The following morning, the atmosphere inside Keiran's house was peaceful. Golden rays of sunlight filtered through the wooden windows, casting warm patterns across the floor. The scent of freshly ground herbs and cooking meat filled the air, creating a comforting feeling that made the house feel more like a home than ever before.Inside the kitchen, Keiran stood beside Karina. The former slave girl had long recovered from her injuries and had settled comfortably into her role as the housekeeper. Unlike her miserable days in the Warlord's mansion, she now wore a genuine smile almost every day.At that moment, she was cutting vegetables while Keiran stirred a pot of soup."You don't have to help me every time, Master Keiran," Karina complained with a helpless smile while Keiran laughed."And miss the chance to eat something I cooked myself? Never?” He replied almost immediately.Karina shook her head."Most nobles would never step into a kitchen.""Good thing I'm not most nobles." He s

Williams dropped to his knees so fast that the sound of them hitting the floor echoed through the hall.The once-proud former Warlord no longer looked like the arrogant man who had ruled over countless people with fear. His face was pale, sweat dripped from his forehead, and his entire body trembled under the pressure radiating from Keiran."Please" Williams said hurriedly. "Please forgive me. I swear I didn't harm her. She is still alive”Keiran's eyes burned with fury, everywhere suddenly felt colder"Where is she?" Keiran asked with calm but hoarse tone.That calmness frightened everyone more than if he had shouted.Williams swallowed hard."S-She is in prison."The moment those words left his mouth, Marcus disappeared from where he stood.A powerful gust of wind swept through the room as he rushed toward the prison.The Emperor's face lost all color, things had become far worse than he had imagined.When they first learned that Aria had been taken away, he believed they could sim

The journey to the neighboring country was not a pleasant one for Williams and his brother.Every mile they traveled felt like another reminder of his humiliation.The former Warlord sat inside the luxurious carriage with his jaw clenched so tightly that the veins on his neck bulged visibly. Across from him sat his younger brother, the Emperor, whose expression was equally dark.Neither of them spoke much.The atmosphere inside the carriage was suffocating.Just thinking about that name, Keiran made Williams' blood boil.The carriage hit a bump, causing the former Warlord to grip the armrest tightly."That bastard,” he muttered.The Emperor looked up."You've been saying that for three days."Williams sneered."And I will continue saying it."His younger brother sighed"I understand your anger.""No."Williams' eyes narrowed."You don't."The Emperor raised an eyebrow."I don't?""You still have your throne."The words came out like poison."You still have your authority. Your servant

The grand dining hall of the neighboring counting palace was illuminated by hundreds of crystal lamps hanging from the ceiling. Their golden glow reflected against the polished marble floor, creating an atmosphere of luxury and authority.King Alvin sat at the head of the massive dining table, his fingers resting lightly against the armrest of his throne-like chair. His sharp eyes moved between the two men seated across from him, Williams and the Emperor.The two brothers who had once ruled with unquestionable authority. Now, they had come seeking an alliance for revenge.The atmosphere remained silent for several moments after King Alvin had agreed to support their war against Keiran and Anthony.Williams was the first to break the silence."Your Majesty."He stood and bowed respectfully."On behalf of myself and my brother, I sincerely thank you for your support."The Emperor also rose from his seat."We will never forget this favor."King Alvin smiled faintly."A favor?"He leane

A week had passed since the secret meeting with King Alvin.To the people of the empire, everything appeared peaceful.The markets remained busy,merchants traveled between cities,nobles attended banquets and social gatherings,soldiers continued their daily drills yet beneath that peaceful surface, a dangerous storm was quietly gathering.Inside his estate on the outskirts of the capital, Williams sat in silence.The former warlord no longer wore the imposing armor that had once made countless enemies tremble in fear but despite everything he had lost, there was one thing he still possessed, hope.Williams sat beside a large wooden table with a cup of tea in his hand.Across from him sat his younger brother,the Emperor.The Emperor's face looked considerably older than it had only a few months ago The pressure surrounding him had become immense.His popularity was falling and nobles had begun questioning his decisions. Even members of the royal court had started quietly discussing poten