Legacy ; Establishing Foundation

The Northern Land, a vast and untamed region lying a hundred kilometers from the capital, stretched out like an untouched canvas, waiting for the hands of a true ruler to mold it into something great.

The land bestowed upon Wudi Egun by King Maelstrom III was not one of gold or rare minerals, but it was a land of rich soil, deep forests, sprawling rivers, and abundant mines. It was a land of opportunity—not of instant wealth, but of immense potential. A wise ruler could turn it into a thriving domain, while an unworthy one would let it crumble into poverty and chaos.

And today, this land was witnessing the arrival of its new lord.

A grand caravan of carriages approached the towering castle-like mansion that stood at the heart of the newly appointed Wudi Viscountcy. The castle, a majestic architectural masterpiece, overlooked the land like a silent guardian, its walls tall and unyielding. Though it was built years ago, waiting for a true ruler, it had remained abandoned—until today.

The crest of the Great Holy Mother Kingdom adorned the main gate, signifying royal authority, but a new insignia had been added—one that bore the symbol of Wudi Egun. This was no longer just another noble's residence. It was his domain. His home.

The carriage came to a halt before the grand iron-gate entrance. A well-armored knight, standing at the ready, approached the vehicle. He wore full plate armor, his helmet held under his arm, revealing a sharp, disciplined expression.

With a smooth movement, he pulled open the luxurious carriage door.

And from within, a bright-eyed young girl stepped out first.

The Little Princess of Wudi Family

"Big brother! Is this our house from now on?"

Wudi Ying, a young girl of sixteen, gazed at the grand structure before her, her large black eyes sparkling with excitement. The sheer size and beauty of the mansion left her in awe.

She had dreamed of places like this—tales of grand palaces from fairy stories, of noble princesses living in castles. And now…

It wasn't just a dream anymore.

Dressed in a stunning pink silk robe, embroidered with delicate golden patterns, she looked every bit the noble lady—though deep inside, she was still the same cheerful, carefree little sister who once played in the dirt roads of their old village.

Her black hair, as dark as the midnight sky, was tied into a neat ponytail, bouncing slightly as she moved with boundless excitement.

"Waaah~! It's so big! Can I have my own room? No! Wait! Can I have three rooms?"

Before her overwhelming enthusiasm could turn into reckless running, a gentle hand held her back.

"Ying'er, don't be so excited. What if you trip and fall?"

The voice of a middle-aged woman, filled with warmth and care, sounded behind her.

Stepping out of the carriage with graceful restraint, Lady Wudi, the mother of Wudi Egun, appeared.

She was a woman in her late forties, though her youthful appearance suggested otherwise. Her long black hair, neatly tied into a low bun, shimmered under the autumn sunlight. She wore a simple yet elegant outfit, nothing too extravagant—as if unwilling to accept the luxuries her son had earned.

Behind her, a man followed—Father Wudi.

Standing at 5'7 feet, his broad shoulders and weathered hands told the story of a man who had spent his life working the land, plowing fields, and tending crops. Even now, dressed in noble attire, he still felt out of place in the world of luxury and castles.

Both parents had been commoners all their lives. Their new status as nobility was still something they hadn't fully accepted.

But there was one person who had no problem accepting their new reality.

And that was their son—the new Viscount.

Finally, the man of the hour stepped out of the carriage.

Wearing a blue outfit that perfectly suited his status, Wudi Egun emerged with a calm and confident demeanor. The finely tailored Viscount's robe, adorned with silver embroidery, fit his broad frame like it had been made for him alone.

His black hair, neatly combed, framed a face hardened by years of war. His black eyes, deep and piercing, reflected both strength and warmth—a gaze that had seen countless battlefields yet still carried the softness of a family man.

He looked at the grand castle, the vast lands before him, and then…

He turned his eyes to the three people who mattered to him most.

His parents. His little sister.

A gentle smile formed on his lips.

"Father, Mother… let my little princess do whatever she wants," he said softly, his voice carrying the warmth of a man who had fought a thousand wars for the sake of his family.

"Everything I've done, everything I've earned—it's for you three. If my little princess doesn't enjoy it, then who will?"

His deep words carried a weight that made his father momentarily speechless.

Even his mother, normally strict, felt her heart soften.

