The warm sunlight filtered through the crystal windows of the Leaf Dukedom's command tower, casting a soft glow on Sion as he stared silently at the magical scroll in his hand. The words written within had come from Queen Katherine's mother, Lady Elizabeth, via magical transmission.
Three noble houses—Duke Mervyn of Ashrake, Count Happen of Valtor, and Marquis Dryake of Elmere—had made their stance clear. They refused to recognize Katherine as the legitimate queen of Clover Kingdom. It wasn't just a rebellion; it was a declaration of open dissent from powerful voices within the realm.
Raphael appeared beside him, her divine aura always tranquil. "What will you do now, Sion?" she asked.
He folded the scroll, calm and resolute. "Nothing rash," he said, sitting down and summoning his quill. "Let them underestimate us."
With precision, he penned a letter addressed to King Elric and Crown Prince Lucien of the Sidom Kingdom. The message was twofold: a formal invitation to the Clover royal palace to show support for Katherine's ascension—and a proposition. He asked for a joint collaboration to investigate the rise of the demonic cult—a growing shadow that could not be ignored.
Once sealed and magically dispatched, Sion leaned back. "Raphael, do you think there's a connection between the fallen demonic angels and this cult?"
"I can't say for certain," she replied, her voice heavier than usual. "But it's possible. What worries me more is the timing. You said we had five to eight years before the war between us and the darkness... but things are moving faster."
Sion nodded, deep in thought.
Raphael continued, "The news of your divine status—God's Chosen One—might have reached them. They know who you are now. They want to test your strength, and they want you dead before your full potential awakens."
Sion stood. "Then I need to focus on training... but first, I must stabilize the palace."
He teleported directly to the heart of the Leaf Dukedom, where Sara was overseeing the dukedom's affairs in his absence. Her voice was sharp as she barked orders to the attendants, fully immersed in her role.
From behind, Sion called out softly, "Hey... you're doing great, Sara."
She turned slowly, arms crossed, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Now you remember me, huh? Your fiancée's been running your home like a queen, and you're too busy saving kingdoms to say hi?"
Sion rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "There's a lot going on..."
Sara softened. "I know. And right now, Katherine needs us more than ever."
Sion stepped closer, a thoughtful expression on his face. "That's actually why I came. I have a proposal for you."
Sara raised a brow. "What kind of proposal?"
"I want you to serve as Katherine's advisor," he said. "Not just a figurehead, but her Prime Minister. The second most powerful person in Clover after the Queen."
Sara blinked, shocked. "W-What?!"
"I trust you," Sion said simply. "And so does Katherine. You're capable, strong-willed, and loyal. If we're going to fix the fractures in this kingdom, we need someone like you by her side."
She stared at him, stunned, then slowly smiled. "Well... if it's for the future queen... and my future husband... I suppose I could consider it."
Sion laughed. "That's the spirit."
But beyond the smiles and reassurances, both of them knew—darker forces were watching, waiting. And the true battle had only just begun.