The day's bright light seeped in through the open windows of the chamber, bringing into broad view the flash of energy from the Sea Sword.
The figure lying on the large bed, dressed in plain linens of velvet, jolted up and walked towards the window, hands crossed behind him.
This figure belonged to the acting leader of Seafrost, a representative sent by the Royal Empire of Montana to fill the space until the heir becomes worthy.
Despite being in his mid-fifties, the light shades of his well-maintained auburn hair often made people doubt his age, adding to his frail-looking stature.
But his actions speak louder.
Returning his hands and folding them across his chest, he muttered, "He will catch up sooner than expected."
Then hummed and turned around to face the inwards of his chamber.
The chamber was not ostentatious, yet it carried a quiet dignity. By the side, near a tall arched window, stood a sturdy oak desk, with neatly arranged scrolls, maps, and a single brass lamp on its surface.
There were no jewels or extravagant ornaments, only materials that signified duty: a polished steel sword mounted on the wall, a massive banner of the symbol of Seafrost, and shelves by the corner, lined with books of laws and history.
"What a boring life that Mark lived," Milton Von Quadraxis sighed, and went over to the desk.
Collecting a quill, he dipped it into the standby ink and scribbled on the paper before him.
"He has awakened!"
Then, folded it neatly in a mailing envelope and willed it into the air, far away to he-knows-where.
...
In the fire Duchedom, Duchess Maria Pyrrath was seated in the quadrangle of her vast garden. On the opposite side of the concrete platform, which served as a table, Lyra Pyrrath sat, her eyes fixed on her mother with cold intensity.
"Mother, could it be that—"
"Yes, Lyra, the threat has finally returned," Maria interrupted, confirming the situation at hand.
"But the rule warned that nobody should go against his father," Lyra asked with clear, anxious eyes.
"Except his household," Maria added as if Lyra forgot the phrase. "The Council did not make the rule, nor was it passed down from the Royal house. It was a personal rule, more as a family decision."
"Going against him would mean incurring his wrath, and trust me, no other Duchedom dares to."
"We just didn't expect that his little Lioness would be able to wield such an amount of Power to save her brother. And, no one still understands why he didn't show up for his daughter for going against him."
"Well, it's still his daughter," Lyra said calmly. "But cut the crap, mother, how powerful is this former leader of Seafrost that everyone fears him?"
Maria was quiet for a while, then called her daughter over to where she sat and whispered into her ear.
"A rat cannot bite off a lion's tail in one go. The last person who tried is no longer with us. Actually, no one fears him; it's called giving respect to whom it is due."
Then, increasing the volume of her voice, she said to Lyra again.
"I want you to do me a favor."
Lyra rose from her squat and returned to her seat, curiosity getting the better of her.
"What favor?" Lyra asked.
"The Academy will begin its enrolment in two months, and I have already trained you on how the tests come about. Now that Lord Mobix has awakened his Power, I am certain that little Lioness beside him will persuade him to partake in the test," Maria paused, Lyra raised her eyebrow.
"If you ever get any chance to cross his path, kill him."
Lyra didn't know why, but the instruction repeated itself several times in her mind's echo. As if that was not enough, her mother backed the instruction up with a reason.
"Especially now that he can't get any stronger within the limited time. He is still weak."
...
Just like in this open space of discussion between a mother and daughter, other Duchedoms also noticed the Power I had unleashed.
They called this Power the Threat of Doom and also gave their various heiress advice on how they should handle me.
Most of their advice was similar to that of Maria; the only difference was the Aeralis Duchedom.
.
.
Meanwhile, still in the cemetery, resting in the chill hands of Muna, I regained consciousness.
Forgive me to say, but when I rolled my eyes inward, I realized my head was resting on the protruding bust of my sister's chest.
As if to distract my lustful mind, the familiar translucent screen chimed before my sight.
Ding!
«↓ HSA for Muna: 10% → 50% ↑»
«↓ Status ↑»
>> Before: Your little sister, Lord Muna, had doubts about you being her big brother. She thought someone had transferred the soul into your body, thereby quickening your survival and awakening.
>> Now: She sees you as her lovely, big brother.
Mhm. The rapid growth of her Harem Sharing Ability now made sense.
«↓ Do you wish to share her Power? ↑»
'Nope.'
«↓ View Stats? ↑»
'Not yet.'
Now, I had a considerable edge over existence in this world. Now that my original memories have returned, I won't have to make the mistakes I had made as the author.
One of these mistakes was hastily sharing the powers of my Harem members once their HSA reached 50%. This action affected our relationship and never ensured a long-lasting romance between us.
Raising the HSA of each member to at least 80% was going to make the deal happen. Now, I have to work on Linda's as well.
'I must love every one of my wives dearly, and protect my other harem members.'
Immediately, I made this mindful declaration, drops of tears landed on my face, and I dismissed the system screen. Placing my palm on my sister's chin, I comforted her with the relief in my words.
"Nothing has, and will happen to me. I promise."
The tears in her eyes switched to those of joy as she pulled me up to a tight embrace.
From my shadow, Linda was beaming with a smile for the little reunion of brother and sister. She, however, worries for nothing.
The instant I slumped from the weakness of lifting the sword, she had dissolved into my shadow to exercise her healing Power. I'm only imagining the worry that had settled in her mind.
After a long moment of embrace, Muna let me go as I stood up and brushed my palms together. An unknowing smile spread across my lips, but was cut short the moment I heard my name.
"Congratulations... Mobix Seafrost."