In a shabby house, slightly apart from the secluded dwelling where the fortune teller had guided him, a child cloaked in a robe awaited Ian.

The child’s eyes shimmered with an otherworldly depth, as if they transcended the mundane. Then, with a graceful bow, the child addressed him.

“Welcome, O King, who walks a new path in life.”

“King?”

“Yes. You are the one who will conquer all that stands before you.”

There was no hesitation in the child’s gaze. His bold eyes met Ian’s without a hint of fear or wavering, as if stating an undeniable truth.

Ian chuckled.

‘What an interesting kid.’

Unlike anyone he had encountered before.

‘At the very least, he’s not a liar. And he doesn’t seem to have any ill intentions.’

Having met many who sought to use him, Ian could recognize sincerity when he saw it. The child before him exuded a rare, unshakable conviction, embodying the very essence of a true prophet.

‘Not bad.’

Watching with intrigue, Ian waited as the old fortune teller approached the child.

“I have brought the one you foretold–the one who carries the Lion’s Banner.”

“You have done well. I appreciate your efforts.”

The old man hesitated.

“Then… does this mean my task is complete?”

The child’s expression turned cold.

“Our fate ends here.”

The old fortune teller, bewildered, hurriedly stepped forward.

“P-Please reconsider! I have dedicated myself to you all this time–”

“And I am grateful that you spoke in my stead and shielded me from prying eyes. However…” The child’s piercing gaze locked onto the old man, cutting through him like a blade. “But do not forget the promise we made from the start, Pan.”

Pan flinched.

“B-But I nearly died fulfilling that promise!”

“And yet, you’ve gained much in return.”

The child’s eyes swept over Pan’s figure. Ian, too, noticed the contradiction in the old man’s appearance.

‘For someone dressed in rags, he certainly carries a lot of wealth.’

Though his outer garments were tattered, the luxurious clothing beneath them told another story. Expensive trinkets adorned him, gifts from nobles, including Leonic. The child clearly saw through it all.

“You, who once wandered the streets as a mere fortune teller, have lived quite comfortably because of me.”

“But that was just… fair compensation for my work…”

The child’s voice turned firm.

“Let your greed end here. Any more, and it will lead you to ruin.”

Even with the warning, Pan hesitated. Greed flickered in his eyes. Instead, with a desperate expression unable to hide his longing, he clung to the child.

However, the child firmly stated,

“It’s fine if you stay by my side as you have been so far. But… the temptation of gold will be your downfall.”

His gaze was piercing, as if reminding Pan of a prophecy long foretold–“Didn’t I warn you? If we do not part on the promised day, you will lose your life.”

Yet, Pan’s resolve did not waver.

“I care nothing for gold. I only wish to follow you.”

Then, he stole a glance at Ian.

It was clear–he wanted to stand beside the one prophesied to be a conquering emperor. After all, aligning himself with such a figure could lead to untold riches and influence. His eyes gleamed with ambition.

‘If I play my cards right, I could secure a place in a grand empire.’

Not merely as a follower, but as a founding figure of the new era. Eager to prove his worth, he turned back to the child.

“I can be of great use. Thanks to me, you’ve already established connections with nobles.”

At least within Cantum, his reputation as a well-known fortune teller could serve him well. But the child merely shook his head.

“That, too, is your choice. But… you will regret it soon enough.”

“I won’t regret it. I simply…wish to witness the path of the one who saved my life.”

The child let out a quiet sigh.

“Very well. But you will not be able to stay for long.”

In the end, the child relented. Or rather, it seemed he had expected this outcome all along. The only difference was–

‘Perhaps he just wanted an excuse–to say that he at least tried to dissuade him. Quite peculiar.’

Ian observed the exchange with interest. This was unlike the previous impostor who had masqueraded as a prophet.

‘Not only can he read fate, but he knows how to manipulate it to his advantage.’

That left only one question. Dismissing the others, Ian remained alone with the child. His gaze sharpened.

“So, tell me–why did you call me here?”

“I did not call you. The King came here of his own accord.”

Ian scoffed.

“Somehow, I doubt that.”

His grin widened.

“You led me here, didn’t you?”

From Crown Prince Leonic to the Seventh Prince As–every prophecy had led Ian to this very moment, as if guiding his steps with deliberate intent.

He had merely followed the path set before him. And at the heart of it all stood this young fortune teller.

Only then did the child smile.

“It seems you’ve figured it out.”

“It wasn’t exactly difficult. Anyone with a shred of wit could piece it together.”

“Not necessarily,” the child replied. “The world doesn’t always unfold as expected.”

Ian nodded in agreement.

Seventh Prince As was a prime example. He likely still believed all the prophecies were meant for him. He had no idea that a fortune teller in Cantum had been orchestrating events to draw the prince of Kaistein here.

But Leonic–he was different.

‘He must have suspected something.’

That was why he had pushed for this meeting between Ian and the fortune teller. To ensure the prophecy would be fulfilled.

