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SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The date for the public execution of Baron Helmut and his two sons was set swiftly.
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An official notice was posted in Poerte within a single day.
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By the second day, a massive crowd flooded the city square.
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A guillotine stood in the center of the square.
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The townsfolk, seeing the Baron and his two sons on the platform, sneered with satisfaction.
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“SPIT! Filthy scum!”
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“They played tyrant as nobles—serves them right, you damned bastards!”
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“Kill them quick!”
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The eyes of the gathered townsfolk brimmed with hostility.
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For the past ten years, they had suffered under the Baron’s tyranny.
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Life had grown far harsher than before.
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Seeing children starve to death on the streets had become a daily sight in Poerte.
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And was Helmut the only scum? Hardly.
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His sons, Ruine and Dexter, were just as vile as their father.
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If they saw a remotely attractive woman, threats were the least of it—sometimes they’d slaughter entire families and abduct her.
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That wasn’t all.
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They’d beat townsfolk to death for merely “disrespectful” looks, and alongside the Eight Underworld Gates, they wreaked havoc on businesses, causing endless damage.
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Utterly deplorable rogues, impossible to like.
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The townsfolk swarmed the square precisely to witness their heads roll.
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At that moment, a voice rang out.
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“The Archduke enters! All be silent!”
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The AURA-LADEN voice REVERBERATED through the square.
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At the knight’s SHOUT, silence fell over the crowd.
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Archduke Ethan.
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Even the most ignorant knew he was the eldest son of the Ardan Ducal House.
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The heir of a heroic lineage, said to have awakened from a ten-year coma.
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Not only had he seized the Kargas Barony in an instant, but he was rumored to have wiped out the Eight Underworld Gates in a single day.
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As this was his first public appearance, it naturally drew immense attention.
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HEAVY FOOTSTEPS echoed from behind the knight.
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The townsfolk swallowed hard.
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Rumors about the Archduke had already spread like wildfire in Poerte.
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Some said he was a muscle-bound knight over three meters tall.
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Others claimed his face was so fearsome it could stop a crying child in its tracks.
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Or that he wielded a massive sword too heavy for most to lift—a monstrous knight.
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They’d heard all sorts of tales. Was the Archduke truly like that?
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Curiosity was inevitable.
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THUD.
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THUD.
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When the Archduke finally appeared, the townsfolk’s eyes widened.
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He’s nothing like the rumors!
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Over two meters tall?
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Absolutely not.
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Even generously, his height barely reached the mid-180s.
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And his face was nothing like they’d imagined.
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They’d expected a terrifying visage or one scarred beyond recognition.
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Instead, he was strikingly handsome.
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If unaware, one might mistake him for a refined noble’s son rather than a knight.
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He’s a bit thin, though…
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Not emaciated to the point of grimacing.
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Just a touch delicate for a man.
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One rumor held some truth, though.
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The two-handed sword slung across his back looked so heavy most would struggle to lift it.
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Forged entirely of steel with a massive blade, it was undoubtedly formidable.
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He ascended the platform.
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“The Kargas Barony is one of the vassal domains under the Ducal Territory. Yet Helmut, standing here, not only violated the Fealty Contract with the Ducal House but also committed rampant exploitation in this Barony.”
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“…”
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“I, Ethan, in accordance with the family’s laws, strip these three of their titles and sentence them to death for their crimes.”
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“WOOOAAAH!”
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“Long live the Archduke!”
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“Hurrah!”
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The townsfolk erupted in CHEERS.
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The mere fact that these three would be gone felt like a rotten tooth yanked out—utterly relieving.
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The execution proceeded like a festive celebration amid BOISTEROUS shouts.
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After the three bodies were cleared, a brief speech followed.
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Announcements of abolishing protection fees and reducing taxes—immediate benefits—sparked LOUD cheers from the townsfolk.
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The Archduke.
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He was a merciful lord, entirely unlike the previous ruler.
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***
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At the Hunting Annex in the Kargas Barony, a luxurious carriage arrived.
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Silvia, stepping out, gazed at the annex.
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So this is where the Archduke lived.
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A two-story log cabin.
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For the heirs of the famed Ardan Ducal House, it was an excessively humble place.
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Compared to Helmut’s Inner Castle, it was dozens of times plainer.
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As she looked at the annex, a maid hurried out.
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“Do you have business here?”
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Seeing the ornate carriage, she assumed the visitor was no ordinary person.
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Her demeanor was understandably cautious.
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“Is the Grand Duchess inside?”
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“Yes, she is. And you are…?”
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“I’m Lawrence, the Archduke’s strategist. I have a letter from him for the Grand Duchess.”
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“Understood.”
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The maid took the letter and went inside.
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Within three minutes, Elena rushed out from the annex.
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That must be the Grand Duchess.
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Grand Duchess Elena.
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A woman with the beauty of a radiant rose.
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The rumor that the Ducal House’s members were all strikingly attractive seemed true.
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A knight followed quietly behind her.
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Though Silvia knew little of swordsmanship, she could sense a person’s presence at a glance.
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This knight was no ordinary figure.
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She instinctively knew it.
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Elena hurried toward Silvia and asked urgently.
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“Is the letter’s contents true?”
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“Yes, Grand Duchess.”
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“Good heavens… he conquered the Kargas Barony…”
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A mix of emotions crossed Elena’s face.
