The whole room bowed and fell on one knee. Theodor had let his aura roar, and Nerva stared at the scene, facepalming. I should’ve expected something like this. He thought.

  “These two are my personal guests; this nation owes them more than any of you know. NOW REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID, JAKE!” He screamed.

  Jake knelt on the floor, sweat dripping drop by drop over the marble floor. “Forgive me, uncle. I didn’t mean it.”

  “Oh, you didn’t mean it, is that so? Guards, take him. One month in the mines and then he is to join the military training under Nerva!” He said coldly.

  “Nooo, please, no, uncle. I will change, I promise.” Jake screamed as he was dragged by the guards.

  “Change you will. I guarantee it.” Nerva laughed out loud.

  Behind them, the old noble dragged his sword and coughed as blood dripped down his face.

  “Well, uncle, was this necessary?” Theodor’s face finally cracked a smile. He liked to see the man suffer. He knew for a long time now that the man would give anything to see him die, so that he could inherit the throne.

  “I want an explanation! And how dare you send my son to the mines?” The noble’s voice trembled with fury, his face flushed red.

  Slap! Slap!

  Two sharp strikes echoed through the hall, silencing the whispers. Theodor stood over him, eyes blazing with rage.

  “Enough,” Theodor said coldly. “I’ve tolerated your petty games long enough. Under my rule, we conquered Rond. I finally ascended to the Grand Master realm, the first king of Fallhaven to do so since the founder. The era of scheming ends now.” His voice dropped to a chilling whisper as he leaned close.

  “I wanted peace, but you leave me no choice. Time and time again, you and that foolish son of yours have undermined me. From this moment, you will obey or lose your name. Insult my friends again, and your entire house will fall. You were never family to me anyway… not since you abandoned my father to die.”

  The noble staggered back, shaken to his core. He turned to leave, but Theodor’s hand clamped on his shoulder like iron.

  “Don’t think of playing games,” Theodor murmured, his tone lethal. “I found something in Rond, something that concerns you. You will remain in your chambers until I summon you. Try anything, and you’ll regret it. I have eyes everywhere.”

  The man left with an empty stare, his pride shattered.

  “Are you sure about this? He might try to escape,” Nerva said quietly.

  “He won’t,” Theodor replied with a cold smile. “Flickering Eyes are already on him.”

  Then, with a sudden shift, Theodor turned to the crowd, his voice booming with warmth. “Now, forgive this little… interruption. Since you’ve already met my guests, allow me to introduce them properly!”

  He gestured toward Kai with an exaggerated flourish. “This devilishly handsome young man is Kai, the hero who saved Lisa and our kingdom from Rond! He singlehandedly turned the tide of war!”

  Kai flushed crimson, retracting his claws and aura before bowing. “You honor me too much, Your Majesty.”

  “He looks adorable when he blushes,” one noblewoman whispered, giggling. Kai overheard and turned an even deeper shade of red.

  What is he blushing for? That idiot… Liliya thought from the staircase, arriving late as usual.

  “He was hot when she defended his friend. That purple light made him look like a noble,” another lady whispered, her voice dripping with excitement.

  Kai blushed again, his ears burning.

  Liliya huffed and swooped down beside him. “Let’s go, ladies' man. Enough of your attention-seeking stunts.” She growled, yanking him by the collar back toward Xarion and Lucius, who were watching the chaos unfold.

  “I’ll be damned. They always manage to turn things around,” Lucius muttered.

  Xarion smirked and leaned in. “Try thinking for yourself next time. Maybe you move up in the world as well.” He patted Lucius on the head with mock sympathy.

  Lucius frowned. Nothing makes sense anymore.

  Meanwhile, Theodor continued his grand introductions, his voice booming with cheer. “And this stunning lady…” He paused, momentarily distracted by Umbra in her elegant dress.

  Nerva elbowed him sharply. “Is Lady Umbra a fierce warrior and a new friend. Treat her as part of the royal family. Understood?”

  Umbra raised a brow and turned to Zara. “Since when am I part of his family?”

  “He’s flattering you,” Zara chuckled. “Trying to win you over.”

  Umbra tilted her head thoughtfully. “Hmm… he’s not bad. But I feel like I can find a stronger mate.”

  Zara burst out laughing.

  “Always something with you, birdy,” Scry said between bites. He ignored all the commotion while he ate, Rufus next to him. The two looked like they had a competition to see who could eat more.

  “A primordial spirit… I swear, I’ll lose my mind,” Max sighed, slumping next to Lisa.

  “Let them eat. They like the sweets, just like me,” Lisa said, giggling, petting Max with an innocent smile.

  Theodor raised his glass high. “Well then, let’s continue the celebration! Today, Fallhaven grows stronger than ever. Rond is no more, its lands and cities are ours! By morning, a teleportation circle will link us directly to the capital!”

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  The crowd erupted in cheers as music swelled once more.

  Theodor and Nerva strolled toward the group of misfits. Liliya was still scolding Kai, while Umbra returned with a plate piled high with ribs, choosing to eat closer to her companions.

  “Well, that was an eventful first evening in Fallhaven,” Nerva chuckled, clapping Kai on the shoulder.

  “I hate stuck-up people,” Kai muttered coldly. “They think they’re better than everyone just because of money or family names.” Then he paused, glancing at Lucius. “Sorry… you’re better now. A bit.”

  Lucius frowned. “Catching stray arrows here, it seems. But… I’m starting to understand. Noble blood doesn’t make one right, or above others.”

  “Oh, stop it, you fake!” Zara laughed. “You were all ‘nobles this, nobles that’ five minutes ago!”

