As the grand doors of the secret chamber closed behind them, Sion exhaled deeply. The clandestine meeting with King Jonathan and the five trusted nobles had ended, each of them bearing a new weight of responsibility in the uncertain times ahead. Plans to uncover traitors and strengthen the realm were now set in motion.
Sion turned toward the wrap gate, preparing to return to the Leaf Dukedom, but Duke John's voice stopped him mid-step.
"Where are you going, Sion?"
"Back to Leaf. There's a mountain of work pending," Sion replied plainly.
John chuckled with a strange mix of amusement and concern. "Is that so? Then let me warn you—your mother, your sister, and your fiancées are very pissed at you."
Sion blinked. "What?"
John folded his arms. "You've been ignoring them. You've buried yourself in your responsibilities, but they've noticed your absence. And trust me... women don't take kindly to being overlooked by someone they care about."
Sion stared at him, baffled. "You seem cheerful about this."
"I'm in a good mood," John said. His tone grew more sincere. "Because of you, everything has changed. I never thought I'd see my family smile together again. I was once forced to keep myself distant from my own loved ones, pressured by the crown, broken inside. But now... you've brought us back together. You gave us hope. I'm proud of you, Sion. I mean that."
Sion's throat tightened at those words. He wasn't truly John's son. He was Allen—reincarnated, a soul from another world inhabiting this body, living a life that was never truly his. Yet the warmth in John's voice struck something deep within him.
"You alright?" Raphael's voice rang gently in his mind.
"Yeah," Sion responded silently. "It just... hurts sometimes. I'm living someone else's life, and yet... it feels real."
"Because it is real now. And necessary. For their sake. For this world's survival," Raphael said.
Drawing in a breath, Sion nodded to John. "Alright. I'll come home."
Moments later, the magic circle of the wrap gate activated. In a flash, Sion appeared inside the Persia Dukedom's palace courtyard.
The royal family had returned to the capital, but Princess Katherine had chosen to remain behind. As Sion walked with Duke John toward the administrative wing, Jerin caught sight of them. The butler quickly sent a magical encrypted message to Lady Mary, Janet, Katherine, and Sara:
"Lord Sion has returned. As per orders, I've informed you immediately."
Within moments, the ladies gathered in the garden room, their expressions darkening like an impending storm.
As Sion and John passed by the garden, a chilling voice sliced through the air.
"Well, well... Now you have time, huh, Sion?"
Sion turned slowly. His eyes widened. His mother stood there, arms crossed, flanked by Janet, Katherine, and Sara. All four women stared at him with the intensity of a thousand suns.
John clapped his shoulder, grinning. "Good luck, son. May the gods protect you."
"Wait! Father—!"
"I'm late for something important. Very important," John said hurriedly as he escaped toward the palace halls.
Even Raphael sighed internally. "Sion... my prayers are with you. You're going to need all the divine blessing in the world right now."
Sion muttered, "I'm screwed... Someone save me…"