Duke Kevin Men’s study, Men Dukedom, Kingdom of Estra, Vassal Kingdom to Ana Empire, Far South from mainnd Ana b ley Empire.

  The steady crag of the firepce provided the only warmth in Duke Kevin Men’s grand study as a cold breeze howled outside. Stacks of dots cluttered the rge desk, and a rich st of part and ink filled the air. Seated across from each other, Duke Kevin and Prince William engaged in a tense discussion, the weight of political maneuvering pressing heavily between them.

  Duke Kevin ran a hand through his graying hair, his sharp gaze locked onto the young prince before him. "I don’t uand why you’re so hellbent on this, Yhness." His voice carried the weight of years spent navigating the treacherous currents of noble politics. "I ’t simply hand over the rights to the dungeon. It has the potential to bee a signifit eic asset to my dukedom."

  William leaned forward, his expression calm but determined. "I uand your s, Uhat’s precisely why I’m only asking for administrative rights, not full ownership. You will still have plete trol over the local Adventurers' Guild, and the profits will be split generously—eighty pert for you, only twenty for me."

  Duke Kevin narrowed his eyes. "That’s exactly what I don’t uand. No one willingly takes such a massive loss uhey know something the other party doesn’t." His fiapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair. "What are you after, William?"

  The prince exhaled slowly, a disarming smile. "I won’t deny that I stand to gain from this arra. But let’s be ho—whether I reveal the dungeon’s secret or not, it won’t ge the fact that you’ll be making a profit either way. I’m you a deal where you gaihing and lose nothing. Isn’t that a favorable oute?"

  Duke Kevin leaned back, deep in thought. The offer was tempting, but his instincts warned him there was more to this than William was letting on. The prince was far too shrewd to act without an ulterior motive.

  After a long pause, the duke finally spoke. "Fine. I’ll grant you administrative rights to the dungeon… but on one dition."

  William arched a brow. "And that is?"

  The cold wind rattled the windows as Duke Kevin folded his hands together, a knowing smirk pying on his lips. "Get me an invitation thness Serena’s wedding."

  William blinked, processing the ued request.

  Duke Kevin chuckled, his tone ced with amusement. "Don’t you think I should be present at my own niece’s wedding? I have reliable ihat Princess Serena is returning to the empire from the Western ti, and her wedding tary will be held soon after her arrival." His smirk widened. "It would be a shame for a duke of the empire to be left out of su importa, don’t you think?"

  William studied the duke’s expression, his gaze searg for any hidden motive. After a brief silence, he sighed and nodded. "Alright. I’ll arrange an invitation for you and your family."

  Duke Kevin’s smirk deepened into a satisfied griended his hand. "Then we have a deal."

  William shook his uncle’s hand, sealing the agreement. But even as the deal was struck, he couldn't shake the nagging suspi that Duke Kevin had his own reasons for wanting to attend the wedding.

  Lord’s Bedroom, Jo City, Jo Isnd, Ana Empire

  The warm glow of dlelight flickered against the polished wooden walls of Ravenna’s bedroom. The st of sea salt drifted in through the open baly, carried by the isnd’s evening breeze. Ihe air was thick with tension as Alice rummaged through Ravenna’s wardrobe, shaking her head in dismay.

  "We ’t just have you wearing one of these," Alice huffed, pulling out one dress after another. "You’re an Imperial Princess! We o p order with a proper seamstress—one who craft something truly luxurious. You have to make an impression."

  Ravenna sat on the edge of her bed, rubbiemples as she listeo Alice fuss over fabric choices. But there was something far more pressing on her mind.

  "Alice," she said, her voice steady but thoughtful, "this invitation—it wasn’t from Serena. It came from Father himself."

  Alice froze mid-motion, her hands gripping a silken gown. Her expression darkened. "Of course it did," she muttered, tossing the dress onto a growing pile. "The emperor is pying at something again. There’s definitely an ulterior motive behind this. We ’t go unprepared!"

  She resumed s the garments, muttering under her breath. "Her Highness Serena and your other siblings... they’re surely involved in this too. You know how they are. If they’re pnning something—"

  "That’s precisely why you’re staying back." Ravenna cut her off

  Aliapped her head toward Ravenna, eyes widening in disbelief. "What?!"

  Raven her gaze, unwavering. "You’re not ing to the capital, Alice."

  Alice’s hands ched into fists. "You ’t be serious!" She stepped forward, frustration clear in her voice. "You know this isn’t just a simple wedding invitation. It’s a political move. If something happens, you’ll need someone you trust by your side!"

  Ravenna exhaled slowly, then stood up. She reached out and took Alice’s hands in her own, her grip firm but gehat’s exactly why you have to stay behind."

  Alice was stunned by the rare moment of vulnerability in Ravenna’s eyes.

  "You have Mina now," Ravenna tinued. "She’s unwell, and she needs you more than I dht now. I ’t have you running around the pace, sniffing for information like you used to."

  Alice swallowed hard, emotions warring in her chest. "But—"

  "I appreciate you, Alice," Ravenna said softly, squeezing her hands. "If not for you and Hughes, I wouldn’t have survived the pace’s chaos before my exile. You two ran through shadows, extracted information, and did the dirty work to keep me standing."

  Alice bit her lip. She had never once regretted her loyalty to Ravenna, but she had lost t of the times they had fought and bled to protect her.

  Ravenna’s grip tightened slightly. "That’s why, for me, stay back this time. I need you and Hughes to sit this o."

  Alice waue, wao insist that she should be there. But she could see the determination in Ravenna’s eyes—this wasn’t just a and; it lea.

  "John will be my sed-in-and," Ravenna tinued. "I won’t be alone. But if things take a turn for the worse, I don’t want them using yhes against me."

  Alice felt her breath hitch. She kly what Raven. The imperial court was a battlefield without swords, where loved ones became hostages and pawns. If the emperor, Serena, or anyone else wanted leverage over Ravenna, they wouldn’t hesitate to use those closest to her.

  A heavy siletled between them. Finally, Alice sighed i and nodded. "Fine. I’ll stay."

  Ravenna smiled faintly, relief flickering in her gaze. "Thank you." Alice crossed her arms, scowling. "I don’t like this."

  "I know," Ravenna said. "But it’s for the best."

  Alice huffed, muttering under her breath as she tinued s clothes. "At least let me make sure you don’t look like a beggar at the ceremony."

  Ravenna chuckled. "I’d expeothing less from you."

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