That afternoon, the Duke sat in the heavy silence of his study, absorbing the head butler’s report on the tournament’s progress.

  “So, the ones who advanced to the final round are the son of House Lucien and the young man brought by my daughter?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Hearing the confirmation, the Duke stroked his chin, weighing the possibilities. Previously, he had made an agreement with Rey—if his brother, Alex, won the tournament, the Duke would provide logistical supplies and cavalry to reinforce the Southeastern border.

  However, if Alex lost, no aid would be sent.

  “What about the movements of the nobles around the Southeast and Central-East regions?”

  “A small portion has provided minimal support to House Lucien, but the majority have chosen to turn a blind eye. Especially in the midst of winter, most nobles are focused on managing their own territories,” the butler reported with a lowered head.

  “And there is new information: several nobles in the Central region have begun forming their own faction.”

  "Tch. Parasites. They care for nothing but their own gluttony.”

  “My lord, from the intelligence I’ve received…”

  “Speak.”

  “It seems the faction formed by the Central nobles aims to support the Imperial Princess.”

  At that, the Duke narrowed his eyes.

  As ruler of the Southern territory, he was the Crown Prince’s primary supporter—an alliance solidified ever since his daughter Selena’s engagement to the prince had been announced.

  As a Duke, he understood well that a great political storm was approaching. The struggle for the throne between the Prince and the Imperial Princess was imminent, and he had wagered everything on the Prince’s side.

  “If the Southeastern border falls, the Monster Domino will spread and devastate the Central region. That would be a strategic advantage for us,” the Duke muttered.

  “You are correct, my lord. With that territory destroyed, the Imperial Princess would lose her power base and resources.”

  The Duke exhaled slowly, recalling Alric Lucien, his old friend from their days at the Imperial Academy. Alric was a stubborn man who would bow to no one. As a Marquess family, the Luciens bore the heavy burden of guarding the Southeastern border, never willing to be dragged into political quagmires. If that territory collapsed, the Duke and the Prince’s faction would gain a significant political victory.

  Even if he offered aid to Alric Lucien, the man would likely remain neutral and refuse to join the Prince’s faction. In the ruthless world of politics, youthful friendships were rarely enough to move armies.

  “What is your opinion of the two finalists?”

  “While Alex Lucien holds the edge in raw technique, this Elvan possesses a terrifying gift. He bears a Stigma—the Aura’s Blessing.”

  The Duke frowned slightly at the report.

  “It seems Selena has brought some very interesting individuals.”

  “Yes, my lord. Lady Selena has always possessed sharp judgment when evaluating people.”

  “Hahaha, very well then. For tomorrow’s final match, I shall alter the rules slightly.” The Duke’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “Tomorrow, the participants may use Aura freely.”

  The head butler stiffened, eyes widening in disbelief. For decades, the Southern sword tournament had upheld the purity of swordsmanship and strictly prohibited the use of Aura.

  Tomorrow… that history would change to serve the ruler’s ambition.

  After finishing his work, the Duke proceeded to the formal dining hall. A long oak table stretched across the room. Servants stood rigidly, moving in perfect silence as they served the evening meal.

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  His daughter, Selena, was already seated alone. The moment her father appeared, she bowed politely.

  “Father…”

  The Duke gave a brief nod and took his seat. For a while, no words were exchanged.

  Only the soft clinking of silver against porcelain broke the tense silence. Even the servants held their breath, sensing the cold aura emanating from the two figures at the head of the table.

  At last, the Duke set down his utensils and sipped his red wine.

  “So, Selena… I received a report from the Academy. You have maintained your position as the top student.”

  “That is merely my duty, Father,” Selena replied flatly.

  “Good. However, I also heard that your relationship with the Prince has grown distant. Do you know the reason?”

  Selena paused briefly, though her expression remained composed. “If Father is referring to the Prince seeking minor amusement, then it is none of my concern.”

  “Selena, you do not understand. . Do you not think it would damage the Duke family’s image?”

  Selena stopped cutting her meat. She set her knife and fork down with a sharp clink.

  “I refuse to waste my emotions managing some lowborn girl. Besides, my mere presence at his side already grants the Prince political stability and strength,” Selena said, dabbing her lips with a silk napkin.

  “Do not grow arrogant because of your status, Selena. A small issue you ignore today may become a fire you cannot extinguish tomorrow.”

