The night sky was silent, heavy with the weight of recent battles and victories. But the serenity at Persia Dukedom was soon stirred by the thunderous rhythm of hooves. A convoy, adorned with the crest of the Sidom Kingdom, arrived at the gates under full escort.
The guards opened the gates with precision. Inside, the estate was lit brightly, as per Duke Sion's earlier orders. They were expecting important guests—and these were no ordinary guests.
From the grand carriage stepped King Elric of Sidom, regal and battle-worn, followed by Queen Elenora, graceful yet sharp-eyed, and their heir, Prince Lucien, a young man with calm resolve in his gaze. They had come not as rulers of a kingdom, but as humbled allies, indebted to a single warrior.
Sion stood tall in the estate courtyard, flanked by King Nathan, Duke John, and his mother, Lady Mary. When Elric saw Sion, he stepped forward without hesitation and bowed slightly—not as a king, but as a man recognizing greatness.
"Sir Sion Ragnar," King Elric said solemnly, "your actions have not only saved Sidom from disaster but have written a tale of valor that will echo for generations. We are forever in your debt."
Sion remained composed. "I did what I had to, Your Majesty. No one touches my family and lives to boast about it."
Queen Elenora nodded approvingly, her eyes shifting toward Rebecca, who was trying—and failing—to hide her growing admiration for Sion. Her cheeks flushed as Sion met her eyes with a slight, polite nod.
The guests were escorted into the main hall, where a formal meeting was soon underway. Maps of the region were spread across the table.
King Nathan opened the discussion. "The fall of the Leaf Kingdom has shifted the balance. With their territory now under Clover control, we propose to establish a new dukedom, led by none other than the one who conquered it—Duke Sion Ragnar."
There was a murmur of approval. The Sidom royals nodded, and Queen Elenora spoke gently, "It is a just decision. If not for him, our kingdom might not even exist."
Sion did not react outwardly, but internally, the weight of responsibility tightened around his chest. He was no longer a hidden blade. He was now a symbol.
Amidst the political discussions, Rebecca, unable to restrain herself, finally stood up and declared to Queen Elenora in front of everyone:
"Mother, I've decided. I will support Duke Sion in every way I can—even if it means staying here in Persia."
The hall fell silent.
Queen Elenora sighed softly, as if she had been expecting it. "Let your heart be strong, child. But know that his world is not an easy one."
Sion didn't speak, but his expression betrayed nothing. The others noticed the sharp glance from lady Sara and Princess Katherine. Tension was brewing beneath all the diplomacy.
The chapter closed as the night deepened and the shadows outside the estate grew longer. Unseen to all, far beyond the hills, a figure cloaked in black observed the estate from a distance, whispering words only the wind could carry.
"So... this is the one who shattered a kingdom. Let us see how he fares against something... ancient."