The moon hung high in the dark sky, casting a silver glow over the Leaf Dukedom's vast landscape. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it an unsettling stillness. Something was off tonight.
Sion stood in the courtyard, eyes narrowed, listening intently. His senses were on edge. A faint disturbance—a ripple in the air—gave away the assassin's presence before the figure even fully emerged from the shadows.
A figure draped in black robes stepped out, his eyes concealed by a dark mask. The assassin's magic was oppressive, wrapping the area in a sinister aura. It wasn't just a random hired killer; this one had power, experience, and a purpose.
"So, you're Sion Ragnar, the infamous duke," the assassin mocked, his voice smooth and taunting. "I've heard so much about you. Too bad this is where your story ends."
Sion smirked, his grip tightening around his blade. "I was hoping for something more... challenging. But it seems you'll do."
Without warning, the assassin moved, vanishing into the air in a blur of shadow and launching an attack. His blade—a shadow forged weapon—sliced through the air, aiming for Sion's throat with deadly precision.
But Sion was already one step ahead. With a flash of movement, he sidestepped and swung his blade, the divine magic infusing it. A burst of fire met the assassin's cloak, singeing the fabric but leaving him unharmed.
"You're fast," Sion remarked, watching the assassin's every move. "But not fast enough."
The assassin grinned beneath his mask. "I've killed nobles in five different kingdoms. You will fall like all the others."
Sion's eyes darkened, his aura shifting. "Let's see if you can keep up."
In a single movement, Sion vanished and reappeared behind the assassin. His blade glowed with divine light, and in an instant, it pierced through the assassin's chest. The assassin froze, a look of disbelief in his eyes as divine energy surged through him, turning his body to ash in an instant.
Sion wiped his blade clean and sheathed it. "Too easy," he muttered. His gaze shifted to the ground where the assassin had stood moments before. There were no more traces of him—just ash that quickly faded away. He turned and walked back toward the manor, his mind already shifting gears.
Later that Evening
Inside the luxurious walls of Leaf Dukedom, Sion sat alone in his study, the quiet hum of magical wards surrounding the room. His thoughts wandered as he gazed at the flickering flames of a nearby candle. Despite the recent victory, the unsettling feeling hadn't left him. Something darker was on the horizon, but he didn't know what it was yet.
The door to the study creaked open, and Sion looked up, expecting it to be one of his knights. But instead, Katherine entered, her graceful figure stepping into the room with her usual poise. She closed the door softly behind her and moved toward him, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
Sion raised an eyebrow. "What's this? A late-night visit?"
Katherine's expression softened, and she walked toward him, sitting across from him. Her gaze was more serious than usual, her eyes betraying a flicker of something deeper. "I think it's time we had a talk. A real one."
Sion leaned back in his chair, eyeing her cautiously. "Alright. What's on your mind?"
Katherine hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice soft but firm. "Sion, I've been thinking a lot about the future lately. About the direction this kingdom is headed in, and about us."
Sion's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't show it. "I've been thinking about the future, too."
She leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering. "I want you to be the next King of Clover."
The words hit Sion like a sudden blow to the chest. He blinked, his mind racing as he processed what she had just said. He had always known that Katherine had ambition, but hearing it so plainly, directly from her, was a shock.
"You… you want me to be king?" Sion asked, his voice steady but his mind spinning.
Katherine nodded. "Yes. You're the one who can lead us to true strength, not just through military might or politics, but through wisdom. Through the unity of our people. You have the support of the Sidom Kingdom, and the dwarves... and I have no doubt that your strength will carry you far."
Sion leaned forward slightly, trying to absorb the weight of her words. "But what about your family? The royal family? They won't let this happen."
Katherine's lips curved into a faint smile. "The royal family will be forced to accept it, just like everyone else. There's no stopping this now. I'm not asking you to become king out of some romantic notion. It's a necessity. You're the one who can change everything."
Sion sat in silence, his thoughts swirling. This wasn't something he had ever imagined, even though deep down, he knew he had the power to take the throne if he wanted to.
"What if I don't want the throne?" he asked, his voice low.
Katherine met his gaze, her expression resolute. "Then I will stand by you no matter what. But I don't think you'll let this opportunity slip by. This is your destiny, Sion. It always has been."
Sion stood up slowly, his hand resting on the back of the chair. He looked out the window, his thoughts racing. He had always known there was more to his path than just the role of a duke. But to be king? It felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
Before he could respond, the door creaked open again, and Janet entered, her presence like a sudden storm. "What are you two whispering about?"
Katherine smiled warmly, her usual teasing nature returning. "Oh, nothing important. Just the future of Clover."