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It was good news, but not one she could purely rejoice in.
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The more Ethan stood out, the greater the dangers he’d face.
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She knew her brother was exceptional, but as his sister, she couldn’t help but worry.
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He killed a member of the Ten Branch Families…
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The remaining nine families might mobilize against him.
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As worry filled Elena’s face, Silvia spoke.
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“You needn’t worry too much. The Archduke has calculated everything before acting.”
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“Oh… you’re Lawrence, right? This isn’t the time for standing around. Let’s talk inside the carriage. Sir Poulton…”
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“I have my horse, so I’m fine. You go ahead, and I’ll follow.”
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“Yes.”
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Elena and Silvia entered the carriage.
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“You’re the strategist, yes?”
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“You can speak casually. The Archduke does.”
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“Oh… alright.”
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Elena nodded and looked at Lawrence.
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Despite his delicate appearance, a strategist’s role didn’t hinge on looks.
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What mattered was the wisdom in that mind.
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She held no prejudice.
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“Can you tell me about Ethan’s plans moving forward?”
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“Of course.”
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The Grand Duchess had cared for the comatose Archduke for ten years.
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The Archduke deeply respected his sister.
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This morning, when instructed to bring her, he’d emphasized acting with utmost courtesy.
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Such a person deserved to know his plans.
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“Are you aware that the Ten Branch Families are not fully united?”
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“I’ve heard recently that factions have formed among them.”
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“The Fernes County and the Amelton County. Each leads a faction. The Archduke plans to exploit this to take them down one by one.”
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As the carriage headed toward the Kargas Barony, Silvia continued her explanation.
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No matter what questions Elena asked, Silvia’s responses were seamless.
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“Wow, you’re really smart!”
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“You flatter me.”
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“No, really. No wonder Ethan chose you as his strategist.”
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Elena’s eyes sparkled.
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Their conversation fostered a sense of closeness, and Lawrence’s delicate appearance made her feel like he was a cute younger brother.
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Grabbing Silvia’s hand, Elena said, “I’m counting on you.”
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A woman superior in status, beauty, and character—holding her hand and speaking so warmly.
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It was a first for Silvia, and she was inwardly flustered.
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To her, nobles were like lofty clouds drifting high above.
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Steadying her trembling eyes, she managed to reply.
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“I’ll do my best to serve the Archduke.”
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Her cheeks were faintly flushed despite her calm tone.
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The carriage arrived at the Inner Castle.
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Ethan, waiting to greet them, welcomed Elena personally.
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“Welcome.”
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“Wow… it’s huge!”
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Elena’s eyes gleamed at the sight of the Inner Castle.
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Compared to the Hunting Annex, it was incomparably grand.
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The thought of living in such a place made her heart race.
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Meanwhile, the knight dismounted and approached Ethan.
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Bowing respectfully, he introduced himself.
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“I’ve heard much about you, Archduke. I’m Poulton.”
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Poulton.
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An unfamiliar name.
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Still, he seemed a capable knight.
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Likely a 6-star knight.
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A 6-star.
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A level known as an elite knight.
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At that rank, even high-ranking noble houses like counts would value him.
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The Besos Marquisate had assigned a substantial asset.
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Above 6-star, knights were rare even in marquisates.
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“I’m Ethan.”
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“Yes.”
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As they shook hands, Poulton’s mana subtly probed Ethan’s body.
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It was so discreet that only someone of equal skill would notice.
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Not bad mana control.
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But it wasn’t enough to evade Ethan, a Transcendent in his past life.
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He dispersed his mana, and Poulton’s probing energy scattered like a mirage.
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Poulton flinched briefly.
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Deep in his eyes, a spark of competitive spirit flickered.
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Ethan grinned and said, “Looking forward to working with you.”
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“…Yes.”
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With a knight of this caliber guarding Elena, her safety was assured.
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Ethan toured the Inner Castle with Elena.
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Each time, her eyes sparkled, and when she saw her room, her jaw dropped.
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“Was… was this room always like this?”
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“No, it’s newly decorated. Like it?”
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A sofa and chairs wrapped in soft peacock hide, custom-ordered from the Besos Marquisate.
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From a dazzling chandelier to the gems adorning the room—it was worlds apart from her room at the Hunting Annex.
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Like it?
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Her heart was POUNDING so hard it might burst.
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Hesitating, she said to Ethan, “This must’ve been expensive…”
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“Not at all.”
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“Still…”
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“The Grand Duchess of Ardan shouldn’t be fazed by this.”
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“Really?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Really. Starting tomorrow, I’ll assign you a tutor, so rest well.”
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“A tutor?”
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“There’ll be many houses for you to manage soon.”
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As a patriarch, Ethan had handled countless tasks.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But at his core, he was a knight who wielded a sword to cut down enemies.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Time was too precious to focus on anything but what he did best.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I need to start teaching her governance now.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
That way, he could keep advancing without burdens later.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Fortunately, he had the perfect tutor.
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Praxian, who had served as Chief Administrator in his past life.
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He could provide quality education even to a novice like Elena.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Got it. I’ll study hard, Ethan.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
After the house tour and dinner, Ethan sought out Poulton.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He was lingering near Elena’s room.
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“Got time?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Huh.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Then let’s have a bout.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A 6-star knight.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A worthy sparring partner.
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At Ethan’s words, Poulton’s eyes lit up.
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