Roman sat in his chair, the room quiet around him. For a brief moment, he closed his eyes, letting the stillness settle. The events of the past days had been decisive, but this… this was only the beginning.
"Issac."
The door opened almost instantly. Issac stepped in, bowing lightly. "Young master."
Roman opened his eyes and looked at him. "Spread the message across the villages. This evening, I will address the people. Make the necessary arrangements."
Issac nodded without hesitation. "It will be done, young master."
With that, he turned and left.
Roman leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting toward the window. It was necessary. If Ephor was to change, the people needed to hear it directly not as rumors, not as orders, but as certainty.
After some time, he left the office and walked through the estate gardens. The air was calm, almost peaceful, but beneath it lingered the weight of what was to come. Ephor was unstable not just politically, but in ways deeper than most could perceive.
By the time evening arrived, everything had been prepared.
A set of finely tailored clothes had been laid out for him, suitable for a noble addressing his domain. Roman glanced at them briefly, then ignored them. Instead, he chose his usual attire—simple, unadorned, and unchanged. Power did not need decoration.
He made his way toward the estate gallery.
As the gates opened, a vast crowd came into view.
People filled the area as far as the eye could see men, women, elders, and children. Some stood on elevated ground, others carried their children on their shoulders so they could see better. Every gaze was fixed on him.
For a moment, Roman paused.
A strange sensation washed over him.
Familiar.
Distant.
A memory surfaced another life, another name.
Ronald Reagan.
An emperor who once stood before countless people, commanding not just their attention, but their fate.
A faint chill ran through him.
Then it was gone.
Roman stepped forward.
The moment he appeared, the crowd erupted—cheers, applause, voices calling out in unison. They welcomed him not out of obligation, but because they believed in him. He had ended the rule of Duke Noah. He had broken the chains that bound them.
Roman raised his hand.
Silence fell instantly.
He looked over the crowd, his expression calm but firm.
"My people of Ephor," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the gathered masses. "I will not speak unnecessarily. I will speak clearly."
A brief pause followed.
"From this day onward, things will change."
He did not raise his voice, yet every word held weight.
"No more unjust taxes. No more exploitation. No more suffering under those who were meant to protect you."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Justice will prevail in Ephor—without exception. No matter who stands before it."
For a brief moment, his voice lowered.
"Even if that person is me."
The crowd remained silent, listening intently.
"You will be protected. You will be treated fairly. And you will be given the opportunity to live as you should have from the beginning."
Then his tone shifted.
More serious.
"There is, however, something you must understand."
A faint murmur spread.
"Dungeon activity is becoming unstable. And when it breaks… it will not be small."
The unease in the crowd grew, but Roman continued without pause.
"You do not need to fear. Preparations have already begun."
He gestured slightly.
"Shelters will be constructed. Protective barriers will be installed. Systems will be put in place to ensure your safety."
His voice steadied, unwavering.
"In three months, Ephor will be ready."
The silence broke.
Cheers erupted once more, louder than before.
"Long live the Great Presia Dukedom!" "Long live the Crowell family!"
Roman stood there, watching quietly.
After the speech, distribution began. Food, clothing, and essential supplies were handed out under Issac's supervision, while knights ensured order. For many, it was the first time they received help without fear or cost.
The following morning, Velkan arrived at the estate.
Accompanied by several mages, he met Roman to discuss the restructuring of the Ephor Magic Tower. The conversation was brief but decisive. Systems would be rebuilt, discipline enforced, and coordination with Presia established.
Velkan accepted Roman's offer to oversee Ephor's tower as well, making him the first mage in the Kingdom of Clover to command two magic towers simultaneously.
Without delay, he departed with the mages to begin the work.
Later that day, Issac entered Roman's office once again.
"The implementation of new policies has begun," he reported. "The taxation system has been updated according to Duke Jacob's reforms. All officials are working within their deadlines."
Roman listened silently.
"At least they understand the situation," he replied.
He stood up slowly, stretching his shoulders. "My body's getting rusty. Too much sitting."
His gaze shifted toward Issac. "Where is the training ground? I haven't seen it."
Issac inclined his head. "I will guide you, young master."
"Lead the way."
They moved through the estate until they reached the training grounds.
Without hesitation, Roman began.
His movements were sharp, precise, controlled. Strike after strike, motion after motion—no wasted energy, no unnecessary pause. Hours passed, but he did not stop. The physical exertion grounded him, sharpening both body and mind.
Days turned into weeks.
Weeks turned into months.
Three months passed.
And Ephor changed.
Roads were repaired. Water systems restored. Markets stabilized. Prices returned to normal. Food became accessible again.
Gold reserves were accounted for. Corruption diminished. Officials worked under constant scrutiny.
Agriculture revived. Villages received support. Production increased steadily.
Magic Tower was reorganized, functioning with discipline and purpose.
Across the city, bunkers were constructed. Shelters reinforced. And from Presia, barrier orbs were installed protective measures designed to withstand large-scale threats.
Ephor was no longer what it had been.
Standing by the window of his office, Roman observed the city in silence.
Behind him, Issac waited.
"Send a letter," Roman said.
"To the Pope."
A brief pause followed.
"I want an update on the preparations for the second dungeon breakout."
Issac bowed. "It will be done, young master."
The room fell silent once more.
And far beyond Ephor
Something was beginning to stir.