As soon as word spread that Sion had arrived at the Persia Dukedom estate, Lady Mary hurried toward the courtyard. Her expression lit up with joy when she saw him. Without hesitation, she embraced her son tightly. From a short distance, Janet spotted her brother and squealed with excitement. Sion smiled warmly, knelt down, and lifted her into his arms.
"It's good to be back," Sion said, holding her close. Turning to Mary, he asked gently, "How are the preparations going?"
Mary quickly filled him in. "Everything has been cleaned and secured as per your message. Security has been doubled around the royal family's quarters, and we've begun stockpiling supplies."
Just then, Jerin—the loyal head of the house guards—stepped forward with a salute. "Welcome back, Young Master. The outer perimeter is fortified. We're keeping a close watch on the Avalon Merchant Group's shipments, inspecting every delivery."
Sion nodded. "Good. Tell the knights to assemble on the training grounds immediately. Also, summon all the local authorities and leaders of the estate. We have work to do."
"Yes, Young Master," Jerin responded and left at once.
Mary watched him go, then turned to her son with a teasing smirk. "So... what about your second fiancée? Princess Katherine, was it? Or should I say 'fiancées' now?"
Sion sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "It's... complicated." He briefly recounted the chaotic events at the palace, including how he ended up engaged to both Sara and Katherine.
Mary chuckled softly and shook her head. "You've become quite the heartthrob, my son."
But before Sion could respond, Janet crossed her arms and pouted. "You're a womanizer now, Brother. I hate you! I'm supposed to be the only girl in your life!"
Sion bent down, still carrying her in his arms, and smiled. "My dearest princess, you are my number one. No one could ever take your place. I belong to you first and always."
Her pout melted into a giggle, and she hugged him tightly. Mary watched the two of them, her eyes misting with emotion. Seeing her children this joyful—despite the chaos surrounding them—felt like a rare and beautiful dream.
Suddenly, a palace guard rushed into the room, panting. "Young Master, a guest has arrived at the main entrance."
"I'm not seeing anyone right now," Sion replied sharply. "Send them back."
"But sir," the guard said hesitantly, "She's the second princess of the Sidom Elven Kingdom—Rebecca Esther."
Sion froze, his eyes narrowing in surprise. Raphael appeared beside him with a mischievous grin. "Another princess, huh? The King's charm truly knows no bounds. How romantic."
Sion let out a deep breath. "This day just keeps getting more complicated…"