CHAPTER 14: BEST OF THE BUNCH

Each groan, each shout of pain that echoed from the office behind Aric sent a shiver of fear through every accountant standing before the fourth prince. They stood frozen, pale-faced, horrified, while Aric waited patiently.

Moments later, the screams ceased. The two guards stepped out, closing the door behind them. Their hands and clothes were stained red—enough to make anyone dread what had happened inside.

Aric’s face remained unreadable.

"Alive?" he asked.

"We can’t be certain," Meholt replied.

"Good." Aric gave a single nod.

He walked calmly down the hall. The men present held their breath, awaiting his next words, silently praying their punishment would not mirror Devan’s.

At the entrance of the fiscal court, Aric finally turned to them.

"You’re all dismissed," he said flatly before leaving.

Relieved to keep their lives, they exhaled as one.

---

Aric crossed to the other side of the Exchequer, submitting the signed decree. The funds were swiftly transferred into his personal vault.

As he exited the building, a glowing panel appeared before him. His lips curved into a smile.

[M-Quest Completed]

[Reward: Martial God Technique]

Aric exhaled deeply. It felt surreal, but he had done it. He had taken back what was his—from Darius, no less. In his former life, opposing his brother had been unthinkable, yet here he was, victorious.

The best part? Darius had no idea.

---

With a stride of quiet triumph, Aric returned to his estate. The new main quest notification lingered at the edge of his vision, but he ignored it for now. First, he would understand his reward.

Inside the manor, sitting on worn chairs by the wall, were Serina and Lerai.

Is it time? Aric wondered.

Both rose upon seeing him.

"Your Highness," they greeted with a nod.

"Well, this is a surprise," Aric said as he approached.

"I doubt that," Serina replied, her gaze skeptical.

"No, truly," Aric insisted. "What brings you here?"

Without warning, Lerai dropped to one knee, his face alight with determination.

"I kneel before His Highness to swear fealty to him and his house!"

Aric instinctively stepped back, startled.

What the hell...

"Please don’t do that," Aric raised his hands, flustered.

"I told you," Serina muttered, facepalming. "Get off the floor. This is embarrassing."

Lerai’s face fell. "Will you not accept me, Your Highness?"

"No, I do," Aric said quickly. "Just... there’s no need for that." He glanced at Serina. "And you? Here to swear fealty as well?"

She shook her head, dark hair brushing her shoulders.

"No. But if I’m to heal you, I need to remain close. Easy access."

"I see." Aric smiled faintly. "Thank you. Both of you—it means a lot."

For once, the irascible prince’s gratitude felt genuine.

"If only you two came... then the rest of the graduating mages must have joined my brothers’ houses?"

"Not all," Serina replied. "About half chose the imperial army evaluation, hoping to make it into the Imperial Squad. One-third joined your brothers."

Aric nearly laughed. Out of all the mage graduates, he had secured the two strongest of their generation—even if no one realized it yet.

Lerai Castro—the Maker of Mages—who would one day pioneer weapons that let powerless men stand against martial artists and mages, raising armies with his creations.

And Serina Marceli—the Ardian Plague—a healer who would reach such mastery that she could raise the dead. They said she grew dark later in life, but Aric could see the shadow already in her.

"Make yourselves at home, for now," Aric said, gesturing for Mia to lead them to their rooms.

"For now?" Serina asked, raising a brow.

"It’s likely we’ll have to leave soon. We’ll speak more later."

Mia guided Lerai away, leaving Serina with Aric.

"I’ll retire to my chambers," Aric told her. His gaze lingered briefly on the glowing reward panel. "We’ll have much to discuss afterward."

"Alright, Your Highness," Serina said with a nod.

"One last thing," Aric paused at the stairs. "That woman you spoke of—the one who believed in ruling with kindness and love. How fares her philosophy?"

Serina’s face darkened, eyes narrowing.

"She can’t rule anything. I killed her long ago."

So it was her mother’s words after all, Aric thought.

"Good night, Serina," he said at last, turning and ascending the stairs.

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