I almost overdid it…
That aura he released earlier—if Lady Aria had actually touched him, i might have killed her on instinct.
All because of one thing.
Velqira… why do you resemble her?
Ling min.
His first love.
The girl he failed to protect in his previous world.
The resemblance was so strong it made his heart ache, but her presence… her soul… it wasn't the same.
It left him confused, stressed, and angry at himself.
"Rowan!" Mira rushed to him, her steps quick and worried. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine." Rowan smiled gently to ease her tension.
Before she could respond—
"I'm here," Edric announced as he stepped inside the hall, placing a reassuring hand on Mira's shoulder.
The entire celebration paused, then erupted in applause at his return. His presence always commanded respect.
Duke Will raised a hand, smiling proudly.
"Well then, since this is my grandson Rowan's naming ceremony, I'd like to make an announcement about my favorite son, Edric."
The crowd quieted.
"He will be getting married soon."
Applause thundered through the hall. Edric bowed formally.
Aldwin raised his drink high.
"Congratulations, brother-in-law!"
"Thank you," Edric replied, and the two clinked glasses.
More and more nobles surrounded Edric, offering blessings and trying to earn his favor.
Rowan silently stepped aside.
He's getting married…
When I sparred with him, I could feel it. He's strong. Really strong.
For the son of a Duke, he must've trained insanely hard.
Rowan's hand tightened.
I need to grow too. Fast.
This six-year-old body can barely contain my true strength.
But by fourteen… I'll be able to use everything. I must be ready.
Far across the hall, Lady Aria slipped out quietly, humiliated beyond measure.
How dare they… how dare EVERY ONE of them.
I bowed… in front of all those nobles… because of that brat.
They'll pay for this. All of them.
Her carriage awaited in the moonlit courtyard. The butler bowed as she approached.
She leaned toward him, whispering sharply:
"Bring them. I brought them here for protection… but now they will kill every noble who witnessed my shame. Bring the twins."
Two massive men stepped out of the shadows behind the carriage, each carrying a greatsword.
Calus and Darius.
Renowned adventurer-assassins. Brutal. Efficient. Unstoppable.
Calus spoke first. "We're no longer just protecting you?"
"Not anymore," Aria said coldly. "Kill everyone in that hall. Except the king."
Darius smirked. "Triple the payment."
"Fine. As long as I remain untouched."
Calus nodded. "There are only knights guarding the place. Even the Duke's son Edric can't stop us."
Aria leaned in, voice a venomous whisper.
"But beware of Aldwin. Former adventurer. One of the strongest men in the kingdom. His guard is down—strike his neck first."
"Good. Thanks for the warning," Darius chuckled darkly. "That could've gotten messy."
They drew their enormous blades.
Three knights guarding the entrance spotted them.
"You two! Stop! You aren't—"
Calus swung once.
A clean slice.
The knight fell in two.
The remaining knights screamed, charging forward.
Darius grabbed one, slammed him into the stone—bones snapped.
Calus cut the last knight down in a single flashing arc.
The courtyard grew quiet, soaked with blood.
Without hesitation, the assassins marched toward the mansion—
Rowan suddenly froze.
A chill crept down his spine.
That same pressure… that same killing intent… just like before.
I sensed it again…
His eyes narrowed as he scanned the hall. Nobles danced, laughed, clinked glasses. Nothing seemed strange.
It's not coming from here…
His senses sharpened.
It's coming… from outside.
Rowan stepped forward, ready to move.
"Rowan!" Aldwin called sharply.
Rowan stopped as Aldwin grabbed his wrist. "Where do you think you're going? This is a celebration. Don't run off."
"…Okay, Dad," Rowan murmured, forcing himself to stand still.
But his eyes kept darting around.
They're coming. They're close…
Outside, the two remaining knights at the mansion doors noticed the assassins approaching.
"Hey! How did you get past the others? Stop right the—"
The knight didn't finish.
Darius swung once.
A clean, brutal beheading.
The head hit the ground with a heavy thud.
The second knight shouted and rushed forward, blade raised.
Darius blocked effortlessly—
then drove his massive sword straight through the knight's stomach.
The body collapsed limply.
The assassins stepped over the corpses…
and entered the mansion.