But before anyone could respond, Wudi Ying—his beloved younger sister—giggled mischievously and pointed at the soldiers standing by the entrance.

"Brother, who are they?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

Wudi Egun turned his gaze to the fully armored knights, standing tall and proud, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. Their metal armor gleamed under the sunlight, exuding an aura of strength and discipline.

These were his knights. His personal guards.

His family's protectors.

With a gentle movement, he lifted his sister into his arms, letting her rest comfortably against him.

"They are our guardians, Ying'er," he answered in a soft, affectionate tone.

"They will protect us from all bad things."

His words carried a profound meaning.

For the first time in decades, Wudi Egun was not fighting for himself.

He was fighting for his family.

For his land.

For the people under his rule.

Little Ying'er, hearing his words, turned to one of the knights—a man in his late thirties, his face weathered by battle, yet kind.

"Will you really protect us?" she asked, her big black eyes filled with innocence.

The knight, caught off guard by such a direct question, smiled.

"It would be my greatest honor, my lady," he said, bowing slightly.

But then, Wudi Egun's voice rang out, firm and commanding.

"You don't need to act so distant."

The knight straightened up, eyes slightly widened.

"Since you are my family's knight, you are also part of my family."

The words struck deep.

A soldier's duty was to serve. But for a lord to regard his knights as family…

It was not something they had expected.

And yet, it made them feel something they hadn't felt before.

Loyalty. Not out of duty, but out of respect.

Wudi Egun's voice carried on, steady and unwavering.

"Just make sure to protect my parents and my little princess. As for everything else—don't worry too much."

At that moment, the knight understood.

This wasn't just a lord.

This was a man who knew the value of the people around him.

And for that, the knight placed his hand over his heart and spoke with sincerity.

"Yes, my Lord."

With that, Wudi Egun smiled again.

Because for the first time in his long, war-torn life…

He had finally come home.

******

As the Wudi Family stepped into the mansion, the sheer grandeur of the interior took their breath away.

A vast, spacious hall stretched before them, its polished marble floors reflecting the golden glow of hanging chandeliers. The walls were adorned with exquisite paintings, each frame gilded with intricate designs. Rich velvet drapes cascaded down the towering windows, allowing only the softest beams of light to filter in.

Everywhere they looked, there were luxurious sofas, plush mats, and finely carved furniture, each piece crafted by the finest artisans in the Great Holy Mother Kingdom.

A grand staircase, lined with a deep red carpet, led to the upper floors—an indication of just how enormous the mansion was. With four towering floors, it could house hundreds with ease.

Ying'er gasped in delight, her black eyes twinkling as she twirled in the center of the hall.

"Wow!"

Her voice echoed through the mansion as she dashed from one side of the hall to the other, her silk robe fluttering like a butterfly's wings.

Wudi Egun watched her excitement with a warm smile. He had seen many palaces and fortresses in his time, but none of them had ever felt like home.

Until now.

As the family took in their surroundings, a group of maids in elegant, neatly pressed uniforms bowed in unison.

"Welcome home, Lord Wudi."

Their voices were synchronized, their expressions respectful yet nervous—after all, their new master was a man of legend

Wudi Egun, dressed in a finely tailored blue silk robe, turned to them, his sharp black eyes scanning their faces. Despite his imposing presence, his demeanor remained calm. He wasn't a tyrant who enjoyed making his subordinates tremble.

The maids and servants—tens of them standing in rows—fidgeted slightly under his gaze. They had heard countless stories about him. Tales of battlefields soaked in blood, of a lone warrior defying impossible odds, of a man who had brought entire legions to their knees.

Yet, in front of them now, he didn't look like a cold, ruthless war hero.

His expression softened as he gave them a simple nod. "You all may rise."

The maids exhaled discreetly, relieved that their new lord wasn't one of those nobles who demanded absolute submission.

The sound of Ying'er's eager footsteps echoed through the grand hall as she ran toward the staircase, her delicate pink silk dress flowing behind her.

"Brother, brother! This place is huge!" she exclaimed, her big black eyes shimmering like gemstones.

She dashed toward the intricately carved wooden railing, peeking up at the second floor with excitement. "How many rooms do we have? Ten? Twenty?"

Wudi Egun chuckled softly, watching his little sister bounce around like an excited rabbit. His once stern, battle-hardened face melted into one of genuine warmth.

