Adrian Lewin's POV
We flew for two days without stopping.
Aero cut through the sky with steady, powerful wingbeats, his massive form gliding across clouds and open air as if distance itself meant nothing. The wind roared past us, sharp and cold at times, warm at others depending on altitude, yet neither of us spoke much during the journey.
There was no need.
Zareth remained silent behind me, observing, thinking. I didn't need to look back to know that.
After all, a man who had killed a prince and was being hunted by an Empire wouldn't be careless enough to relax.
---
Eventually—
My territory came into view.
From high above, the castle stood at the center like an anchor, its tall structures rising with quiet authority. Surrounding it, the city spread outward in an organized manner—walls intact, watchtowers standing vigilant, and movement visible even from this height.
Good.
Things hadn't fallen apart in my absence.
---
As we descended, Aero's shadow stretched across the ground below.
The knights noticed him immediately.
Within moments, they moved.
Formations were set.
Lines straightened.
Weapons aligned.
They stood ready—not in hostility, but in respect.
Aero landed smoothly.
The moment his claws touched the ground, I teleported down from his back, landing lightly. Zareth followed by simply jumping down, his body absorbing the impact with ease.
I could have done the same.
But habits are habits.
I stood still for a moment.
Noticing one of the knights sprinting toward the castle.
Informing Lyra, most likely.
As expected—
She arrived shortly after.
Lyra walked toward me with her usual composed elegance, her posture straight, her steps measured. She stopped at an appropriate distance and bowed.
"My lord, I am happy to see you after so long."
Her voice was calm, but there was a subtle sincerity beneath it.
Her gaze then shifted.
Toward Zareth.
She didn't ask anything.
Smart.
She understood boundaries.
She didn't know whether revealing his identity was appropriate or not.
So I spoke instead.
"He is Zareth," I said casually. "A Powerhouse."
That was enough.
Her eyes widened.
Just slightly.
But enough to show that she understood the weight of those words.
"The one who killed the Third Prince and is currently being hunted by the Empire?" she asked.
I nodded.
"That's right."
Then added calmly—
"He is my subordinate now."
That caused a reaction.
Not from her.
But from the knights nearby.
They exchanged glances.
Subtle.
But noticeable.
It was understandable.
The Empire and the Coalition of the Twelve Lords often clashed.
But giving asylum to someone who had killed a member of the imperial family?
That was something else entirely.
But I didn't care.
The Empire wouldn't act recklessly.
Not against two Powerhouses.
And if they tried anything excessive—
Other Lords would intervene.
That's how balance worked.
I began walking inside.
Lyra followed beside me.
Zareth behind.
"How are things?" I asked. "Anything that requires my attention?"
Lyra inclined her head slightly.
"My lord, if you wish, I can present a detailed account of the territory's condition following the war, with focus on economic stability, trade, and security."
I nodded.
"Sounds good. Start with the economy."
Her voice shifted.
Professional.
Precise.
"After the war ended, the immediate strain upon the territory was most evident in its economic structure. Wartime expenditure had significantly depleted reserves. Large quantities of resources were redirected toward sustaining the army—arms, armor, magical reagents, and provisions. As a result, civilian sectors experienced shortages in the early period following the conflict."
By the time she finished, we had reached the main hall.
The closest thing to a throne room.
I took my seat.
Slightly elevated.
Not for arrogance—
But authority.
Lyra stood below.
Perfect posture.
Hands folded.
Expression composed.
I leaned back slightly.
"Wouldn't industrial production help recovery? What's the current condition?"
She bowed her head slightly before continuing.
"Production across several industries slowed considerably. Workshops that once crafted tools, goods, and trade items were either damaged during the conflict or repurposed for military needs. Skilled labor was also reduced, as many craftsmen had been conscripted or displaced."
She paused briefly.
"However, restoration efforts have allowed most establishments to resume operations, though not yet at full capacity."
I nodded.
"Trade and commerce?"
Her tone remained steady.
"The disruption was severe initially. Major trade routes became unsafe during the war, forcing a halt in caravan movement. This resulted in temporary isolation from external markets. Essential goods became scarce, and prices fluctuated sharply."
"And now?"
"Efforts have been made to reestablish those routes. Patrol units were deployed along key paths to ensure safety. Merchants have begun to return, though cautiously. Trade volume is recovering but has not yet reached previous levels."
