A splendid path of flowers lay open. On the path bathed in a white glow, Ail, dressed in golden ceremonial robes, walked with an air of confidence. The blazing sun poured down on him, illuminating his fiery crimson hair, which shimmered brilliantly under the light, while his golden eyes gleamed with audacity.

It was the crown prince’s coming-of-age ceremony—the first in 45 years. High-ranking officials and lords lined the path, bowing deeply as they watched the prince’s procession. At the end of the long path stood the empress, representing the emperor who was too ill to attend. She awaited Ail at the altar, her gaze filled with pride as she watched her son approach.

He was a magnificent prince. It was the most splendid and resplendent procession in the history of crown princes’ coming-of-age ceremonies. His radiance, as dazzling as the sun, seemed far beyond what one would expect from an 18-year-old. His aura exuded the presence of a natural-born ruler. The women in attendance sighed softly, captivated by his commanding presence.

Ail had grown from a boy into a young man. Rumors of his relationship with Salina swirled, and many young women, hoping to catch his eye, had adorned themselves lavishly to attend the ceremony. Though once deterred by the idea that he only formed relationships with men, the situation had changed. Ail, a prince who might very well become the next emperor, was not only breathtakingly beautiful but also charming and delightful. Regardless of his inner self, the allure of his outward persona made anyone desire to be his lover.

While this was not a coronation ceremony, given the emperor’s poor health, it held nearly the same significance. By the end of this day, Ail, who had already taken over the emperor’s office, would officially seize control of the government. It was a conclusion everyone had foreseen: Ail would assume the role of regent following his coming-of-age ceremony.

The real challenge lay in how he would reclaim authority from the chancellor’s faction, which had already gained significant political influence. However, Ail was steadily building a formidable political foundation. While the power he wielded was not entirely his own, his alliance with Salina had secured the strength of the Astro family, and the once-dominant Kaizel family was now on the brink of being accused of treason, leaving them unable to act against him. Moreover, Ail was drawing in individuals who would support him from behind.

As he walked the long path, Ail wore a bold smile. He was edging closer to fulfilling his ambitions. Once the ceremony concluded, he planned to solidify his grip on power and eliminate his political adversaries. His dream was to create a kingdom of his own, extending his influence to the farthest reaches of the continent. While he might not achieve everything, he had already obtained most of what he desired. There was no more hesitation—he had the world at his feet.

Soon, his fangs and claws would begin to emerge upon this earth.

The audience continued late into the night. In the audience chamber, nobles entered one after another to offer their congratulations on the coming-of-age ceremony, presenting the gifts they had prepared. After hours of receiving greetings while seated, Ail’s expression stiffened slightly when the final name was called. Saying nothing, he waited, and the doors opened to reveal Lyman Kaizel and his attendants entering.

Clad in a pristine white uniform, Lyman approached with a commanding air, and Ail’s lips curved into a cold smile. It seemed his appearance would serve as the climax of this ceremony.

“Congratulations on your coming-of-age ceremony.”
“Thank you. Hearing such words from you makes it all the more delightful.”

Even with Ail’s faintly sarcastic tone, Lyman’s expression remained unchanging, as though such barbs barely scratched him. Of course, a man who would falter at this level of provocation would never have risen to the rank of chancellor. Setting aside their tangled personal history, Ail acknowledged Lyman’s political acumen. Despite their complex and adversarial relationship, Lyman’s competence as a statesman was undeniable.

“Your Highness’s coming of age is all the more significant during His Majesty’s worsening illness. I hope you will soon lighten His Majesty’s burdens.”
“If that’s your sincere wish, I’m touched. Even if it isn’t, I’ll pretend to be pleased. So, what gift have you brought for me?”

Unlike how he treated others, Ail directly inquired about the “gift,” making his expectations clear. Lyman also realized that Ail wanted something specific from him, but unfortunately, he was unable to fulfill that desire.

“I have prepared a golden sculpture of a soaring hawk and a selection of fine jewels for Your Highness’s future. I hope you find them satisfactory.”
“A thoughtful gift. So, have you found any trace of Erita Jenin and Elsen Miel?”

Ail applied subtle pressure. Lyman, detecting this, promptly responded.
“We continue to track their movements. I hope to locate them soon so Your Highness may be at ease.”
“Is that so?”

Ail’s tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction, but before the conversation could shift further, Lyman launched a sharp counterattack.
“How is Ruth doing these days?”

