Azron secretly assembled his four generals while Sera was washing up. General Loran's death wasn't an incident he can simply ignore. It lingered heavily in his mind, like an unspoken warning, pressing against his thoughts with quiet urgency.
When the four generals entered the room, their gazes fell in the blooded sack on the floor. While Azron sat across it. His elbows rest on his knees, his gaze locked on the sack. Like he was thinking of a plan on how to address the situation, yet beneath that stillness was a storm of calculation and restraint.
"What is that?" General Dan asked as he approached the sack and took a peek. His eyes and mouth widened at the sight. Speechless as he glanced at Lord Azron and towards the other generals, as if hoping someone else would deny what he had just seen.
The other generals got curious and walked towards the sack. They all lifted their heads and looked at their Lord who was now massaging his temple, the tension evident in the slight tightening of his jaw.
"Lord Azron, this is…" General Jidu spoke. "…but how?"
"So, that was why his army retreated." General Wang as he stepped backwards, unease settling into his chest.
"But who did this? We were all together on the battlefield yesterday." General Dan asked as he tied the sack again, his fingers slightly unsteady.
"It's her, isn't it?" General Rin spoke, his face serious as he looked at Azron, as though already knowing the answer but still needing to hear it.
"Her?…Sera?!" General Jidu asked as he glanced at Rin then Azron, disbelief flickering across his face.
Azron nodded.
Silence covered the room. The generals were speechless and amazed at the same time. Loran was a despicable man, they didn't expect Sera to be able to kill him, and in such a manner—swift, precise, merciless.
"She's really something." General Dan spoke as their gazes were still locked on the bloody sack, admiration laced faintly with unease.
"This is an assassination. And his head was taken from his body…a shameful way to die. This will stir chaos towards the borders. Lurion will surely cause trouble across the three states until he finds the one responsible …" General Rin spoke and looked at Azron. "…what should we do?"
Azron straightened his body, his expression settling into cold resolve. "I want you to divide the forces. The four of you will need to guard the four corners of Mort, until this blows over. And make all Mort territories on high alert." General Azron instructed, his voice steady, leaving no room for hesitation.
"What about Sera?" General Wang asked.
"She did that because I put Pearl to guard her. Loran saw her mounting the Ghosthoof. She was threatened by Loran…so she killed him last night, while we were waiting for his attack." Azron paused and stood up, his gaze darkening for a brief moment. "I will take her back to Mort City. Don't tell her about the seriousness of the situation or she will do something impulsive again."
"Yes, Lord Azron." The four generals responded in unison.
They all left the room, taking the blooded sack with them. While Azron remained, his gaze locked on the map of the four states, though his thoughts seemed elsewhere. His gaze shifted to Sera as she entered after washing up.
Azron immediately turned his back the moment he laid eyes on her.
She was wearing a white sleeveless top and cotton shorts with length above her knees. Her hair and skin was damp, tiny droplets tracing down the curve of her neck and collarbone. Her fair skin showing off made Azron flustered in a way he hadn't experienced in years—raw, sudden, and dangerously distracting.
His reaction also stunned her and she looked at herself, suddenly self-conscious under the weight of his silence.
"Why don't all your clothing have enough fabric?" He asked as he closed his eyes, trying to calm himself, his voice tight as if restraint alone held him together.
Sera looked at him. "I'm sorry, I thought you would be okay…" her voice soft and lowered, uncertain. "…since you already knew I am not from here."
"Can you…cover yourself up?"
"What's the harm? It's not like I'm gonna be offended. Women even dress shorter than this in my world."
Azron placed his hands on his waist. His back was still facing Sera, his shoulders tense. "Though my self control is up to the top, I am still a man, Sera."
His words flustered her instantly, heat rushing to her face. She took a robe and put it on herself, wrapping it tighter than necessary.
"It's not like you're even interested in me." She unconsciously mumbled, her voice lowered, almost lost in the space between them.
But Azron heard it, so he turned around to face her. His gaze locked on her—intense, searching, something deeper flickering beneath.
