The Divine Dragon King — now in his human form — lay on the ground, his long silver hair falling across his face. His body trembled slightly, not from weakness, but from the weight of Nolan's words. Slowly, he lifted his head, golden eyes meeting Nolan's.

"Finally…" his voice cracked as he spoke, "…I have been given a real name." He placed a hand over his chest, bowing deeply until his forehead nearly touched the earth. "I, Damian, pledge to use the rest of my life to serve you. Your wish is my command. My only goal from this day forth… is to serve you."

The words hung heavy in the air, like a vow etched into time itself.

Nolan watched him in silence for a moment, then gave a single nod — a gesture of both acceptance and finality.

"So now," Nolan said, glancing at the horizon, "I think we should head back to Sindra."

"Yes, Master," Lyra replied, stepping forward. "I can open a portal right now."

"Do so," Nolan said with a nod.

Lyra raised her hands, golden runes spiraling around her fingers. The air shimmered, then split like glass, revealing a swirling portal. Without another word, the three of them — Nolan, Lyra, and Damian — stepped inside.

In an instant, the void swallowed them, and just as quickly, they emerged at the gates of Nolan's mansion.

Outside, Celia and Linda were waiting. The moment they saw Nolan step through, their eyes went wide.

"Master!" Celia cried, running toward him.

"Master, you're back!" Linda shouted, her voice cracking with relief.

Both girls rushed forward, almost knocking him off his feet as they threw their arms around him. Celia clung to his sleeve, her eyes glistening. "We really missed you. Thank goodness you're safe!"

"Yes, Master," Linda said softly. "I've been thinking about you all day…"

Nolan exhaled slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I was worried about you two as well. I hope you've eaten."

"Yes, Master, we already ate," Celia said quickly.

"No, it's a lie," Linda blurted out, glaring at Celia. "We haven't eaten. We were too worried you wouldn't come back."

Nolan's expression softened. "I'm sorry for making you both worry. Please forgive me."

"No, no, no, Master, there's no need to apologize," Linda said, shaking her head.

Celia nodded, still holding onto him. "We're just glad you're back."

"Good," Nolan said, folding his arms. "So why were those adventurers trying to attack us?"

"Oh, them?" Linda answered calmly. "They're already dealt with. The Guildmasters sent the Royal Knights, and as we speak, they're in prison."

Nolan raised a brow. "And the one who sent them? Their boss?"

"Oh, him," Celia said with a small grin. "He was arrested too. And the merchants who owned that shop where you left him tied up—also taken in. The adventurers confessed everything and even begged forgiveness."

Nolan exhaled in relief. "That's good to hear. At least that problem is gone."

But then Linda suddenly stepped closer, tugging on his sleeve. She leaned near and whispered, "Master… who's that? Over there." She pointed discreetly.

Nolan glanced over his shoulder. "Ah, I haven't introduced him yet." He motioned with his hand. "This is Damian. He'll be staying with us from now on."

Celia and Linda turned toward Damian, their eyes narrowing slightly before darting back to Lyra. Without hesitation, they rushed over and grabbed Lyra's hands.

"Lyra! How have you been?!" Celia blurted out.

"Master was so worried about you," Linda added quickly. "We were worried too. Did anything happen to you?"

Lyra smiled softly, shaking her head. "I'm fine. As you can see, nothing's wrong."

The girls sighed in relief… but their attention soon shifted back to Damian.

He met their gaze and gave a calm nod. "Hey. I'm Damian. Nice to meet you." Then, stepping forward, he bowed deeply toward Nolan. "I've come to serve Master. My life belongs to him now, and I'll dedicate everything to his command."

Celia and Linda exchanged a look, their jaws tightening.

Celia muttered under her breath, "So it's true… more competition has come."

"Yes," Linda whispered back, glaring faintly at Damian. "And this time it's a man. Now even we have competition."

"What competition are you two talking about?" Nolan asked, confused.

Both girls snapped their heads toward him, their lips twitching, trying to hide their annoyance.

Celia's eyes narrowed as she pointed a finger sharply at Damian. "Hey—you'd better not forget. I was here before you. So mind your manners." Her voice was firm, almost commanding.

Then, without waiting for a response, she slipped closer to Nolan, looping her arm through his. "Master, come with me," she said sweetly, tugging him away from Damian.

Damian stood up quickly, his expression darkening. "Hey! What's going on? Why are you pulling Master away like that?" He rushed forward and latched onto Nolan's other arm. "I already dedicated my life to him. I'll follow Master wherever he goes!"

Before Nolan could react, Linda stepped forward with a scowl. She shoved Damian back with surprising force, slamming her hand against his chest and pushing him away from Nolan.

Damian stumbled but caught himself, glaring. "Master, did you see that?! Should I fight back?"

Nolan's face hardened, his tone sharp. "Don't even dare. I swear, if you lift a hand against them, I'll kill you myself. And don't ever grab my hand again."

The weight of his words hit Damian immediately. His eyes widened, and he lowered his head. "O-okay, Master… I heard you." He hesitated, frustration slipping into his tone. "But why? Why can't I, while they can?"

Nolan didn't answer. Instead, he gave Damian a long, cold look, then shifted his gaze toward the entrance of the mansion. "I don't have time for this. I'm starving. Let's go inside."

As they all entered the mansion, Celia and Linda quickly slipped into the kitchen. Moments later, the smell of sizzling meat filled the air. Soon enough, they returned with steaming plates, placing them carefully on the long dining table.

"Here you go, Master," Linda said softly, setting a perfectly grilled steak before Nolan.

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