A flash of hostility crossed Ail’s eyes. He didn’t appreciate Ruth’s name being mentioned in this setting.
“He’s doing well. Perhaps we should have a meal together sometime.”
“I’ve heard he’s not allowed to leave the Northern Palace. It’s admirable how much you care for him, but granting him some freedom might be wise. He’s not exactly the obedient type, and too much restraint could lead to rebellion in unexpected ways.”
“For someone you abandoned, you sure seem to care deeply for him.”

For a moment, Lyman flinched, but he quickly regained his composure and replied smoothly.
“What father would truly abandon his son? Ruth is as dear to me as ever. He’s simply attached to his hometown, which makes it difficult for him to adjust here. Any discord within the family is minor and born of love. I’ve never stopped loving that child.”
“Did you love him so much that you sent him to me?”

Ail’s question carried layers of meaning, and Lyman raised his head to meet Ail’s gaze. Ail, in turn, glared back, his eyes brimming with contempt. Their stares clashed intensely, neither willing to back down.

The tension between them was palpable, filling the room with an oppressive atmosphere that caused the onlookers to shrink back, nervously observing the exchange.

After a suffocating moment, their silent confrontation ended as Lyman was the first to lower his head.
“Please take good care of that child.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll cherish him dearly—completely separate from the Kaizel family, of course.”

Ail’s barbed words made Lyman keenly aware of his miscalculation once again. For four years, Lyman had underestimated Ail, judging him solely by his outward appearance and assuming he could never be a formidable opponent. He had taken Ail lightly, believing the rumors of him being the worst prince in history, a “prince of the wind and scandal,” who lived frivolously.

It had been foolish. Ail had Ruth, Lyman’s own son, by his side, and Lyman had naïvely believed that Ail’s exclusive relationships with men and lack of heirs meant he would eventually step aside. He had foolishly planned to leave the throne in Ail’s hands until Nathan came of age and then gradually remove him. But now Lyman could only lament his shortsightedness. Though he had suspected something during the recent hunting tournament, it was this encounter that made him fully realize the magnitude of his mistake.

It wasn’t just a mistake; it was an egregious error.

“I’m glad to see Your Highness cares so deeply for Ruth. But no matter how much you care for him, he remains a Kaizel. Bloodlines cannot be changed.”
“Ruth doesn’t seem to think so.”
“He’s always been a rebellious child.”

Ail chuckled, amused by Lyman’s ability to concoct excuses so deftly. Truthfully, Ail didn’t hold any particular animosity toward him. While it was irritating that Lyman had once tried to kill him, Ail wasn’t the type to harbor deep grudges or become overly emotional about such matters. He acknowledged Lyman’s political abilities and even understood his motives—had their positions been reversed, Ail might have done the same.

In the end, they were both striving to achieve their own goals and defend what was theirs. It was a world where one never knew who might devour or be devoured by whom. Ail had numerous enemies; Lyman was no exception.

Even so, Ail’s particular focus on Lyman stemmed from the latter’s control over the Virel region. Virel, a crucial military stronghold surrounding the strategic Vera region, was rich with mines and vast plains. It was an essential region for Ail’s ambition to strike Clozium, located at the continent’s edge. To launch an attack on Clozium, Ail would need at least ten years of preparation, using Virel to raise an army and fund his military efforts through its resources.

To that end, he needed to wrest Virel from the Kaizel family as soon as possible. Everything he was doing now was in preparation for that goal. Ail knew Lyman would not easily give up his domain, so he intended to tighten the noose gradually. In the worst-case scenario, he had even considered framing Lyman for treason and annihilating the Kaizel family entirely.

Lyman remained unaware of Ail’s ambitions, wasting time in ignorance. But soon enough, he would begin to grasp Ail’s true intentions. What happened next would depend on Lyman’s choices—whether to resist alongside Nathan or abandon him and submit. Ail saw no reason to be impatient; his actions would depend on Lyman’s decision.

After all, Ail was still young, with a life expectancy several times longer than Lyman’s and a symbolic authority that outshone his.

He would slowly guide Lyman into a trap, patiently crafting a situation in which Lyman would flounder and entangle himself. The final victory, Ail was certain, would be his.

Lyman Kaizel was a clever man, but it wouldn’t be long before he realized that his four-year-old nephew was far from reliable.

“Chancellor, do you think blood ties are truly that strong?”

Ail’s abrupt question caught Lyman off guard. Thinking Ail was merely referring to Ruth, Lyman quickly responded.