That evening, like countless others, the Nyxshade family Manor stood deserted and desolate. Contrary to the circulating rumors, the Nyxshade Manor had been left abandoned after their legitimate heirs were ousted, and their titles unrecognized by the Valorthorn kingdom. Now, Kieran returned to that home with a heart deeply wounded. Thick carpets, antique paintings, chandeliers of gold and diamonds, grand vases crafted by Varidianth's finest artisans, weapons—all of it had vanished, looted by thieves and smugglers. But that was only the surface of the lost treasures.Kieran walked calmly on the dusty marble floor. His mind echoed with memories of a time when servants would clean the manor, exchanging jokes and gossip, always taking a moment to inquire if Kieran needed anything.However, in every pleasant moment, it only served to remind him of the time when Kieran, along with the few remaining residents, toiled all day burying the entire population that succumbed to the plague. Later, t
Five years ago."Kieran, strengthen your legs," his father's reprimand made Kieran tremble. The man kicked Kieran's ankles several times to demonstrate how weak Kieran's stance was.Kieran dropped his sword onto the concrete floor. "Ah, I don't know! I don't want to practice anymore. Sword lessons are foolish!" He shouted in frustration. "We're not backward Valorthorn citizens! We don't need sword training or anything—"Before Kieran could finish speaking, his father's hand had already slapped his face so hard that Kieran nearly stumbled."Pa!" Kieran protested, but his father just looked at him with profound disappointment, and that gaze alone felt far more painful than the slap Kieran had just received."You shouldn't complain, Kieran! You are the sole heir of the Nyxshade family! Two swords are in our family crest. You're not a Nyxshade if you're not skilled with a sword!" his father scolded. "And one more thing, the Nyxshade family doesn't demean others!"Kieran swallowed hard, mo
Night arrives swiftly in the city of Rainvale. The overcast sky never seems to fade, so by evening, the entire town is draped in darkness. House and building lights flicker to life one by one, their colorful glow reflecting in puddles on the asphalt streets. From the small window where Kieran stayed, the view resembled a beautiful oil painting.Kieran dons his long coat, then briefly checks himself in the mirror to ensure his appearance is in order. His attire looks neat, his hair recently combed; overall, he appears quite handsome.Wait a moment. Why is he paying attention to his appearance like this? It's not because he's going to meet that peculiar postgirl, right? Annoyed, Kieran tousles his hair with his hand. Who said he's excited to meet that girl? He's just coming to inform them that he rejects their offer to join the guild. Nothing more.While putting on his shoes, Kieran glanced at Lunabelle sitting on the sofa, enjoying biscuits with a glass of milk and listening to a talk
Kieran pressed his lips together, ensuring his facial expression appeared nonchalant. But seriously, what's the deal?! He never intended to accept that invitation from the start. Yet, why did he feel so disappointed as Serena stood before him now, canceling the invitation with a cold demeanor?"Oh, is that so?" Arlo muttered disappointedly, preempting everyone. The boy still held Kieran's hand, gazing at him for a while. "But he is really good at eradicating dead souls... I'm sure he could be a great member.""Arlo," Serena stared at Arlo sharply, to the point that Kieran felt sorry for her. Without warning, Serena pulled Arlo into the house, the action so abrupt that it left Kieran blinking in surprise. "You don't understand the meaning of a fugitive, do you? He is dangerous!""Well, at least I'm not entertaining strange little girls and hurting little boys on the same day, am I?" Kieran retorted coldly. He pulled out the letter Serena had left for him earlier. Even the paper remained
As Dravon descended from the horse-drawn carriage and set foot on the porte-cochère of the Silverlake residence, the wind blew so strongly, tossing his hair and palace cloak. However, unexpectedly, the Silverlake residence appeared grand and luxurious, resembling a palace. With tall and large buildings adorned with beautiful architecture and genuine gold embellishments on the walls and ceilings. Not to mention two statues of women holding a bouquet of flowers used to welcome guests on the terrace. Dravon realized every inch was made of gold, diamonds, and various rare gemstones. Compared to the Silverlake family's residence, the Lotus Palace was truly nothing."I fail to understand why Princess Silvanna left everything she had in Valorus for the city of Umbravale," Dravon muttered as William joined him. "I fail to understand why she endured being the Crown Princess when my brother didn't treat her well. With wealth and status of this magnitude, she could have married a Crown Prince fr
One year ago.The birthday celebration of the Crown Princess of Varidianth was always grand. The party took place in the heart of Varidianth, the dazzling city of Remirer. It invited nobles from all corners of Varidianth and extended invitations to Princes and Princesses from neighboring realms. It was a well-known secret that Princess Seraphina enjoyed extravagance and revelry.Usually, the party was a joyful affair, featuring performances by the world's most famous bands, delicious foods, dance floors with disco lights and DJ games, and even some alcohol-infused beverages.But that night, Kieran attended the party with a somber demeanor. Surprisingly, it caught the attention of almost-drunk Princess Seraphina. The girl suddenly sat on Kieran's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her black hair smelled like blueberries, Kieran's favorite scent."You know, Nyxshade," Princess Seraphina whispered in his ear. "I want to leave this place. With you."Kieran tried to ignore the gazes o
The night before.The lights in Lord Grand Duke Elios' working chamber were seldom lit, but since the arrival of Miss Silvanna's coffin, they consistently glowed. Lord Grand Duke Elios returned home and never ventured out of that working chamber again.As a servant with six years of tenure at Silverlake House, Lana found herself not truly acquainted with Grand Duke Elios, unlike her fellow servants accustomed to Elios's eccentric work habits. Lana, however, is entirely unaccustomed. She yearned to be the one who serving tea and meals to Mr. Grand Duke Elios, offering blankets, and gently reminding him to rest. Unfortunately, those opportunities remained elusive, as her duties were confined to the task of dusting the walls.Lana understood that her thoughts about The Grand Duke should be restrained, yet observing his conflicts with his parents over the funeral arrangements, she couldn't help but feel a sense of compassion. Particularly when the Duke's own parents, Lana's superiors, orch
On the cold and rugged stone floor of the prince's bath chamber, Dravon sat with both knees drawn to his chest. His hands held an open book, reading it while muttering the incantations inscribed within. Each spell had its own recitation rules for success. The incantations in this book were meant to be spoken softly and swiftly, yet Dravon recited them with a normal tone and an unusually slow pace, merely attempting to memorize them.Suddenly, the door of his bath chamber swung open. Dravon squinted as the light from his room flooded the bathroom, obscuring the newcomer's face. However, Dravon couldn't mistake the tall and composed figure, a blend that made them appear enchanting and unapproachable."Will. Maybe we should set boundaries on when you're allowed to visit," Dravon remarked. "I'm genuinely uncomfortable right now.""I fail to understand why you're so upset," William Zephyr stepped into the bath chamber, sitting cross-legged in front of Dravon on the stone floor. "I heard yo