A feminine voice rang in his mind with a soft chime.
"Host, there are things I can do—but your level isn't high enough. And there are a few hidden functions you might unlock, if you're lucky," the system spoke, her voice filled with pride.
Dian picked a chair, sat down, and looked toward the water flowing out of the fountains in the garden's tea house.
"Hidden functions, you say..." He was intrigued by her words—a new adventure he could thrive on.
His mind began to race as he planned his next steps.
'Oh.' He gasped.
Dian's eyes widened as he remembered something—the papers he had glanced through in the Head's room.
"Butler," he called, his voice firm with a hint of urgency.
At once, quick footsteps echoed, and the butler appeared before him within a minute.
"Yes, young lord?" Jones asked with a slight bow.
With a nod, Dian spoke, "Butler, do you remember the papers from yesterday? The family's financial statements for this year?"
"Of course, young lord."
"Bring them here," Dian ordered.
"At once, young lord." With another bow, Jones left to retrieve the documents.
Moments later, a stack of papers filled the small white table in front of him.
"Hmmm..." Dian frowned as he sifted through them, his expression changing with each passing second.
Lifting his head, Dian asked, "Butler, why are our profits declining year after year?" He raised the papers in his hand. "And by this much?"
"Young lord," the butler began, "after the incident where you were poisoned, no one was able to visit the fields or perform proper management inspections."
Jones paused, then continued, "Since then, the money we've received from the land managers under the family has decreased."
"They claim the weather affected their crops, and that's why yields dropped—we couldn't argue much with that," he explained.
Dian sat in silence for a moment, his mind processing every word. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Jones. "Do you believe them?" he asked quietly.
The butler didn't reply—but his silence said enough.
Dian stood, leaving the tea house and heading inside the castle. "Prepare the carriage for tomorrow—we're going for an inspection," he said as he walked away.
...
Inside the long hallways, his footsteps clicked softly against the silken carpet. His eyes faced forward, but his thoughts wandered far ahead.
It can't stay like this... Our finances are at their lowest. It's eating away at the family from the inside. Without solid financial roots, it could be fatal. Dian thought.
Even though he had more money in the family treasury than he could ever spend, the future was uncertain. He needed to act like a lord.
Because now—he was the Lord.
...
He didn't realize how quickly time had passed until the sun began to dip below the horizon.
The sun, a vast orb of liquid amber, sank slowly behind the jagged peaks of the Mistcradle Mountains. Unlike ordinary suns, this one pulsed gently with golden veins that shimmered like molten runes—each beat echoing softly across the sky, like a whispered lullaby from ancient gods.
As it descended, the sky unfurled into a surreal tapestry of color—lavender smoke, deep emerald, and silken silver mist danced like wraiths across the horizon. Enchanted clouds floated lazily, shifting hue with thought and emotion—some wept quiet sparks of starlight, others hummed faint melodies only the dreaming could hear.
Below, the land of Siora held its breath. The crystal trees of Glimmergrove caught the last light, refracting it into prismatic halos that drifted like falling petals. Rivers shimmered with phosphorescent algae that awakened at dusk, illuminating the waters from within in hues of opal and sapphire.
As the final curve of the sun vanished behind the mountains, a sacred hush fell. The twilight bell chimed from unseen towers—an ancient magic—and stars blinked awake one by one. Night in this world did not come with darkness, but with wonder.
Time for dinner, he thought, strolling through the dim-lit halls.
Though he could have waited longer, tonight he wanted extra time—he was expecting a visitor.
A small smile tugged at his lips, his mind already picturing what was to come.
...
He bathed, dressed in a simple white robe, and headed toward the dining hall—candles lighting his way.
The castle hummed in the quiet of night, shadows stretching gently beneath flickering flames. A soft breeze blew through the corridors.
As he entered the dining hall, his gaze landed on Suzine, standing gracefully by the table. Her maid outfit fit her perfectly.
Her icy-blue hair cascaded over her shoulders as she set the table. Her hourglass figure, her soft curves—it all made his heart race.
Dian swallowed hard, trying to calm the heat rising within him as he took his seat.
I died without knowing the warmth of a woman. But now… I can feel it as much as I want. Just a bit longer. he thought, his eyes never leaving her.
Suzine looked up as she felt his presence. Her cheeks flushed as their eyes met.
Her body shuddered slightly as she remembered his whispered words: "Come to my room tonight..." She blushed, but kept her composure and served him in silence.
Dian noticed, but said nothing. There was no need.
He focused on his meal—he would need the energy tonight. He took his first bite—and froze.
Damn… this is too good! Even better than this morning!
Soft, juicy, rich flavors exploded in his mouth. The meat was tender—and infused with a strange, pulsing energy.
Mana.
This was his first time having meat since recovering. Wild bear meat—prized for its quality and strength-enhancing properties.
As soon as his plate emptied, Suzine refilled it. Their fingers brushed—igniting sparks beneath their skin.
-----
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading my book! I hope you enjoyed the ride so far. If you have ideas to make the chapters, plot, or characters better, I'd love to hear from you. Your support means the world to me.
And remember—no matter how fierce the battles, or how dark the shadows…
Romance always finds a way to shine. 💖