Jiho

After walking for minutes, Haldvir finally stopped in front of the wooden door.

He hesitated for a moment, then slowly raised his hand.

On the other side of the door, Jiho was gazing out the window, a cup of green tea in his hand. The pale sunlight streamed into the room.

He took a deep breath, his lips curving slightly.

"What a beautiful day."

Just as he was about to take another sip of his tea, a sudden chill ran through his entire body. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his fingers loosened around the handle of the cup.

A killing intent was approaching—sharp, almost tangible in its savagery.

"An assassin? No… an assassin would never reveal their intent so openly. This is raw… uncontrolled. Whoever this is… they're coming straight for me."

His expression didn't change for even a second. He simply lifted the cup to his lips and took another sip.

Three knocks echoed through the room.

TAP. TAP. TAP.

Jiho gently set the cup down on the table. His eyes no longer watched the window but were now fixed on the door.

"Enter."

The door creaked open slowly. Haldvir stepped in first, his shoulders slightly hunched. His face was tense, but he tried to keep himself upright.

"Greetings, Master Jiho."

Jiho shot him a brief but piercing glance. His gaze swept over Haldvir's clothes, his hands… even the faint tremor at his fingertips.

Then, in a cold and measured tone, he spoke:

"What are you doing here, Haldvir? You should be cleaning the eastern wing's windows right now."

Haldvir swallowed hard and lowered his head.

Jiho's eyes flickered as he swiftly scanned Haldvir's body.

"The killing intent isn't coming from him."

His gaze shifted slightly—and then he noticed the shadow behind Haldvir.

There it was.

Standing just outside the door, back straight, eyes cold—Ravien Duskbane.

His deep crimson eyes gleamed like fresh blood. A suffocating pressure filled the air, invisible yet undeniable.

Jiho's pupils shrank. The corner of his lips curled ever so slightly.

A barely perceptible smile.

Haldvir lowered his head and tried to speak, his voice trembling.

"M-Master, I…"

But Jiho had already understood.

"No need to explain."

He silently stepped past Haldvir and stood before Ravien. He bowed his head slightly.

"It is an honor to see you again after so long, Young Master."

Ravien turned his gaze to him. "It's good to see you too, Jiho."

Jiho remained in his bowed position, his voice respectful yet firm.

"Is there a special reason for your visit, Young Master? You normally don't leave your chambers."

Ravien strode towards the long black couch in the room. His quiet footsteps echoed faintly against the wooden floor.

"I need to discuss something important with you."

Jiho finally lifted his head and turned to Haldvir.

"Haldvir, return to your duties. The Young Master and I have a private matter to discuss."

Haldvir quickly nodded. "Yes, Master."

Without lingering, he hurried out and shut the door behind him.

As soon as the door closed, Jiho stood in place, facing Ravien.

With a calm yet firm tone, he spoke:

"Young Master, would you kindly stop radiating your killing intent? Holding a conversation in such an atmosphere is… rather difficult. Not to mention, the castle staff is being affected as well."

---

(POV: Ravien)

Jiho's words surprised me.

"I'm… releasing killing intent?"

Jiho nodded slightly.

"Yes, Young Master. Right now, your bloodlust is quite strong. Are you not aware of it?"

Hearing his words, I finally noticed it. A suffocating pressure was radiating from my body—sharp and heavy, like an unseen force pressing down on everything around me.

So that was why that servant had been so unsettled. Interesting. I had forgotten that such things were possible in this world.

Taking a deep breath, I gradually withdrew my aura. The room immediately felt lighter. Now, there was nothing leaking from me.

I gave Jiho a small nod. "Thank you for reminding me, Jiho." Then, I motioned towards a seat. "Sit down. This will be a long conversation."

However, Jiho didn't move an inch. His response was immediate and unwavering.

"I cannot, Young Master. Sitting in your presence would go against family protocol."

His words intrigued me, but I wouldn't press the matter for now. There was something far more important I had come here for.

"Jiho, I heard you hired some servants while I was in my chambers. Is that true?"

Jiho gave a slight nod.

"Yes, Young Master. The castle is vast and requires regular upkeep. I hired a few servants from the lower village."

My brows furrowed slightly.

"And what money did you use to hire them? We didn't bring any with us when we arrived."

Jiho, as calm as ever, replied:

"Even if we arrived without funds, the family still has a treasury within this castle. I used the resources from there."

"Interesting." This would make things easier for me. So, we still had access to wealth here…

I turned to Jiho. "One last question." My voice was steady. "Then, I will give you a few orders."

Jiho slightly inclined his head.

"Of course, Young Master. Ask whatever you wish."

I fixed my gaze on him.

"Since I left my room, you haven't asked me a single question. Normally, wouldn't you be curious about how I'm able to release such killing intent, why I suddenly left my chambers after five years, or why my behavior has changed? Yet you've remained silent. Will you truly ask nothing?"

Jiho, his face devoid of emotion, responded calmly.

"Young Master, I believe you have forgotten which family I come from."

His eyes lowered slightly, his voice quiet yet unwavering.

"I am from the Crisro family. The Crisro bloodline has sworn absolute loyalty to the Pendragon family for generations. We do not ask questions about our masters. We do not find anything strange. We simply obey orders. It is not my place to question you. I am here only to serve. If you have a command, please give it."

Silence filled the room.