Two days after the forest mission, rumors spread through the palace.
"The Sixth Prince killed Ironfang Wolves."
"He's training commoners."
"He's forming a private force."
At first, people laughed.
Then, they became uneasy.
Arin noticed the change immediately.
Servants bowed more carefully.
Guards watched him longer.
Nobles whispered when he passed.
He understood.
"I'm being noticed."
That afternoon, he was summoned.
A royal messenger arrived.
"Prince Arin, His Majesty requests your presence."
Arin changed his clothes and walked to the main hall.
Rynor, Jaren, and Lyra stayed behind.
This was politics.
They were not ready yet.
The throne room was silent.
King Theren sat on his throne.
Below him stood several nobles.
Duke Ravenholt.
Count Merek.
Minister Halven.
All powerful figures.
Arin walked forward and bowed.
"Father."
The king nodded.
"Arin, sit."
Duke Ravenholt spoke first.
"Your Majesty, rumors say the Sixth Prince leads armed men without permission."
Count Merek added.
"He's using royal resources secretly."
Arin listened calmly.
He had expected this.
The king looked at him.
"Is it true?"
Arin replied steadily.
"I train volunteers. No royal funds are used."
Ravenholt smiled coldly.
"Then where did you get equipment?"
Arin answered without hesitation.
"I sold my personal ornaments."
The room fell silent.
Everyone knew.
His mother had left him very little.
Those ornaments were his last safety.
Lady Maris, standing in the corner, glanced at him.
Her eyes softened slightly.
The king frowned.
"You sold your inheritance?"
Arin nodded.
"Yes."
A short pause followed.
Then King Theren sighed.
"Enough. He has broken no law."
Ravenholt's eyes narrowed.
But he said nothing.
After the meeting, Arin walked alone through the corridor.
Suddenly, a voice stopped him.
"Prince Arin."
Lady Maris stepped forward.
Her robes shimmered faintly with magic.
Up close, her aura was terrifying.
Arin activated Observation quietly.
[ STR: 35 | MAG: 170 | SPD: 55 | END: 65 | INT: 145 | CHA: 95
Talent: Arcane Research (Epic) ]
She smiled.
"You're clever. And brave."
"I only do what I must," Arin replied.
She studied him.
"Come to my tower tomorrow. I'll teach your mage."
Arin's heart skipped.
"Thank you."
She waved.
"Don't waste her talent."
That night, the system activated.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Gained High-Level Support]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Development Speed +10%]
[PLAYER PROFILE – ARIN ELDORIA
STR: 6
MAG: 5
SPD: 6
END: 5
INT: 8
CHA: 7
Growth Potential: SSS
System Authority: Level 1
]
Meanwhile, in a dark mansion—
Duke Ravenholt smashed a glass.
"That boy is becoming dangerous."
A shadow knelt.
"Shall we act?"
Ravenholt smiled slowly.
"Not yet."
"Let him grow."
"Then crush him."
Arin stood by his window that night.
Looking at the moon.
Pressure was rising.
Enemies were forming.
But so were allies.
And tomorrow—
Lyra's true training would begin.