‘Wasn’t it foretold that he would be an emperor recorded in history?’

Ian had always believed that meeting the prophet was a necessary step in fulfilling the prophecy. And so, he asked,

“Then tell me–why did you call me here?”

“To inform you.”

“To inform me?”

“Yes. About why you are living a new destiny.”

The child’s eyes gleamed. It was finally time for the true revelation.

“Before that, let me introduce myself. My name is Yunseul. I am the one who has truly been waiting for you.”

“Yunseul, huh…?”

But Ian only chuckled.

After all–both the old fortune teller and the impostor had also claimed to be Yunseul.

‘Interesting. Is there some significance behind the name Yunseul?’

However, that wasn’t the most pressing issue right now.

“Alright then, tell me–why have you been waiting for me? Ah, but before that, may I ask something?”

“What would you like to know?”

“The power you possess.”

Ian’s eyes had been watching closely. Even in the dim light, he could see the aura of benevolence surrounding the child–a light that seemed to illuminate everything.

“What exactly is the power of the Seven Virtues that you hold?”

A smile curled on Ian’s lips.

***

Meanwhile, Seventh Prince As, the one who had arranged for Ian to meet the fortune teller, was growing restless.

‘The banquet for my birthday… That will be the perfect stage.’

If everything went according to the words of the noble one, Sang will soon be dealt with. With him gone, As would seize full control of Santamo. And not only that–with the assistance promised in the prophecy, he could rise to become a true power in the kingdom. Perhaps even ascend to the throne.

But something felt wrong.

‘He should have returned by now. Why hasn’t he come back?’

No matter how long he waited, Ian did not return. Growing impatient, As summoned a soldier.

“Where is the noble one right now?”

“I will find out immediately, Your Highness.”

The soldier hurried off, only to return shortly with a panicked expression. He fell to one knee.

“Your Highness, I must report–our benefactor has vanished.”

“What do you mean, vanished?”

“I do not understand it myself, but… he has disappeared without a trace.”

“What?”

Though confused, the soldier continued his report.

“It happened at the fortune teller’s house. He went inside, and then… he was simply gone.”

“Gone?”

“The house itself disappeared. As if it had never existed in the first place.”

The sheer impossibility of it had rattled the soldier so much that he had rushed back immediately.

As’s expression twisted in disbelief.

‘That fortune teller… he was just an ordinary old man, wasn’t he? Or… was this a trap?’

It was clear that luring the fortune teller out of the castle had been orchestrated. But now, it seemed like the house itself had been a setup.

‘That old man shouldn’t have had the power to do something like this.’

At least, that’s what As had believed. The so-called fortune teller had seemed nothing more than a frail, aging man. Even his supposed prophecies had seemed questionable at times.

Which meant…

Someone else had targeted the noble one.

The most likely suspect? Sang.

“So that’s why he’s been so quiet… He was planning this all along.”

As’s gaze turned cold.

Up until now, Santamo had thrived largely due to Sang’s influence and connections. But Ian–Ian was different.

‘If I have him by my side, I have nothing to fear. That means… I no longer need Sang’s help.’

Because As knew the truth.

Sang had never aided him out of goodwill. He was merely one of Leonic’s subordinates, loyal only to the Crown Prince. To him, As was nothing more than a stepping stone. A disposable pawn.

As had tolerated it until now. But he would endure it no longer. His voice was firm as he gave his order.

“Gather the soldiers. We move against Sang.”

The soldier’s eyes widened in shock.

“W-What? Against Lord Sang?”

He could hardly believe what he had just heard.

“That’s impossible! Too many people follow Lord Sang. Even the captain of the guards and the knights–”

“It doesn’t matter. I will not sit idly by any longer.”

What kind of ruler couldn’t even protect his own benefactor? If word got out, he wouldn’t just be mocked for his failure–he’d be seen as incapable of defending his own honor, let alone himself. He had no choice but to act.

“As the Seventh Prince and your lord, I command you–gather the soldiers who are loyal to me.”

“Yes, my lord!”

The soldier rushed out in haste, intent on assembling the troops. Meanwhile, As turned to the knight standing nearby.

“Sir Han, is your body well enough now?”

The knight, who had only recently recovered from poisoning, gave a firm nod.

“I have regained most of my strength.”

“Then, will you fight for the sake of my honor and to avenge my benefactor?”

Han’s expression was resolute as he bowed slightly.

“My sword is always yours to command, Your Highness.”

“Good.”

As’s eyes glowed with determination.

‘I had planned to wait until my birthday banquet, just as my benefactor advised, and eliminate them all in one stroke…’

But there was no more time to wait. It was now a race against the clock. Before Sang caught wind of his plan, he had to rally his forces and strike first.

“Sir Han, gather the knights who will stand with me. Once the soldiers and knights are ready, we will attack Sang.”

“Understood, my lord.”

Just as Han was about to move–

BANG!

With a deafening crash, the door burst open. A man strode in.

