The king's fury shook the royal palace.
But in Presia Dukedom
Duke Jacob Crowell sat calmly at his desk, his posture relaxed, his expression composed. Not a trace of worry showed on his face, despite the storm he knew was coming.
Just as Roman said… Jacob thought quietly.
Augustus Nova would never let this slide easily. Jacob understood the king better than most. He had served under the previous ruler, had sworn an oath to help maintain peace in the Clover Kingdom, even cooperating with Augustus despite their differences.
But that era had ended.
I kept my promise to the former king, Jacob reflected.
I cooperated. I endured. I held back.
His gaze hardened.
But now… to bring true peace to Clover, I will no longer restrain myself.
Without hesitation, Jacob summoned a magical scroll and began writing. He detailed everything that had transpired the seizure of Ephor, the king's reaction, the summons sent from the royal palace.
When the message was complete, he infused it with mana and sent it through space.
To Roman.
Moments later, a knock echoed through the office.
"Come in," Jacob said.
The door opened, and Selena stepped inside, her sharp eyes immediately locking onto her father.
"What are you thinking about, Father?"
"Nothing," Jacob replied lightly.
Selena narrowed her eyes. "Don't lie to me. I know you too well. Your face tells everything."
She paused, then spoke more softly.
"You're worried about Roman… about the path he's walking."
Jacob chuckled and shook his head. "So perceptive, as always."
He stood and gently tapped Selena's forehead.
"A parent never stops worrying about their children," he said. "No matter how strong they become."
His gaze drifted briefly, distant.
"You and I promised your mother we would keep Roman safe."
A faint smile crossed his face.
"But now… he has become something else entirely. Like lava melting away the old paths, reshaping everything in his wake."
Jacob laughed quietly.
"I wonder what your mother would say," he continued. "One child becomes the youngest swordmaster in the kingdom… and the other becomes this unstoppable force."
Selena smiled. "Everything that happens is for the good. And we have the blessings of Goddess Aria. It will be fine."
Jacob's expression darkened.
"There is one thing," he said slowly. "Roman must never learn the truth about his mother's death."
Selena stiffened.
"If he finds out that Noah was responsible… he would kill him openly, even in front of Augustus."
Selena nodded silently.
"Yes, Father."
But in her heart, another thought formed.
This has to end. Once and for all.
She looked up again. "I want to come to the meeting."
Jacob turned to her. "You won't enter the council hall."
"I know," Selena said. "I'll wait outside."
Jacob considered for a moment… then nodded.
"Very well. We go together."
As the words left his mouth, a magical scroll shimmered into existence on the desk.
Selena hurried forward and grabbed it.
"It's from Roman."
She read aloud.
"All the pieces are set on the board. I have informed the Holy Empire of the situation. Paladin Ezra Violet will arrive with the evidence against Noah Rockson to pressure the king and demand justice for the people of Ephor. We will go together. I will come directly to the palace, and from there, we move as one."
The message ended.
Jacob turned toward the large map of the Clover Kingdom hanging on the wall.
He raised his magical wand and traced glowing lines across the parchment.
Presia.
Ephor.
The two regions merged under his hand.
He paused, then wrote a new name across the land.
Great Presia.
Selena smiled.
"That's a good name," she said. "Roman will like it."
Jacob nodded. "I think so too."
He lowered his wand.
"Only a few hours remain," Jacob murmured. "By tomorrow morning… chaos will begin."
Across the Clover Kingdom, nobles both great and small prepared themselves.
Those far from the capital had already begun their journeys, carriages rolling through the night, banners fluttering under moonlight.
None of them knew what awaited them.
They traveled toward the royal capital believing they were attending a council.
They did not realize
They were about to witness the end of an era.
And the beginning of a new dawn for the Clover Kingdom.