The First Steps in the Game

As Seraphina, Jonny, and Lucian stood by the doorway, ready to leave, Seraphina turned back, her hazel eyes gleaming with amusement—but underneath that smile lay a warning.

"Let's talk about my share after you establish this task… Okay, Guild Master?"

Her voice was light, but Julian wasn't fooled. She wasn't just reminding him—she was setting the terms.

Julian let out a breathless chuckle, shaking his head as if in disbelief. "Me? Cheat you?" He placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. "I would never!"

Seraphina only tilted her head, her expression unreadable. She knew better.

She had read the novel. Julian was a capitalist, a ruthless and calculating one. He was a man who weighed every decision based on profit and survival, yet there were stories scattered throughout the novel that hinted at a different side of him.

A story about him once giving a starving child food and winter clothes—even when his own business was collapsing under the weight of the Ravensdale Duchy's oppression.

A story about how he barely escaped when the Duke of Ravensdale set out to destroy him, leaving everything behind to flee with his beloved wife.

A story about how… in the end, his wife didn't make it.

Seraphina suppressed a shudder. The Duke of Ravensdale wasn't just powerful—he was ruthless. He crushed competitors with a cold efficiency that made him untouchable. Anyone who rose too high or threatened his business disappeared before they even realized they were in danger.

And Julian? Julian barely survived.

Seraphina knew what that loss had done to him. After his wife's death, Julian changed. He became something else—a man who didn't just want to build a business anymore.

He wanted revenge.

Just thinking about it made her uneasy. But instead of lingering on the thought, she sighed and spoke again.

"Master, can you help us find a tutor?"

Julian tilted his head. "For what?"

"I want the children—and myself—to grow stronger." Her face darkened. "Who knows when something will happen?"

Lucian, who had been silent, suddenly looked up. His blue eyes flickered with thought before he turned to Gideon.

"You'll be in charge of our training. We need to sharpen our combat skills and magic control. Understood?"

Gideon straightened immediately at the order. He thumped a fist over his heart and grinned. "Right away, my lord!"

Julian, however, scowled. "And who's going to help me with the business?"

He shot Gideon an irritated glare, making it clear—he needed him for business negotiations, not just swordplay.

Gideon smirked. "Chloe."

Julian groaned. "Figures."

Seraphina, ignoring their banter, turned back to Julian. "Guild Master, I want to entrust Jonny to you."

Julian narrowed his eyes slightly. "Jonny?"

She nodded. "I noticed your ability is similar to his, and I want you to train him."

Julian's gaze flickered toward the brown-haired boy. He had already sensed something unusual about him. Jonny's skill—though undeveloped—was something special. Similar to his own, but… different.

Finally, Julian nodded. "Fine. But only three hours per day. He's still a kid."

Jonny's face lit up. "Okay!! Master!"

Julian ruffled his hair and then turned to Seraphina. "I'll also try to find an enchanter to mentor your little brother. What do you think?"

Seraphina raised a brow. "You're surprisingly thoughtful." She bowed slightly. "Thanks for all you've done for us."

Julian waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing."

But Seraphina shook her head. "No, really. You didn't know Lucian's identity when we came to you, yet you still helped us. That's not something I can forget. I'll always be indebted to you."

Lucian, who had been observing quietly, felt his perception of Julian shift.

Julian had never been a saint—but he had saved them without hesitation. And in this world, that meant something.

Julian exhaled and leaned back against his desk. His eyes turned distant.

"You see, child…" He let out a tired chuckle. "My wife and I were married for five years… and we never had a child."

Seraphina remained silent, sensing something deeper.

Julian gave a faint, bitter smile. "She was pregnant once." His fingers tightened slightly. "But she lost the baby."

Silence filled the room.

Seraphina's throat felt tight. "I'm… sorry for your loss."

Julian exhaled and forced a smile. "It was a long time ago."

But Gideon—standing beside him—knew better. He had seen the way Julian shattered that day.

Julian placed a hand on Seraphina's head. "Don't think of this as kindness, kid. I am selfish. I have no shame in admitting that."

Seraphina smirked. "If this is selfishness, then the world needs more of it."

Julian chuckled. "Flattery won't get you a bigger share."

Seraphina's smirk widened. "That's what you think."

With that, she, Lucian, and Jonny left.

***

The Next Morning—

Gideon stormed into the children's quarters, his voice booming.

"Wake up! Training starts now!"

The older children groaned but had no choice but to comply.

For the younger ones, it was a day like any other.

For the older ones… hell had begun.