Far from Dian, another discussion was underway regarding him...
...
Blazing Wood Family Castle, Blazebourne Town
In a castle belonging to the Blazing Wood family.
Perched atop a jagged volcanic ridge, the Infernal Spire rose like a spear of obsidian into a sky forever tinged with the warm hues of a perpetual sunset. The castle, carved from volcanic stone and reinforced with enchanted basalt, pulsed with a deep red glow—as if the very rock were alive with embers beneath its surface.
Massive braziers lined the battlements, their flames never fading, dancing in rhythm with the will of the castle's inhabitants: the Blazing Woods, a conclave of powerful pyromancers who had mastered the elemental art of flame. Their mere presence kept the fires burning—even in rain or snow.
At its heart stood the Crucible Tower, the tallest spire, where the grand flame—the Everfire—burned in a suspended orb above an ancient stone dais. Said to be a fragment of the sun itself, the Everfire was the source of the castle's enchantments, casting warmth and magic through the fortress like blood through veins.
The walls were etched with runes that shimmered like hot coals, providing protection and channeling immense magical energy.
The Blazing Wood Magi wore robes stitched with threads of flame-resistant drake silk, and each bore a soulflame mark—a magical sigil that burned softly on their skin, both a source of power and a sign of eternal commitment to the flame.
The surrounding land, known as Blazebourne, was scorched and steaming—marked by charred forests, bubbling vents, and cracked earth. A landscape of raw elemental force, tamed only by the Circle's strict discipline.
The castle stood out clearly from any other—its striking red-and-white coloration and magical floral arrangements enhanced both its intimidation and its majesty.
Inside, two figures were present in the grand hall. One sat on a couch deep in thought; the other stood beside him, tall and still.
Jiro Blazing Wood, the Lord of the Blazing Wood family. Beside him stood his butler and advisor, Hath.
"My lord, the letter was delivered successfully," said Hath. "By now, they must have read it."
Jiro didn't speak for a moment. After taking a long breath, he finally said,
"Good."
His tone was uncertain, as though still calculating the pros and cons of his decision. At the moment, only he and Hath knew about the nullification of the engagement.
"My lord, if I may... may I ask something?" Hath spoke carefully, doubt flickering in his eyes.
"Ask," Jiro replied, eyes still fixed on the table before him, his thoughts elsewhere.
"Was it really necessary?" Hath asked. "Was ending the engagement with the Skysters the right decision?"
For the first time, Jiro lifted his head, looked at his butler, and stood.
"Do you know how many elements Marcia has awakened?" he asked.
"Hm? Yes. The young miss has awakened a total of three elements. She is the pride of the Blazing Wood family," Hath answered, his chest puffed out, voice filled with pride.
Yes, Marcia Blazing Wood—Jiro's daughter. At just sixteen, she had awakened three elements—something rare, even legendary.
"Hmm, correct," Jiro said as he walked toward a large window in the room. "She is gifted. In the last three centuries, no one in our family has awakened three elements."
"She has the potential to lead our family to new glories. We could even surpass the Skysters." A small smile tugged at his lips.
"And..." Hath completed his sentence, "the Skyster family's future is still uncertain. Nobody knows if their young lord is even alive after the poisoning incident."
A long silence followed. But Hath had already received his answer. Even if the Skysters were powerful now, with their heir possibly dead, their future was fragile. A family with no successor would slowly fade into irrelevance.
But what they didn't know... was that the one they thought probably dead...
was currently enjoying cherries.
...
Skyster Family's Main Castle, Windsor Town
Wha—What... am I supposed to feel about this ? Jones, Dian's butler, thought.
It wasn't like he lacked experience. He had seen all kinds of people and situations. But this... this left him utterly speechless.
In front of him, Dian sat behind the grand table in the Lord's study. Suzine was feeding him the cherries he had asked for earlier.
But it wasn't that she fed him—it was how she fed him.
On his lap.
He had just received news that his engagement had been annulled. But instead of feeling sad or angry... he was smiling?
He's changed... but it's a good change.
A warmth spread through the butler's heart as he saw Dian's expression. It had been five years since he'd seen the young lord smile like that—genuinely.
Dian, meanwhile, was clearly enjoying himself. He had specifically asked for cherries—and for Suzine to bring them.
Now, as she fed him while sitting on his lap, each time she offered a cherry, Dian gently sucked her fingers as well.
Suzine continued feeding him, her heart fluttering every time he whispered sweet words in her ear. Her chest rose and fell quickly, her heartbeat loud in her own ears.
She smells like jasmine, Dian thought as he leaned toward her neck.
Suzine flinched slightly as she felt his warm breath brush against her skin. Her face bloomed crimson, cheeks burning.
"Y-Young l-lord... i-it tickles..." she whispered, barely audible.
"Hmm... Suzine, tell me," Dian said softly, his voice like honey.
"How about you come to my room tonight?"
Suzine's heart skipped a beat—or two. A shiver ran through her spine at the thought. Before she even realized it, a small smile had formed on her lips. Slowly, hesitantly—but firmly—she nodded.
Dian stared at her, his heartbeat quickening.
A literal goddess... he thought.
Standing nearby, the butler cleared his throat loudly—a reminder of his presence.
Suzine quickly stood up from Dian's lap, flustered.
"I-I'm s-sorry, Young Lord... I have other duties..."
She hurried out of the room, running as soon as she was past the doorway—her flushed face hidden behind her hands.
Dian smiled, watching her leave.
I'm looking forward to tonight.
Noticing the butler watching him, Dian straightened up.
"Hm? So? What is it, butler?" Dian asked.
The butler stepped forward.
"Young Lord, what are you going to do about the engagement nullification?"
"There's nothing to do, butler," Dian replied, resting both elbows on the table.
"They nullified the engagement, and that's that. As for compensation..."
He stood.
"Deny it. They can't compensate the Skyster family."
His tone grew serious, his expression hardened.
The butler bowed.
"As you command, Young Lord."
Dian left the room, his decision made.
...
Outside, he made his way beyond the castle walls. Despite having reincarnated two days ago, this was the first time he stepped out.
After navigating a few corridors, he finally emerged into the open.
It was... breathtaking.
A straight stone path led from the castle gates to the main road. Flower beds lined both sides, bursting with vibrant colors.
Beside the path, gardens full of exotic flowers stretched out. Fountains gurgled softly, enhancing the serene beauty. And at the center of it all stood a small, elegant tea house.
"Hey, System," Dian said casually as he walked toward the tea house.
"Is there anything else you can do?"
He spoke naturally—after all, no one else was around.