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[Valtara Fortress – War Council Room]
The Valtara Family gathered.
Duke Alistair Valtara, Leonhardt's father, sat at the head of the table.
His piercing crimson eyes studied Evelyn coldly.
Beside him, Lady Seraphina Valtara—Leonhardt's mother—sipped her wine with a smirk.
Celestia leaned against Leonhardt, watching her in-laws with amusement.
And Evelyn?
She felt like prey.
"Father," Leonhardt spoke, his voice firm. "Evelyn is part of the family now."
Duke Alistair chuckled. "Oh? And has she proven her worth?"
Evelyn stiffened.
Leonhardt smirked. "Not yet."
Seraphina hummed. "Then we shall see."
Evelyn swallowed.
She knew what this meant.
The Valtara Family did not accept weakness.
If she wanted to survive—she had to prove herself.
◇◇◇
[Valtara Training Grounds]
Evelyn panted.
Her body ached.
Her dress was torn, her knees scraped, and her magic depleted.
Before her—Leonhardt's younger brother, Cedric Valtara, smirked.
"Is this all the 'Hero's Beloved' can do?" he mocked.
Evelyn clenched her fists.
She had been forced to duel Cedric to prove her worth.
And she was losing.
Leonhardt and Celestia watched from the sidelines.
Evelyn gritted her teeth.
She couldn't lose.
Not again.
Her fingers trembled… then—
She called upon Seraphis.
A powerful golden aura erupted from her.
The Valtara Family watched in interest.
Leonhardt smirked.
"Oh?"
Celestia giggled.
"She's finally fighting back."
Evelyn charged.
For the first time—she fought as the Villain's wife.