Jake's eyes shifted nervously, his discomfort evident in his body language. He hesitated, searching for the right words, grappling with the weight of Edward's question. The room seemed to hold its breath as the atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation.Sensing the gravity of the moment, Edward leaned forward, his voice calm and sincere. "Don't worry, Jake, just tell me the truth. I won't be angry or upset. I just need to know."Jake's gaze met Edward's, their eyes locking in a moment of shared vulnerability. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, the weight of his words punctuating the air between them."Sir," Jake's voice trembled as he began to speak, carefully choosing his words. "Your parents... their names are Elias Windsor and Edith Clarkson."Edward's breath caught in his throat upon hearing the names. Elias Windsor and Edith Clarkson— the missing pieces of his identity, the enigma that had haunted him for years. The room seemed to fade into the background as a flood of emotions surged
Ivy gestured gracefully for Edward to follow her, and they entered Windsor Manor together. The entrance hall was adorned with opulent chandeliers, casting a warm glow upon the marble floors and intricately carved walls. The air was filled with a faint scent of roses, emanating from the large vases of freshly cut flowers strategically placed throughout the space.As they walked through the hall, Edward couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The grandeur and history of the manor enveloped him, each step he took echoing with the footsteps of generations past. The portraits that adorned the walls stared back at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of pride and mystery.They continued down the hall, and as they reached the end, Ivy opened a set of double doors that revealed a vast, luxurious room. Edward's eyes widened as he stepped into the most magnificent room he had ever seen. The grandeur of the space was unmatched, its opulence leaving him momentarily speechless. The walls were ado
Xavier's brows furrowed, his sharp gaze fixed on Edward, attempting to unravel the mystery behind his words. Eloise's heart raced, her mind racing through the list of potential enemies and threats that could warrant such a drastic course of action. Victoria, with her keen intellect, analyzed every word and gesture, piecing together the puzzle before them. The silence in the room was heavy, as the Windsor family members exchanged glances filled with a mix of shock, concern, and curiosity. Eloise's voice trembled as he sought clarification, her mind racing to assess the situation. "Edward, be precise. Whom do you intend to... take care of?"Edward took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Xavier, knowing the weight his words carried. "The person I'm referring to is Stevan Petrovich."Gasps of disbelief echoed through the room as Xavier, Eloise, and Victoria absorbed the shocking revelation. The name that had haunted their thoughts and conversations, Stevan Petrovich, now hung in the air, c
Edward's eyes widened in astonishment, his breath catching in his throat. The weight of Xavier's words settled upon his shoulders, his mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what had just been bestowed upon him. It was an honor beyond his wildest dreams, and yet it also carried a tremendous responsibility.Eloise, too, was taken aback by her father's proclamation. She exchanged a bewildered glance with Victoria, their shared astonishment mirrored in their eyes. The idea of Edward assuming such a significant role within the family hierarchy had indeed crossed their minds, but not this quickly, not this easily. And now, they understood that they were about to witness a major change in their family dynamic.Victoria, the astute strategist, remained composed, although her mind buzzed with thoughts and calculations. She recognized the significance of Xavier's endorsement and understood the implications it held for their future endeavors. As the weight of responsibility settled upon
Edward's curiosity got the best of him, and he couldn't resist the urge to check his current status. With a swift gesture, he brought up the System screen, eager to assess his capabilities and potential for growth.The holographic interface materialized before him, displaying his personal information in a series of floating panels. Edward's eyes focused intently on the data, absorbing the details.[User: Edward Windsor][Strength: 25/100][Intelligence: 40/100][Mentality: 35/100][Domination Points: 0][Special Skills: Healing Touch]Edward's gaze lingered on each attribute, contemplating their significance. His strength score left much to be desired, only reaching a mere 25 out of 100. It was a stark reminder of his physical limitations, indicating a need for improvement if he were to face formidable opponents like the platinum-level guards.His intelligence score stood at 40, displaying a relatively higher level of mental acuity. It offered some solace, reminding Edward that he pos
Relief and gratitude washed over Edward. He had expected no less from his grandfather—an emphasis on caution and careful planning. Xavier's willingness to consider the request under controlled circumstances meant that his proposition had been taken seriously.Edward expressed his gratitude with a deep bow, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you, grandpa."Xavier's stern expression softened as he observed Edward's earnestness. "But remember that this is not a contest of dominance. It is an opportunity for growth and learning. Treat it as such, and you shall reap the benefits."Edward nodded, his determination solidifying. He understood the weight of his grandfather's words and the significance of the upcoming sparring session."Prepare yourself," Xavier continued, "In one hour's time, we'll have a sparring session in the underground training room behind Windsor Manor. Be ready."With their discussion concluded, Xavier motioned for Edward to take his leave. Edward bowed
Edward nodded, his determination shining through his eyes. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."Victoria's smile widened, pleased with Edward's response. She turned to face the group of individuals behind her, gesturing for Edward to join them. As they approached, Victoria began introducing each of them in turn."Edward, I'd like you to meet the six members of our platinum-level guard," Victoria said, her voice filled with pride. "These are the elite protectors of our family."Edward's gaze shifted to the three men standing on the right side. They stood tall, exuding an air of strength and discipline. Each had a chiseled physique and a focused gaze, instilling a sense of confidence in those they protected."They are your grandfather's trusted protectors," Victoria then pointed to the first man. "This is Will. He's been with our family for over a decade and is an expert in hand-to-hand combat. He's also a skilled strategist, always thinking several steps ahead."Next, Victoria introduced th
Jake nodded silently, recalling his role in this sparring session. He understood that his main objective was to focus on defense, showcasing his expertise in Judo. Although he underestimated Edward's strength, Jake knew he had to perform at his best, for he was being observed by the esteemed Windsor family.With the crowd's anticipation mounting, the sparing match began. Jake assumed a sturdy defensive stance, his legs spread wide in a traditional Judo posture. He braced himself for Edward's attack, his years of training honing his reflexes and defensive instincts.Meanwhile, Edward observed Jake's defensive stance and deduced that Jake wanted to test his striking power. Without hesitation, Edward unleashed a powerful punch aimed directly at Jake's chest, channeling every ounce of strength he possessed.Jake reacted swiftly, crossing his arms in front of him to form a solid barrier, intending to block Edward's punch. He anticipated the impact and prepared himself to absorb the force.