Count Watt listened to Ling’s report, utterly stunned.

“Are you certain that ring emitted a golden light?”

Count Watt asked again.

“Absolutely.”

“Now this is interesting…”

The Lost Ring—also called the Ring of Kingship—was meant only for the Chosen One. In other words, only someone destined to become emperor could wield it.

If the ring had truly acknowledged Karl…

Count Watt fell silent, deep in thought.

After a moment, he spoke:

“I’ve watched that boy grow up. Had him investigated thoroughly. He’s no agent of another faction—certainly not royalty. Why he stole the ring? I don’t know. But as long as we know where it is, leave it with him for now. Watch him closely these next few days. Report any odd behavior.”

“Understood.”

Ling vanished into the shadows.

The instant she disappeared, a melodious yet sharp voice rang from the second-floor balcony:

“WATT!! Are you insane?! Sitting alone in the garden in this freezing cold?! Meeting a maid in secret?! Bring her out—I’ll throw you both into a pig cage!!”

Watt jumped up with a nervous chuckle.

“Darling, what are you saying? With a beauty like you, who’d look at anyone else? I just ate too much—needed to walk it off.”

“Is *this* how you walk it off?! Get inside! And get moving!!”

Watt patted his round belly and hurried back in.

---

Meanwhile, Karl slipped the ring out while Freya bathed.

After the golden flash, he felt a clear bond with it. Every function now vivid in his mind.

First: it could alter its appearance at will—no risk of Freya spotting it.

Second: a spatial item storing vast supplies… and unlike ordinary ones, it could hold living beings.

Most importantly: sword nurturing.

Infuse magic, and it forged a blade matching the magic type. More magic = greater power.

With time? Cleaving heavens, splitting earth—no problem.

A divine artifact!!! Absolute god-tier!! A rebellion-starting treasure!!

Karl marveled. *If Freya sees this… rebellion’s guaranteed.*

He channeled magic instantly, shifting the ring into a plain silver band.

Just as he slipped it on—

The bathroom door opened. Steam curled out.

Freya emerged, wrapped in a white towel, bare feet delicate and pink.

Karl’s heart jolted.

Troublesome wife? Always plotting rebellion? Yes.

But undeniably, breathtakingly alluring.

Her flawless face. Her porcelain skin. Pure perfection.

He swallowed hard, heat flooding his body.

Freya smiled faintly, swaying closer.

“Can you hold back?”

Karl shook his head. “No way. Who could?”

She parted her legs slightly, settling onto his lap.

“Too bad. You *must*. Mother said if you touch me before I graduate… she’ll throw you into a pig cage.”

Karl understood—no condoms here; pregnancy during college would worry any parent.

But understanding didn’t ease the torture: gorgeous wife, untouchable.

A faint smirk touched Freya’s lips. “She said *you* can’t touch *me*… but never said *I* can’t touch *you*. Some places are off-limits… others aren’t.”

“W-what are you—?”

Not the wind. Not his heart. *Something else* stirred.

Freya slid down his legs, duck-sitting on the floor.

“Ever heard of the recorder?”

Karl’s eyes lit up!!!

…

At that same moment, Ling chugged milk in the kitchen—

*Gulp gulp gulp—*

She choked, splattering white droplets across her chin and blouse.

“Ugh—! Gotta wash this again!”

---

Next morning, breakfast.

Count Watt handed the newspaper to Ling.

“The auction house called. Someone broke in last night. Our ring was stolen.”

Freya frowned. “What?! Forty thousand gold isn’t pocket change! Are they mocking us?!”

*(After all that effort to complete Father’s task… gone just like that?)*

Watt shrugged. “They wouldn’t renege. Likely stolen. Offering one thousand gold compensation.”

“Unacceptable! I’m going to demand answers!” Freya snapped.

“No need. I’ll go. The hotel’s near the guild.” He glanced at Karl. “See anyone suspicious yesterday?”

Karl, mid-sip, shook his head fast.

“Ugh. That ring was the Sowani family heirloom. Why do so many crave it?”

Karl buried his face in his bowl.

His mother-in-law waved a hand. “Good riddance. You’d just let it gather dust. Save that gold—I’ll buy more oil paintings.”

“Wise words! Lost is lost! Let’s spend it now!” Watt cheered.

Lucina stood to prep for outing.

Freya set down her fork, annoyed. “I’m done. Off to train.”

Karl wiped his mouth. “I’ll organize academy files in the study. Admissions season’s near.”

“Come find me later,” Freya said, leaving.

Karl rose—unaware Mia trailed him.

The moment he passed her door—

*Whoosh!*

Mia lunged, shoved him inside, kicked the door shut, and flashed a mischievous grin at his stunned face.

Karl froze. *Is she… kidnapping her brother-in-law in broad daylight?!*