"More than fifty," he replied, his voice gentle.

Ying'er's jaw nearly dropped.

"Fifty?! That means I can have ten rooms just for myself!" she said with absolute seriousness.

Her father, Wudi Jian, let out a deep, hearty laugh, shaking his head. "Little girl, what would you even do with ten rooms?"

Ying'er crossed her arms, puffing up her cheeks. "One for sleeping, one for eating snacks, one for reading, one for playing, one for storing my gifts, one for–"

"Enough, enough!" Mother Wudi, who had been walking gracefully beside them, placed a gentle hand on Ying'er's head. "You'll just end up getting lost in this place."

Ying'er giggled, her bright mood infectious.

"Come, let's explore," Wudi Egun said with a small smile, motioning for the servants to lead the way.

A head maid, a mature woman in her forties with sharp eyes, stepped forward. "My Lord, Lady Ying, this way, please. I shall introduce you to the mansion's layout."

As they walked, Wudi Egun took note of the smooth marble flooring, the tall wooden pillars supporting the high ceiling, and the large windows allowing natural light to filter in.

The first room they entered was the dining hall.

A long mahogany table, stretching across the vast chamber, sat at the center. The golden chandeliers above cast a soft, warm glow. The chairs were lavishly cushioned, and each seat had been meticulously arranged.

Ying'er gasped in awe. "This table is longer than our entire house back in the village!"

Her parents, too, were visibly overwhelmed. They had never in their lives dined in such a majestic setting.

Wudi Egun turned to his mother and father. "From now on, you won't have to worry about anything. You will live in comfort and dignity."

His father's hands trembled slightly, his eyes filled with an indescribable emotion. The weight of a lifetime of struggle seemed to settle on his shoulders at that moment.

"I… I still cannot believe this is real," his father murmured.

His mother, standing beside him, reached for his hand, her fingers tightening around his. "We have never wished for wealth or power, only for your happiness, my son."

Wudi Egun looked at them, his heart tightening.

"I know," he said softly. "But everything I've done, every battle I've fought, every sleepless night I endured—was all for this. For you."

Silence lingered in the room, heavy yet warm.

A moment later, Ying'er, completely unaware of the deep emotions, suddenly tugged on her brother's sleeve.

"Brother, where's my room?"

Her innocent excitement shattered the solemn atmosphere, making Wudi Egun laugh.

"Let's find out, shall we?"

The group ascended the grand staircase, their footsteps echoing through the vast halls.

The servants followed in silence, keeping a respectful distance as the family explored.

When they arrived at one of the most luxurious rooms, Ying'er's eyes widened in disbelief.

The room was painted in soft pastel colors, decorated with golden floral engravings along the walls. The large canopy bed, covered in silk and satin, looked more like something out of a fairy tale.

"Is… is this mine?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Wudi Egun nodded. "Of course. Who else would it belong to?"

Ying'er squealed in delight, dashing toward the bed, throwing herself onto the soft pillows. "Brother, this is the best day of my life!"

Her laughter bounced off the walls, her joy pure and unrestrained.

Wudi Egun felt his chest tighten, his eyes lingering on his little sister.

For years, his hands had only known swords and blood. He had slain countless enemies, walked across battlefields where screams of the dying haunted the air.

Yet now, for the first time in his life, he felt that everything—all the hardship, all the suffering—was worth it.

This—this moment right here—was his true victory.

As the family continued to explore, more servants and knights greeted them along the way.

A man in full armor stepped forward and bowed deeply. "My Lord, I am Captain Reynold, the commander of the knights assigned to protect Wudi Viscountcy."

Wudi Egun's gaze sharpened as he studied the knight. Reynold was a seasoned warrior, his posture strong, his movements disciplined.

"I assume you are all trained soldiers?" Wudi Egun asked.

"Yes, my Lord. Each knight under my command has served in multiple campaigns. We are at your disposal."

"Good," Wudi Egun nodded. "Your first and foremost duty is to protect my family. I do not care about politics, wealth, or status. Their safety is your highest priority."

Reynold clasped his fist to his chest. "Understood, my Lord. We shall give our lives if necessary."

Wudi Egun's eyes flashed dangerously. "Do not let it come to that. A true knight does not throw away his life recklessly. I expect nothing less than absolute victory in every situation."

