TJ glanced around as he wandered deeper into the ruined mansion. He had no idea where he was. Ever since he woke up that morning, he found himself drifting through the small village, his feet eventually carrying him to this place. The mansion stood abandoned—cloaked in dust, shrouded in silence. Furniture lay broken, paintings missing, and entire sections had crumbled. There were no roofs in some areas, walls had collapsed, and shattered windows allowed cold drafts to slip through.
Now, he was ascending the old staircase, his hand trailing along the dust-covered handrail. He paused and took it all in. Once, this must have been a grand home—elegant, proud. But why had it been left to rot?
When TJ reached the second floor, he noticed a fallen painting leaning against the wall. It was old, obscured by a thick layer of dust. He knelt, brushing it clean with his hand. A portrait emerged—faded but still detailed enough to reveal the face of a man. Judging by the regal bearing, he assumed it was the mansion's former owner.
Then something caught him off guard.
The man in the portrait bore a striking resemblance to his father.
TJ, whose birth name was Eros, was the eldest son of Kaye and Timothy. Growing up, he had always sensed tension between his father and uncles. They treated Timothy with cold hostility, and TJ never understood why. When he once asked his mother, she told him his father had made a grave mistake in the past—one that had earned the family's resentment. But she also said Timothy had changed. He had become a good man, a devoted father who provided everything TJ needed.
TJ matured into a composed, calm, and intelligent young man. He managed the family business with skill and grace. Despite his calm demeanor, he fought with astonishing brute force when needed. Yet beneath that strength was a deeply religious soul. He often served in the church and was frequently seen praying before battle. He carried a small Bible in his bag and read it whenever he had spare time.
"I fight not to destroy, but to cleanse," he once said. "It is only right to punish those who commit grave sins."
His mother had given him a silver crucifix necklace, and he wore it without fail.
Now, standing before the old portrait, TJ couldn't tear his eyes away. His heart raced with unexplainable urgency.
"Father…" he whispered.
He didn't understand why he felt this way.
He bent closer to read the name etched onto the frame:
His Grace, Lord Gilmesh Wolfsbane. Duke of the South.
His pulse quickened.
Why did this man look so much like his father?
What secrets did this place hold?
And why had he been led here?
His contemplation shattered with a sudden crash—a loud noise echoed through the mansion, something falling and breaking.
He turned toward the sound and spotted a man standing at the corridor's end. The stranger froze in shock upon seeing TJ.
"W-Who are you?" the man stammered, pulling out an old dagger.
TJ furrowed his brows, his voice calm. "Do you live here?"
"What are you doing in this place?" the man demanded, still pointing the dagger at him.
Then the man's eyes drifted to the portrait behind TJ.
Recognition sparked in his gaze.
He looked at TJ again. His face drained of color, and the dagger slipped from his trembling hands.
"A-Are you… the Duke?" he asked, voice shaking.
Was it possible? Had the evil Duke returned?
TJ stared at the man, confused and alarmed.
What was this man talking about?
.
.
.
....
Jinny stood by the window of Matias' room, gazing outside in silence. It had been two days since she started staying here. Matias had ordered her to stop all her duties and rest until she gave birth.
But worry clung to her like a shadow.
She needed to see Ran. She needed to explain everything.
Fear curled in her chest, but he had to know the truth about her situation. Maybe… just maybe, he could help.
She let out a deep breath, steeling herself.
She had to find him.
Walking to the door, she opened it slowly and peeked out. The hallway was empty. Without hesitation, she stepped outside and moved swiftly, heading toward the palace's backyard, doing her best not to be noticed by any of the servants.
When she reached the backyard, she searched for the back gate. Her steps were cautious, her breath held.
Then she spotted it—an enormous, elegant gate tucked between tall hedges.
"Is this the back gate of the palace?" she whispered to herself.
She approached it carefully and checked the latch.
"It's not locked," she murmured, surprised.
But before she could move further, she heard footsteps and voices—the knights were returning.
Panicking, she slipped through the gate and hid just inside the boundary wall. A moment later, the knights passed by and returned to their posts.
"So it is guarded… maybe they were just on a break earlier," she whispered, relieved.
Thank God it was unguarded when she arrived. They didn't notice her.
Her heartbeat slowed as she took a moment to compose herself. Then she began walking again, only to realize she had stepped into a magnificent rose garden. The scent of blooming petals filled the air, calming her nerves.
Then she saw it—another grand building nestled beyond the garden.
"A-Another palace?" she said softly, astonished.
Since arriving here, she hadn't noticed this structure. But she remembered Nene once mentioning that several palaces were within the imperial grounds, each at a moderate distance from the others.
So… this must be one of them.
Just as she was about to step closer, voices floated toward her. Startled, she ducked behind a thick bush.
Peering through the leaves, her eyes widened.
Ran was there.
He was walking with Rin, engaged in quiet conversation.
Jinny's heart pounded.
What is Ran doing here?
She stayed hidden, eyes fixed on them, straining to catch their words.
"Have you talked to her?" Rin asked.
"Yeah. Don't worry, there won't be any problems," Ran replied. "By the way, any news from Hajee? He's been staying at the tower for days."
"I received his letter earlier. We'll read it together with the others," Rin said.
"All right. Imman and Kiko told me they've already hired people to help us with the escape," Ran added.
"That's great. We need to leave without being noticed by the royals," Rin said firmly.
Hajee, Kiko, and Imman?
They already found them?
Jinny's heart raced. Her mind spun with the revelation as she stayed hidden, eavesdropping.
So caught up in listening, she didn't notice the bug crawling onto her hand—until it bit her. She jerked in surprise, shaking it off and rustling the bushes.
Rin and Ran turned toward the noise.
"What was that?" Rin asked, narrowing his eyes.
