Morning sunlight washed over Frostwind Capital.
The streets were alive.
Merchants shouted.
Soldiers marched.
Citizens bowed as Arin's banner passed.
But beneath this peaceful surface…
A storm was forming.
Inside the Intelligence Pavilion…
Mira stood before a massive crystal map.
Runes floated in the air.
Red dots blinked across provinces.
"Suspicious movement detected in five regions," she reported.
"Two noble houses. One merchant guild. Two mercenary groups."
Seren whistled.
"Wow. That's a lot of snakes."
Elara frowned.
"All connected to the Second Prince?"
Mira nodded.
"Indirectly. Using intermediaries."
Arin folded his arms.
"He's still alive…"
"And still plotting."
Good.
That meant the game wasn't over.
[SYSTEM PROMPT]
Strategic Domain Activated
Analysis Mode: ON
Paths appeared in Arin's vision.
Political lines.
Military routes.
Hidden tunnels.
Spy networks.
He saw it all.
"This isn't random," Arin said.
"He's setting a trap."
Seren tilted her head.
"For who?"
"For me."
Silence fell.
Then Arin smiled.
"Perfect."
"Let's walk into it."
Later — War Planning Chamber
Generals gathered.
Maps covered the table.
General Kael spoke first.
"Our scouts confirmed armed camps near Riverstone Pass."
"They claim to be traders."
Seren snorted.
"With swords and siege tools?"
Yeah, sure.
Elara clenched her fists.
"They want to cut supply routes."
Mira added,
"And isolate the capital."
Arin nodded.
"Then we reverse it."
He pointed.
"Deploy Phantom Battalion here."
"Send false convoy here."
"Leak this route."
Everyone stared.
"That's… dangerous," Kael said.
Arin's eyes gleamed.
"That's bait."
Three Days Later — Riverstone Pass
Fog blanketed the valley.
A convoy moved slowly.
Wooden carts.
Light guards.
Perfect target.
Hidden among rocks—
Mercenaries waited.
Leader whispered,
"Wait… wait…"
"Now!"
They charged.
Swords raised.
Magic flared.
But—
Boom!
Explosions erupted.
Hidden soldiers emerged.
Crossbows fired.
Spells detonated.
"Ambush?!"
"No—trap!"
Arin's voice echoed.
"Surround them."
Within minutes…
Total defeat.
[SYSTEM PROMPT]
Enemy Unit Eliminated
Reward: Strategy EXP +1200
Reward: Authority +5%
Reward: Hidden Network Map Unlocked
Arin watched calmly.
"One move down."
Back in the Capital — Evening
In a quiet courtyard…
Elara sat nervously.
Her hands rested on her stomach.
Seren noticed first.
"Hey… you've been quiet today."
Elara hesitated.
Then whispered,
"I feel… strange."
Mira approached.
Placed two fingers on her wrist.
Closed her eyes.
Mana pulsed.
Suddenly—
Her eyes widened.
"…Confirmed."
"Life energy detected."
Seren froze.
"…Wait."
"…You mean—?!"
Elara's face turned red.
"I think…"
"I'm pregnant."
Silence.
Then—
"WHAT?!" 😳🔥
Seren jumped.
"You beat us to it?!"
Mira's lips curved slightly.
"Statistically expected… but still impressive."
Arin arrived just then.
"What happened?"
All three looked at him.
Elara stood up slowly.
"…Arin."
"We're going to have a child."
His world stopped.
"…A child?"
System screens exploded.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Heir Detected
Bloodline Verification: SUCCESS
Potential Rank: S+
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Dynasty Era Advancement Initiated
Arin's heart pounded.
He walked to Elara.
Held her hands.
"…Thank you."
Seren crossed her arms.
"Hmph. Guess I'll try harder now."
Mira adjusted glasses.
"Competition acknowledged."
Arin laughed helplessly.
"You three…"
That Night — Royal Chamber
Arin sat beside Elara.
Carefully.
Protectively.
Like she was made of glass.
She smiled.
"You're acting like an old man."
"I'm serious," he said.
"This is my heir."
Seren rolled on the bed.
"Relax, father-in-training."
Mira added,
"Probability of healthy birth: 97.6%."
Arin exhaled.
"Good."
But deep inside…
A new fire ignited.
Not for power.
Not for dominance.
For family.
For legacy.
For blood.
Far Away — Underground Hall
A hooded figure slammed the table.
"An heir… already?"
"Accelerate Phase Two."
"Kill him before the bloodline matures."
Dark shadows gathered.
War was coming.