Reason.

The sound of cutlery moving around the dining table echoed within the royal palace.

Soft dim light reflected on the polished surface of the dining table.

And—.

In the reflection showed the grim faces of Darvin and Verona.

Tears trickled down Verona's face as she couldn't keep her grief hidden.

'Why would he do that?'

Akamir couldn't help but wonder as he glanced at the king.

Despite what he did to their son, Aldric almost forced them to stay for the dinner.

'Using their son's body to threaten them....'

Akamir was sure, the king was a cunning being.

Aldric let out a loud burp as he continued to gobble down the food.

Leaning back against the head chair, he looked towards us.

"Why aren't you eating?"

As if oblivious to their condition he asked.

"I arranged this feast in honor of Duke Vyavan's family. After all, it was your generosity that allowed me to deliver justice for my son."

Crack!!

Akamir's gaze shifted towards Darvin as he heard a cracking sound.

Looking closer he noticed blood dripping down from the side of his mouth.

Darvin's bloodshot eyes glared on the table.

'He is barely holding himself back.'

What Akamir wanted to know is...Why?

From what he had noticed, Darvin is stronger than Aldric.

'Is there any hidden power behind the royal family?'

Akamir noted that in the back of his mind.

"Asher."

Aldric's sudden call jolted him awake.

"Yes?"

Akamir turned to look at the king who signaled one of the maids to pour us some drink.

She did as instructed while Aldric raised his glass.

"Congratulations on being the next head of the Vyavan dukedom."

Akamir remained silent staring at him.

"Hmm?"

Aldric looked at those who were present with them.

"Are you ignoring me?"

Instead of replying Akamir looked at Darvin.

Finally, after getting a hold on his emotions, he whispered. "....Why?"

"Hm?"

Aldric put down his glass as he tilted his head slightly.

"Why did you kill him?" He growled, his voice laced with anger.

Aldric's expression turned stoic, the chair creaked due to his weight.

"Morris shone too brightly."

His cold voice echoed in the dining room.

"Brighter than my sons...even the royal family."

"...."

It only took Akamir a few moments to understand the whole situation.

'What predators fear isn't prey, they always fear another predator.'

"He wasn't going to interfere with the royal family." Darvin argued, clenching his fist until they bled. "His only wish was to join the paladin knights."

"Maybe he wasn't going to interfere." Aldric chuckled softly. "But what about you?"

"...."

Darvin immediately turned silent.

"Think about it." Aldric leaned forward.

"He had a green mana core at the mere age of twenty-four. He had the potential to reach the legendary white core."

He still had that small smile on his face as if he was aware of everything.

"Did you not arrange his marriage with Inara in order to rule the kingdom from the shadows?"

Aldric continued, his voice filled with certainty.

"Was it not the reason you supported Inara to become the crown Princess?"

Verona also looked at Darvin with anger in her eyes.

If not before, Akamir was sure that was Darvin's plan all along.

"Like it or not." Aldric said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It was your fault that we both lost our sons."

That was all Darvin had to hear.

He abruptly stood up from his chair as he moved towards Aldric.

Lowering his head, he earnestly requested. "Return my son's body so we could give him a proper burial."

Aldric looked at him for a while before he stood up.

"I can't do that for now." He said, his voice devoid of any remorse. "His head is being marched all over the city as we speak."

Darvin trembled violently.

Ignoring his anger, Aldric just walked past him. "Head back to your dukedom and leave Asher behind, he will retrieve the body and return by evening."

Saying so he walked out of the room.

---

'They really did leave me behind.'

Akamir mused to himself walking aimlessly on the second floor of the royal palace.

Darvin didn't even ask him for his opinion leaving him to retrieve his brother's body.

Left alone, Akamir started thinking about the situation he was in.

'Aldric is dangerous.'

From the start till the end, Akamir never saw a single remorse in his eyes.

Even though his son died just a few days ago.

Either he can hide his feelings well or he doesn't care about his family.

'But Darvin as well.'

Losing his son for the power....