He walked towards her and gave the set of clothing he prepared for her. His eyes shifted to her leg that wasn't covered by the robe. He lowered his body, touched the robe and stretched it to cover her skin, his fingers careful yet lingering just a fraction too long. Then his gaze lifted on her eyes.
Their gazes locked on each other.
Sera was stunned at his face so close to hers. She leaned back as she felt her heart beated fast, her chest rising unevenly, her thoughts scattering under the weight of his presence.
"Do you do this in front of other men?" He asked. His voice was deep and interrogating, but beneath it was something else—something possessive, something unfamiliar even to him.
Sera blinked.
"No."
"Good."
Azron placed the clothes in her lap and stepped out of the room to give her space to change, though leaving seemed harder than it should have been.
Sera was speechless at what happened. Azron's gaze didn't leave her mind as she put on the clothes, her fingers slower than usual, her thoughts tangled.
What's wrong with him?
She thought as she recalled how seductive his gaze was, how it seemed to linger even after he was gone.
Meanwhile Azron was outside washing his face with water, gripping the basin as if steadying himself, the cool water doing little to quiet the heat stirring inside him.
What's wrong with her? Is she seducing me?
He thought as he also recalled how daring her outfit was, how the image of her lingered stubbornly in his mind.
His attraction towards Sera is getting harder to ignore. He didn't know how long he could hold himself up, how long before that control would begin to crack.
…
BACK TO MORT CITY
Sera stared blankly at the Mort City gate, thinking how she missed the opportunity to leave the city. The thought lingered in her chest like a quiet regret—something that slipped through her fingers before she could fully grasp it. But instead, she's back.
She exhaled as they entered the gates, the breath leaving her lips heavier than she expected. Lord Azron led the parade, and the people welcomed the whole army with loud cheers, their voices echoing through the streets, full of admiration and pride.
Unlike before, Sera was no longer riding the Ghosthoof. At her quiet request, Azron had her transferred to another horse before they entered the city—one far less imposing, far less attention-drawing.
Sera looked around, noticing the four generals were not there. She recalled seeing them when they left, how they rode beside them, and one by one they disappeared together with portions of the army.
She made her horse go beside Azron, her gaze briefly lingering on him before she spoke.
"Where are the generals?" She asked.
Azron tilted his head slightly, his expression calm, almost unreadable. "I sent them somewhere."
Their conversation was witnessed by everyone and they were all surprised. It was rare—almost unheard of—for their Lord to casually converse with a woman in public, especially during a parade meant to display strength and authority.
"Who is that woman?" A lot of women whispered as they passed, their eyes following Sera with curiosity—and something sharper beneath it.
They don't usually see their Lord talking to a lady or even be with a lady during a parade. The sight alone stirred something restless among them.
"I knew that girl. She was Grand Ersi's adopted. I thought she was mute."
"A brother of mine saw her when they left. He said Lord Azron made her mount the Ghosthoof."
"Really? So that means he favored her, right?"
"I really thought his Lordship wasn't interested in women. I guess I was wrong."
The gossip traveled across Mort City like wildfire and reached Mort Mansion, making Madam Han surprised. The words carried not just curiosity—but implication. They didn't know Sera was with the army when they left to the North. And she didn't know Azron was even close to her. That alone unsettled her.
"Untie Han, the gossip about Lord Azron and Grand Ersi's adopted girl had reached my father. Now he was planning to look for other prospects for my marriage." Lady Lia said with concern, her voice laced with quiet urgency.
Madam Han reached for her hands, holding them firmly as if to steady both of them. "She was just a servant girl. My son just made her tag along because she serves him and nothing more." Her voice was reassuring—but beneath it was a flicker of irritation. "Don't worry Lia, I will discuss this matter to Grand Ersi and make your marriage with my son be as soon as possible."
…
AT GRAND ERSI'S QUARTERS
"Azron has a mind of his own, Hannura. Let him choose his own bride." Grand Ersi said as she drank her tea, her tone calm yet firm.
