The Exile area was all warm orange from the sunset, but it didn't hide how cold Edward Vistro was. He sat by the window, playing with a glass of water. The room was super quiet, unlike the crazy rumors flying around the mansion. Everyone in the Luminaris Kingdom probably knew by now that Damian got embarrassed and Edward told off the Lord right at his own door.
In the Human Domain, all seven kingdoms cared most about who was in charge and how strong you were. If a son hit his older brother in Aethelgard, people would praise him for being tough. In Vaeloria, they'd wonder if he had more power hiding inside. But here at the Vistro estate, it was seen as totally messing up the rules.
A loud thud came from the hall. It wasn't a servant's light steps or a guard shuffling around. It was someone who was used to getting their way.
The door didn't just open—it slammed against the wall. Lord Vistro, the family head, stood there. He was huge, and his red cloak looked like dried blood. He stared at Edward with cold, sharp eyes.
Edward didn't stand or bow. He just smirked a little.
"I see you found your way here, Father," Edward said. His voice was steady, not scared like it used to be during his first life. "I hope the walk from the main building wasn't too taxing for a man of your... distinguished position."
The Marquis didn't change his expression, but the air felt like it was buzzing with his anger. It would have been too much for anyone else, like being stuck in freezing oil. But Edward had been in the Great Demon War and watched the sky fill with monster wings, so it was just a breeze to him.
"You struck your brother," the Marquis stated, his voice a low. "You humiliated the heir of this house in front of the common guards. And then, you had the audacity to demand I come to you."
"Damian isn't an heir," Edward said, putting his glass down. "He is a 3rd Circle disappointment who couldn't even defend himself against an 'insect' with no mana core. If that is the best the Vistro line has to offer, then this house was doomed long before today."
The Marquis moved super fast—too fast for a normal person to see. He was across the room in a second, his hand close to Edward's neck. Edward didn't move. He looked his father in the eyes with an old, bored look that made the Marquis stop.
"You are different," the Marquis whispered, confused for a second. "Where is the coward who hid in the rose garden? Where is the boy who couldn't even meet my gaze?"
"He's gone," Edward said truthfully. "Now there's someone who knows how important power is. You wanted a good son for the Vistro name, right? Well, here I am. But I bet I'm too much for you."
The Marquis pulled back his hand, squinting. He felt something in Edward, not magic—the kid still had no power—but a strong spirit that didn't make sense. It was like being near a hunter who had gone after gods.
"You think beating a lazy brother makes you a king?" the Marquis said. "You're still just the third son. A shame who finally grew some claws. But claws can be cut."
"Try it," Edward said, leaning back. "But remember, Father, the last guy who tried to cut my wings ended up buried under the ash of the western continent. Or was that a dream? Either way, you'll end up the same."
The Marquis turned around, his cloak flying. "Enjoy being cocky while you can, Edward. You'll learn that the Vistro name isn't a game."
He stormed off, slamming the door hard enough to shake the windows.
The next morning, the mansion felt like it was ready to explode. Edward woke up to Henry knocking loudly.
The butler came in, looking pale. He had a tray, but his hands shook so much the dishes clattered. He wouldn't look at Edward.
"Young Master... "Henry whispered. "I have... news from the main building. The Lord has made a decision."
Edward sat up, stretching like a cat, he knew the punishment that would follow, but he didn't care. "Let me guess. He's sending me to fight in the Iron Duchy? Or maybe he's marrying me off to some small noble in Solterra?"
"No, Young Master," Henry said. "He wants you sent to the Abyssal Cells. Locked away alone. For thirty days."
The Abyssal Cells were a scary legend in the Luminaris Kingdom. They were way down under the mansion and had stones that sucked away your power. It was a place that broke people's minds, with darkness so thick you could almost touch it. Most people who spent a week there came out empty. Thirty days was like killing your soul.
Henry looked up, crying. "Please, Young Master... apologize! If you ask the Marquis for forgiveness now, maybe he'll—"
Edward laughed, stopping Henry.
"Apologize?" Edward stood up, his eyes shining with a fire that made the butler step back. "Henry, you don't get it. He's not punishing me. He's scared of me. He thinks thirty days of darkness will make me forget who I am."
Edward went to the window, looking at the towers of the mansion. He thought about the other six kingdoms—Ondaris, Silvanus, Aethelgard—all waiting for him to take them back.
"Thirty days of quiet," Edward said, smiling. "No annoying servants or my family whining. It's perfect for getting my inner strength back. Father thinks he's throwing me in a hole. He doesn't know he's giving me what I need: time alone to rebuild my kingdom."
He turned to Henry, looking arrogant.
"Tell the guards to come. I won't keep the darkness waiting. And Henry?"
"Y-yes, Young Master?"
Make sure there's cake when I get out. Strawberry. It's the only thing good in this house.
As the guards came to take him away, Edward Vistro didn't look like a prisoner. He looked like a king moving his throne to a more private room.