  “Oh, you don’t need to tell me, I know him well,” Nerva said with a faint smile. Still, he couldn’t help noticing Lucius slowly growing into a proper warrior. Being surrounded by such a diverse group was changing him. Maybe he’ll even start thinking for himself, Nerva thought. At least, I hope so.

  “How did it go in Rond?” Xarion asked, turning to Theodor.

  “It went well, actually,” Theodor replied. “Not much bloodshed, and I managed to convince a group of crafters to relocate here. That wasn’t part of the original plan, but it struck me as a good idea while I was there.” His expression darkened briefly. “I did find some… troubling things. We’ll discuss that later. For now, let’s enjoy the party.”

  He strode toward Umbra with a grin.

  Kai chuckled under his breath. “He really likes her, huh? Is this what they call love at first sight?”

  As you would know, you ruffian. You tried to kill me the first time we met, bastard. Liliya frowned and smacked Kai’s shoulder.

  “What was that for?” Kai nudged her, confused.

  “Nothing, you oaf,” she muttered, snatching a pastry from the table with a pout.

  “Come on, Lisa,” Nerva said warmly, taking her hand. “Let’s go greet your other cousins and friends.”

  Lisa brightened and followed him toward a group of girls her age. They squealed with delight when they saw her spirit wyrm, immediately showering it with affection, much to the spirit’s obvious displeasure.

  Meanwhile, Theodor struck up a conversation with Umbra. “So, what’s your story? How did you end up like this while still at the Divine Beast level?” His curiosity was genuine.

  Umbra smirked. “You’re a nosy one, but strong. Fine, I’ll tell you.”

  She recounted her journey from the Beastworld to her last battle before meeting Theo, leaving out the more problematic details but sharing the rest without hesitation.

  Theodor listened intently. “You two have been through a lot. Reminds me of my time with Nerva before we had to return, after my father fell in battle.” His voice softened with the memory.

  Umbra tilted her head. “How come you never found a partner? You’re strong enough.”

  Theodor paled slightly and cleared his throat. “It’s not that I never had anyone… but nothing lasted. Then duty called, I had to rule and keep training. There was never time for someone to stay by my side.” He smiled faintly. “You’re blunt, aren’t you?”

  “Life’s too short for games,” Umbra said flatly. “Tigerhawks live to be the strongest. We don’t waste time on weaklings or customs. We take what we want.”

  Theodor chuckled. “Then let me be blunt too, what do you think of me?”

  Umbra’s dark eyes narrowed. “Not bad. I’m not looking right now… but I could consider you.”

  Theodor laughed, delighted. “You’re crazy, but I like that. Definitely the most stunning woman I’ve met. I’d like to know you better. What do you do in your free time?”

  “I hunt, eat, and spar. I need to start preparing for the tournament,” she replied without hesitation.

  “I can help you spar and find you a mentor. What do you say?”

  “I won’t refuse that,” Umbra said, then added with a sly grin, “But you should know, I already have someone in mind. He’s helped me a lot these past months. Not as strong yet, but he’s getting there. I like a male who doesn’t give up.”

  Theodor froze, then narrowed his eyes. “It’s Nerva, isn’t it? That bastard.” He straightened, determination blazing in his gaze. “Fine. Then it’s a competition.”

  ***

  Liliya and Kai sat at the table chatting while Zara and Xarion danced across the floor, and Lucius mingled with a few old friends.

  “I spoke to my master,” Liliya said, lowering her voice. “She approved you for a chance to enter the Towers, but you’ll have to pass their test.”

  Kai’s eyes lit up. “Wow! You’re amazing. Thank you! All this time, I’ve just been fighting on instinct, using what I learned from Scry and bits of memory from others. I’d love to learn properly.” His voice brimmed with passion.

  “For someone so reckless and strong, you sure like to learn,” she teased with a chuckle.

  “In my old country, I was forced to study constantly,” Kai admitted, scratching the back of his head. “Guess it grew on me. I like knowing things, you know? Hah.” Admitting he liked studying felt like a sin for a pure-blooded gamer.

  “But before that, my master will come here to meet you and Lisa. So don’t disappoint her, okay?” Liliya warned.

  “Disappoint? What did you tell her about me, you lunatic?” Kai teased, grinning.

  “Nothing much… just that you’re ridiculously strong for someone who’s eighteen.” Her cheeks flushed slightly.

  “Wait, I never asked. How old are you?” Kai asked bluntly.

  “That’s not something you should ask a lady,” she scolded, then sighed. “Fine. I’m two hundred and seventy-four years old. Still young by Eldari standards. A grown Eldari is around a thousand years old, not counting rank progression.”

  Kai chuckled with a tease. “So that’s like… twenty-seven in human years?”

  “Still, you’re way older than me.” He smirked.

  “So what? Got a problem with my age?” Her tone sharpened. Does he hate older women?

  “Not at all. Why would I? You feel younger anyway, like a crazy little magic-obsessed girl.” He chuckled.

  “Okay, what is this now? ‘Mock Liliya Time’?” She downed another glass of Spiritgrape wine.

  “You’re getting drunk again. Come on, let’s get some fresh air.” Kai stood and gently pulled her toward the balcony.

  “Heeey! Where are you taking this innocent old woman, huh?” she shouted dramatically, drawing stares as Kai sighed.

  Across the room, Nerva chuckled. “Finally, someone else is dealing with this instead of me.”

  “Is Sister Liliya sick?” Lisa asked, worried.

  “Don’t worry,” Nerva said, patting her head. “She just needs some air.”?

  main page and hit follow and favorite, or leave me a rating! Your reviews and feedback mean the world to me and help spread the word, especially for a small author. Thanks for your support!

  My Patreon which is at 40+ advanced chapters at the moment.