  “Enough! Father, I know what I am doing. If you are so concerned, I will resolve the matter in my own way later.”

  Without waiting for a reply, Selena rose and left the dining hall with firm steps.

  Watching her departure, the Duke let out a long sigh. He remembered when Selena was ten years old—a cheerful little girl full of laughter. That child was gone, replaced by a cold and calculating woman.

  He did not blame the change. In this cruel world, Selena had to be raised strictly to match the Prince and become the future Empress. Yet deep in his heart, the father knew there was a heavy price for such strength.

  —*

  Back in her bedroom, Selena sat silently, staring at the night sky through the narrow gap of her window.

  Her thoughts drifted to the first time she met the Prince after their official engagement was announced. For high-ranking nobles, arranged betrothals at a young age were commonplace—especially for the Southern Duke who had pledged loyalty to the Emperor.

  Back then, Prince Arthurian had been warm and dignified. She remembered a day when they were running through the imperial garden and she fell.

  “Selena, are you alright?” the Prince asked, his face filled with concern.

  “Uh, I-I’m fine… Please don’t tell Father,” Selena whispered nervously, imagining the Duke’s anger if he learned of her carelessness.

  “Look, your knee is injured. Come here, let me clean it.” Gently, the Prince wiped her wound with his handkerchief. Then he took out a bright crimson high-grade healing potion and poured it over the injury.

  Miraculously, the wound closed instantly, as though it had never existed.

  “There, all healed,” the Prince said with a wide smile. “You all! Remember—you saw nothing today, understood?!”

  The servants and guards nodded respectfully, smiling sincerely. “Of course, Your Highness.”

  Selena closed her eyes, trying to hold that memory tighter.

  The Prince she once knew gradually faded as they grew older.

  Political pressure may change many people, but Arthurian’s transformation at the Academy had been drastic—like day suddenly collapsing into deep night.

  Selena hugged the doll the Prince had given her on her twelfth birthday. Her breathing grew uneven, and tears like glistening pearls rolled down her pale cheeks.

  “Your Highness Arthurian De Tharsaros…”

  The name slipped softly into the silence of the night—the name of the future ruler of the Tharsaros Empire, and the man who was slowly breaking her heart.

  —*

  Elsewhere in the city, inside a small rented mansion, Elaine and Elvan were seated together, discussing matters over a simple dinner. Elaine had just recounted her unexpected encounter with Rey at the market.

  At the mention of that name, Elvan paused mid-bite. Concern flickered across his face. But Elaine quickly explained everything—including how Rey had not acted provocatively.

  “Do you think that makes sense? Rey Lucien apologizing?” Elvan asked skeptically.

  “I don’t know. Maybe he’s just pretending to be kind so he can execute another vile scheme against Asti later.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right… but at least if he truly came to his senses and stops bothering Asteria, that would be better for all of us,” Elvan said, returning to his warm soup.

  “Hmph, considering his rotten nature, that seems impossible,” Elaine paused, recalling the earlier encounter. “Ah, he was with another woman too. Her appearance… honestly, it was rather intimidating.”

  “Well, maybe he’s found a new ‘target,’ so he won’t chase Asteria anymore once we return to the Academy.”

  “I hope so. But I feel a little sorry for the girl he brought. I hope she isn’t treated poorly,” Elaine murmured.

  She remembered Rey’s behavior at the Academy—a scoundrel obsessively fixated on Asteria. Imagining the girl she saw today becoming the next object of his twisted obsession made Elaine shudder.

  “By the way, Elvan, is it true the tournament rules were suddenly changed?” Elaine asked, shifting the topic.

  “Yes. For tomorrow’s final, participants are allowed to use Aura freely. I sparred with Alex before at the Academy, so I’m confident I can surpass him if we both use Aura,” Elvan replied confidently.

  “That’s good. You must win, Elvan. With the prize, we won’t have to worry about next year’s Academy tuition. And… Lady Selena said she will watch the match in person with the Duke.”

  Hearing that, Elvan stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with determination. “Then I have even less reason to lose, don’t I?”

  “Of course! I’ll support you with everything I have, Brother!”

  After their warm dinner ended, they retired to rest. A calm atmosphere enveloped the small mansion—unaware that the next day, an unexpected upheaval would shake everything.