Edric rubbed his forehead, frustration heavy in his voice. "And I hate not knowing."
Duke Will placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll deal with it tomorrow. Everyone's nerves are fraying."
Aldwin sighed. "Tomorrow… yes. But tonight? My wife is still furious about us staying here."
Edric let out a tired, humorless breath. "I doubt we have much of a choice."
Rowan stood quietly to the side, facing away from them, pretending not to listen.
But he heard everything.
So they noticed the skill…
He smiled faintly inside. Good. Let them be curious. They'll never connect it to me.
He exhaled slowly.
I lost control back there. I'm nowhere near my full power— not even half. This body is still too fragile. I pushed it too far and nearly collapsed.
His fingers curled slightly.
Still… I'm safe for now. But sleep? No. Not yet.
His gaze darkened.
That woman won't stop. Lady Aria will send assassins again— not just after me, but after every noble who attended this ceremony.
There were nearly fifty noble families present.
I can't let that happen.
A thin layer of mana spread silently from Rowan's body, so faint it was nearly nonexistent.
Low-level shields… barely noticeable. Weak enough to escape detection, but strong enough to block killing intent.
Invisible barriers bloomed one by one across each noble who attended household.
Every noble who attended.
Each residence wrapped in a quiet, invisible protection—one that would reject any malicious intent before it could even touch them.
Rowan's breathing grew heavier, but he steadied himself.
This costs far less than teleportation. I'll manage.
Then he raised his hand again.
Snap.
A massive, unseen shield enveloped the entire castle.
No glow.
No pressure.
No mana signature.
Perfect concealment.
Good… they won't sense a thing.
"Rowan," Mira called softly. "Come. Let's see your room."
He turned and followed her up the grand staircase. The halls were wide, elegant—filled with the quiet weight of nobility.
"This is where I grew up," Mira said gently as they walked. "As your father told you, I was born into wealth. Your father was a commoner when we first married… but he was already admired."
She smiled proudly.
"He earned his title later. Aldwin Biscotti. You saw him today, didn't you?"
Rowan nodded. "Yes. He was incredible."
They reached the room.
"Come on," Mira said, ushering him inside. "Get ready for bed."
"…I can do it myself," Rowan muttered.
Mira raised an eyebrow.
"Oh no you don't."
She pulled him closer before he could react, washing his hair and changing his clothes like he was any normal six-year-old.
Rowan endured it in silence.
Unbelievable…
In my previous life, I was feared. Now I'm being bathed by my mother.
His soul screamed in humiliation.
This is disgraceful.
Finally finished, Mira tucked him into bed.
"There," she said warmly. "Sleep well."
She left the room.
Rowan lay still, staring at the ceiling.
All shields are active. No assassin will reach them tonight.
His eyelids finally grew heavy.
Now… I can sleep.
And for the first time since the bloodshed—
Rowan allowed himself to drift into deep, unconscious rest.