Ran's Offer

Ineah and the high priests arrived at the grand hall where the emperor awaited them. Inside, Ineah saw the emperor seated upon his throne—and was struck by how much he resembled his brother, Maikell.

"Greetings to the Sun of the Empire!" the priests chorused, bowing low before the emperor. Ineah followed their lead and offered his own respectful greeting.

"It's been a long time," the emperor said, his voice cool as he gestured for them to rise.

"How are you feeling, Your Majesty?" asked the high priest, a note of concern in his tone.

Ineah stole a glance at the emperor. The resemblance to Maikell was uncanny—so striking it unsettled him. But this man wasn't his brother. The emperor's eyes were a deep, unnatural red, the color of blood. Ineah's gaze lingered on the dark marks that spread along the emperor's neck, like veins tainted by shadow.

"Still the same," the emperor replied tersely.

"We have never ceased praying for your recovery, Your Majesty," said the high priest. "We will do our utmost in today's ritual."

The emperor, Matias, gave a silent nod.

In this empire, there were two kinds of magic users. The Mages, who could wield both sacred and dark magic, and the Priests—blessed by the heavens—who possessed light magic and the divine gift of healing.

Preparations for the ritual began immediately.

"Your Grace," the high priest turned to Ineah, "you have yet to learn the sacred rites. For now, stand aside and observe. There is wisdom to be gained in watching."

Ineah nodded and stepped back, quietly watching as the priests busied themselves with the preparations for the ritual.

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Ran glanced around cautiously. Once he was sure no one was watching, he slipped out of the Ruby Palace gate and made his way toward the backyard of the imperial palace.

Upon arriving, he saw several servants busy with their cleaning duties. His eyes scanned them one by one, but Jinny was nowhere in sight.

He approached one of the female servants—a young woman who looked about the same age as Jinny.

"Excuse me," he said politely.

The young servant turned, surprised—and visibly awestruck by his presence.

"H-How may I help you, my Lord?" she asked, bowing quickly.

The servants had been informed about the esteemed guests currently residing in the Ruby Palace.

Ran leaned in slightly and spoke in a low voice. "Do you know someone named Jinny who works here?"

The girl's eyes widened in surprise. "W-Why are you looking for her, my Lord?"

Did Jinny do something wrong? she wondered nervously.

Ran smiled gently. "She helped me during my last visit here. I simply want to thank her with a gift."

"Oh…" The girl—Nene—sighed in relief. "She's resting now in her quarters."

"It's her day off?" he asked.

"No," Nene replied. "Jinny was recently assigned to serve His Majesty. She only leaves her quarters when summoned by him."

"I see…" Ran stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Would it be alright if I visited her?"

"I'm not sure, my Lord," Nene said hesitantly. "Servants assigned to His Majesty are usually forbidden from meeting others—especially outsiders. Once you become his attendant… it's as if he owns you." She lowered her voice on the last words.

Ran frowned. Owns her?

"Besides, we're not allowed to speak with nobles unless it's absolutely necessary," Nene added.

Ran frowned, deep in thought. Why is life in the palace so complicated?

Damn this empire.

"My apologies, my Lord. I may have said too much," Nene added quickly, bowing again. "Please don't mention this to anyone."

"I understand," Ran assured her. "But one last thing—could you tell me where her quarters are?" He gave her a charming wink.

Nene blinked in confusion, but found herself unable to refuse the handsome man standing before her.

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Jinny sat by the window, quietly watching the sky when a sudden knock at the door startled her.

Are the rituals already over?

She expected to see a knight—but to her surprise, it wasn't a guard standing outside. It was her brother, Ran.

"W-What are you doing here?" she asked, eyes wide.

Before he could respond, she quickly pulled him inside and shut the door. If anyone saw him here, questions would surely follow.

Ran glanced around her small, modest room. "You're living here?"

"I'm a servant—where else would I live?" she replied, folding her arms.

"I figured, since you serve the emperor, he'd give you a better place," he said.

Jinny narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here? And how did you even find my room?"

Ran flopped down on her bed with a grin. "Secret. I have my ways." He winked.

Getting the room's location hadn't been hard. A flower and a quick kiss on the cheek had been enough to charm that young servant in the backyard. She'd still been blushing when he walked away.

"Ran, you can't be here. If His Majesty finds out, we'll both be punished," Jinny hissed.

"Relax. No one saw me. Besides, I'm a guest here," he said, stretching out.

Jinny still didn't know that her brothers were now staying at the Ruby Palace.

She sighed and bit her lower lip, then sat down on the wooden chair nearby. "What happened to your plan to leave the empire?"

"It's been postponed. Something came up," Ran replied.

"We need to find the others before another war breaks out," she said, her voice low. "You and Rin were already in the capital—did you find any leads?"

"Nope. Nothing." Ran yawned and rolled onto his side. "I'm tired. Can I stay here for a while?"

"Ran! You can't!" she said, trying to pull him up.

But he was stronger—and instead of standing, he pulled her toward him. She stumbled and landed on his chest, their faces suddenly inches apart.

Ran smirked. "You're cute."

"Enough with your pranks!" Jinny tried to push herself up, but he wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"Nuh-uh. Not now," he teased.

"Ran!" she warned, annoyed.

But he only chuckled in response.

Jinny felt panic rise in her chest. She knew him too well. This man—this so-called brother—was a womanizer and a pervert.

"Jin… we're not really siblings," Ran said.

"I know," she replied. "Now let go of me."

"What if I don't want to?" he asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Ran, I'm begging you. This is inappropriate," she said firmly.

He chuckled. "I don't think so."

And without warning, he pressed his lips against hers.

Jinny struggled, trying to break free from his grasp. She bit his lip and pushed with all her strength until she finally stood.

"What do you think you're doing?!" she shouted, furious.

Ran only smirked. "Why? We're not blood-related. There's nothing wrong with a kiss."

"But I'm still your sister—even if not by blood," she snapped.

"Do you really think the others see you that way?" he said coldly. "Jinny, no one wants you in this family. You should be grateful I've taken an interest."

Jinny clenched her fists. His words cut deeper than she expected.

"Why not just accept me? Become my woman. I'll protect you from the others. No more bullying. I promise," Ran said, almost sweetly.

"I don't trust you, pervert," she spat.

"Ouch," he said with a grin. "Don't you want a handsome boyfriend?"

"There's no way I'd ever be your woman." Jinny took a deep breath. "Please leave, Ran. Before the knight returns."

Ran's expression darkened. He grabbed her shoulders and stared at her with a sudden intensity.

"Why can't you just accept my offer? I'm doing this for your own good," he said through gritted teeth.

"You're not," she replied. "You just want to make fun of me."

"You're right," he whispered against her ear. "I only want your body."

A chill ran down her spine.

He noticed her freeze—the fear in her eyes.

"I've met our other brothers," he continued. "We're planning to leave the empire and find the rest. If you want to come with us, accept my offer. That's the only way you'll be included. Otherwise, stay here and rot."

Jinny swallowed hard.

Ran finally let her go. "I want your answer by tomorrow. That answer will decide if we take you with us—or leave you behind."

And with that, he walked out of her room.

Jinny's knees gave out beneath her. She sank to the floor and began to cry.

Why is Ran doing this to me?

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The ritual finally concluded. Ineah watched in awe as the priests enveloped the emperor in a massive burst of divine light.

Afterward, following their conversation, the emperor offered them a room to stay in and invited them to dinner at the palace.

As they walked, Ineah spotted a familiar figure heading in the opposite direction. The young man noticed him too and they both came to a sudden halt, frozen in place.

Ran?