I tapped the armrest lightly.
"So the market become normal?"
She replied immediately.
"Local markets have begun stabilizing. Internal supply chains are functioning again, increasing the availability of basic goods. Prices are gradually normalizing. However, luxury items and rare materials remain limited."
Makes sense.
"What about revenue?"
She glanced briefly at her report.
"Tax income declined due to reduced commercial activity. Adjustments were made to reduce the burden on civilians and merchants, allowing recovery. Revenue is expected to rise steadily as trade improves."
I nodded.
Then—
"Security?"
Her voice sharpened slightly.
"The territory remains stable overall. No organized enemy activity has reappeared. However, smaller threats emerged in the aftermath."
I frowned.
"Such as?"
"Bandit activity increased," she replied. "Displaced individuals and deserters attempted to exploit weakened enforcement. Patrol frequency was increased, and targeted operations were conducted. These threats have now been largely suppressed."
She continued without pause.
"Border defenses have been reinforced. Surveillance has increased. Early detection systems are in place to prevent future threats."
"And internally?"
"Public order remains under control. Initial unrest due to shortages was contained through relief efforts and enforcement. Civilian confidence is gradually improving."
Good.
"Anything else?"
"Infrastructure recovery is progressing steadily," she said. "Roads, bridges, and transport routes have been restored to functional levels, aiding trade and movement."
I nodded.
"That's fine."
I paused for a moment before asking—
"Where is Mirella?"
Lyra's lips twitched.
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
I knew that expression.
Too well.
She was definitely thinking something inappropriate.
Again.
At this point, I wasn't sure if she genuinely believed Mirella was my mistress… or if she simply enjoyed messing with me.
After a moment, she replied—
"She has been informed. She will arrive shortly."
I nodded.
Ignoring the twitch.
Then I turned to Zareth.
"Your role is simple," I said. "Deter any Powerhouses who might try something in my absence."
He frowned.
"That's it?"
"Yes."
He crossed his arms.
"That doesn't sound like much work. You'll be here most of the time anyway."
Lyra almost smirked.
She tried to hide it.
But failed.
I ignored her.
"I'm not here most of the time," I said flatly.
Zareth blinked.
Then choked slightly.
"What?"
His expression shifted.
Concern.
Confusion.
"Then how exactly are you going to protect me from the Empire?" he asked. "They'll just come and kill me."
I leaned back.
Calm.
"They won't."
He frowned.
"Killing you means killing my subordinate," I continued. "Which means I respond."
I let that sink in.
"The Empire may be stronger than me," I said. "But if they start something, it won't remain a one-sided situation for long."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"The Coalition doesn't function like a kingdom," I added. "If I start losing, other Lords will join in. Not out of loyalty—but balance."
He understood.
"So Empire won't act?" he asked.
"Exactly."
He exhaled slowly.
Then nodded.
"Fine," he said. "I'll do it."
A small pause.
"I'll protect your territory in your absence."
Then, more firmly—
"I am officially your subordinate."
I nodded.
Then turned to Lyra.
"Prepare a room for him," I said. "Food as well. Assign someone to guide him around. And give him clothing marked with my number."
She nodded immediately.
The number "12."
In the Coalition, numbers mattered more than insignia.
They defined position.
Authority.
Affiliation.
Those close to me bore that number.
Though it wasn't mandatory.
The system was… flexible.
With that done, I stood up.
"I'll rest."
I walked toward my bedroom.
A bath—
Was long overdue.
After cleaning up, I stepped out.
Two knights stood outside.
At attention.
I glanced at one of them.
"I want to eat. Make preparations."
"Yes, my lord!"
He ran off immediately.
I walked through the corridors.
Servants bowed as I passed.
This life…
Was very different from before.
Once—
I was ordinary.
Now—
Everything moved for me.
I reached the dining hall.
Sat down.
I expected to wait.
But— The Food arrived quickly.
They had likely started preparing as soon as I arrived.
Good. I was hungry so I appreciate their efficiency.
I began eating slowly.
Enjoying it.
It had been a while.
And honestly—
I missed this.
After finishing, I wiped my hands and stood up.
Next—
Work.
I headed toward my office.
Because rest…Could wait.
I had of course before thought of resting but I had been away for too long. I should at least do things that a lord is needed for.