“Well, well. What exactly are you up to, Your Highness?”

As’s expression twisted in fury.

“Sang! You…!”

The very man who controlled Santamo had kicked open the door and entered unannounced. And standing beside him was the same soldier As had sent out moments ago.

As’s gaze turned sharp.

“Don’t tell me… You were Sang’s man all along?”

The soldier’s face paled.

“N-No! It’s a misunderstanding, Your Highness! I was merely following your command and–”

“And then he got caught by me,” Sang interrupted, his voice laced with amusement.

A low chuckle escaped his lips.

“Not all the soldiers in this castle serve you, Your Highness. You should know that by now.”

“Tch…”

So there had been a traitor among his ranks. But at this point, it didn’t matter anymore.

As turned to Han.

“Sir Han.”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Take care of him.”

At As’s command, Han drew his sword. But Sang remained unfazed. Instead, he smirked.

“I heard you’ve only just recovered from poisoning, Sir Han. Shouldn’t you be resting?”

His words carried a mocking undertone. It was true–Han had yet to fully regain his strength. A battle in his current state would be no easy feat.

“What are you all waiting for?” Sang called out, his smirk widening. “Help Sir Han get some rest.”

“Yes, Lord Sang.”

At his command, a group emerged from behind him.

Not soldiers. Not knights.

Maids.

“Sir Han, please come inside and rest.”

“We will also escort His Highness to his room.”

For a brief moment, both Han and As were stunned by the sight. Had it been knights blocking their way, they would have drawn their swords without hesitation. But these were just maids–servants of the castle. Civilians with no combat training. Overpowering them would be effortless.

Han, still gripping his sword, regarded them coldly.

“No matter how much a knight upholds the code of chivalry, you don’t expect me to extend it to this situation, do you, Lord Sang?”

Sang chuckled.

“Of course not. However… I’d like you to keep something in mind, Sir Han. The moment you harm these women, their families will suffer as well.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“If you strike them down, their loved ones will bear the consequences. That, I swear on my honor.”

“You dare to use your so-called honor for something like this? Have you no shame?”

“No. I don’t.”

“…”

Han ground his teeth. Even if he wanted to fight, how could he when innocent lives were being held hostage?

To make matters worse, these weren’t just any maids. They were women he had shared friendly conversations with–ones who had served the castle for years. And now, their families were being used as leverage against him.

His eyes darkened as he finally understood.

“Did you plant the maids here for this exact moment, Lord Sang?”

Sang shrugged, feigning innocence.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

His composed demeanor only fueled Han’s frustration. He turned to As, waiting for his orders.

“What should we do, my lord?”

“Hmm…”

As fell into deep thought. Unlike Han, who was bound by the knight’s code, As was a prince–striking down mere maids wasn’t a concern for him. Of course, attacking defenseless women would tarnish his reputation, but that wasn’t the real issue.

‘That bastard… He’s not alone.’

He could sense the presence of knights concealed behind Sang. His opponent had moved before he could gather his own forces. At this rate, they were at a clear disadvantage.

‘But he can’t attack me outright either–he has no justification.’

As had yet to rally his soldiers. If Sang struck first, he would be labeled a traitor. And in Cantum, traitors were never spared.

‘I thought he was waiting for the right opportunity, just like me…’

But he hadn’t expected Sang to make the first move. Even so, now that his opponent had stepped forward, As couldn’t afford to let this chance slip away. His eyes burned with determination as he issued his command to Han.

“Sir Han, I will take full responsibility. Kill Sang.”

“!”

Han’s eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t expected such an order. But after a brief moment, he nodded firmly.

“I swear on my life–I will take him down.”

Resolve gleamed in Han’s eyes as he readied himself to charge. But Sang merely sneered.

“You would both throw away your lives just to kill me? There’s no need for that.”

“What?”

“Because I’ll kill you first. Since you’re attempting to take my life, this is… self-defense, wouldn’t you say?”

A wicked smile spread across his face, as if he had been waiting for this moment. Now, he wouldn’t even need to wait for As’s birthday banquet.

Clap, clap.

Sang clapped his hands, and knights hidden behind him stepped forward. Five of them. Some were unfamiliar faces. As gritted his teeth.

‘Reinforcements from outside? So you were prepared for this all along, Sang.’

It seemed his fate had been sealed. At that moment, Sang gave his order.

“Kill them.”

“Kill him.”

As and Sang’s commands rang out at the same time, and the knights drew their swords against each other. As the five knights lunged toward Han–

“Stop right there.”

A sharp voice cut through the tension, freezing everyone in place. It wasn’t just the sudden interruption–

“My sword… won’t move?”

“It’s not just the sword–my whole body… won’t move!”

“Who’s there?!”

All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. Standing there was none other than Ian.

“A subordinate daring to raise his sword against his lord… I can’t just sit back and watch, can I?”

It seemed like some discipline was in order. A cold smile played on Ian’s lips.