"It's Silverstel!"
At the soldier's shout, Cesar bit his lip.
Both families attacking the imperial palace at the same time?
But even so—
Unlike Valdormer, Silverstel had been friendly with the imperial family until recently.
They wouldn't attack without clear proof.
…At least, that's what Cesar believed.
Soon, Silverstel's army arrived.
Their numbers were as large as Valdormer's.
The army stopped.
Then:
Lionel — head of SilverstelFerdinand— his eldest son
rode forward toward the castle walls.
Cesar spoke first:
"Why has Silverstel brought such a large army to the imperial palace?!"
Lionel, filled with anger, shouted back:
"How dare you say that after imprisoning Silverstel's heir!"
Cesar's face hardened, but he replied calmly:
"What nonsense! Instead of doubting His Majesty, shouldn't you suspect your own eldest son, who competes for the heir position?"
Ferdinand couldn't hold back his anger and drew his sword.
"How dare you!"
Lionel stopped him and said:
"We already confirmed that Lloyd is imprisoned in the palace as a high-level criminal."
Then Lionel looked at Kallian and gave a small nod.
After that, he shouted toward the wall:
"If my son is truly inside, I will break down the gates and confirm it myself!"
Cesar frowned at the complicated situation.
Still—
Even against two great families, he believed they could win.
The imperial family had the strongest military among the five great houses.
And if Heister's reinforcements arrived—
They could defeat both Valdormer and Silverstel.
He straightened confidently.
"Lionel of Silverstel! I'll give you one last chance! This can be considered rebellion!"
Lionel laughed coldly.
"Rebellion? The Paveluf imperial family has gone mad with greed! Have they forgotten who placed them on that throne?!"
"Watch your words!"
***
At that moment—
A knight hurried to Cesar.
"L-Lord Cesar!"
"Can't you see I'm talking?!"
"Th-that is…"
Something was wrong.
Cesar turned his head—
And was shocked.
"What?! Why is Marcelino here?!"
Soon—
Another army appeared on the horizon.
It was Marcelino.
Now—
The imperial palace was surrounded by three great families.
Margaret, head of Marcelino, rode forward.
She nodded politely to Kallian.
"I received your letter."
Kallian had sent that letter through Jared—
Not even expecting much.
Marcelino was a family that valued balance above all.
Even though they had lost their ability, they were still powerful and influential.
Also—
Margaret had once cared for Yuliana.
Kallian had hoped she might help.
But—
He didn't expect her to come so quickly.
In his past lives, these families always protected the imperial family.
But now—
They stood beside him.
Margaret smiled gently.
"Well… actually, this girl arrived before your letter."
Beside her stood a young female knight.
"Lumila!"
Ferdinand recognized her immediately.
"Sir Ferdinand! My lord!"
Lumila knelt before Lionel.
Margaret explained:
"This knight came alone from the imperial palace to Marcelino and told us everything."
Her gaze turned sharp toward the castle.
"The Emperor imprisoned Yuliana and attempted to violate her."
"And Lloyd was imprisoned for trying to save her."
At those words—
Kallian's fists clenched tightly.
The rage inside him was uncontrollable.
But then—
Margaret added softly:
"This knight said she came at Yuliana's request."
Kallian froze.
…Yuliana.
He finally understood.
In past lives—
These families were always his enemies.
But now—
They stood with him.
Because of Yuliana.
Lloyd followed herMargaret listened to herOthers moved because of her
She changed everything.
Margaret raised her voice:
"Marcelino will no longer tolerate the crimes of the Paveluf imperial family!"
Kallian looked toward the palace.
For the first time—
He felt hope.
Maybe this life—
Would be different.
Not like before.
Not another tragedy.
Everything—
Was changing.
Because of Yuliana.
He gripped his sword.
Just wait, Yuliana.
This time… I will save you.
His eyes were fixed only on where she was.
Meanwhile
While Kallian was fighting Heister—
Layla returned to her family home, Sorento.
Inside were:
Her father WilliamFelix, head of Highland
Layla asked:
"Father, why did you call me back?"
William hesitated, then said:
"Listen carefully, Layla."
After a pause, he revealed:
"Seven vassal families, led by Highland, will attack Valdormer."
Layla froze.
"What do you mean?!"
She had worked hard to make those families follow Kallian—
And now they would attack him?
Felix answered calmly:
"Don't panic. We're just weakening Valdormer."
Layla snapped:
"I serve Kallian! How can you say that?!"
William clicked his tongue.
"You fool. Only if Valdormer weakens can you become its lady."
Layla froze.
"You think they would accept you as you are now?"
Layla hesitated, then asked quietly:
"…Are you saying I can really become Lady of Valdormer?"
Felix smiled arrogantly.
"Yes. With help from the imperial family and Heister, Valdormer will weaken."
"Then the pro-Emperor factions will take control."
"And if Sorento takes control internally—"
"It will be perfect."
Layla slowly smiled.
"Really… that will happen?"
Felix nodded confidently.
"Of course. By now, my son should have already subdued Kallian with the imperial army."
William added proudly:
"So stay here quietly until everything is settled."
"Yes… I understand, Father."
Then—
The door burst open.
The head servant rushed in, panicking.
"M-My lord!"
"What is this noise?!"
"Y-Young master…!!"
The servant was trembling, holding a letter.
William quickly grabbed it.
Then—
His face turned pale.
The letter said:
His son, Sorento's heir, had died in battle
"This… this can't be true!"
Felix tried to ask what happened—
But before he could—
Valdormer soldiers stormed into the Sorento estate.