"But he didn't have time to even look at the women here in Mort. He was too busy with his duties." Madam Han insisted, her fingers tightening slightly. "I think we need to take control of this, Grand. Or Azron will be swayed by…"
Grand Ersi's gaze lifted to her, steady and sharp, making her stop mid-sentence.
Madam Han lowered her head out of respect to Grand Ersi, though the tension in her shoulders remained. "I was just worried for my son. He is past his marriageable age. He needs an heir soon."
"Is that why you kept on sending women in his quarters?" Her voice was calm—but pointed.
"I…" she faltered, unable to answer directly.
"If you're worried about Yan…Sera. She is not like what the gossip tells. Have you forgotten how she saved us from all those assassins?"
Madam Han didn't utter a word, though her silence carried resistance.
"And if Azron does like her, what's the harm?" Grand Ersi continued, her voice steady, almost thoughtful. "Mort City doesn't have a rule forbidding its Lord to take a bride from any origins. As long as she supports him, takes care of him and will protect him." Her gaze softened slightly. "And Sera had supported him, saved his family and gone to war with him."
"But she is still a stranger. We never knew where she came from." Madam Han insisted, though her voice lacked its earlier strength.
Grand Ersi shook her head slowly. "If you can convince your son to marry who you wish, I will have no say. I will support him with whoever he wants to marry."
Grand Ersi stood up, leaving Madam Han who was thinking of how to make his son marry Lady Lia. Her thoughts moved quickly, weaving plans, tightening control.
I need to make sure that girl doesn't stir my son's feelings.
"Summon Yan…I mean Sera, to my Quarters." She ordered her servant, her voice calm—but decisive.
—-
AT MADAM HAN'S QUARTERS
Sera stood confused at the door towards Madam Han's tea garden. It was the first time she was summoned to the place, and something about it made her uneasy.
Why does she want me? She thought as a maid approached her, her steps hesitant.
"This way, please. Madam Han is waiting for you."
Sera nodded and followed the maid to a lavish garden filled with flowers. Her gaze was caught by the vibrant colors of the flowers all around the area, their soft petals swaying gently in the breeze. For a moment, the tension in her chest eased. Sera may be tough—but she was still a woman. And she adores flowers as well, their quiet beauty drawing a softer side of her to the surface.
She saw Madam Han sitting and drinking tea, composed and elegant.
She bowed and slowly approached her.
"Please, sit." Madam Han ordered.
Sera sat down across her and didn't utter a word. While Madam Han's gaze fell on her, from head to toe, carefully observing her usual loose manly clothing, as if measuring something beyond appearance.
Sera felt her judgement and also looked at herself, suddenly aware of how she might appear under that scrutiny.
What's her deal? Sera thought, a faint unease settling in her chest.
"I never got to thank you for saving us from the assassins." Madam Han started as she put her tea on the table. "If there is anything that you wish…a reward? I can give it to you."
Sera's eyebrows slightly furrowed upward. She was thinking of what to say to her, unsure of the intent behind the offer.
According to Shrin, Madam Han was strict and meticulous. That they should be careful when leaving Grand Ersi's Quarters. She manages all of Mort Mansion, except the Grand's Quarters, which makes Sera free from her eyes and her rules. On the good side, she is generous and treats the servants fairly. It was known inside the Mort Mansion that she always favored Lady Lia to be her son's wife.
"Is there any reward you have in mind?" Madam Han asked again.
"Uhmm…thank you… for your generosity, Madam Han. But Lord Azron already gave me a house as a reward. I think…that was enough." Sera answered awkwardly, her voice careful, not wanting to overstep.
"I see. Can you tell me what kind of relationship you have with my son?"
Relationship?
Her question made Sera stunned for a moment. Then she realized it was because of the gossip circling around Mort City, the whispers that seemed to follow her everywhere now.
Shrin had told Sera about the gossip and warned her not to roam around the city or she will be egged on by Lord Azron's admirers.
