House of Aurelius,
Lucius Lucy's Aurelius—son of Christiana Lucy's Aurelius' late brother—stood quietly in the grand hall. Among close family, he was known simply as Lucus.
Christiana's sharp gaze fell upon him.
"It's been a long time," she said calmly. "What kind of news brings my nephew here today?"
Lucus lowered his head slightly.
"Greetings, Your Highness—the Queen of House Aurelius."
A faint smile touched Christiana's lips.
"There's no need for such formality here. Say what you came to say."
"My apologies for arriving unannounced," Lucus replied. "But I bring news… news that may shake you."
For a brief moment, Christiana's eyes flickered. Then she noticed the presence of many attendants in the hall.
"Everyone is dismissed," she ordered. "This meeting will resume next week."
One by one, the hall emptied.
Now silence ruled the chamber.
Christiana already understood—this was no ordinary matter. Ever since last week's incident, House Octavius had shared nothing. Not a single piece of information. That alone was suspicious.
So she had decided—if they wouldn't act, she would.
"What is it, Julius?" she asked.
Lucus took a breath.
"There's a reason House Octavius is withholding information. They've discovered something… something that could rob not only them—but the entire empire—of sleep."
Christiana leaned forward slightly.
"Let's hear it."
Lucus hesitated for only a second.
"My investigation suggests… Princess Valkyrie Valerian Verus has returned."
"…What?"
The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly.
"My daughter… has returned?" Christiana's voice rose, echoing across the chamber.
Then, just as quickly, her tone turned cold and controlled.
"What proof do you have?" she asked. "And what exactly do you mean by this? If this is some kind of joke, choose another subject. Speak carelessly about my daughter… and I will not forgive you. I trust you understand, Julius."
Lucus swallowed.
"I'm not here to prove truth or falsehood," he said carefully. "I'm only reporting what my investigation uncovered."
Even he—future heir of the family—felt an unexplainable fear standing before her.
Because this woman wasn't just his aunt.
She was the one who had rebuilt House Aurelius from the brink of collapse.
Without her… the family would not exist today.
"I analyzed the incident," Lucus continued. "There were signs of mythical creature summoning. Those present temporarily lost their memories."
Christiana remained silent.
"The existence of Rivian has also been confirmed," he added. "And the tornado that appeared… that power belongs to no one else but Princess Riana."
A long pause.
"They can't have gone far."
"And just recently… a similar event occurred. Not identical—but both incidents involved mythical creatures. However…" Lucus's eyes narrowed, "it seems Riana's core is no longer as powerful as before."
Christiana's expression darkened.
"If she encounters Royal Knights… or anyone from House Octavius…"
"…her death is certain."
Silence.
Only the faint wind passing through the tall windows could be heard.
Christiana spoke at last.
"You're certain it was her?"
"I already told you," Lucus replied. "Truth or lie doesn't matter. There is enough evidence of her presence—Rivian, the summoning… no one else fights like that."
He clenched his fist.
"Many from House Verus have come and gone. But among them, she was the strongest—the one destined to be the next ruler."
His voice hardened.
"And I've fought her in a duel. I know how difficult it is to defeat her."
A cold smile appeared.
"If she truly has returned from death…"
"…then she will die by my hands."
"I will deliver the punishment for her sins."
The room fell into absolute silence.
But seeing Christiana's expression… Lucus felt a chill run down his spine.
"Is that so?" she said softly.
"I have no objection to whether you try to kill my daughter or not. But someone like you?" She let out a short, mocking laugh. "Everyone knows you're incapable of it."
Lucus laughed in return.
"Times have changed. I'm not the same Julius who would break down crying."
"We'll see," Christiana replied. "Just how strong you've become."
Then her voice turned deadly serious.
"But remember one thing."
"Do not—under any circumstances—try to revive the family's old legacy."
Her eyes burned.
"If I see anyone once again claiming to be the creators of this kingdom…"
"I will show no mercy."
"And don't forget—Riana is my daughter."
"If anything happens to her…"
"…I will set this entire kingdom on fire."
A brief pause.
"Just like I did ten years ago."
"No one will be spared. Not even family."
Her voice dropped even lower.
"You already know… I didn't hesitate to imprison even my own parents."
The conversation continued…
But one question lingered in the shadows—
Who was Riana's real mother?