All life in this world is born from a mother's womb. There may be rare exceptions, but never a complete deviation from this truth. For a child, the safest place they know is, and always will be, their mother. Some may overlook this fact, but it remains an eternal truth.
A mother's love cannot be compared to anything in this world. It is pure, untouched by selfishness or expectation. A mother loves her child without asking for anything in return.
Within the halls of the House of Verus, a quiet yet meaningful conversation unfolds between a mother and her child. At a distance, a lone butler stands silently. The high officials wait in the grand hall, aware that no meeting will take place today with the reigning sovereign—Selena Valkyrie Valerina Verus.
True to her name, she is unwavering in every decision she makes. There is a sense of perfection in her conduct, in the way she carries herself. She would do anything for her child's happiness. Yet, she never neglects wisdom—always prioritizing her child's safety and education.
Despite ruling the empire, she never forced the burden of succession upon her son. She never declared that he must become the next king. Her only wish was simple—that he grows into a true human being. Someone who values family and the people of the kingdom above all else.
Even with immense wealth at her disposal, she gave her son only a modest allowance for his daily life. She often advised him to blend into the crowds of common people, to understand their suffering, their struggles, and their pain. To help them, stand beside them, and live as one of them.
However, as time passed, Selena began to notice something unusual. Her son, Cornelius Valerin Verus, seemed as though he wanted to say something—yet hesitated, restrained by an unseen fear or perhaps shame.
This change in behavior deeply troubled her.
In the council chamber, she sought advice from those present.
"I may be an ideal mother," she began calmly, "but my child has always lacked the presence of his father. No matter how hard I try, I can never fill that void. From what I understand, Cornelius is trying to tell me something. But I cannot be certain what it is. You all know that I share almost everything—political and familial matters—with you. Though not personal matters. And you, too, share your concerns here."
The Head of Ministry stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"My Lady, I sincerely apologize. But I cannot offer a clear opinion on this matter. Cornelius is like a son to me, but the actions he has been displaying recently… they may bring trouble to our future. I have conducted thorough investigations. There is no doubt about the situation, yet there seems to be no simple solution. However, if Cornelius can handle everything as you have done… then perhaps the future may still hold hope."
The Knight Commander spoke next.
"I agree. However, I would like to add something. If we consider the current state of affairs—among the three great houses: Verus, Octavius, and Aurelius—Cornelius stands above all as a potential successor. Not only in intelligence, but in power as well."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"However, I have observed two major concerns. First, the House of Aurelius will never directly challenge House Verus. Of that, I am certain. But their diplomatic ties run deep, and their greed for wealth knows no bounds. Lacking power, they have begun to behave recklessly—like mad dogs."
Selena raised her hand slightly.
"There is no need to degrade them to such an extent. Their actions do not concern us directly. Continue."
"Yes, My Lady."
"The greater issue lies with the House of Octavius. Though I hesitate to call it a problem. For certain reasons, Cornelius once held deep affection for Princess Marie Valheur Octavius. Their relationship was… strong. However, their bond was obstructed by her elder brother, Ron Finger Octavius."
The room grew heavier.
"It has now reached a point where their relationship can never return to what it once was. Furthermore, it is believed that Marie Valheur, at the age of just fifteen, has already surpassed all her peers in both power and swordsmanship. The House of Octavius would never let such a prodigy go."
He continued,
"Recently, minor disputes have also arisen between Charlee Anthony Octavius and Cornelius. If this continues, there is a real possibility that they may declare a duel against one another. Despite everything, they remain close friends. I believe Charlee has even attempted to discuss a marriage alliance between his sister and Cornelius—perhaps even opposing Ron Finger for it."
A brief silence followed.
"But Cornelius has refused all such proposals."
The Knight Commander fell silent.
Selena leaned forward slightly, her expression calm but firm.
"Then what should we do?"
No one answered immediately.
Because everyone in that room understood the truth—
They were standing at the edge of a storm.
One wrong move… and the entire kingdom would be forced to pay the price.