Sophie's small hand gripped Raze's tightly as they stood in the entrance hall, her blue eyes wide with wonder as she took in the opulent surroundings. Her white hair—so similar to his own—had been carefully brushed by the royal servants who'd prepared her for the journey, falling in soft waves past her shoulders.

"This is all yours?" she asked, her voice small with disbelief. "This whole giant place is where we're going to live?"

"All of it," Raze confirmed, squeezing her hand gently. "Come on, I'll show you around. It's even bigger than it looks from outside."

He led her through the estate systematically, watching her reactions as each new room revealed itself. The main sitting area made her gasp, the magical lighting and elegant furniture seeming like something from the fairy tales their mother had told them years ago.

"Can I sit on that?" Sophie asked, pointing at a sofa that was probably worth more than their entire village house had been.

"You can sit on anything here," Raze said. "This is our home now, Sophie. Nothing is off limits to you."

They explored the dining room next, Sophie running her hands along the massive table's polished surface with reverent care, as if afraid she might damage it through simple touch. The crystal chandeliers overhead caught her attention, their enchanted light refracting into rainbow patterns across the walls.

"It's like living in a palace," she breathed.

"Technically we are living near the palace," Raze replied with a slight smile. "Castle Town is where the royal family and highest nobles reside. This is what houses look like for people of that status."

They climbed the grand staircase, Sophie's legs having to stretch to reach each step given her small size. She held the bannister carefully, nervous about the height as they ascended to the second floor.

The bedrooms amazed her most of all. Raze showed her the suite he'd selected for her—a room decorated in soft blues and whites that seemed appropriate for a young girl. The bed was easily large enough for three adults, the furniture was elegant without being intimidating, and windows offered views of the gardens that made her press her face against the glass.

"I've never had my own room before," Sophie said quietly. "Mother and I shared, and the house was so small you could see everything from anywhere."

"Now you have your own private space," Raze said, kneeling beside her. "You can decorate it however you want, add anything that would make you comfortable. The servants will help get whatever you need."

They continued the tour, exploring the cultivation chambers on the third floor though Sophie couldn't fully appreciate their purpose yet. The library fascinated her despite being unable to read most of the advanced texts, her fingers trailing along book spines with careful curiosity.

"Can I learn to read all of these?" she asked.

"Eventually," Raze promised. "We'll make sure you get proper education now that we're in Castle Town. You'll learn reading, writing, history, everything you need to know."

They descended back to ground level and went outside to explore the grounds. The gardens stretched in multiple directions, maintained with precision that created a landscape resembling artistic painting more than simple plant cultivation.

Sophie ran ahead slightly, her dress hampering her movement as she tried to take everything in at once. She found a fountain in the main garden, its water dancing in patterns that defied normal physics through magical enhancement.

"Can I touch it?" she asked, already reaching toward the water.

"Go ahead," Raze encouraged.

Her fingers broke the surface and the water responded, swirling around her hand in playful patterns as if recognizing her innocent wonder and choosing to perform. She laughed with pure delight, the sound making something in Raze's chest unclench.

This was why he'd done everything. This moment right here—Sophie safe and happy, able to be a child rather than a dying patient, surrounded by beauty and security that would let her grow up without the threats that had nearly claimed her life.

They walked through the training areas next, though Sophie showed less interest in spaces clearly designed for combat practice. The stables caught her attention more, the empty building prompting questions about whether they'd have horses.

"Probably eventually," Raze said. "Once things settle and we establish more permanent routines here."

They circled back toward the main house, Sophie's initial excitement beginning to fade into something more contemplative. She grew quieter as they walked, her small hand tightening around his.

"What's wrong?" Raze asked, sensing the shift in her mood.

Sophie was silent for a moment before responding, her voice small. "I won't get to see my friends anymore, will I? Mary and the other children from the village. They're all so far away now."

The observation hit Raze harder than expected. He'd been so focused on protecting her physical safety that he hadn't considered the social cost of bringing her to Castle Town. She'd been pulled from everything familiar—her home, her friends, the life she'd known despite its difficulties.

"I'm sorry," he said, kneeling to meet her eyes. "I didn't think about how much you'd miss them. But your safety has to come first, Sophie. There were people who might try to hurt you to get to me, and here in Castle Town you're protected in ways that wouldn't be possible in the village."

"I know," Sophie said, though tears were beginning to form in her eyes. "I understand why we had to come here. But it's going to be so lonely. This place is beautiful but it's so big and empty, and I don't know anyone here. What am I supposed to do all day while you're busy with important things?"

Raze felt his heart break slightly at the question. She was right—he'd be occupied with his duties as Count, with the engagement ceremony preparations, with continuing his cultivation advancement. Sophie would be left in this enormous estate with nothing familiar to anchor her.

"There's a school," Anastasia's voice came from behind them, the noble woman having approached quietly during their conversation. Thomas stood beside her, the boy looking around the grounds with wide eyes similar to Sophie's earlier wonder.

"A school?" Raze asked, turning toward her with hope beginning to form.