Sera smiled then her face shifted seriously. She doesn't like the attention she was getting because of the gossip—it felt suffocating, undeserved, and dangerously misleading.
"I serve his Lordship. I am nothing but his servant. Nothing more." Her answer was straight, firm—meant to cut through any misunderstanding.
Madam Han smiled. "Good, good. Well, I just need some clarification since you two are always together and you work for him in his office."
"Actually, I don't work there anymore. I was reassigned to the military." Sera answered straightaway to shut those gossips down, her tone steady.
"Is that so? That is good!"
Madam Han's tone was obviously happy Sera doesn't work at the government office anymore, relief slipping into her voice.
"You must need a lot of things in your house since you're busy in the army. Let me send you things you need."
"You really don't have to…"
"I insist." Madam Han stood up and called for her servant. "See Sera off and deliver things to her house." She joyfully ordered.
Sera stood up and bowed.
"If you need anything else, come straight to me. You don't have to go to his Lordship, okay?"
Sera just smiled and nodded awkwardly, though something about those words felt heavier than they sounded.
Then she was guided by a maid towards the exit of Madam Han's Quarters.
Sera was stunned by what just happened and she walked slowly on the way to exit Mort Mansion, her thoughts tangled, her chest tight with something she couldn't fully name.
Her steps stopped as she saw Azron walking towards her direction.
She wanted to avoid him—but the exit was behind him so she didn't have a choice but to walk his way.
Azron saw and approached her, his steps naturally drawn toward her presence. He was about to talk to her—but she stopped him.
"Don't talk to me." She whispered, her voice low, almost fragile, as if holding back something deeper.
"What?…"
He was stunned as he looked at Sera, confusion flickering across his face as she walked hastily out of the mansion. She didn't even bother to bow at him or greet him.
"What's up with her?" He asked himself as he walked towards the medical wing, though her words lingered in his mind more than he expected.
Dr. Fyu checked him for any injuries from the recent travel and battle. It is his routine every time he is back to Mort City. Dr. Fyu will check his bones and his whole well being, his movements practiced and precise, though his eyes occasionally flickered toward Azron's face—as if searching for something beyond physical wounds.
"Is there any development with the attraction that you had with that lady?" Dr. Fyu asked as he finished checking his shoulders, his tone casual but laced with quiet curiosity.
"I have been restraining myself lately." Azron answered, his voice low, controlled—but there was a faint strain beneath it. "I couldn't just jump on her just because I finally feel this attraction after years of not being able to." His jaw tightened slightly as he spoke, as if even admitting it stirred something within him.
Dr. Fyu nodded, agreeing to his words, observing the subtle tension in Azron's posture.
"Have you tried testing if you will feel the same way towards other women now that you have felt it with her?"
Azron nodded, though the movement was slower, more deliberate—like the answer carried weight.
"But it didn't? Just to her, huh?…" Dr. Fyu's lips curved faintly, not in amusement, but in understanding. "The attraction that you have with her is rare in men. Men usually get attracted by mere seduction but with you, it took a deep connection." His gaze lingered on Azron. "Something that goes beyond the surface…something that binds before desire even begins."
"Is it a bad thing?"
Azron asked, quieter this time, as if the question wasn't just for the doctor—but for himself.
"No…no." Dr. Fyu replied gently. "It explains much about your character. It means you will be devoted to the woman you will have a deep connection with." He paused briefly. "For many years we have thought you don't feel sexually attracted to any women at all. This change is good." His voice softened further. "It means you are capable of wanting someone—not just physically, but entirely."
Azron remained silent for a moment, his gaze drifting slightly, as if an image had surfaced in his mind—unbidden, persistent.
Sera.
Their chat continued unaware that a servant of Madam Han was eavesdropping on the wall. Madam Han had been desperate to find ways to get Azron to marry Lady Lia that she even sent servants to keep an eye on Azron, her control extending even into moments meant to be private.
The servant didn't stay longer in the medical wing and rushed back to Madam Han's Quarters, his steps quick, almost eager.