He was about to investigate when Ran stopped him with a hand on his arm.
"Probably just a squirrel," Ran said casually. Then, quickly changing the subject, he added, "By the way, have you seen the pills Harusheen's been taking lately?"
"What about them?" Rin asked, distracted.
"I'm not sure, but I think they're messing with his head. Every time he takes one, he starts acting like a lunatic. He's at the training ground right now with the others—can you check on him? The last time I saw him, he looked completely out of control," Ran said.
Rin let out a sigh. "I guess he's at it again. Maybe he found the same pills he used back in our world. I'll go check on him."
Rin turned and walked off, leaving Ran alone in the garden.
Then, without turning his head, Ran spoke toward the bushes. "You don't have to hide. I'm alone now."
Slowly, Jinny stepped out of her hiding place. "How did you know I was there?"
Ran smirked. "Dunno… maybe your scent gave you away?"
"You're crazy," Jinny muttered.
Ran walked toward her. "What are you doing here?"
Jinny looked down, fidgeting with her fingers. She didn't know how to start, or how much to say. The words caught in her throat.
Ran saw the fear and hesitation in her eyes. Something was wrong—he could feel it.
"Let's not talk here," he said gently, reaching for her hand. "Come with me."
"Where are you taking me?" she asked quietly.
"To a place where we can talk… privately," he replied.
They entered a vacant room, and Jinny quietly sat on the couch.
"I didn't know you were staying here. How are the others? Can I see them?" she asked, hopeful.
Ran raised an eyebrow. "You can't. You know they don't like you."
Jinny's face fell, and she lowered her head in silence.
"So, what are you doing here? You have something to tell me, right?" Ran asked, watching her carefully.
Jinny bit her lower lip, unsure where to begin.
Ran could tell she was afraid. He walked over and gently took her hands in his. "Tell me… what happened? Did someone hurt you in the palace?"
Her eyes welled with tears, trembling with fear and hesitation.
Ran's expression darkened. Someone hurt her?
Was it the emperor?
If it was… no, he wouldn't forgive him—not even if he was his own brother.
"Tell me," he said softly, voice calm but filled with concern. "Did the emperor do something to you?"
At his words, Jinny broke down, tears spilling freely as fear overtook her.
Ran's chest tightened. Seeing her like this shattered him. She may not be his biological sister, but she was still important to him.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
"Shh... It's okay. Calm down. Just tell me what happened," he whispered.
When Jinny finally calmed down, Ran wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"I... I'm pregnant," she whispered, eyes shut tight as fresh tears streamed down again.
Ran froze. What the fuck?
"What?" His voice sharpened. "What do you mean you're pregnant? How?"
Jinny couldn't answer. Her lips trembled. She looked away.
Ran's patience snapped. "Who did this to you?" he demanded.
Seeing the fury in his eyes, Jinny flinched.
"Tell me! I'll kill that bastard!"
"Y-You can't!" she cried, grabbing his hands. "Please… you'll be in danger!"
Her desperate pleading only deepened his suspicion.
Ran narrowed his eyes. "Did… did the emperor get you pregnant?"
Jinny sobbed harder, then gave a small, broken nod.
"Fuck!" Ran shouted, slamming his foot into the table. The wood cracked under the impact.
That bastard...
"Please… don't tell the others," she begged. "I don't want you getting hurt because of me."
"Of course I won't," Ran said, voice tense. "My brothers must never find out. If they do... they'll kill you."
Jinny looked up at him, terrified.
"They already hate you," he continued. "If they learn you're pregnant, they'll never let you come with us. They'll leave you behind."
Panic overtook her. "W-What should I do?"
Ran gently wiped her tears. Then, with a firm voice, he said, "Listen to me. Abort the child."
Jinny gasped. "W-What?"
"We can't take you with us. You're pregnant—how are we supposed to escape with a baby on the way? What if you give birth in the middle of a battle? You'll be a burden, Jinny."
She clutched her stomach, protectively. "I can't, Ran… this is my child."
Ran placed both of his hands on her shoulders. "Jinny, we're not from this world. You're not supposed to get pregnant here. How are you going to explain this to Mom? And when we return, how will you explain to your child where their father is?"
Jinny stared into Ran's eyes. He had a point. But she couldn't bring herself to end the life of an innocent baby growing inside her.
"It's not fully formed yet," Ran continued, his voice calm but firm. "If we get rid of it, we can leave this place easily."
"Ran… I—I'm scared. I really can't." She begged him, her voice breaking. "Can we just keep it?"
Ran gritted his teeth, his expression hardening.
"I'll accept your offer," Jinny said quickly. "I'll accept you and become your woman, just… please, don't kill my child."
Ran's hands clenched into fists. He knew her too well, but if she was going to accept his offer, then...
"I'll only agree under one condition," he said, his voice low and controlled.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"My brothers can't find out about this," he said. "You'll give birth in secret, then leave the child behind."
Jinny's hand instinctively gripped her skirts tightly. "You want us to abandon the child?"
"No," Ran said firmly. "We'll leave it near the royal camp, with a letter. The emperor must never find you. If he does, he'll take you away from us, and he won't let you return to our world. Do you want to stay here forever?"
Jinny shook her head, eyes filled with desperation.
She stared at her stomach, her expression softening despite his harsh words. It pained her to abandon her child, but they needed to return to their world. They had no choice.
Ran also stared at her stomach, his fists clenching once more.
"I… I will do it," Jinny whispered, her eyes squeezed shut as tears welled up.
Ran's lips curved into a rare, reassuring smile as he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Don't worry, Jinny. I'll be by your side. I'll protect you."
"Thank you…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
A smirk played on Ran's lips, his thoughts turning darker. He may not have been her first, but from this moment on, no one would take her away from him.
She was his now.