"For children of nobility in Castle Town," Anastasia confirmed, moving to join them near the fountain. "It provides education appropriate to their status—reading, writing, mathematics, history, etiquette, basic cultivation theory for those old enough to begin training. All noble families send their children there starting around age eight or nine."

She gestured to Thomas, who waved shyly at Sophie. "I'm planning to enroll Thomas there once we're properly settled. It will give him structure and the opportunity to make friends with other children of his social class. Sophie could join him—as sister to the future crown prince, her enrollment would be not just permitted but expected."

Sophie's expression brightened immediately, hope replacing the sadness that had been gathering. "There are other children? I could make friends?"

"Many other children," Anastasia confirmed with a warm smile. "Sons and daughters of dukes, marquesses, counts, and barons. All receiving education together regardless of their family's specific rank. You'd have classmates, teachers, daily activities that would give you purpose beyond just living in this estate."

"Can I?" Sophie asked, turning to Raze with a pleading expression. "Please? I promise I'll study hard and learn everything they teach me. I just don't want to be alone all the time."

"Of course," Raze said, relief flooding through him that a solution existed. "I'll arrange your enrollment immediately. You and Thomas can attend together, at least until you make other friends."

Sophie's entire demeanor transformed, the earlier melancholy replaced by excitement. "When can I start? Tomorrow? Next week?"

"Let's give you a few days to settle in first," Raze suggested. "Get comfortable with the estate, meet the servants who'll be helping you, let the royal tailors make you appropriate clothing for school. Then we'll handle the enrollment."

"Thomas, why don't you stay and play with Sophie for a while?" Anastasia suggested. "Let the two of you get comfortable with each other since you'll be attending school together. I need to speak with Raze about some administrative matters anyway."

Thomas nodded and moved toward Sophie, the two children regarding each other with the cautious interest of potential friends who weren't quite sure how to begin. Sophie broke the tension by pointing at the fountain, launching into an excited description of how the water had played with her earlier.

Raze stood and walked with Anastasia back toward the main house, putting enough distance between them and the children that conversation wouldn't carry.

"That was good timing," he said quietly. "I really hadn't considered how isolated she'd feel here."

"Children need other children," Anastasia replied. "No matter how much we love them or how well we provide for them, we can't replace peer relationships. The school will be good for both of them—structure, education, and socialization all at once."

They continued walking in comfortable silence for a moment before Anastasia spoke again, her tone becoming more serious.

"You're building something here, Raze. Not just a household but an actual power base. Count title, betrothal to the princess, residence in Castle Town—you have the foundation for significant influence. But foundations require people to build upon them properly."

"I know," Raze acknowledged. "I've been thinking about that, actually. About who I can trust to help establish something sustainable rather than just temporary."

"Start with your companions," Anastasia suggested. "The ones who fought beside you during the investigation. They've proven themselves loyal and capable under the worst circumstances. Formalize those relationships into something more structured."

She was right, and Raze had been considering exactly that. His group had operated as a temporary alliance born from a shared purpose, but with his new status and responsibilities, he needed something more permanent.

People he could rely on absolutely, who would serve not just because circumstances aligned but because of genuine commitment to shared goals.

The sun was setting as day transitioned toward night, golden light making the estate's white stone seem to glow. Raze found himself drawn toward where Oziel stood near the training area, the Master Peak swordsman observing the grounds with expression that suggested he was contemplating something significant.

"Stay with the children," Raze said to Anastasia. "I need to have a conversation that's been delayed too long already."

He walked toward Oziel with measured steps, his mind working through how to approach what needed to be said. The swordsman had helped them tremendously during the investigation, had fought to protect them despite having no obligation beyond general decency.

But that informal arrangement couldn't continue. Not with how circumstances had changed, not with the responsibilities Raze now carried.

"Oziel," Raze called as he approached. "Can we talk?"

The swordsman turned, his scarred face showing curiosity mixed with slight wariness. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

"Your future," Raze said bluntly. "And whether it aligns with mine going forward."

Oziel's expression became more guarded, years of disappointment making him cautious about commitment. "I've helped because I believe in what you're trying to accomplish. But I'm not looking for permanent arrangements—I've learned that tying myself to others too tightly leads to complications when things inevitably fall apart."

"Things fell apart before because you were serving an institution rather than a person," Raze countered. "The royal guard failed you, but that doesn't mean all structured service is destined to fail. I'm offering something different."

"What exactly are you offering?" Oziel asked, his tone carefully neutral.

"A position as my personal guard and combat instructor," Raze explained. "Formal recognition as Knight in my service, with all the authority and resources that position entails. You'd train me and anyone else I recruit, provide protection during necessary travel or dangerous situations, and serve as my right hand for matters requiring Master rank capability."

He paused, letting Oziel process before continuing.

"More than that, you'd be helping build something worth protecting. Not a corrupt system that values appearance over substance, but an organization dedicated to actually serving the principles everyone claims to care about. Justice, protection of the innocent, fighting corruption wherever it manifests."

Oziel was quiet for a long moment, his eyes tracking across the estate while his mind clearly worked through implications.

