After the duel, Roman spent some time wandering around the estate.
He didn't do anything in particular.
Just walking through the corridors… the gardens… the training grounds.
A rare moment of idleness.
"…Feels strange," he muttered.
For someone like him, staying still always felt unnatural.
Just as he was about to head back—
"Young master Roman."
Roman turned.
Standing a short distance away was Head Butler Adam, and beside him stood a young man.
Tall.
Well-built.
Sharp eyes.
Composed posture.
Roman narrowed his eyes slightly.
…He has some serious looks.
Adam stepped forward.
"Young master, this is my eldest son—Issac."
The young man bowed respectfully.
"He will be serving you as your personal butler in Ephor."
Adam continued,
"He is well trained in all aspects of service… and he also excels in swordsmanship."
Roman stepped forward.
"It's nice to meet you, Issac."
Issac raised his head slightly and replied calmly,
"The honor is mine, young master Roman."
His voice was steady.
No hesitation.
No unnecessary emotion.
Roman observed him for a moment.
"…Tell me," Roman said, "what are your strengths?"
Issac answered without delay.
"I specialize in logistics, battlefield awareness, and decision-making under pressure."
Roman raised an eyebrow.
"And swordsmanship?"
"I can defend myself and assist when necessary," Issac replied. "But my primary strength lies in support and strategy rather than direct combat."
Roman smiled faintly.
"Good answer."
Issac continued,
"A butler must understand not only service… but also the situation his master is in. I aim to ensure efficiency in both."
Roman nodded slowly.
"…You think fast."
Issac gave a slight bow.
"I simply act where I am needed, young master."
Roman turned.
"I'm looking forward to working with you."
Issac replied,
"As am I."
Departure
Roman began walking toward the estate gate.
Issac followed behind him.
As they walked, Issac turned briefly and bowed to his father.
Adam gave a small nod in return.
No words.
Just understanding.
A moment later
They reached the main gate.
A grand carriage stood ready.
The sigil of Great Presia Dukedom shone proudly on its surface.
Outside
A large formation of knights stood in perfect order.
At the front stood Knight Captain Allen and Mage Jeremiah.
Roman approached them.
Allen bowed.
"Young master."
Jeremiah gave a slight nod.
Roman looked at Jeremiah.
"How's your progress?"
Jeremiah adjusted his robe.
"I have been working on multi-layered spell structures as you suggested… but stabilizing them is still difficult."
Roman crossed his arms.
"Because you're forcing control."
Jeremiah frowned slightly.
Roman continued,
"Mana isn't something you dominate. It's something you guide."
He stepped closer.
"Try synchronizing with the flow instead of suppressing it."
Jeremiah's eyes widened slightly.
"…I see."
Roman smirked.
"I've already given you the clues, genius."
"Figure the rest out yourself."
Jeremiah smiled faintly.
"…Understood."
Roman turned.
He looked back at the Great Presia Estate.
For a brief moment—
He smiled.
"…Let's go."
Roman entered the carriage.
Issac followed and took his position inside.
Outside, the knights formed a tight defensive perimeter.
The convoy began moving.
The sound of hooves echoed steadily.
Roman glanced out the window.
"…Allen."
Allen rode beside the carriage.
"Yes, young master?"
"Isn't this a bit too much?"
Allen looked around.
"It is a direct order from Duke Jacob and Lady Selena."
Roman sighed.
"Do you really think I need this many knights?"
Allen thought for a moment.
"…No."
"But I cannot disobey a direct order."
Roman chuckled lightly.
"…Fair enough."
Allen smiled faintly.
"Let's proceed to Ephor."
Roman closed the window.
Then leaned back.
"Issac."
"Yes, young master."
"Wake me when we reach Ephor."
"…Understood."
Roman closed his eyes.
And within moments—
He fell asleep.
Arrival at Ephor
After several hours—
The carriage slowed down.
"Young master."
Roman slowly opened his eyes.
Issac spoke calmly,
"We have reached the borders of Ephor."
Roman sat up and opened the carriage window.
What he saw—
Was a crowd.
People had gathered along the road.
Men.
Women.
Children.
All staring at the approaching convoy.
The knights stood in perfect formation.
The Great Presia insignia on the carriage caught everyone's attention.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"Look… that's the Presia insignia…"
"So it's true…"
"They've taken over Ephor…"
"I heard the new ruler is coming today…"
Roman listened quietly.
Another voice spoke.
"They say it's Young Master Roman…"
"The one who overthrew Duke Noah…"
"And brought him to justice…"
Someone else added,
"I heard he personally led the operation…"
"And that he's chosen by the goddess…"
"Warherald… they call him…"
The crowd murmured in awe.
Some looked hopeful.
Some looked nervous.
Some looked curious.
Roman watched them silently.
No expression on his face.
But his eyes—
Were sharp.
Focused.
He slowly leaned back inside the carriage.
"…So it begins."
The carriage continued forward
Crossing into Ephor.
A new chapter had begun.