The knights stood straighter, feeling both admiration and fear.

"Yes, my Lord!"

As the sun began to set, casting golden hues over the mansion, the Wudi Family finally settled in.

Their lives had changed.

And this was only the beginning.

******

The grand dining hall was bathed in the warm glow of golden chandeliers, the soft flickering of candlelight casting gentle shadows across the long mahogany table. The air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and steaming bowls of fragrant soup.

The servants had outdone themselves. The feast before them was fit for a king.

Wudi Egun sat at the head of the table, his usual stern demeanor softened by the sight of his family seated beside him.

His father, Wudi Jian, sat to his right, looking around the extravagant hall with a mixture of awe and disbelief. His mother, Madam Wudi, sat gracefully beside him, her gaze tender, as if she still couldn't believe that all of this belonged to them.

And then there was Ying'er—bouncing in her seat with barely contained excitement, her eyes sparkling like stars as she stared at the endless plates of delicious food.

It was the first true family meal they had in this new home.

But Wudi Egun had no intention of letting them eat alone.

He slowly rose to his feet, his deep voice carrying across the hall.

"Everyone," he called out.

The maids, servants, knights, and guards who had been standing at the edges of the room immediately straightened, their hands folded neatly in front of them.

Some looked nervous, others confused.

It wasn't uncommon for nobles to throw lavish feasts, but it was extremely rare for them to acknowledge their household staff beyond giving orders.

However, what Wudi Egun said next stunned them all.

"Sit," he commanded. "Join us for this meal."

The entire hall fell into stunned silence.

The knights exchanged uneasy glances.

The maids hesitated, their hands trembling slightly.

Even Captain Reynold, the leader of the knights, looked taken aback. "My Lord, you—"

"I do not repeat myself," Wudi Egun said simply. His gaze swept across the room, his tone firm, yet carrying warmth.

"This mansion is not a battlefield. No one here is above another. We all serve the same home, and we all share the same roof. That means we eat together."

His words struck deep.

The elderly head maid, who had served in noble households for decades, covered her mouth with shaking hands. Never—not in her entire life—had she witnessed a noble treating their servants as equals at the dinner table.

One by one, the maids, servants, and knights hesitantly took their seats, looking as if they were afraid someone would scold them at any moment.

Wudi Egun's father and mother watched in silent approval, their gazes proud.

Ying'er, completely unaware of the depth of the situation, simply clapped her hands happily. "More people means more fun!"

Her childlike innocence shattered the tension, and soon, the atmosphere softened.

The meal began with hesitation.

The knights and guards were stiff, not used to dining beside their lord. The maids were nervous, unsure if they were truly allowed to eat.

But Wudi Egun spoke again, his voice calm yet firm.

"Eat."

That simple command seemed to break the invisible chains that held them back.

Soon, the once silent dining hall erupted into conversation.

Laughter and chatter filled the air, breaking through the rigid formality that once separated nobility from commoners.

Ying'er was the loudest.

She stuffed her cheeks full of roasted meat, her tiny hands barely able to hold a drumstick.

"Brother, this is amazing!" she said between bites, her words muffled. "I want to eat like this every day!"

Wudi Egun chuckled, reaching over to ruffle her hair.

His father, Wudi Jian, took a sip of aged wine, his expression nostalgic.

"This reminds me of the old days," he said, his voice tinged with warmth. "Back in the village, whenever we had a good harvest, we'd all gather in the square and eat together. No one was left out."

His mother, Madam Wudi, smiled softly, her eyes misty with memories. "Back then, even if the food was simple, it was filled with warmth."

One of the younger knights, a man named Garlan, who had been serving under Wudi Egun for years, grinned.

"My Lord, I have to say, this is the first time I've eaten without my armor on. Usually, we're standing guard in some corner, watching nobles feast."

A few of the knights chuckled, nodding in agreement.

A maid named Lian, a timid girl barely past her teenage years, looked up from her bowl of soup. "T-This is the first time I've ever eaten at a noble's table."

She quickly looked down, embarrassed, but Madam Wudi reached over and gently touched her hand.

"You are a part of this home now," she said kindly. "And in this home, no one is left behind."

Lian's eyes widened, and for a moment, it looked as if she would burst into tears.

