Ineah and Ran sat quietly on one of the stone benches in the palace garden, surrounded by blooming roses and the soft rustle of leaves.
"I didn't expect to see you as one of the priests," Ran said, breaking the quiet.
"Me neither," Ineah replied. "I ended up in one of their temples by accident. What about you? Why are you here in the palace?"
"I'm staying here with our other brothers," Ran answered.
"Really?" Ineah let out a breath of relief. "Thank the heavens—you're all safe."
"Not all of us," Ran said. "Maikell, Izak, Thane, and big brother TJ are still missing."
Ineah's smile faded. His expression turned somber again.
"For now, we're staying in the palace and helping our royal siblings with their duties," Ran continued.
"Royal siblings?" Ineah asked, confused.
Ran nodded and began to explain—how they came to be in this world, the truth about their parents, and the events that led them here.
"I see," Ineah murmured. "So there is a reason we ended up in this place."
"Yes. But the real problem is—we have no idea how to return home," Ran said. "This empire is on the brink of war. It's quiet now, but that won't last. We need to leave and find a safer place before everything breaks loose."
"So what's the plan?" Ineah asked.
"Hajee is searching for his father's missing book. Once he finds it, we'll escape and head east. There's a village outside the border—we can hide there when the war begins."
"And what about our royal siblings?" Ineah asked, concerned.
"They'll manage on their own," Ran said flatly. "This isn't our war. We didn't start it—it's not our responsibility."
"But what if... what if we were brought here to help them?" Ineah said quietly.
Ran scoffed. "What, so you want to die here?"
Ineah sighed. "Fine. Do what you think is best."
"You should join us," Ran urged. "Leave the priests behind."
"I'll explain things to them," Ineah said.
"Come with me. I'll show you where the others are staying," Ran said as he stood up.
Ran led Ineah through the palace grounds to the Ruby Palace. As they entered, the air filled with warmth and reunion. His brothers rushed to greet him, their faces lighting up with joy. Soon, the room buzzed with conversation as they gathered to discuss everything they had learned—and everything still to come.
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.
.
Jinny's thoughts were still consumed by Ran's offer. Her mind wandered as she walked slowly through the grand hallway, heading back to the emperor's chamber.
If she refused Ran, he and the others would leave her behind in the palace. She couldn't let that happen. She needed to stay with them—at least until they found a way back to their original world. But…
To become Ran's woman?
That would be a serious problem.
Yes, they weren't related by blood, but she was still their adopted sister. If she accepted him, whispers would spread. People would talk. Her family would be horrified—especially her mother, who had placed so much trust in her. The thought of her mother's disappointment cut deep.
Jinny sighed, conflicted once more.
She didn't even realize she had already reached the emperor's door. Shaking off her thoughts, she took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and knocked.
"Come in," came Matias's voice from inside.
She entered and bowed respectfully. The emperor was already halfway through removing his garments.
Without a word, she moved to assist him, helping him into his robe. Together, they made their way toward the bathing chamber in silence.
After several minutes...
"A-Ahh… Y-Your Majesty…" Jinny moaned softly.
Her fingers dug into his back as she clung to him. Both of them were soaked, their skin glistening from the steamy bathwater. She moved rhythmically above him, her breath shaky and uneven as his hands guided her hips.
The chamber echoed with the sounds of their union—her breathless moans, the quiet splashes of water, the whispered groans of pleasure. Her face was flushed, her expression clouded with desire, which only fueled Matias further.
Without warning, he lifted her with ease and laid her gently onto the floor. He moved over her, continuing their rhythm—faster, deeper. He caught her wrists and pinned them above her head, lowering his mouth to her neck where he bit softly, leaving a mark.
Her voice grew louder with each movement, until her body tensed and shuddered beneath him as another wave of climax washed over her.
When it was over, Matias rose and began dressing without saying a word. Jinny remained on the floor, her body limp and trembling, too weak to move. Her legs still quivered from their intense intimacy.
Seeing her condition, Matias approached, scooped her into his arms, and carried her to the bed. He gently laid her down and covered her with a blanket.
"You should rest here tonight. You're exhausted—you won't be able to walk for a while," he said, his voice low but calm.
Jinny looked up at him, her eyes distant, lost in thought.
Matias raised an eyebrow. "I'll be in my office tonight. Sleep well," he said before turning and walking away.
She didn't respond. Instead, she closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the blanket and exhaustion pull her into sleep.
.
.
The next morning...
Jinny quickly sat up in bed, clutching the blanket around her. She rushed to the sink and vomited.
