" Roman yelped, raising his hands in surrender. "It won't happen again, I swear!"
Satisfied, Selena released his ear, her expression softening as she returned her gaze to the river. Roman watched her quietly, his heart conflicted.
"Big sister… why don't you question my sudden strength? My change in attitude? Father doubted me at first. But you… you never asked anything."
Selena didn't even hesitate. "Because you're my brother. That's all that matters. I don't care what you've become. I believe in you."
Her words stabbed into Roman's heart like a blade of guilt. If only you knew… I am not your little brother. I am merely a shadow, an imposter living in his body. He remained silent, hiding the storm inside him.
But while the Solara River shimmered silently beneath the dying sun, far away in the Ephor Dukedom, Duke Noah Rockson remained blissfully unaware. He would never know that the days of his reign were already numbered—and that the storm called Roman Crowell was quietly preparing to erase his legacy.