Adrian and Seraphina continued their stroll through the grand halls of the Everhart estate, their footsteps echoing softly as they moved deeper into the familiar surroundings, now changed with time.
The air between them was thick with unspoken words—a mix of curiosity, nostalgia, and a bond that seemed stronger than before.
For Adrian, it was strange yet exhilarating to have his aunt back in his life, stronger and more beautiful than his younger self could have ever imagined.
The revelation that she was a Third-Class powerhouse left him feeling both awed and unsettled. Why had his family struggled so much against the looming threat of Baron Mortimer when
Seraphina alone could likely annihilate the man with ease? The thought stirred a blend of frustration and relief within him.
He quickly dismissed the frustration. He had the system. He was destined to rise to the top, not hide behind the strength of others.
A fleeting smirk crossed his face as his thoughts drifted toward a more primal curiosity. What would happen if he used the Yin-Yang Harmony technique with someone as powerful as Seraphina?
The thought alone made his blood stir with excitement. How much strength could he absorb?
He glanced at her again, watching how her red hair cascaded down her back, her figure poised and confident, exuding the grace of a woman who had overcome countless challenges.
As they walked, they spoke of minor things—the estate, the new soldiers—but eventually, Seraphina's tone shifted.
"I'm surprised you didn't ask why I never helped the family when you were under such pressure," she said, her eyes searching his face for a reaction.
Adrian paused, taking a moment to think. "I trust you, Aunt. We're family, and I believe you had your reasons. I don't need to know every detail to know that."
Seraphina's gaze softened, touched by his response. "Thank you for believing in me," she whispered, stepping forward and pulling him into a tight embrace.
Adrian was caught off guard, his face pressed firmly against her ample chest. The warmth of her body, the softness, and her lavender scent overwhelmed his senses.
His heart raced, caught between familial affection and the undeniable physical sensation of her body against his.
Her embrace was firm, maternal, yet it stirred something deeper within him—a desire to claim her, to make this powerful woman his.
For a moment, he let himself indulge in the feeling, before Seraphina slowly released him, her hands resting gently on his shoulders as she looked down at him with a soft smile.
"I want to tell you the real reason I wasn't there when the family was struggling," she said, her voice turning serious.
"After I became the royal mage, I became somewhat of a threat to many nobles because I focused entirely on the kingdom's betterment. I stepped on the interests of many, including princes and princesses. That's why my every move was heavily monitored and I could not provide any aid as it would invite more trouble for our family."
Adrian listened intently, intrigued by the insight into the royal court's inner workings. Seraphina continued, her voice distant as she recalled the events.
"Hell, I had become such an eyesore that most of the nobles in the capital had orchestrated my downfall. One day, I was exploring a mysterious domain that only opens every ten years. I was betrayed by those with me. My trusted maid, who I thought was loyal, stabbed me in the back as the domain closed, trapping me inside."
Adrian felt anger rise within him. "How dare she? How dare they?"
Seraphina's lips curled into a bitter smile. "She was one of the king's illegitimate daughters. The betrayal was tactically approved by the king himself. But that betrayal triggered a hidden condition for the second stage of the domain's inheritance. I managed to receive the inheritance and advanced to the Third Class."
"That's incredible," Adrian said, impressed but also saddened by the cost she had paid.
He suddenly hugged her and said, "I'm glad you're here now. I am glad you were not harmed, Aunt."
"I was inside for what felt like a month," Seraphina continued, even though she was startled by his hug.
"When I returned to the capital, your mission to Mortimer's castle had already taken place. Your mom was so worried after losing contact with me for a week. She told me everything you did."
She paused for a moment and continued as she hugged Adrian back, "Inside the domain, I had also learned some techniques to suppress my mana and pretended I had lost my powers. I was tired of the politics, tired of the betrayals. I just wanted to return home."
She continued with gritted teeth, "I could now dictate the life and death of those who betrayed me, but since the others who were at the Third Class had been at this stage for far longer, I decided against it. Besides, they would surely attack here, so I gave up such thoughts."
Her eyes hardened as she spoke of the king's audacity. "He even suggested I marry his seventeenth son—a useless cripple."
Adrian's expression darkened. "That's absurd. After all you did for the kingdom? Looks like this kingdom is rotten to the core. No wonder trash like Mortimer could thrive here."
Adrian realized that his earlier frustration over having to work hard, despite her presence, was misplaced. He understood now that one reason his aunt hadn't taken revenge was because he was too weak to withstand the retaliation of the nobles.
Seraphina nodded, her expression softening again. "I quit. Now, if only there was a strong, kind man to protect this jobless and weak woman. Someone who once proposed to me when he was little and is now the head of a family." Her voice took on a teasing tone, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Adrian blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He remembered his childhood vow to marry her, but now, the playful teasing carried a weight he hadn't expected.
He broke the hug, and his mind raced as he looked at her—strong, beautiful, but also vulnerable in ways he hadn't fully understood before.
He felt a surge of protectiveness, mixed with the primal desire from earlier to conquer this woman.
"Aunt Seraphina," he said, his voice steady. "You're home now. You're with family. We'll always have your back. Besides, we are weak now, Aunt, but don't worry. Soon, soon I will help you take your revenge. I will make sure that this rotten kingdom will pay a thousandfold for the pain they have caused you. I promise it."
Her smile widened, genuine and warm. She stepped closer, her voice a soft whisper. "Thank you, Adrian. For everything. Now then, you haven't shown me the most important place in the estate."
"Most important place?" Adrian repeated in confusion. He had shown her everything of importance.
"Yes, the most important place in this castle—a place where you fucked your mother, sister, and a place where you will fuck me, your room, my dear husband," Seraphina whispered into his ear and playfully bit his earlobe.