The storm came after all.

The gale bent the date palms on the island, while countless strands of rain lashed the windowpanes like whips, as if trying to shatter the barrier between warmth and cold and make the people huddled in their little nests feel nature’s might more keenly.

It was deep into the night, but the castle was still brightly lit.

More than a hundred soldiers hurried back and forth on patrol, while even more had been stationed at every corner of the main keep, determined to nip any potential threat in the bud.

Only the clean room set aside for them was dark and silent.

Lightning pierced the tightly drawn curtains and flooded the dim room, revealing every tiny detail with crystal clarity. Then it quickly receded like the ebbing tide, leaving only deep darkness behind.

Even in that darkness, Kain was still awake. His azure eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, troubled thoughts flashing across them from time to time.

Amid the loud patter of rain, a faint, lingering breath reached his ears and pulled the officer from what felt like an endless struggle with himself. He carefully sat upright at the bedside and looked toward the girl sleeping sweetly in the neighboring bed, curled up like a squirrel. His hands, resting at his sides, clenched slightly.

What should you choose, after all, Kain?

The torrential rain had left dark clouds blanketing Fran Island, shutting out every ray of light that might have brought warmth. On that oppressive morning, a massive warship packed with the Imperial Navy finally reached the harbor.

The major had brought more than two hundred soldiers, who stood in lines on both sides of the road leading to town, backs straight and faces solemn as they awaited the governor’s arrival.

“Tap… tap…”

The first sound to cut clearly through the pattering rain and reach the major’s ears was the crisp knock of a black wooden cane against the ground. Only then came the sharp splashes of boots crushing puddles. A hunched, gaunt old man appeared before hundreds of watching eyes.

The old man was dressed entirely in black, cane included, as though he meant to blend into the gloomy rain-soaked day.

His expression was grim, and an eerie menace clung to him from head to toe. His emerald eyes resembled those of a serpent demon from myth. Anyone he looked at found themselves breathing more slowly, their heart beating faster, as if they’d truly been turned to stone.

He was the dark side of the Empire: Governor Federo, whose name was spoken in the same breath as that of the Black Crow Society’s founder.

Though he’d seen the governor countless times before—even serving as his attendant on a diplomatic mission—the major still couldn’t help but tremble slightly at the first sight of Federo.

More than a decade had passed, but the major still couldn’t forget the governor’s cruelty and ruthlessness toward his enemies. After witnessing horrors that crossed every boundary of human decency, even soldiers on his own side found it hard not to fear him.

Governor Federo walked slowly, taking a full ten minutes to cross the market road between the harbor and the town and reach the major.

Only then did the major get a clear look at the officer walking beside Federo, head bowed as he silently held an umbrella over the governor. The fear in the major’s eyes gradually faded, replaced by warmth and excitement. He raised a hand to his chest and gave an Imperial salute.

“Ivan pays his respects to Your Excellency the Governor and Major General Meri.”

The officer at Federo’s side was named Meri. He had once been Governor Naren’s trusted aide, as well as the man who’d guided the major himself. Thanks to his brilliant command in war, his distinguished service record, and Governor Naren’s wholehearted support and promotion, he now held the rank of major general in the Empire. Of that original group, he shone brightest.

Seeing his former superior, the tension that had kept the major on edge all night vanished almost instantly. It was as if a mountain that had been weighing on his shoulders had been taken up by another, stronger pair of shoulders.

At the sound of his subordinate’s familiar voice, Meri looked up and smiled at him. “You’ve worked hard. The Imperial Navy will take over security on Fran Island for now.”

“Yes, sir!”

The major answered loudly. He’d thought the mission was over and done with, but then the governor, whose eyes had seemed to notice nothing, turned his emerald gaze on him and stared silently into his eyes.

The sound of the torrential rain seemed to disappear in that moment. Facing those emotionless eyes, the major could hear only his own heartbeat growing faster and his breath coming in quick, rainlike bursts.

The stare lasted only a brief moment, but the major felt as if he’d crossed between life and death. When he came back to himself, his clothes were already soaked through with sweat. The governor had walked away at his unhurried pace, leaving only his cold voice echoing in the major’s ears.

“I read your confidential report. You did well.”

The ball was to be held at a duke’s holiday estate. The estate covered a vast stretch of land on the eastern side of Fran Island, its grounds rivaling the town in size.

The estate employed as many as five hundred servants just to tend the fields and manage the household. Day after day, they labored for the sake of their master’s visits, which lasted no more than half a month each year.

Aside from the sailors left behind at the harbor to await the arrival of the distinguished guests, most of the soldiers traveled with the carriage sent to meet the governor. They crossed the dense woods and eventually set up camp outside the enormous estate.

Not long after Federo entered the estate, the harbor officers—usually with little to do—grew busy. One splendidly decorated ship after another docked at the pier. Stepping ashore were the Empire’s most renowned nobles, wealthy merchants, and princes and princesses representing the royal family.

The welcoming and escorting continued for half a day. Ships came and went from the harbor, bringing more than a thousand people in all. Of course, only a few dozen of them would attend this ball, a symbol of power, wealth, and status. Most were servants and guards.

After exchanging greetings with Prince Cameron, the last to come ashore, the major wearily wiped the sweat from his brow. Then he smiled at the subordinates watching him. “Come on, everyone. Let’s go meet the star of this ball.”

The soldiers exchanged knowing smiles. The young master might not match those powerful old men in status and standing, but he had one advantage no one else could compete with: his youth.

The young master of House Howard was incredibly young, yet he already stood at the pinnacle of the Empire’s power. Across the whole Orlan Empire, only the three governors and a handful of princes and dukes outranked him.

Every faction in the Empire had to give due attention and respect to this young general, who was just beginning to show his talents and, like Governor Naren, had never taken sides. So if he agreed to attend a ball like this, he was sure to be its brightest, most dazzling star.

“What’s going on? Aren’t the young master and the others ready yet?”

When the major returned to the castle, he found the twenty-odd soldiers who’d been sent out of the main keep. But the young man and woman weren’t among them, so he asked in confusion.

“Major, the young master is ready, but his companion has been shut away in her room for three whole hours.”

Captain Todd reported cautiously. “And… and at the lady’s request, the young master sent us all out.”

“I understand. I’ll go take a look. The rest of you wait here.”

After giving his orders, the major strode into the main keep. A few turns later, he quickly found the room he’d arranged for the two of them the day before. Just as Todd had said, young Master Howard was waiting outside in a pure black formal suit… though no one knew how long he’d been there.

“Elizabeth, are you ready yet? The ball starts in less than half an hour.”

Kain glanced at the antique pocket watch the major had specially prepared for her, frowned, and called through the door.

“I’m… I’m ready. K-Kain, come in for a moment.”

Hearing the captain’s stammering call, Kain breathed a sigh of relief. He nodded to the approaching major, then pushed open the door and shut it in his face before he could take a look inside.

The major sighed softly. As expected, lions had a strong sense of territory. The young master had looked displeased yesterday, but it was clear he was still guarding his fiancée so fiercely that not even a drop of water could get through. It was just that…

This lady’s name was Elizabeth too. What a strange coincidence.