Matias, who had been reading some letters, heard her and immediately walked over in her direction. He paused when he saw her bent over the sink, vomiting.
A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he approached her, his hand gently rubbing her back. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice soft yet concerned.
"I… I don't know, Your Majesty," Jinny gasped, still shaky. "I wasn't feeling well when I woke up. I felt dizzy, and then… this happened." She gagged and vomited again.
"Maybe you're sick," Matias suggested. "I'll call the imperial physician to check on you."
He let her stay in his room while they waited for the physician.
Matias remained by her side, his eyes trained on her as the physician examined Jinny's condition.
After a few moments, the physician finished his examination and turned to face Matias, bowing respectfully.
"Your Majesty," the physician began, his voice calm, but carrying a hint of surprise. "She's pregnant."
Jinny's eyes widened in shock. Pregnant?
Matias had already suspected it. "I see," he said, his tone composed. "Please write down the recommended medicines for her."
The physician nodded, bowing again before opening his bag and scribbling notes.
"Y-Your Majesty…" Jinny's voice trembled, and she clutched the blanket tighter, her eyes welling with tears.
It can't be… Ran will be furious if he finds out.
Matias sat beside her, his presence calm and reassuring. "Calm down, Jinny. You don't have to worry. I will take care of everything."
But Jinny couldn't stop the tears from flowing. She was scared.
Being pregnant in a foreign world... during a war... how would she survive this?
How would she explain this to her brothers? To her parents?
Matias understood her fear. She was so young to be carrying a child, especially in such a tumultuous time. But he had no choice. For the sake of the empire, and to secure an heir, he needed to make this decision.
When Jinny finally calmed down, exhaustion overtook her. She fell into a restless sleep in Matias's room.
Meanwhile, Matias was in his office, poring over documents, when the door suddenly burst open. Beatrice stormed in, her face flushed with anger.
"Why did you do it?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
Matias glanced up, his expression unreadable. "I had to."
"She's young," Beatrice argued, her eyes narrowing. "And a mere servant."
"It's better to do it with her than one of those sly nobles," Matias replied coolly.
Beatrice's eyes flashed with frustration. "You're out of your mind."
Matias's tone grew firmer. "I want you to keep her safe. No one must know that she's carrying my heir. If the enemy finds out, they'll target her. I'm doing this because I have no choice. There's a small chance I'll survive this war." He stood and removed his shirt, revealing the dark marks spreading across his body. "This is why I need your help."
Beatrice's breath caught in her throat. The marks were worsening rapidly, creeping across his torso like a dark stain, and it seemed there was no way to stop it.
"I… I'm sorry," Beatrice whispered, her voice breaking. "I didn't know."
Matias's gaze softened, though his voice remained steady. "Please help me. Keep my child safe. It's my only hope for the empire."
Beatrice nodded, her resolve hardening. "I will take care of your child," she said, her voice filled with determination. "I promise."
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.
In the Kingdom of Montclairs...
The atmosphere was dark and oppressive, the silence hanging heavy in the air.
Inside the vast, dark palace, seated upon the throne, was the King of Montclairs, King Velnias. His sharp eyes glinted with malice as he observed the three figures kneeling before him. These were his most trusted subordinates—the Cerberus.
Rameses, the Chief of Soldiers, known for his brutal tactics and the title Chief of War. He was a ruthless commander who slaughtered enemies without mercy and fed their corpses to Jean's pet.
Jean, the Dark Mage, was a master of forbidden experiments. He had placed a curse on Emperor Matias, and now, he was nearing completion on his latest creation— a creature that would strike fear into the heart of Serolfian.
And then there was Jacques, the Madman. He killed in his own twisted way, answering only to King Velnias. He had no loyalty to Rameses or Jean—only to his king.
Of the three, Rameses was the most composed. Jean and Jacques were unstable and dangerous in their own ways, their madness only adding to the dread that surrounded them.
Rameses spoke first, his voice firm and calculated. "Your Majesty, we're almost ready. My troops have surrounded every border of the empire. We only await your signal to strike."
Jean chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Hehe, my creation is nearly complete, Your Majesty. I can't wait to unveil him in the final war. Victory will surely be ours."
Jacques, with a twisted smile, ran his tongue along the edge of his bloodstained dagger. "I can't wait to taste the blood of those fools. To play with them, to make them beg for death... It will be a feast."
A sinister smirk twisted on Velnias's lips as he closed his eyes, savoring the certainty that their next move would not only secure victory—but obliterate their enemies without mercy.
It was almost time.
The day of the final war was upon them. The end of Serolfian was drawing near.