The palace of Frostwind slept under a calm silver moon.
But in the deeper corridors—where light rarely reached—whispers moved like poison in the dark.
Inside a hidden chamber, three figures sat around a black stone table.
The Second Prince, Leonhart, folded his arms.
"The Sixth Prince has grown too stable," he said coldly.
"Power. Wives. Heir. Public support. System blessings. Everything favors him."
The Fourth Prince, Kaelen, smirked.
"Stability is a weakness," he replied.
"Break his family… and the dynasty will shake."
The Seventh Prince, Varric, tapped his fingers slowly.
"Then we begin with his foundations."
A servant kneeled before them.
"Our spies confirm… the heir has begun early training."
Kaelen's eyes narrowed.
"Good. Then we strike indirectly."
A cruel smile appeared.
"Let him feel fear for once."
Meanwhile…
Inside Arin's private residence, warmth filled the air.
Soft lantern light glowed against silk curtains.
Elara lay beside Arin, her fingers tracing gentle circles on his chest.
"You've been restless lately," she whispered.
"Thinking about politics again?"
Arin smiled faintly.
"Responsibility never sleeps," he replied.
"But right now… I want to be here."
Mira sat nearby, reading quietly, but her eyes lifted.
"There is unusual activity in the capital," she said calmly.
"Information networks report irregular movements."
Seren stretched lazily on the bed.
"Ooooh~ Trouble incoming?"
"Finally! Things were getting boring!"
Arin laughed softly.
"You always say that."
But inside, his instincts stirred.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Potential Threat Detected]
[SYSTEM ALERT: Dynasty Security Risk +15%]
He narrowed his eyes.
"So it begins…"
The next morning…
Training grounds echoed with controlled energy.
Young mages practiced mana circulation.
Sword trainees swung wooden blades.
At the center stood Arin, observing carefully.
"Remember," he said calmly,
"Power without control is destruction. Control without courage is weakness."
Nearby, his child sat on a small cushion, watching wide-eyed.
Seren crouched beside them.
"See that?" she whispered.
"Your papa is cool, right?"
The child clapped happily.
Elara smiled warmly.
"Our child already admires you."
Mira nodded.
"Role-model effect confirmed."
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Heir Inspiration +20%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Family Harmony +25%]
Suddenly—
A sharp ripple passed through the air.
Arin's eyes widened.
"Everyone, freeze!"
A dark arrow of condensed mana shot from behind the trees.
Target: The child.
"NO!" Elara cried.
Arin vanished.
In less than a heartbeat, he appeared in front—
CLANG!
The attack shattered against his palm.
Mana exploded outward.
Silence followed.
Arin's expression turned ice-cold.
"Assassins…" he whispered.
Guards rushed in instantly.
Seren's playful tone disappeared.
"Someone dared to touch our family?"
Her aura flared dangerously.
Mira closed her book.
Her voice was calm.
Too calm.
"They will regret this."
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Protective Instinct Activated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Dynasty Wrath +40%]
Arin held his trembling child close.
"It's okay," he whispered.
"Papa is here."
But inside…
A storm was rising.
That night…
Arin stood on the balcony, staring at the capital.
Elara wrapped her arms around him.
"We'll face this together," she said softly.
Seren leaned on his shoulder.
"Anyone who hurts you… I'll personally destroy."
Mira stepped beside him.
"Strategic retaliation is recommended."
Arin smiled faintly.
"My family… my dynasty…"
His eyes hardened.
"Anyone who threatens them…"
"I will erase."
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Ruler's Resolve Awakened]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Emperor Path +10%]
The game had changed.
The Sixth Prince was no longer just building a dynasty.
He was now ready to defend it with blood and fire.