Steward William handed the letter to Count Rivers, bowing deeply. "According to Gabe, Lord Sean and Lucio have become friends. Upon hearing of Lucas's ascension, Lord Sean immediately decided to return to Yorn for the celebration."
The count tore open the letter, scowling at the words, but his fury ebbed as he reread it, sinking back into his chair with a dry laugh. "Fate's whim, perhaps. The boy's luck holds—for now."
He lifted his coffee cup, hand trembling slightly. Of all times for Sean to visit Yorn!
Rivers' original scheme: in five days, Viscount Brody Mill of Waterpine would attack Riverside. Bronze Rank assassins would "avenge" Sean's death, blaming Brody for a plot masterminded by Prince Daniel. Now Sean's absence risked Brody seizing Riverside unopposed.
"William, send word to Zud," Rivers snapped. "Halt the invasion. Waterpine's forces will stand by until Sean returns to his mud pit."
"Understood, my Lord."
"Jessica," he turned to his daughter, "entertain Brody. Use Lucas's ascension as an excuse to keep him in Yorn. No talk of war—let him drown in banquets and flowers."
Jessica suppressed a shudder at the thought of Brody's attentions but nodded. "As you wish, Father."
Rivers shifted focus to Lucas's Sky Rank breakthrough, the cornerstone of his alliance with Prince Robert. "Is the ritual site ready?"
William smiled, "Yes, my Lord. Two body doubles for Lucas, plus enchanted barriers against scrying."
"Excellent. Watch Daniel's spies—any unusual activity, report immediately."
Sean's caravan departed Riverside at noon on April 24th, traveling smoothly under clear skies. Lucio hunted game for meals, while Sophia avoided Sean, her replies stilted—a fact Sean attributed to mercenary secrets, not her inner turmoil.
On April 25th, Steward Henry reached Yorn. Seeking the lodging Sean had stayed in, he was redirected to Jessica Rivers, who offered the property free for two weeks—a generosity Henry found suspicious but dared not refuse under her "kindly" gaze.
By 6 PM on April 26th, the caravan neared Yorn, its golden spires glowing under the setting sun, reflected in the Morningstar River like liquid gold.
"Home at last," Lucio grinned, pointing to the skyline. Even Sophia smiled faintly, her tulip nodding in the breeze.
Sean gazed at the city, not as a marvel, but as a vault of gold waiting to be opened. Riverside will outshine this place one day, he vowed, hand resting on the dragon egg pouch.
"I swear by the System—this is just the beginning."
In his study, Rivers reviewed maps of Riverside, jaw clenched. Sean's timing had thrown his plans into chaos, but the count was no novice. Let the boy sell his trinkets, he thought. When he returns to Riverside, Zud's blade will be waiting… and this time, even the Light won't save him.
Jessica, meanwhile, steeled herself for Brody's inevitable visit, rehearsing false smiles and empty flattery. The life of a noble daughter was never her own—but soon, when Father becomes Marquis, perhaps I can carve my own path… even if it means dancing with vipers.
As the caravan crossed the city bridge, Sean's resolve hardened. The dragon egg's countdown ticked to 1 hour until hatch—a wildcard in his pocket.
Yorn's nobles would soon learn: this baron wasn't here to beg for scraps. He came to conquer…
… swearing by the System that his rise would be anything but ordinary.