### The Weakened Seal
Night had fallen.
Moonlight spilled gently over a towering black castle nestled deep within the forest. Its dark walls stood silently beneath the pale glow of the moon, surrounded by endless stretches of trees.
High within the castle, in a spacious chamber, a woman's voice broke the silence.
"Earlier today… I sensed that the seal had suddenly weakened. I managed to repair it, but I can't help wondering what caused it."
She stood beside a tall window, gazing out into the moonlit forest. Silver light washed over her face, illuminating her long white hair as it shimmered softly in the darkness.
"Everything was perfectly stable this morning. How could it have weakened so suddenly?"
Behind her, a man stepped forward.
He gently wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her from behind.
"Don't worry too much," he said calmly. "Perhaps the seal is simply growing old. Even something like that can wear down over time."
The woman lowered her hands to her belly, gently resting them over her stomach.
She was clearly expecting.
"Maybe…" she murmured. "But I still can't help worrying."
Her gaze remained fixed on the distant forest.
"Especially about him."
The man rested his chin lightly against her head before speaking again.
"So, how did it go? Did you give him the good news?"
The woman hesitated.
"Not yet. I was so focused on repairing the seal that I completely forgot. I'll tell him tomorrow—"
"No need."
He gently interrupted her, a small smile forming on his face.
"Let me tell him instead."
He paused briefly.
"Actually… I've been wanting to spar with him."
---
### An Unwelcome Summons
Morning arrived.
Sunlight filtered through the tall stained-glass windows, casting colourful patterns across the castle's long corridors.
A young woman dressed in a neat maid uniform walked quietly down the hallway.
It was Lyriana.
She stopped in front of a particular door and knocked lightly.
Knock. Knock.
"Young Master? May I come in?"
Receiving no immediate response, she carefully opened the door and stepped inside.
Draven was still in bed, having only just woken up. His white hair was slightly dishevelled, and he rubbed his sleepy eyes with one hand before letting out a long yawn.
"What the hell do you want?"
Lyriana approached the bed and bowed slightly.
"Pardon me, Young Master. His Majesty requests your presence in the training yard."
Draven's eyes snapped open.
He immediately sat upright.
"What?!"
His sleepy expression vanished, replaced by irritation.
"What the hell does the old man want now? I thought I was already done with training!"
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Go tell him I'm not interested."
Lyriana lowered her gaze.
"Forgive me, Young Master, but… I'm afraid I cannot do that."
*Is he really trying to get me killed…?*
Her expression remained composed, but inwardly, she couldn't help feeling troubled.
Draven frowned.
"Why not? Aren't you supposed to be my personal maid? Just do as I say."
Lyriana stared at Draven in disbelief.
"Are you seriously trying to get me killed?" she hissed, her eyes widening in panic. "If I dared say that to His Majesty, I might be—"
She stopped mid-sentence, quickly correcting herself.
"No… I will definitely be killed."
Her gaze shifted toward Draven.
His glowing red eyes had narrowed, fixed sharply on her. His expression was unreadable, making it difficult for her to tell what he was thinking.
*Does he really want me dead?*
Fear settled in her chest.
She quickly lowered her head in a bow.
"Young Master, I'm very sorry if my words were inappropriate. I just—"
A quiet sound interrupted her.
A giggle.
Lyriana froze.
She slowly raised her head, only to find Draven getting out of bed, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts.
*Why is he laughing all of a sudden?*
"I didn't think you'd react like that," Draven said, clearly amused.
"I'm so sorry, Young Master, for—"
But Draven waved her off, still grinning.
"No need to apologize. I get it. And it's not like I want you dead. You only just started working here."
*Though, to be fair, I doubt the old man would actually kill her.*
With that thought, Draven casually walked past her and headed for the door. He opened it and glanced back.
"Let's go."
Lyriana blinked.
"Young Master… are you really going to meet His Majesty dressed like that?"
Draven glanced down at himself.
"It's just the training room. I'm not going to a party."
*Luckily, I didn't sleep naked.*
He stretched slightly, then yawned.
*I wonder what the old man wants. Maybe I should grab something to eat first.*
After a moment, he turned toward Lyriana.
"Hey, where the hell is your brother? I don't see him."
Lyriana's expression suddenly changed. A sly, teasing smile appeared on her face.
"I didn't know you cared about him, Young Master."
Draven scoffed, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Like hell I do."
He glanced at her again.
*Her mood sure changed fast…*
Lyriana's teasing expression faltered. She lowered her gaze before answering quietly.
"He's in the training room. With His Majesty."
Draven continued walking, but her answer made him pause for a moment.
"What the crap?"
His eyebrows drew together.
"Isn't he supposed to be my bodyguard? What the hell is that bastard doing there?"
Without waiting for an answer, he continued down the corridor.
---
### An Unexpected Training Session
The training room echoed with the sounds of hurried footsteps and clashing movements.
Aldric darted across the floor, moving with impressive speed as he launched one attack after another.
His movements were precise, each strike aimed carefully at his opponent.
But despite his efforts, the man standing before him seemed completely unbothered.
Draven's father effortlessly avoided every attack, shifting his body just enough to let Aldric's strikes pass by. He barely seemed to be putting any effort into defending himself.
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
"You're much too weak for a High-Blood still have a lot to improve," he remarked.
He casually stepped aside as Aldric launched another attack.
"Let's stop here."
Just then—
The doors swung open.
Draven entered the training room.