"So, any news?" Madam Han asked, her tone composed—but her eyes sharp with expectation.
"I didn't get to hear everything clearly but what I heard is that his Lordship has trouble being sexually attracted to women." The servant reported with his head bowed, careful, cautious.
The news made Madam Han in shock. The composure on her face faltered, replaced by disbelief.
"Are…you certain?" She asked, her voice lower now, as if the truth itself was something fragile.
"Yes. Dr. Fyu said it himself…that they thought so after so many years."
Madam Han sat down slowly, the weight of that revelation settling heavily upon her. "Keep this from everyone. If I ever hear this thing known to anyone else, I will have you beheaded. Is it clear?" Her voice returned to firmness—but beneath it was urgency, even fear.
"Yes, Madam Han."
The servant bowed and left.
Madam Han was left in her room, thinking it must be the reason why Azron hasn't chosen a bride yet. Or touched the women she deliberately sent to his Quarters. The realization unsettled her deeply—it was not just a matter of preference, but something she could not easily control.
I need to fix this, or my son will never have an heir.
Madam Han stood up and ordered her servant to summon an expert herbalist to produce a strong aphrodisiac incense for her son. She was planning to have Lady Lia sent over to his son's quarters, hoping this will help solve his son's situation—unaware that what bound his desire was not something that could be forced, but something already rooted far deeper.
…
The incense was ready and Madam Han had it placed inside Azron's bedroom that night.
The aphrodisiac incense was crafted to intensify the body's natural desire—heightening sensitivity, accelerating blood flow, and weakening restraint. Its scent was thick, warm, and slightly metallic beneath its sweetness, made from rare herbs that stirred heat deep within the body. It did not create desire on its own—but it magnified whatever emotion or attraction already existed.
Azron stepped inside his room after a day in the government office and was getting ready to rest when he smelled a strong aroma. His chamber became thick with the scent, dense and clinging, as though the air itself wrapped around him.
Then he suddenly felt his body hot and his heartbeat race—hard, rapid, pounding against his chest with alarming force. His vision darkened slightly, his breathing turning fast and uneven.
He realized there must be an aphrodisiac incense placed in his room.
When the aphrodisiac totally kicked in, the sensation became overwhelming. Heat surged through him like fire beneath his skin, spreading from his chest downward, coiling tightly within him. Every nerve felt awakened, painfully sensitive, every movement of his clothes against his body unbearable.
His breath grew heavier. His muscles tensed. His control—once unshakable—began to strain under the pressure.
The desire wasn't gentle.
It was relentless.
Demanding.
Searching for something—someone.
Lady Lia entered the room, wearing a red seductive dress.
"Lord Azron." She said as she walked closer to him.
Azron saw her, recognized her—but there was nothing. Despite the burning heat in his body, despite the overwhelming pull of the aphrodisiac, he felt no desire toward her. No connection. Only irritation rising sharply within him.
"Go away!" He said angrily, his voice rough, strained, edged with something dangerous.
It must be my mother's doing. He realized.
He never expected his mother to be so desperate that she even thought of giving her own son an aphrodisiac.
Lady Lia attempted to walk towards him but Azron took his sword and aimed it at her, his movement sharp despite the instability coursing through his body.
"Go away!" He ordered again. His gaze was deadly this time.
A warning for Lia to go away or she will be hurt.
Lady Lia covered herself and stepped back. While Azron stepped out of his room. His body's reaction was so intense that it was hard for him to walk straight, his steps uneven as waves of heat continued to crash through him.
I need to go somewhere.
He doesn't know what he might do so he chose to leave Mort Mansion to look for a place to hide. He can't let anyone see him this way. His footsteps were fast though he wasn't sure where he's headed, driven by instinct more than thought.
His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling sharply. His mind clouded—yet one presence began to surface through the haze.
Sera.
He looked up and was surprised to see he was now standing at the entrance of Sera's house. Even his subconsciousness had led him to her, as if she was the only place his burning body, his unraveling control, recognized.