The conversation flowed naturally after that, with everyone sharing stories of their past.

An old butler spoke of the time he accidentally spilled wine on an important guest, and the entire hall erupted into laughter.

A young guard shared how he once mistook a noble's pet dog for an assassin, drawing his sword in panic.

Even Captain Reynold, the usually strict and disciplined knight, cracked a rare smile as he recounted a story from his days as a young soldier.

The longer they talked, the more the walls between them crumbled.

They were no longer lords and servants, noble and commoners.

They were one family.

As the meal neared its end, the atmosphere settled into a comfortable warmth.

Wudi Egun leaned back slightly, taking in the sight before him.

His father and mother, smiling and content.

His little sister, happy and carefree.

His knights and servants, laughing without restraint.

This…

This was what he had fought for.

This was what he had bled for on the battlefield.

Not wealth.

Not power.

But peace.

A place where those he loved could smile without worry.

As if sensing his thoughts, his father suddenly spoke, his voice deep yet full of emotion.

"My son," Wudi Jian said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You have given us a life we never dreamed of. But tell me… are you happy?"

The question caught Wudi Egun off guard.

Happy?

Had he ever stopped to think about it?

For years, his life had been a never-ending cycle of war, bloodshed, and survival.

Even now, with all this luxury, he still felt the ghost of battle clinging to him.

But as he looked around the dining hall, at the faces of those he held dear…

Something within him settled.

He took a deep breath and forced a smile .

"I am," he said softly. "I truly am."

The hall fell into a warm silence, as if the very walls of the mansion had absorbed their joy.

Wudi Jian's eyes softened, and Madam Wudi wiped a tear from her eye.

Ying'er, completely unaware of the depth of the conversation, simply hugged her brother.

"I'm happy too!" she declared proudly.

Her words broke the moment, and laughter erupted once more.

As the night continued, the Wudi Family—and their newfound household—celebrated not just a meal, but a beginning.

A beginning of a home where no one was left behind.

And for Wudi Egun…

It was the first time in years that he truly felt at peace.

********

The grand Wudi Manor had finally settled into the calm embrace of the night.

After the heartwarming feast where noble and commoner had dined as one, the estate had grown quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the garden and the distant howl of the wind.

One by one, the residents of the Wudi Viscountcy retired to their chambers, each carrying their own thoughts and emotions.

In one of the most lavish rooms of the estate, Wudi Jian and Madam Wudi sat together, the soft glow of a lantern flickering between them.

Although their son's success had brought them a life they never dared to dream of, Wudi Jian could not shake off his unease.

Seated on the edge of the bed, he ran a hand through his hair, his voice laced with concern.

"Our son… he is not the same boy we once knew."

Madam Wudi, brushing her long, dark hair, turned to her husband. "What do you mean?"

Wudi Jian let out a deep sigh, his rugged features shadowed by the dim light. "He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Even during the feast, even while smiling, his eyes… they never truly relaxed."

Madam Wudi's hands trembled slightly as she set her brush down. 

"I… I've noticed it too," she admitted softly. "It's as if he's always thinking, always planning, always burdened."

The couple sat in silence, the air heavy with unspoken fears.

"I am proud of him," Wudi Jian finally murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I am also afraid… afraid that one day, the weight he carries will be too much."

Madam Wudi reached out, gently placing her warm hands over his.

"He is strong," she whispered. "But you're right. We must find a way to help him. He's our son… no matter how powerful he becomes, he shouldn't have to carry everything alone."

Their words lingered in the air, a quiet resolve settling between them.

For tonight, they could only watch and wait.

*****

In another room, Wudi Ying lay sprawled on her massive bed, her tiny feet kicking excitedly under the soft covers.

Her eyes sparkled, even in the dim candlelight, as she replayed the day's events in her mind.

"A big house, a big dining hall, so many maids and knights, and my brother is a noble now!" she whispered to herself, hugging her pillow.

Her young mind overflowed with excitement.

Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, she will run through the gardens!

Tomorrow, she will explore the hallways!

Tomorrow, she will finally play in a real noble's estate!

So many things to do! So many places to see!

Her thoughts raced until exhaustion finally caught up with her.

With a small, content sigh, she snuggled deeper into the blankets, her soft breathing soon filling the quiet room.

For her, the future was nothing but bright and full of wonder.

