The morning sun bathed the city in golden light as Arthur, Yamikage, and Yuki set out for their shopping trip. The streets were bustling with merchants calling out their wares, and the air carried the rich scent of baked bread and fresh flowers.

  After selecting fine clothes for the upcoming party, Yamikage couldn't resist picking out a few accessories for herself and Yuki. The little girl beamed as she admired her new blue-gemmed neckce, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight.

  Their next stop was a restaurant, where they indulged in a grand meal. Arthur ordered Yuki an ice cream, and she gleefully enjoyed it, getting some on her cheeks in the process. Yamikage chuckled while wiping her face. "You eat just like a little fox," she teased.

  Finally, the day of the party arrived. A grand bck carriage pulled up to their home, sent by the Duke himself. As Arthur stepped out first, he turned and offered his hand to Yamikage. She gracefully accepted, stepping down in a flowing bck gown adorned with ruby-red accents. The neckce she wore only amplified her striking beauty, making her seem like a goddess descending upon the earth.

  Yuki, dressed in an elegant white dress with a small sapphire neckce, clung to both their hands. Arthur looked at them with admiration. "Let's go," he said, leading them inside.

  The moment they entered, a hush fell over the room. Nobles turned their heads, whispering amongst themselves, utterly captivated by Yamikage’s beauty. Even Yuki’s innocent charm left many speechless.

  Amidst the chatter, Arthur spotted his sister across the hall. His eyes brightened. "Sister!"

  At first, she didn’t recognize him, but when she did, tears welled in her eyes. She rushed forward, embracing him tightly. "Arthur! How have you been?"

  Arthur smiled warmly and, after catching up for a moment, introduced Yamikage and Yuki. His sister then introduced her husband the second prince of the kingdom. They exchanged pleasantries, but their conversation was interrupted when the Duke stood up, raising a gss of wine.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, I officially decre my eldest son as the sole heir to the Bckthrone family!"

  The hall erupted into appuse as nobles congratuted Arthur’s brother.

  "Now, let us all enjoy the evening," the Duke announced.

  As music filled the air, nobles began pairing up for a dance. Arthur noticed that Yamikage had already rejected countless suitors, turning them down with a cold but elegant brutality.

  His sister nudged him. "Arthur, why don’t you ask her?"

  Arthur hesitated. "Sister, she’s turned down so many men tonight. Do you really think she’ll accept me?"

  His sister giggled. "Just try."

  Sighing, he gathered his courage and approached Yamikage, bowing slightly. "Dear dy, would you honor me with this dance?"

  For the first time that evening, Yamikage blushed. "Yes."

  As they danced, her crimson eyes locked onto his. "You look quite noble tonight, Arthur," she teased.

  Arthur smirked. "And you look absolutely breathtaking."

  A deep blush crept onto Yamikage’s cheeks. By the time the dance ended, she leaned forward and gently kissed him on the cheek.

  Arthur turned red. "W....What was that for?"

  She smirked. "Just a little reward for dancing with me."

  The Spark of War

  Across the hall, Arthur's brother watched the scene unfold, his face darkening with rage. His fingers clenched his wine gss so tightly it cracked.

  At that moment, Yuki happily enjoying another ice cream accidentally bumped into him, spilling some on his coat.

  "Ah! Uncle, I’m sorry!" she said, her voice trembling.

  His face twisted with anger. Without a second thought, he spped her hard across the face. Yuki fell to the ground, clutching her swollen cheek as tears welled up in her blue eyes.

  "You arrogant brat!" he spat.

  The hall fell silent. Yamikage and Arthur immediately turned toward the sound of Yuki’s cry. Seeing her on the ground, sobbing with a red mark on her cheek, Arthur's blood ran cold.

  Yamikage rushed forward, picking Yuki up and gently stroking her hair. "Shh… it’s okay, sweetheart," she whispered, trying to soothe her.

  Arthur knelt beside them, his voice soft but firm. "Yuki, who did this?"

  Still sniffling, Yuki pointed at Arthur’s brother. "That uncle… he hit me… for no reason…"

  Arthur’s heart pounded with fury. His mana surged, and a deadly aura filled the hall. The temperature seemed to drop as his bloodlust weighed down on everyone present.

  His voice was dangerously calm. "You… id a hand… on my daughter?"

  Arthur’s brother took a step back, sweating. "Arthur, calm down...."

  Arthur stepped forward, eyes burning with rage. "First, you disrespected my master. And now… you dare to strike my daughter? Do you really think I will let this go?"

  His brother stammered, stepping further back. "Arthur, wait! I..I’ll apologize! I’ll even give you my position as heir..."

  Arthur’s expression darkened. "Shut up....Go to hell."

  Just as he was about to strike, Yamikage stepped in front of him. "Wait, Arthur. I have something better for him."

  She turned to Arthur’s brother with a chilling smile, her fingers glowing with dark energy. With a swift motion, she pced a curse upon his face. The moment the spell took hold, searing pain erupted across his skin, burning half of his face.

  "Aaaahhh!!!" he screamed, colpsing to the ground.

  Yamikage smirked. "This is a special curse. If you try to heal it, the pain will increase tenfold."

  Arthur shivered slightly. She’s terrifying…

  The Duke roared in anger. "Arthur! What is the meaning of this?! You and your master will be thrown in prison!"

  Other nobles joined in, demanding punishment.

  Arthur chuckled darkly and released a surge of mana so intense that every noble in the room fell to their knees, trembling.

  He raised a single finger toward them his middle finger. "Go to hell, all of you."

  Without another word, Arthur, Yamikage, and Yuki turned and left the mansion.

  Behind them, the Duke’s furious voice echoed through the halls.

  "Arthur!!!"

  To Be Continued...