Between legacy and responsibility

Navies stepped down from the bus with a composed demeanor, but his mind was still in turmoil over what had just happened. He never wanted to be the center of attention, but Lily... Lily was too impulsive. She always acted without thinking, and the argument earlier between her and Rendra still played vividly in his mind. Rendra, pale-faced and visibly shaken, while Lily stood before him with eyes blazing with anger.

The evening breeze carried the scent of damp earth and leaves from the vineyards surrounding his home. The sky was slowly dimming, painted in hues of orange, casting a melancholic beauty over the horizon. Yet, even this breathtaking view wasn't enough to distract him from his thoughts.

In the distance, his grand mansion stood tall, a symbol of power and unmatched opulence. Towering white marble pillars supported a balcony adorned with intricate medieval carvings, exuding an aristocratic aura. The vast garden in front was filled with blooming red roses, and as the evening settled in, small lamps flickered to life, casting a soft glow over the estate.

There wasn't another house within a 15-kilometer radius only fertile farmland stretching endlessly, serving as a natural fortress for his isolated residence. This mansion stood on the outskirts of Aratsun Island, a place unknown to most. Only a handful of locals were aware of its existence those who managed the vineyards under Navies' family's authority.

As he approached the main gate, a line of thirty-five servants awaited him, all impeccably dressed in black-and-white uniforms. They stood in perfect formation, heads bowed, ready to serve their master. Without a word, Navies handed his school bag to the servant at the front and stepped inside the mansion.

The moment he entered, the scent of sandalwood greeted him, its warmth oddly soothing. But to Navies, this luxury was nothing more than an illusion. A castle without a soul.

Everyone in this house knew one undeniable truth Navies had no parents. He was born and raised as the sole heir of NFC Holding Group, a business empire that also served as the backbone of the Eastern Party's power. Since childhood, he had been surrounded by unimaginable wealth and by countless secrets.

Yet, beneath all the grandeur, there was always something missing. A void that neither material wealth, power, nor ambition could ever fill.

And there he stood, under the shimmering glow of a crystal chandelier, feeling that emptiness grow deeper, darker.

Navies exhaled slowly, exhaustion settling into his bones after such a long day. His steps felt heavy as he ascended the grand staircase, longing to collapse onto his bed and forget everything, if only for a little while. But just before he could reach the first step, a voice whispered softly beside him.

"Sir, Mr. Kein Aldrich is waiting for you in the main hall."

Navies halted. His brows furrowed slightly. That name was unfamiliar to him. Throughout his life, only Bilqis and the household staff interacted with him daily. He had never truly engaged with the outside world except for a few classmates he had just met today. A guest, especially a prominent one, arriving at his estate was unheard of.

Inhaling deeply, he gave a small nod, acknowledging the message. Without hesitation, he turned and made his way toward the main hall. The sound of his leather shoes echoed softly against the polished marble floor, the rhythmic tapping filling the vast silence of the mansion.

As he entered the hall, his gaze immediately locked onto the man standing at its center. The hall itself was breathtaking an enormous space illuminated by a grand crystal chandelier hanging from the towering ceiling. Its light shimmered across the cool black marble floors, casting an ethereal glow. A faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, blending with the delicate aroma of tea from a small table at the side of the room.

The man exuded an air of absolute authority. His suit was immaculate, tailored to perfection, accentuated with expensive accessories that hinted at his elite status. His hair was slicked back neatly, his sharp gaze radiating confidence. The subtle smile he wore was not mere politeness there was something hidden beneath it, something far more calculating.

"Mr. Navies," he said in a deep, trained voice, offering a slight nod of respect before continuing. "The board of directors wishes to meet with you. It is time for you to take over our family's business and lead the movement. This is a direct order from the committee. You cannot refuse. It is your duty, sir."

Navies remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared at Kein Aldrich. Not a single flicker of emotion crossed his face, though his mind worked rapidly, processing every word that had just been spoken.

Kein Aldrich went on, "This island is more than just a place we call home. The balance of the world hinges on the balance of Aratsun. If this island falls into chaos, the world will crumble alongside it. We now stand outside the government's reach, as the current regime has fallen under Western influence. You are our only hope to restore order. You are the last surviving 'Archone.' We have sworn our loyalty before the committee to protect you with everything we have. If you have any questions, I will explain in detail."

Behind his cold exterior, Navies' mind swirled with a torrent of questions, each one spiraling into another like an unseen undercurrent. What Kein said did not entirely shock him he had long suspected there was something greater behind the carefully curated limits of his life. For years, he had been rigorously trained in various disciplines: strategy, economics, governance, management, and even martial arts. He had mastered both social and applied sciences to near perfection. As if he had been molded for something monumental, though he had never truly understood what.

And yet, hearing it laid out so plainly made his chest tighten.

Silence settled over the room for a few moments.

Finally, in a voice devoid of emotion, nearly monotone, Navies spoke. "I will take a shower first. Tell Balqis to be ready to accompany me. You may wait."

Without waiting for Kein Aldrich's response, he turned and strode away from the grand hall, his movements calm and deliberate. Yet, deep inside, he knew—this was the beginning of something far greater than he had ever imagined.

He did not wait for a reply as he made his way to his chamber. His movements appeared composed, but every step exuded an undeniable authority. His leather shoes met the marble floor in near-silent rhythm, leaving behind a presence impossible to ignore.

As he passed by the large windows of the main corridor, his eyes briefly caught sight of the scene outside luxury cars neatly lined up in the mansion's driveway, standing like disciplined soldiers in formation. The streetlights reflected off their polished surfaces, emphasizing their aerodynamic lines a symbol of status and power. A black Rolls-Royce Phantom, bearing a custom plate, stood out among them, its elegance dominating the nightscape.

Golden light from the mansion's pillars gleamed against the tinted glass windows, creating an illusion of shifting shadows. Beneath its polished exterior lay secrets known only to a select few a symbol of power beyond the reach of ordinary hands.

He drew in a deep breath but did not stop. His gaze lingered only for a moment before refocusing on his path. Unmoved by the opulence surrounding him, he pressed forward with unwavering resolve, letting the night swallow his presence in meaningful silence.