******

Outside, in the manor's vast garden, a small group of servants gathered under the moonlight.

A few maids sat near a stone bench, chatting in hushed but excited voices.

"The Lord actually invited us to eat with him today," one of them, Lian, whispered, still in disbelief.

"I've never seen anything like it," another maid, Ruo, said, shaking her head. "Nobles don't sit with their servants. Ever."

The older head maid, who had seen many lords in her lifetime, simply smiled knowingly.

"The Young Lord is different," she said gently. "And perhaps… that is what makes him truly noble."

Nearby, the knights on patrol weren't much different.

Although they remained stationed at their posts, their usual stiff expressions were softened with quiet smiles.

"I never thought I'd see Captain Reynold laugh," one of the younger knights, Garlan, chuckled.

"Don't remind me," another knight muttered. "I nearly choked on my food when he told that story about his first time wielding a sword."

The conversation drifted between lighthearted jokes and whispered admiration for their new lord.

For the first time in a long while, the entire estate felt truly alive.

The moon shone brightly above, casting its gentle glow over the newfound harmony within Wudi Manor.

******

While the rest of the manor slowly drifted into a peaceful slumber, one figure remained awake.

Wudi Egun stood by his window, his silhouette framed by the soft, silver glow of the moonlight.

His gaze was distant, his thoughts heavy.

It had been years since he reincarnated into this world.

Years since he had left behind the memories of a past life.

And yet…

"Have I truly adapted?" he murmured to himself.

He had fought in wars. He had spilled blood. He had risen through the ranks, earning titles and power beyond what most could dream of.

And yet, deep inside, a sense of detachment remained.

He raised a hand, gazing at his own fingers.

There was no doubt that this body was his. The callouses on his palms, the scars on his arms—all proof of the battles he had endured.

But at times, it still felt… unreal.

The name "Wudi Egun" belonged to this world.

But the soul within?

Was it truly his?

Or was he still the man from another life, simply wearing a different mask?

The weight of the thought pressed against his chest, suffocating yet familiar.

He had felt this way for a long time.

And yet, he never allowed himself to linger on it.

Because there was no turning back.

This was his life now.

This was his new reality.

He could not afford to dwell on the past when the present demanded his full attention.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, his breath visible in the cool night air.

Turning his gaze toward the sleeping estate, he took in the quiet beauty of it all.

The servants, knights, and workers, all resting peacefully.

His family, safe and content under his protection.

For now… that was enough.

For now, he would allow himself this moment of stillness.

And tomorrow, when the sun rose once more, he would continue forward.

Because there was still much to be done.

Still many things to achieve.

And he…

He was just getting started.

As Wudi Egun stood by the window, gazing at the endless stretch of night, his thoughts drifted deeper into his past… and to the one person who mattered to him the most—his little princess, Wudi Ying.

She was his joy, his light, and the only true innocence in this world that had shaped him into the man he was today.

Everything he had done—every battle he had fought, every risk he had taken—had all led to this moment.

And tonight, when he had insisted that every knight, every guard, every servant, and every maid join them at the dinner table, it had not been a random act of generosity.

It was for her.

The massive halls of this mansion were grand, luxurious, and fitting of a noble household, but deep down, Wudi Egun knew that such magnificence could easily turn into a prison of isolation.

He had seen it before.

The royal princes and princesses of the kingdom, born with silver spoons in their mouths, had been raised in solitude, separated from the very people meant to serve them.

He had witnessed noble children grow up distant and cold, unable to understand the warmth of companionship simply because of their status.

But Wudi Ying?

He refused to let her suffer that fate.

She was too pure, too full of life and joy to be burdened by the loneliness that came with noble status.

He wanted her to have people to laugh with, people to rely on. He wanted the knights to protect her not just out of duty, but out of true loyalty and care.

He wanted the maids to look after her not because they were ordered to, but because they genuinely cherished her.

Even if he wasn't by her side…

Even if one day he had to leave…

She would never be alone.

She would always have a family within these walls.

And for that…

For her and his family, he would burn the world to the ground.

For them, he would betray mankind itself if necessary.

Because nothing—not kings, not gods, not the heavens themselves—would ever take away what belonged to him.

His little princess would live a life of happiness, safety, and love.

And anyone who dared to threaten that…

Would not live to regret it.