Froilan sat at the farthest corner of the training grounds, methodically cleaning his sword. His eyes were sharp, burning with vengeance. Word had reached him that the Montclairs were preparing for another attack. This time, he wouldn't stand aside—he would fight alongside his brothers. And he would show no mercy. Every last Montclair would pay for what they did to his homeland.
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Back in Apomon Village…
Hajee gritted his teeth. They were surrounded—encircled by the Crimson Blades.
"I'm honestly impressed you made it out of the Beastmen Forest alive," Arthur said, his voice calm, almost amused.
"What do you want?" Hajee snapped.
"Well," Arthur replied with a grin, "your big brother asked me to bring you home. He was heartbroken when he found out you'd left without a word. Everyone misses you terribly."
"Then tell His Majesty we're never returning to the empire," Hajee said firmly. "There's no reason for us to get caught in your war."
Arthur's smile deepened. "Actually, the real reason we're after you... is the book."
Hajee's expression darkened. He took a step back, jaw clenched. "What book? I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh, come on," Arthur said with a chuckle. "We already know you have it. That's why you left, right? You need the book to return to your world."
Jinny's heart skipped. What book? she thought, confused. There's a way to return home?
Did her brothers steal it from the palace? Was that why they were being hunted?
"We need the book!" Tohru shouted suddenly. "It's the only way we can get back to our world—and we're not giving it to you!"
"But without magic, the book is useless," Arthur said. "Why not bring it back to the empire? Ask your sister Beatrice for help."
Jinny's eyes widened. Sister?
She was hiding behind her brothers, and Ran had positioned himself to keep her out of Arthur's sight. But now her mind was spinning. Do they have a sister in this world?
None of it made sense.
"We don't trust you," TJ said coldly.
Arthur chuckled again. "Come on. As if you and the emperor weren't brothers?"
A stunned silence fell.
Jinny's heart pounded. Brothers?
The emperor… was their brother?
"Don't you feel the slightest guilt?" Arthur said, stepping closer. "Your older brother is dying. Cursed by the enemy. And the only thing that can save him—is the book.
Where's your conscience? If your mother finds out you abandoned him… do you think she'll ever forgive you?"
The brothers exchanged uncertain glances.
Arthur's tone grew colder. "And it's not just your mother… but your uncle, Mikhail."
At the mention of the name, a bead of sweat rolled down each of their foreheads.
"Emperor Matias is his son," Arthur continued. "If Mikhail finds out his beloved child died because of his selfish nephews… well, I don't think I need to remind you of his temper."
Everyone swallowed hard.
Jinny collapsed to the ground, her legs giving out beneath her. Matias… is Uncle Mikhail's son?
"I… I don't understand," she whispered, trembling.
Ran noticed her fall and immediately rushed to her side.
"Jin?" he crouched down and helped her to her feet.
"I-Is it true?" she looked up at him, eyes wide with disbelief.
Ran sighed heavily, then gave a solemn nod.
A chill crawled down her spine. So Matias… he's really their brother?
That means…
She shook her head, unable to process the truth.
Arthur, noticing the movement behind Ran, finally spotted the young woman hiding at his back. His eyes narrowed. He gave a subtle signal.
Hikari responded instantly, stepping forward and yanking Jinny away from the group.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" Ran protested, lunging forward—but Jinny was already standing in front of Arthur.
Arthur pulled out a worn poster, glanced at it, then back at her. A smirk spread across his face.
"Well, well… Look who else is here. I must be extremely lucky today."
"Let her go!" Ran snapped.
"No can do," Arthur replied casually. "His Majesty has been searching for her. His orders were clear—bring her back to the palace."
"What are you talking about?" Harusheen demanded.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You mean… you don't know? She's his woman."
Stunned silence fell.
"What?!" Tohru's voice cracked.
"How… how did that happen?" Harusheen turned to Jinny.
Jinny lowered her head, her voice barely audible.
"B-before you arrived at the palace… I was serving him."
The brothers exchanged long, silent looks. Fate, it seemed, was toying with them yet again.
Arthur took a step forward. "Now, to avoid a bloodbath in this village, you don't really have a choice. Either come with us… or face the consequences."
He pointed at the Crimson Blades surrounding them.
In perfect coordination, the assassins raised their swords.
"You know what happens next," Arthur added, his voice cold.
TJ stepped forward. "All right. We'll come."
"What? Are you out of your mind?!" Hajee hissed. "The book is our only way back! If they take it—"
"Do you want to die here?" TJ snapped, his voice hard and resolute.
His fists were clenched tight. The look in his eyes was terrifying. He couldn't bear the thought of losing any of his brothers—not like this. They had no choice.
Even with their skills, the assassins surrounding them were seasoned killers. And unarmed, they stood no chance.
"He's right," Imman said quietly. "Just look at them. We can't win this."
Hajee exhaled through gritted teeth. "Damn it…"
"It's settled then," Arthur said with a triumphant smile. "Let's not keep His Majesty waiting."
He turned and began walking away.
The Crimson Blades herded them toward the waiting carriages. One by one, they climbed inside. Without another word, the carriages rolled forward, leaving Apomon Village behind—heading straight back to the empire.
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At the Kingdom of Montclairs…
The gate soldiers straightened the moment they saw a lone figure approaching through the mist.
"The Chief is back!" one of them shouted.
With urgency, they pulled open the heavy iron gates. A wave of relief swept through the garrison as Rameses entered.
A group of soldiers gathered, saluting him with reverence.
"Chief, where have you been? We thought you were dead," one of his comrades said, stepping forward.
"I was lost in the forest," Rameses replied. "But I'm fine now. I need to speak with His Majesty."
The soldier gave a quick nod.
Without wasting a second, Rameses made his way to the grand war hall, where King Velnias and his generals were deep in discussion, pouring over battle plans and maps.
A knight hurried inside ahead of him. "Your Majesty, Commander Rameses has returned!"
The large wooden doors creaked open. Rameses stepped inside, his armor was still dusted with forest grime and torn, with bandages wrapped around his wounds. Without hesitation, he strode forward and dropped to one knee before the king.
"I've returned at last, Your Majesty. I beg forgiveness for the loss of our troops in the battle against Targaryen," he said, head bowed.
Velnias smirked. "I'm glad you're alive, Rameses. The battle with Targaryen was unforeseen—but now that you're back, I am relieved. The Cerberus is whole once again."
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty," Rameses said solemnly.
Velnias rose from his throne, voice echoing through the hall. "Now that you've returned, it's time. The final battle against the Serolf Empire begins!"
Jacques's eyes lit up. "Final war?"
"Yes!" Velnias declared, raising his fist. "Gather every soldier, every weapon, and every monster in our arsenal. We will strike the Serolf Empire with everything we've got! And this time—we shall claim victory!"
"Hehehe…" Jean chuckled darkly. "At last, I can unleash my finest creation. The Serolfians will tremble the moment they see him."
"HAHAHAHA!" Velnias laughed, his voice filled with madness and confidence.
"For King Velnias and the glory of Montclairs!" Jacques shouted, raising his arm.
The room erupted in a chorus of cheers and twisted laughter. They raised their weapons high, united in bloodlust and purpose.
This would be the final war. The fate of both kingdoms would be decided.