The council chamber gradually settled into quiet as Roman pushed his chair back and rose to his feet. The pope, archbishop, paladins, priests, and nuns watched him closely waiting for whatever final decision the young Warherald would make.
Roman exhaled softly.
"My task here is completed," he said calmly. "I acquired everything I came for. Now it's time for me to return home. From there, I'll stay in contact."
He turned toward Gabriel. "And during the dungeon breakout, please inform me where your regiment will be stationed."
Gabriel placed a fist over his chest. "Yes, Roman. I will send word the moment our positions are finalized."
Roman nodded.
The pope blinked, surprised. "You are leaving already, Roman?"
"Yes, Your Holiness," Roman replied. "There is much work waiting for me back home. But all of you must prepare for the worst. And…" his golden eyes narrowed slightly, "please remember my identity must remain hidden until I say otherwise."
"We will honor that," Pope Lucius replied immediately.
Roman continued, "While coming here, I saw a large crowd gathered outside. Please handle the situation carefully."
"We will," the pope promised.
Roman extended his hand, shaking hands one by one with everyone present Gabriel, Ezra, Archbishop Desmond, the senior priests and nuns, and finally the pope.
He stepped toward the gallery exit when a voice called after him.
"Hey, Roman! Can I visit your dukedom sometime?" Ezra shouted. "You know… just to meet? If you don't mind!"
Roman stopped and turned.
"You are always welcome, Paladin Ezra."
Ezra brightened like a child who had been handed a new sword.
Roman gave a small wave and continued toward the open gallery, activating his flight magic. Holy light flickered beneath his feet as he launched upward, rising through the sky and away from Arcania's capital. His cloak fluttered behind him as he began his journey home.
After some time, Roman descended into the familiar grounds of Presia Dukedom. The scent of grass, steel, and home greeted him.
Selena was in the middle of instructing Martha and the other young trainees. She drilled them through harsh physical exercises while simultaneously sparring with two knights, her blade flashing with merciless precision.
When she noticed Roman approaching, she didn't hesitate. With a single leap, she landed before him, her sword stopping a hair's breadth from his neck.
"So," she said, eyes sharp, "you do remember that you belong to the Crowell family and not to the Holy Empire and its pope."
Roman smiled, unbothered by the blade resting at his throat.
"How could I forget that I have a dangerous sister waiting for me? I don't want to die a meaningless death."
Selena smirked. "You cunning fox. So? Did you accomplish what you wanted in the Holy Empire?"
Before he could answer, Martha and the younger children rushed forward.
"Big brother Roman!"
Martha latched onto his leg, and the others followed. Roman patted her head gently.
"How are you my little princess?"
"I'm fine!" Martha sniffled. "But… I'm scared… big sister Selena is dangerous! She makes us practice and exercise all day!"
She burst into tears.
Roman shot Selena a look. "Look what you've done. She's crying."
Selena only shrugged.
Roman called out, "Lyra!"
The maid hurried over.
"For today, there will be no training for them. Let them enjoy themselves. Give them whatever they want." He gently handed Martha into Lyra's arms.
Martha clung to Roman's sleeve until she was carried away.
Roman and Selena began walking together through the gallery toward the duke's office.
"So," Roman said, "what's the situation in Ephor Dukedom? How is the covert operations team performing?"
Selena crossed her arms, her expression turning cold. "They're doing well. Completely hidden. But the situation in Ephor is deteriorating. The knights loyal to Noah Rockson are torturing common citizens without restraint. Our own knights are disguised as beggars just to blend in… and they're struggling to hold back their urge to cut those monsters down."
"They'll get their chance soon," Roman replied quietly. His eyes sharpened. "But for now, I need to brief you and Father about my meeting with the pope."
They reached the office doors. A knight guard opened them.
Inside, Duke Jacob Crowell sat behind his desk, examining documents the initial evidence collected from Operation Specter's first phase. His jaw was tight, his hands clenched.
Roman stepped in. "How are you, Father?"
Jacob slammed his palm against the table. "Not good! I can't believe what I'm reading. how is King Augustus Nova still supporting that bastard Noah? He knows exactly what that man is doing!"
Roman raised a calm hand. "There's no need for tension. We will accelerate Operation Specter Phase Two. We will finish it as soon as possible. The dungeon breakout is approaching. We have little time."
He took a seat opposite Jacob.
"Contact Magic Tower Master Velkan and summon him here."
Jacob frowned. "What are you planning now, Roman?"
"I'll explain everything in detail soon," Roman said. His voice became firm, steady commanding. "But hear this clearly, Father."
He looked at both Jacob and Selena.
"We the Crowell family of Presia Dukedom are going to reshape the Clover Kingdom. And…"
His next words froze the air.
"…the Holy Empire of Arcania will be backing us with the full support of Pope Lucius Serapheal."
Jacob and Selena both went completely still, shock overtaking their expressions.
The future had already begun to shift.