Duke Kevin Morgen’s study, Morgen Dukedom, Kingdom of Estra, Vassal Kingdom to Ancrona Empire, Far South from mainland Ancorna bordering Conley Empire.

  The steady crackling of the fireplace provided the only warmth in Duke Kevin Morgen’s grand study as a cold breeze howled outside. Stacks of documents cluttered the large desk, and a rich scent of parchment and ink filled the air. Seated across from each other, Duke Kevin and Prince William engaged in a tense discussion, the weight of political maneuvering pressing heavily between them.

  Duke Kevin ran a hand through his graying hair, his sharp gaze locked onto the young prince before him. "I don’t understand why you’re so hellbent on this, Your Highness." His voice carried the weight of years spent navigating the treacherous currents of noble politics. "I can’t simply hand over the rights to the dungeon. It has the potential to become a significant economic asset to my dukedom."

  William leaned forward, his expression calm but determined. "I understand your concerns, Uncle. That’s precisely why I’m only asking for administrative rights, not full ownership. You will still have complete control over the local Adventurers' Guild, and the profits will be split generously—eighty percent for you, only twenty for me."

  Duke Kevin narrowed his eyes. "That’s exactly what I don’t understand. No one willingly takes such a massive loss unless they know something the other party doesn’t." His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair. "What are you after, William?"

  The prince exhaled slowly, offering a disarming smile. "I won’t deny that I stand to gain from this arrangement. But let’s be honest—whether I reveal the dungeon’s secret or not, it won’t change the fact that you’ll be making a profit either way. I’m offering you a deal where you gain everything and lose nothing. Isn’t that a favorable outcome?"

  Duke Kevin leaned back, deep in thought. The offer was tempting, but his instincts warned him there was more to this than William was letting on. The prince was far too shrewd to act without an ulterior motive.

  After a long pause, the duke finally spoke. "Fine. I’ll grant you administrative rights to the dungeon… but on one condition."

  William arched a brow. "And that is?"

  The cold wind rattled the windows as Duke Kevin folded his hands together, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Get me an invitation to Her Highness Serena’s wedding."

  William blinked, processing the unexpected request.

  Duke Kevin chuckled, his tone laced with amusement. "Don’t you think I should be present at my own niece’s wedding? I have reliable intel that Princess Serena is returning to the empire from the Western Continent, and her wedding to Lord Gary will be held soon after her arrival." His smirk widened. "It would be a shame for a duke of the empire to be left out of such an important event, don’t you think?"

  William studied the duke’s expression, his gaze searching for any hidden motive. After a brief silence, he sighed and nodded. "Alright. I’ll arrange an invitation for you and your family."

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Duke Kevin’s smirk deepened into a satisfied grin. He extended his hand. "Then we have a deal."

  William shook his uncle’s hand, sealing the agreement. But even as the deal was struck, he couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that Duke Kevin had his own reasons for wanting to attend the wedding.

  Lord’s Bedroom, Jola City, Jola Island, Ancorna Empire

  The warm glow of candlelight flickered against the polished wooden walls of Ravenna’s bedroom. The scent of sea salt drifted in through the open balcony, carried by the island’s evening breeze. Inside, the air was thick with tension as Alice rummaged through Ravenna’s wardrobe, shaking her head in dismay.

  "We can’t just have you wearing one of these," Alice huffed, pulling out one dress after another. "You’re an Imperial Princess! We need to place an order with a proper seamstress—one who can craft something truly luxurious. You have to make an impression."

  Ravenna sat on the edge of her bed, rubbing her temples as she listened to Alice fuss over fabric choices. But there was something far more pressing on her mind.

  "Alice," she said, her voice steady but thoughtful, "this invitation—it wasn’t from Serena. It came from Father himself."

  Alice froze mid-motion, her hands gripping a silken gown. Her expression darkened. "Of course it did," she muttered, tossing the dress onto a growing pile. "The emperor is playing at something again. There’s definitely an ulterior motive behind this. We can’t go unprepared!"

  She resumed sorting the garments, muttering under her breath. "Her Highness Serena and your other siblings... they’re surely involved in this too. You know how they are. If they’re planning something—"

  "That’s precisely why you’re staying back." Ravenna cut her off

  Alice snapped her head toward Ravenna, eyes widening in disbelief. "What?!"

  Ravenna met her gaze, unwavering. "You’re not coming to the capital, Alice."

  Alice’s hands clenched into fists. "You can’t be serious!" She stepped forward, frustration clear in her voice. "You know this isn’t just a simple wedding invitation. It’s a political move. If something happens, you’ll need someone you trust by your side!"

  Ravenna exhaled slowly, then stood up. She reached out and took Alice’s hands in her own, her grip firm but gentle. "That’s exactly why you have to stay behind."

  Alice was stunned by the rare moment of vulnerability in Ravenna’s eyes.

  "You have Mina now," Ravenna continued. "She’s unwell, and she needs you more than I do right now. I can’t have you running around the palace, sniffing for information like you used to."

  Alice swallowed hard, emotions warring in her chest. "But—"

  "I appreciate you, Alice," Ravenna said softly, squeezing her hands. "If not for you and Hughes, I wouldn’t have survived the palace’s chaos before my exile. You two ran through shadows, extracted information, and did the dirty work to keep me standing."

  Alice bit her lip. She had never once regretted her loyalty to Ravenna, but she had lost count of the times they had fought and bled to protect her.

  Ravenna’s grip tightened slightly. "That’s why, for me, stay back this time. I need you and Hughes to sit this one out."

  Alice wanted to argue, wanted to insist that she should be there. But she could see the determination in Ravenna’s eyes—this wasn’t just a command; it was a plea.

  "John will be my second-in-command," Ravenna continued. "I won’t be alone. But if things take a turn for the worse, I don’t want them using you or Hughes against me."

  Alice felt her breath hitch. She knew exactly what Ravenna meant. The imperial court was a battlefield without swords, where loved ones became hostages and pawns. If the emperor, Serena, or anyone else wanted leverage over Ravenna, they wouldn’t hesitate to use those closest to her.

  A heavy silence settled between them. Finally, Alice sighed in defeat and nodded. "Fine. I’ll stay."

  Ravenna smiled faintly, relief flickering in her gaze. "Thank you." Alice crossed her arms, scowling. "I don’t like this."

  "I know," Ravenna said. "But it’s for the best."

  Alice huffed, muttering under her breath as she continued sorting clothes. "At least let me make sure you don’t look like a beggar at the ceremony."

  Ravenna chuckled. "I’d expect nothing less from you."