Chapter Four: Shadows Beneath the Nation

Beneath the Nation – In the Sewers

Lilith clawed her way up from the ground, her body barely holding together. Blood dripped from her tangled silver hair, her breath ragged. Every movement sent a wave of pain through her, but the worst of it was the rage burning inside her.

"That damn maid…" she muttered, voice shaking. "I should've killed her before that bastard got in the way… Next time, she dies."

A deep, rumbling laugh echoed through the tunnel. 

"Lilith, losing? Now that's something I never thought I'd see."

Her eyes snapped up, full of irritation. A massive orc stood before her, his scarred body towering over the dimly lit space, a huge axe strapped to his back. His smirk was nothing short of infuriating.

"What the hell do you want, you big damn orc?" she snapped.

The orc crouched down, resting his arms lazily on his knees. "Just checking if the rumors were true. Turns out they are—you got your ass handed to you."

Lilith scowled. "Not in the mood. Get lost."

He chuckled. Then, without warning, grabbed her like she was nothing.

"Oi! Put me down, you brute!" she growled, squirming in his grasp.

He ignored her completely, tossing her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"You big bully! Is that how you treat a lady?"

"Yep." He shrugged. "A lady who can't fight doesn't get treated like one."

His deep laughter echoed through the tunnels as he carried her off, her angry protests trailing behind him.

In Kibo's Room

Kibo stared at his hands, his mind racing.

"Healing magic…?"

He clenched his tiny fists, trying to process everything. "If I hadn't used it… what would've happened to Mother? Is it just a coincidence that all of this happened in one day? Who was that woman? What did she want…?"

He sighed, rubbing his face. "Trouble always finds its way to me… but at least Mother is safe now."

His thoughts drifted back to what he had overheard earlier. "The maids said it's unusual for someone my age to use healing magic. That it's never happened before in history…"

He exhaled and pushed himself up. "I guess it's been a while since I came out of the room. I should go check on Mother."

Kibo climbed off the bed and walked to the door, reaching up—only to realize he still couldn't grab the handle. His eye twitched.

"Damn… I still haven't gotten tall enough."

Letting out a small huff, he turned back and trudged toward the bed.

"Guess I'll just have to wait, then."

He climbed up slowly, gripping the blankets for support. By the time he reached the top, he flopped onto the mattress, breathless.

"So tiring… Ugh. Finally made it."

A Moment of Love

"Please… let them be safe."

Duke Ryuu's footsteps echoed through the halls, his heart pounding. His wife. His son. The fear gnawed at him, a weight pressing down on his chest. He clenched his fists, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Tanaka followed silently behind, sensing the tension in his master's every step.

As he reached the bedroom, he called out, his voice filled with urgency.

"My love—"

His breath hitched.

Lady Luna sat up on the bed, smiling softly. Sylvie and a maid stood beside her, fussing over her, but she looked—alive. Safe. His knees nearly buckled from relief.

She tilted her head playfully. "My, my, my… My darling husband missed me so much," she teased, touching her cheek.

He exhaled sharply, swallowing the lump in his throat. With a quick signal, Tanaka and the maids bowed and left, shutting the door behind them.

"It's not like that," he murmured, stepping closer, his voice barely steady.

Lady Luna gasped, dramatically clutching her chest. "Whaaaat?! My husband doesn't love me anymore?" She pouted, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Duke Ryuu let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "My love…" His voice was softer now, raw with emotion. He sat beside her, reaching for her hand. "I was afraid."

She gently placed a hand on his cheek. "I know… But you don't have to worry so much. I'm strong, you know."

He exhaled, letting himself feel the warmth of her touch. "Yes, yes… you really are strong," he said, laughing lightly, the tension in his chest easing.

Lady Luna pouted, puffing her cheeks. "Why are you laughing?"

He smiled, pressing a hand to her cheek. She leaned into it, closing her eyes.

"You're strong," he whispered. "My strong, beautiful wife."

Lady Luna's lips curled into a soft smile. "And so is our son."

Ryuu blinked, his breath catching. "Our baby boy…?"

Imperial Kingdom – A Brewing Storm

"The northern border remains secure, and trade negotiations with the neighboring realms are proceeding smoothly," Cedric reported, bowing before the throne.

The king, his piercing yellow eyes locked onto his advisor, leaned forward slightly. "And the unrest in the eastern provinces?"

"The situation is stabilizing, Your Majesty. Additional troops have been deployed to maintain order," Cedric replied.

The king nodded, satisfied. "Hmmm…"

Cedric hesitated before continuing. "Your Majesty, there was also an incident in the Satoru nation."

The king's gaze sharpened. "Go on."

Cedric detailed the attack on Lady Luna and the theft of Aurum Fortuna.

"What is Duke Ryuu doing about the situation?" the king asked.

"It seems the duke is handling it well," Cedric replied.

The king smirked, his fingers tapping against the throne. "Interesting… things are becoming very interesting."

Satoru Mansion – Unanswered Questions

Ryuu Satoru stepped out of the bedroom, his mind still lingering on his conversation with Luna. Sylvie and the other maids bowed.

"Thank you for protecting the lady, Sylvie," he said.

"There is no need to thank me, my lord. It is my duty," she replied firmly.

Ryuu sighed. "Alright then." He walked off, Tanaka following closely.

As they moved through the halls, Ryuu spoke. "What news have you received?"

Tanaka kept pace, his voice steady. "Regarding the recent events, my lord, it appears that the young master used healing magic."

Ryuu's steps slowed. He already knew, but hearing it confirmed made him pause. He recalled Luna's proud expression.

"It's good that he got it from me," he had once said with confidence.

"You can't even use healing magic!" Luna had huffed, puffing her cheeks. "He got it from me!" She had playfully smacked him as he laughed.

The memory faded, and Ryuu's face hardened. "Since my son can use healing magic, make sure that information does not spread."

Tanaka bowed slightly. "I will ensure it remains confidential, my lord."

Ryuu resumed walking. "What about the spies who stole Aurum Fortuna from the secret warehouse?"

"Five were killed, one escaped, and we captured one," Tanaka reported.

"Where is the prisoner now?"

"In the dungeon, my lord."

Ryuu's expression darkened. "Let's go there."

As they made their way to the dungeon, his thoughts churned. This wasn't a coincidence. The attack on Luna. The attempt on his son. The theft of Aurum Fortuna.

Someone was moving against him.

And he was going to find out who.