....He is going to live a regretful life.

'Anyway, they were talking about this core thing.'

Akamir was quite curious about it.

Unlike in his previous world where people could use chi to enhance the body....core seems entirely different.

'Hmm?'

Just when Akamir was pondering about the cores the sound of swords echoed in his ears.

Intrigued, he followed the sound, making his way toward an open balcony.

Akamir looked down.

A regal woman practiced with her sword.

But—.

Akamir's heartbeat spiked as he looked at the woman.

She was tall, her posture exuding dominance, her movements were natural—like a predator honing its craft.

Her silver hair tied in a ponytail swayed with her every motion while her crimson eyes focused in the front.

Akamir pressed a hand to his chest, his heartbeat unnaturally fast.

'What is this?'

For a fleeting moment, he felt as though he knew her.

As though something inside him recognized her.

'Is she....Inara?'

Akamir wondered, staring at the princess.

But—.

As if his body's reaction wasn't enough.

'Huh?'

A text floated right in front of him.

[Krivos Sword Art.]

'...What?'

Before he could even comprehend it.

She stopped.

In a blink, the woman flicked her gaze upward.

Making him clear that she was aware of his presence.

Then, without a word, she sheathed her sword and turned on her heel, walking away.

The text vanished with her.

'What was that?'

Akamir had some idea but he wasn't sure.

"What are you doing?"

Akamir abruptly looked at his side.

A young man, dressed in royal attire, leaned against the balcony railing, watching him with an amused expression.

His dark blue eyes glinted with warmth, and a knowing smirk played on his lips.

Akamir's body trembled in fear.

'...Asher was afraid of him?'

A name quickly appeared in his mind.

....Lucien.

The second prince of the Krivos Kingdom.

Lucien smiled as he walked towards him, placing his hand over his shoulder. "Were you watching my sister?"

"...."

Akamir didn't reply instead, he stared at the hand holding onto him.

Lucien turned around walking inside the palace.

A soldier clad in full body armor walked along with them.

Just when no one was around them.

Lucien softly whispered in his ear. "I can't believe you actually did it."

"Hm?"

Confused Akamir looked at the young man.

"What do you mean?"

Lucien let out a soft chuckle. "You really don't remember? Or are you playing dumb?"

Lucien stopped just before they reached a dimly lit corridor.

With a tilt of his head, he gestured for the soldier to move ahead.

The armored man hesitated for a moment before bowing slightly and continuing down the hall.

The moment they were alone, Lucien leaned in. "You actually framed him."

Something clicked in his mind.

"I always thought you were too much of a coward, but I guess even you can be pushed far enough."

'....No way this idiot did something like that.'

Akamir wanted to believe it wasn't true but he was smart enough to accept reality.

Lucien stepped back, studying him.

"You look surprised. Did you hit your head or something?"

Akamir quickly composed himself. "I think you have the wrong idea."

Lucien's expression turned cold as he patted Akamir's cheek. "Don't try to act smart. I have proof that it was you."

"...."

Akamir stared at the hand with which Lucien touched him.

'Should I kill him?'

He forced himself to not do something he will regret.

"But you know, I can't fulfill my promise about marrying my sister to you."

Lucien said, his smile growing wider.

"And it's not like you could do anything my loyal dog."

"...."

Akamir quietly looked at him without a word.

"Be on standby for now." Lucien ordered looking at him. "You will get your next task soon."

"And what if I don't follow?" Akamir asked, looking at him.

Lucien smiled that didn't reach his eyes.

"Do you want your family to know what you did?" He said, tilting his head. "I wonder what the duke will do when he knows his bastard framed his son."

"..."

Lucien gently slapped his face again. "Be a good dog and do as I say."

The prince turned on his heel, walking away without another word.

Akamir chuckled softly.

"What the hell did you do, Asher."

Framing your brother to steal his fiancée.

'...What a scumbag.'

But—.

Akamir's gaze wandered where the prince vanished.

'Looks like this kingdom is going to lose another prince.'