The grand hall of the Bckthorne mansion fell into an eerie silence, shattered only by the confident voice of Arther's elder brother.

  "O young dy, I am the first son of the Bckthorne Duke family. I offer you a marriage proposal," he decred boldly, his tone dripping with arrogance.

  The room froze. Servants halted in their steps, and even the Duke himself looked stunned. Arther’s eyes widened in disbelief at his brother’s audacity.

  Yamikage’s expression, however, remained calm. She looked at Arther's brother with cold indifference and replied smoothly, "I gdly refuse your proposal. I already love someone else."

  The rejection, so casually delivered, sent ripples through the room. Murmurs spread among the gathered nobles, but Arther's brother's pride wouldn't let it go.

  Without warning, he grabbed Yamikage's delicate hand tightly, his grip forceful. "Young dy," he hissed, "I’m not asking for your approval. I’m telling you."

  Yamikage’s eyes narrowed as she struggled against his grip, her patience wearing thin.

  Seeing this, Arther stepped forward, his tone calm but carrying a dangerous edge. "Brother, let go of my master’s hand before I cut it off."

  His brother sneered, not releasing his grip. "Don’t get cheeky just because you defeated me once."

  A smirk crept onto Arther's face. "Oh, dear brother, I didn’t even use my full power."

  Yamikage chuckled mockingly, adding fuel to the fire. "You couldn’t defeat my student, and you think you're worthy of me?"

  Enraged, Arther's brother drew his sword, pointing it toward Yamikage. "You bitch!" he spat.

  Whoosh!

  Before anyone could react, Arther's hand moved with blinding speed. A sharp gust of wind sshed through the air, severing his brother's arm cleanly. Blood spttered across the polished floor as his brother howled in agony.

  "I warned you, didn’t I?" Arther’s voice was cold and steady. "I said I’d cut it off."

  Panic erupted. Healers rushed forward to reattach the severed arm.

  The Duke stood abruptly, his face flushed with fury. "You insolent brat! What do you think you’re doing?"

  Arther turned to him, his tone composed yet firm. "Father, my brother disrespected my master—the one who treats me like family. I won't tolerate that."

  Gasps echoed throughout the hall.

  The Duchess, Arther's stepmother, shot up from her seat, her face twisted with rage. "You dare speak like this to your father?! To your Duke?! And all for that… that whore!" She pointed accusingly at Yamikage.

  Arther ughed darkly. "Family, you say? You people never cared about me until I gained power. And I know exactly what you did to my mother."

  The entire hall fell into stunned silence. Servants exchanged uneasy gnces, and even the Duke slumped back into his chair, speechless.

  Finally, the Duke’s voice came out in a defeated whisper, "Everyone… is dismissed."

  Without another word, Arther turned, gently taking Yamikage's hand, and led her out of the mansion.

  ---

  Back at the house that now belonged to Arther, the atmosphere was calmer. They settled onto the couch, but Yamikage's eyes lingered on Arther with concern.

  Moments ter, Yuki transformed into her humanoid form, rushing to Arther and hugging him tightly. "Daddy, are you okay?"

  Arther smiled softly, patting her head. "I’m fine, dear. Nothing to worry about."

  But Yamikage’s face darkened. "I’m sorry… this happened because of me."

  Arther immediately shook his head. "Don’t apologize, Yamikage-san. None of this was your fault."

  Moved by his words, Yamikage leaned forward, hugging Arther and resting his head on her shoulder. Arther felt a strange warmth, a comfort he hadn’t felt in years, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

  Yuki climbed onto Yamikage's p, her eyes drooping. "Mommy, I’m sleepy too…"

  Yamikage smiled softly, patting Yuki's head. "Then sleep, my dear."

  As both drifted off, Yamikage whispered to herself with a faint blush, "It’s like I have a lovely husband and daughter now..."

  ---

  Nightfall

  The sky darkened, stars scattering across the sky. Arther slowly stirred, realizing he had been sleeping against Yamikage’s shoulder.

  He jolted up, embarrassed. "I—I’m sorry, Yamikage-san! I didn’t mean to—"

  Yamikage pouted, teasingly. "You shouldn’t lean on just any dy like that, you know."

  Arther scratched the back of his head, flustered. "I-I won’t…"

  Yuki rubbed her eyes and yawned. "Daddy, I’m hungry…"

  Arther chuckled. "Alright, alright. I’ll cook something for dinner."

  Yamikage stood up, brushing off her dress. "I’ll help."

  ----

  Meanwhile, in the Lair of the Holy Dragon

  Deep within the sacred caverns of the Holy Dragons, the air was tense. A soldier, trembling, knelt before a looming figure hidden in shadow.

  "Y-Your Majesty! The Dark Dragon Yamikage has… has left her cave!"

  A pair of golden eyes gleamed ominously from the darkness.A voice come in terror making whole liar feel in tremble.

  "What?..."

  To Be Continued.....