"That gaze… this is the Damnern I know," Elyra said to herself in panic.
"What business do you have here?" Damnern asked, his stare sharp—one that looked ready to kill.
"Well, how terrifying. The number five Strongest Warrior… It seems I've been rather rude here and provoke such an expression," the man replied. His mocking tone slowly shifted into unease.
"State your purpose. Now," Damnern cut him off without hesitation.
"Calm down… I'm not your enemy," the man said as he handed over a written decree from King Arveth of Neltan.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," he added curtly before leaving.
"What's with that man? Releasing such an excessive aura…" he thought as he walked away.
After the man left the backyard, escorted by the servant Gabnor, Damnern let out a sigh.
"I've told myself countless times—never mix work matters with family time…"
"Eldern, training ends here for today," Damnern said.
Eldern looked slightly disappointed upon hearing that.
"Who was that person, dear?" Elina asked, trying to ease the atmosphere.
"Jai Gendro… the top disciple of the third Strongest Warrior, the Twin-Blade," Damnern replied.
"So, what was that letter about?" Elina asked again.
"Don't worry about it. It's not working hours," Damnern said, handing the letter to the maid Sasha to be stored away.
Meanwhile, Elyra was filled with curiosity about the contents of the decree.
On a cold, silent night, Elyra couldn't fall asleep, her thoughts lingering on the letter. She decided to go to the bathroom. On the way, she noticed that Damnern's study was still lit.
Realizing that Damnern wasn't inside, Elyra stepped in.
Before she realized it, Damnern suddenly appeared behind her, startling her.
"Still awake, Papa's little one?" Damnern asked gently.
"N–not yet," Elyra answered nervously.
"Oh? Did Elyra miss Papa? Is that why you came looking for me here?" Damnern said proudly.
OF COURSE NOT! Elyra protested internally.
"Actually… the King of Neltan wants Papa to become the Count of the Willowess region," Damnern said, as if confiding in her.
"Th–that letter…" Elyra murmured, unable to believe he was telling her this.
"That's right. But Papa can't refuse a royal decree," Damnern continued.
Elyra could only remain silent.
"Hehe…" Damnern chuckled softly. "What am I doing? Elyra wouldn't even understand."
Damnern gently patted her head, then picked her up and carried her back to the bedroom.
—Elyra couldn't resist.
The next morning, gentle sunlight filtered through the curtains, awakening all who slept and wrapping the house in peaceful warmth.
"After watching Eldern's training yesterday… I tried creating a clone, and only then did I realize—my Clone Manifestation power is gone," Elyra whispered to herself.
"If I still had that skill, I could gather information from outside…" she sighed.
"The Count of Willowess… After I killed him, the region was left without a successor. But what was his name again? Elovon? Ah, forget it…" Elyra drifted deeper into her thoughts.
So now you're going to become a Count, Damnern Solv?
Not long after, Damnern decided to inform Elina about the royal decree granting him the title of Count—as a replacement, after the Willowess region had remained without a ruler for three years following the death of Count Elvion Ornen.
Elina simply smiled and said,
"Whatever happens, as long as you are doing what is good and just, I will always stand by your side."
The investiture ceremony for the title of Count would be held next week at the capital of the Kingdom of Neltan, Valcreat.
End of Chapter 5