Winter approached Blackridge.
Cold winds swept across the walls.
Frost formed on rooftops.
Training, however, did not stop.
Rynor sparred daily.
His strikes were faster.
More precise.
Jaren lifted heavier loads.
His endurance had doubled.
Lyra studied endlessly.
Her mana control reached a new level.
Arin watched them with satisfaction.
"They're ready."
Kelsin approached.
"Your Highness, Lady Maris has sent a letter."
Arin opened it.
Inside—
An invitation.
And a warning.
"Court factions are moving.
You need strong alliances."
He folded it.
"Marriage politics…"
The system activated immediately.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Bloodline Path Activated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Marriage Qualification Available]
New panel appeared.
[Bloodline Selection Criteria]
✔ Compatibility
✔ Talent Potential
✔ Loyalty Index
✔ Political Value
✔ Emotional Stability
Arin froze.
"So it begins…"
That night, he sat alone.
Thinking.
Power.
Legacy.
Children.
Future.
His mind returned to one person.
Lyra.
Smart.
Loyal.
Talented.
Trustworthy.
But—
She was still young.
And inexperienced in politics.
He shook his head.
"Not yet."
Two days later, a noble delegation arrived.
From House Verdan.
A middle-rank family.
Known for military commanders.
At their center—
Lady Selene Verdan.
Silver hair.
Calm eyes.
Confident posture.
Arin activated Observation quietly.
Strength: 22
Mana: 48
Speed: 30
Endurance: 25
Intelligence: 52
Charisma: 46
Talent: Strategic Mage (High)
Bloodline Grade: Rare
Compatibility: High
The system highlighted her in gold.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: High-Value Candidate Detected]
Selene bowed gracefully.
"Prince Arin, I seek alliance."
"Through marriage," she added calmly.
Rynor nearly choked.
Jaren widened his eyes.
Lyra froze.
Arin remained composed.
"Why me?"
Selene replied honestly.
"You're rising."
"You protect your people."
"You'll reshape this kingdom."
"And I want to stand beside that."
Silence filled the hall.
Lyra looked down.
Her hands trembled slightly.
Arin noticed.
His heart tightened.
But he stayed rational.
"I need time," he said.
Selene nodded.
"I'll wait."
That night—
The system activated again.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Romantic Path Branching]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Dynasty Foundation Progress +5%]
[PLAYER PROFILE – ARIN ELDORIA
Strength: 7
Mana: 5
Speed: 7
Endurance: 6
Intelligence: 12
Charisma: 12
Growth Potential: SSS
System Authority: Level 2
Territory Authority: Level 1
Bloodline Progress: 5%
]
Arin stood by the window.
Snow fell quietly.
Enemies outside.
Politics inside.
And now…
The future of his bloodline.
Had begun.