Levi and his father remained seated, having already spoken through most of the preliminary matters concerning the greater situation within the duchy. This time, however, Duke Draken asked about Levi's previous life and how it had unfolded. He wished to understand his son's circumstances as a returner.
Levi felt a trace of apprehension, yet he chose to speak honestly. It had been his decision to reveal the truth, and having taken that step, he would see it through to the end. Had he not intended for his father to know, he would never have admitted to returning in the first place. The moment had passed, and so Levi began to recount the events of his first life.
It was a long conversation. They spoke for nearly two hours, exchanging questions and answers as Levi explained what had transpired. He told his father of the moment he had been framed as an accomplice and charged with treason. He spoke of how his father, despite desperation and effort, had been unable to protect him, and how that failure shattered the family and set into motion the cascade of events that would later consume the duchy.
It was not a pleasant tale. Levi did not recount it lightly, yet given their circumstances, he had no choice.
After House Solareth was implicated, events spiralled rapidly. Levi had been taken to the capital and placed on trial before the king, the first prince, and the third princess. He admitted he never learned where the second princess stood during those proceedings since she was absent, though it mattered little now.
What mattered was that he had stood before the royal court alongside numerous other nobles. House Solareth had not fallen alone. Several neighbouring territories collapsed in unison, and their lords were tried together. It had been a regional purge, one executed with calculated precision by the monarchs of Duskvale.
The trial ended swiftly.
Levi was branded a traitor to the empire and sentenced to death.
He was shackled and led to the royal dungeon, where he was granted the forty-day probation afforded to nobles, a waiting period meant to preserve dignity before execution. At the time, he had not awakened, and so they bound him with ordinary restraints. According to Levi, that was their first mistake.
He was confined in a common cell among mundane criminals, people devoid of power. For the first twenty days, he was broken. He experienced a depth of grief unlike anything he had known before.
As Levi spoke, he noticed his father's expression harden. The story was as painful to hear as it was to tell.
On the twentieth day, Levi sensed something faint. Essence. Barely perceptible, yet present. In desperation, he reached for it, forcing his body to respond.
He awakened.
Levi explained how it was possible, though extraordinarily dangerous, to force an awakening. Under normal circumstances, awakening occurred in controlled environments using ancient technology that guided the body safely. To force one's own awakening was considered suicide. History recorded countless men and women who attempted it and perished instantly, reduced to shattered flesh.
Because of that, the act was once outlawed entirely. Over time, as fewer dared to attempt it, the laws faded into obscurity. Yet the unspoken rule remained. One simply did not force an awakening alone.
Levi had no choice.
With his awakening complete, he shattered his restraints with ease and escaped the dungeon. The act was swift and violent, and from that moment onward, he became a fugitive.
That was only the beginning.
While Levi fled, the Duchy of Solareth fell into chaos. The house was beset by accusations, internal strife, and relentless external pressure. Insurgencies erupted along neighbouring borders. Migrating beasts and monsters pushed deeper into human territory. The attacks came from every direction.
It was all engineered, though Levi had no way of knowing that at the time.
All he could do was endure and hope his family would survive.
He continued his account until time forced him to pause. Duke Draken finally raised a hand and gestured toward the clock.
"That is enough for now, Levi," he said quietly. "I have heard you."
The duke's voice softened.
"I am sorry you were made to endure such suffering, my son."
He straightened.
"We will put an end to this. We will prepare for what is coming. Once the traitors within our walls are dealt with, I will send word to His Majesty."
Draken's gaze sharpened with resolve.
"This time, we will strike from a position of strength. We will not allow them the advantage again."
°°°°
Following the conclusion of their conversation, events moved almost immediately. Once again, the jovial atmosphere that once permeated the castle walls vanished, replaced by a sharp sense of urgency that lingered in the air.
Men and women serving House Solareth moved in hurried patterns throughout the halls. Some were being given orders. Others relayed instructions. A few followed reluctantly, while most obeyed without question. Voices overlapped as confusion spread, questions hanging unanswered as mouths opened in protest or curiosity. Yet no one dared openly oppose a soldier once commands were spoken.
It did not take long before the entire household was gathered within the largest courtyard enclosed by the duchy walls.
A lockdown had been enacted.
Only a handful of guards remained stationed at the gates. These were not ordinary soldiers, but the Duke's closest military aides. They had been selected personally after Levi confirmed their loyalty, men who had once died beside the Duke in battle and would do so again without hesitation. The rest of the guards were now stationed within the courtyard, keeping watch over servants and retainers alike.
Annabelle stood quietly among the gathered crowd.
Around her, the maids whispered relentlessly. Some spoke of impending disaster, others of punishment or purges, fear spreading far more quickly than caution. This was the first lockdown many of them had ever experienced within the Duke's estate, and the unfamiliarity only worsened their unease.
Then silence fell.
The arrival was announced.
"Duke Draken Solareth, Sun of the Northern Duchy, has arrived."
Rows of servants bowed deeply. Others lowered their heads while straining for a glimpse of the Duke and the ruling family of the duchy.
As always, Duke Draken was breathtaking.
He walked with effortless authority, his presence alone pressing down upon the courtyard. Refined and composed, he radiated the weight of command. To stand before such a man was to understand the difference between authority and power. Few could imagine calling themselves his equal.
Behind him followed the Duchess, composed and dignified. Behind her walked their children, with Levi at the forefront.
The resemblance was striking.
Levi carried the same unnerving calm as his father, the same quiet composure that came only with those born to rule. Watching them side by side felt almost uncanny, as though one were a reflection of the other.
"Shall we begin?"
The Duke's words echoed through the courtyard.
There was no warmth in his tone. No courtesy. His gaze was sharp, predatory, fury simmering just beneath the surface.
Annabelle swallowed and bowed her head even lower.
Today was going to be a long day.