Chapter Nine–The unveiling

The party was alive with laughter and conversation. Nobles raised their glasses, toasting to power, wealth, and ambition.

Duke Ryuu stood among them, unreadable.

"The Emperor's tax increase isn't going well," Lord Harrington muttered.

Duke Ellington sighed. "Merchants and commoners are furious… but enough of that." He lifted his glass. "Congratulations, Ryuu. May your son grow strong and wise, like his father."

Ryuu chuckled. "Thank you."

Lord Harrington smirked. "You really are lucky."

For a moment, Ryuu thought of his wife and son. His expression softened. "Yes… I am."

Then Tanaka approached, his face tense. "My lord… there's an issue."

Ryuu frowned. "What is it?"

Tanaka hesitated. "Your father. He's here."

The world around him blurred. "Where?"

"With Lady Luna and Young Master Kibo… There's a problem."

Across the hall

While I watched the old man and the priest.

"The Reaper," the priest said, smiling. "How long has it been?"

The old man's voice was like ice. "Not long enough."

The priest chuckled. "Would you mind letting go of my hand?"

The old man released him, shaking his fingers like he'd touched something filthy. "I don't want your hands on my grandson."

Grandfather? I have a grandfather?

The priest rubbed his wrist. "I only wished to give him the goddess' blessing."

"Yeah, yeah… the 'divine blessing.'" The old man waved him off. "Do me a favor, priest. Leave."

The priest turned to Mother, bowing slightly. "Enjoy the evening, Lady Luna." Then, he was gone.

The old man looked at Mother. She held me close, her smile calm.

"Why did my father-in-law stop the priest?" she asked lightly.

Why? He just saved us, Mother. Shouldn't you know?

The old man chuckled. "Oh, Luna. I just wanted to protect you."

Her eyes held curiosity. "Protect?"

He laughed, and I stared between them, confused.

"You almost killed him," he said softly.

Mother blinked. "I… what?"

"If he had touched Kibo, you would have killed him."

That didn't make sense. Mother… killing someone? She was too gentle, too warm.

She shook her head. "I don't know what you mean."

The old man just smiled. "If that's the case… how are you?"

"I'm fine." A pause. "Ryuu misses you."

"I miss my son, too." He glanced around. "Where is he?" Then, he looked at me.

"Kibo," Mother said. "Say hello to your grandfather."

I hesitated. That red aura… it was suffocating.

He must have noticed. His hand landed on my head, surprisingly warm. "It's good to see you, Kibo."

Whispers.

"Who is that old man?"

"The Reaper."

"He's dangerous."

"I heard he destroyed an entire nation."

Then, across the hall, Father. His steps were quick, his face dark with anger.

The old man turned. "Son!"

Father didn't slow. His voice cut through the room. "What are you doing here?"

The whispers grew.

Mother held me tighter. "Ryuu, please, calm down."

Father didn't look at her. "What are you doing here?"

The old man smiled. "Celebrating with my family."

Father's hands clenched. "You don't have a family."

The room shifted. Guards closed in. Nobles watched, tense.

The old man sighed. "Not here… not on my grandson's birthday."

Tanaka opened his mouth, but Father cut him off. "You are under arrest."

What? Arrest?

The old man chuckled. "I really don't want to do this."

Mother's expression faltered.

The old man sighed. "Fine. I've already ruined the celebration."

Father didn't waver. "Chain him."

The guards hesitated. Even they felt it—that pressure, that fear.

The old man smirked. "I wouldn't do that."

"I said—"

"If you do… you will die."

Silence.

Then—before anyone could react—he moved. One second, he stood there. The next, his hand was on Father's shoulder.

"Don't."

Father's breath hitched.

A pause. Then he exhaled, signaling the guards to stand down.

The old man patted his shoulder. "Good boy." Then, turning to Tanaka, he said, "The party's over. Send the nobles home."

Tanaka hesitated, then obeyed.

Father stood there, fists clenched, eyes burning with frustration.

Far away, in the Imperial Palace, the king sat in silence.

Before him, an orb pulsed. A woman's voice emerged.

"My king, the Reaper has appeared. The nobles have been dismissed."

The king exhaled. "What about Cedric?"

"No contact yet."

His fingers tapped the desk. "Deliver a message. Ryuu must receive that letter. No more delays."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

A pause.

"And… the Reaper?"

The king smiled. "Do nothing."

"My king?"

"Engaging him would be foolish. Just observe."

"I understand."

The orb's glow faded.

The king leaned back, a slow grin spreading across his face.