Levi watched as his father settled into the chair. His gaze bore into the same golden eyes his father had—eyes that reflected his own, intense and sharp. His father, however, had slightly lighter hair, a shade of dark brown that contrasted beautifully with the golden eyes he adorned so proudly—a heritage of the sun, and the pride of Solareth.
Before him stood one of the powers of the kingdom. At the pinnacle, alongside a select few, was the Duke of the Sun: Duke Draken Solareth. His father was an accomplished figure within the military, and very few were unaware of the might and dread the Sun Dragon had imbued in countless others.
However, that dread was solely aimed at him this time. He could feel his father's hostility.
Does he think I've been possessed? Levi wondered. Perhaps that's it. But who would have told him? Alex? Yes—Commander Alex. Must be him. I gave quite the performance to him yesterday.
"Levi." His father's voice rang out, dragging him back to the present, pulling him from his thoughts.
"Yes, Father."
Silence followed. His father's gaze remained fixed on him, unblinking. Then suddenly, the pressure in the room thickened, growing even more palpable. All those titles the Duke had attained throughout his lifetime seemed to press on Levi's form, adding to the aura of a Saint-level warrior already weighing down the chamber.
Yes, he could feel it. Perhaps even the title of Monarch—though he already carried it—reduced the impact somewhat compared to what the Duke intended. His father wouldn't know that, of course. His suspicion would only rise if Levi could bear the brunt of his force and remain unfazed.
With a quiet sigh, Levi began.
"It is me, Father. I am not demon-possessed. No one has taken over my body. It's still me. However… It's a bit of an awkward situation. If you would stop looking at me with those malicious eyes, I can explain."
The Duke said nothing. His eyes did not waver.
Levi was certain the Duke hadn't drawn a blade only because his sheer aura carried enough force to snuff out his life like a candle wick—with no need for weapons.
"Speak, creature. I am listening."
"'Creature is quite distasteful, don't you think, Father? It's still me—Levi. As I said, I can explain. Just withdraw your hostility, and please ensure no one hears what we're about to discuss."
Barely noticeable, the Duke's eyebrow lifted—and then returned to its place. His voice, now raised enough for those outside the chamber to hear, echoed through the room.
"Luke, excuse us for a moment, and ensure no one is in the perimeter listening. I will hear what this boy has to say. This… thing, perhaps."
But instead of an obedient reply, the door burst open.
"My lord, we cannot! If this is truly a demon or one of its kind, it is far too dangerous to leave you alone with it. At the very least, allow the guards to stand by, and draw your blade—"
"Does my butler dare disobey my orders?" the Duke said.
The temperature in the room rose—hotter and hotter by the second.
Levi marvelled at the power of the Sun Dragon, Draken Solareth.
"My lord," Luke said, bowing, "as your most trusted aide, you must know that I have your best interests at heart."
"I know that," the Duke replied. "However, I have spoken. What is going on these days? Why are all of you so insubordinate? It seems I must have a talk with you all."
"My apologies, my lord. Forgive me. We will do as you've commanded."
And with nothing more, Luke turned on his heel and left, closing the door behind him. Levi could hear the soft whispering of the guards as they retreated down the corridor.
"It seems they've left, I doubt anyone else in this place can survive a threat the duke can't," Levi murmured—perhaps to his father, perhaps to himself. "I don't remember the House of Solareth having such insubordinate servants. Or perhaps it's just been so long…"
He paused, eyes widening. He had forgotten he had company.
His father was staring at him intently, trying to discern the meaning behind his words.
"What do you mean, 'it's been so long'? You have not left this house. You have not left this duchy in years."
"Looks like I've been caught," Levi said with a small smile. "Well… there's no helping it, Father. It seems I have returned."
The Duke stared, confusion deepening. Then, slowly—after a long stretch of silence—his eyes widened in realisation.
"Yes, Father. But—"
Before Levi could finish, he felt the hot edge of a blade at his neck. His father, moving with impossible speed, now stood at the edge of the bed, sword pressed against Levi's skin.
"Boy. Repeat what you just said."
"Father, I—" Levi's voice cracked. He met his father's eyes. Turmoil churned within them, as if the Duke refused to accept what he'd heard.
With a sigh—perhaps of resignation—Levi continued.
"Yes, Duke."
"It seems I have returned from the future."Having said that, power crackled within the room. Levi could see it—the faint glow of the sun igniting around his father. His father's thread, its power barely restrained, made Levi gasp.
"Levi Ardyn Solareth," the Duke said, voice heavy with authority, "you are aware that by royal decree, every returner and transmigrator must be executed. Because of that dreadful thread that once plagued the empire two hundred years ago. And I, Draken Solareth, sworn to the throne, must carry out the duty assigned to me."
The Duke raised his blade, and Levi winced.
Just as the Duke was about to swing down, Levi closed his eyes in anticipation. After a long pause—too long—he felt nothing.
So this must be sudden death, Levi thought. At least the old man had mercy on me and gave me a quick and painless—
"Don't be stupid, boy. I have not killed you."
Levi's eyes snapped open. To his surprise, his father was pacing back and forth across the room, hands clasped behind his back, expression fierce.
"Um… Father? What is the meaning of this?" Levi asked.
The Duke didn't answer. He only shot him a look.
"Are you crazy?" the Duke said. "Why would I execute my own son? In cold blood?"
Levi remained quiet, but he understood the dilemma twisting inside the Duke's mind. If he did not execute Levi after hearing such a confession, he could be labelled a traitor. But if he did execute him… the Duke would not survive the weight of it. Nor would Levi's mother.
For all his fearsome titles and ruthless accomplishments, the Duke was still a good father.
His pacing stopped at Levi's window. He looked outside, exhaling deeply.
"Perhaps my father was right," he murmured. "I am not fit to be a royal—at least not in the ruthless sense."
Before Levi could respond, his father turned sharply.
"You are to say not a single word of this to anyone. This remains between you and me. We will have a serious conversation soon, and you will tell me exactly what is going on."
"Yes, Father," Levi replied.
But the Duke didn't leave. Instead, he stood there, studying Levi intently.
"Tell me, boy… is the future good for House Solareth?"
Levi shook his head.
"No, my lord. We have work to do."
The Duke's expression hardened, but his gaze softened just a fraction.
"I see," he said quietly. "Very well. When you are fully recovered, you will come to my office. We will speak at length, Levi."
"Yes, Father."
The Duke turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, Levi called out softly:
"Dad."
The Duke froze. Though he didn't turn back, Levi saw his father's frame shiver—perhaps from the weight of hearing a word so intimate, so long abandoned. Perhaps it reminded him of a younger Levi, a boy who used to cling to him with wide, trusting eyes.
"I'm sorry," Levi said. "For what I've done. And what I've been doing. I… forgot myself. I'm going to work hard to repay you and Mother's kindness—and the kindness of everyone in the duchy."
The Duke still did not look at him. Instead, in a voice low and restrained, he said only:
"Rest. We will talk later."
The door closed softly behind him.