The battlefield had long turned silent.
The once-mighty Hero Faction was no more. Their leaders were slain, their armies scattered, and their ideals crushed beneath the iron will of House Valtara.
Leonhardt stood atop the ruined walls of the Hero's former capital, his crimson cloak fluttering against the cold night breeze. Below him, the banners of his family were being raised, replacing the symbols of the fallen Heroic Order.
Behind him, his father, Duke Gregor Valtara, approached with a heavy stride.
"You've exceeded all my expectations, my son," Gregor said, his deep voice filled with pride. "The world trembles at the name Valtara now."
Leonhardt turned his gaze toward his father, his expression calm. "Trembling is not enough," he replied. "Fear is temporary. I will make sure they understand—that resisting us is impossible."
Beside Gregor, Lady Selene Valtara, Leonhardt's mother, chuckled softly. "My dear boy… you've grown so much," she murmured, gently brushing a hand through his silver hair. "You've finally become a ruler."
Leonhardt smirked. "Not just yet. This is only the beginning."
Celestia Nightshade, his wife and the world's most feared villainess, leaned against the balcony, a satisfied smirk on her lips. "Mmm~ So ambitious, my darling," she purred, wrapping her arms around his neck. "And what shall we do with the remnants of the Hero's forces?"
Leonhardt's crimson eyes burned with a dark light.
"They will serve me."