"I failed before," he said finally, voice carrying the weight of old pain. "Failed my duties, failed my reputation, failed everyone who'd trusted me to be more than I proved capable of being. What makes you think I wouldn't fail you as well?"

"Because you didn't actually fail," Raze said firmly. "You made a judgment call in an impossible situation and paid consequences that were disproportionate to any mistake you might have made. The system failed you by not having your back, by choosing political convenience over supporting someone who'd served faithfully for years."

He moved closer, ensuring Oziel could see the sincerity in his expression.

"I'm not asking you to be perfect. I'm asking you to be loyal, capable, and willing to help build something better than what already exists. You've proven all three of those qualities already—the rest is just formalizing an arrangement that's already functioned effectively."

"And if I refuse?" Oziel asked, though his tone suggested he was already leaning toward acceptance.

"Then you leave with my gratitude and friendship intact," Raze replied honestly. "I won't force service or hold rejection against you. But I think you'd be making a mistake, passing up an opportunity to be part of something significant because you're still haunted by a past that deserves to stay buried."

Oziel stared at him for several more seconds, something shifting behind his eyes as decades of pain warred with hope beginning to form.

A future with Raze. This young man who'd accomplished impossible things through determination and strategic thinking. Who'd exposed corruption that reached the kingdom's highest levels, survived assassination attempts from Master rank opponents, and somehow ended up betrothed to the crown princess.

This could be his redemption. His chance to prove that the Failed Knight had never truly existed, that Oziel Radcliffe was still the warrior who'd once served with honor before circumstance and politics destroyed that reputation.

His ticket to becoming more than the broken man who'd spent years drinking away guilt that had never been deserved.

Slowly, deliberately, Oziel knelt.

The gesture was formal, traditional—the classical posture for swearing service to a lord. His scarred face was serious as he looked up at Raze, one hand pressed to his chest over his heart.

"I, Oziel Radcliffe, do hereby swear loyalty to Count Raze Dragonheart. I pledge my blade, my skill, and my life to your service. I will train you and those you designate. I will protect you and yours from all threats. I will serve with honor until death."

The words carried weight that transcended simple speech, cultivation energy making them resonate with binding force. This wasn't a casual promise but a formal oath, the kind that carried real metaphysical weight in a world where power and will could shape reality.

Raze felt something cringe inside him at the ceremony's intensity—this felt too much like something from the game, too formal and dramatic for his sensibilities. But he understood the importance, recognized that Oziel needed this formal structure to fully commit.

"I accept your oath, Oziel Radcliffe," Raze replied, placing his hand on the kneeling man's shoulder in a traditional gesture of recognition. "Rise as my Knight and my right hand."

Oziel stood, and something had changed in his posture. The defeated quality that had lingered beneath his surface confidence was gone, replaced by a bearing that suggested purpose was restored.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "For seeing worth in someone the world had written off as failure."

"The world was wrong," Raze said simply. "Now let's prove it thoroughly."

They returned to the main house together, finding the others gathered in the sitting room while Sophie and Thomas played in an adjacent space under watchful servant supervision.

"I have an announcement," Raze said, drawing everyone's attention. "Oziel has agreed to serve as my personal knight and combat instructor. He'll be training me and coordinating security for the household going forward."

Approving nods and congratulations followed, the group recognizing this as logical development of their informal arrangements.

"Actually, I want to extend similar offers to all of you," Raze continued, his voice becoming more serious. "Formal positions in my household rather than just friendship or temporary alliance. Kael as my personal alchemist, Aslan as—well, we'll figure out the exact title but basically security and special operations. I want to build something sustainable here, and I want people I trust absolutely as the foundation."

He turned to Mariabel last, noting how her golden eyes tracked him with intensity that suggested his next words carried particular weight for her.

"Mariabel, I'm offering you a position as well, if you want it. Combat specialist, strategic consultant, whatever title feels appropriate to your capabilities. You've proven yourself repeatedly, and I'd be honored to have you as part of what I'm building."

Her expression cycled through surprise, pleasure, and something more complicated before she responded.

"I accept," she said, her voice steady despite the emotions clearly churning beneath the surface. "I've fought beside you this long, I'm not stopping now just because the circumstances have gotten more formal."

"Then it's settled," Raze said, satisfaction evident despite the strange feeling that he was playing a role from the game rather than just being himself. "We'll work out specific responsibilities and compensation once things settle, but for now just know that you're all officially part of my household retinue."

The evening progressed into dinner, the group sharing a meal in the estate's dining room while Sophie and Thomas ate separately with appropriate supervision. Conversation was lighter than it had been in weeks, the relief of having survived everything and achieved their goals evident in everyone's manner.

They were discussing future plans when a servant entered with a bow, carrying a sealed letter marked with the royal crest.

"Count Dragonheart," the servant said respectfully. "This arrived from the castle. The messenger indicated it requires a response tonight."

Raze accepted the letter and broke the seal, unfolding parchment that carried Queen Eleanor's elegant handwriting.

'Count Dragonheart,'

'My husband and I request your presence tomorrow afternoon to discuss engagement ceremony arrangements. Please bring your sister Sophie, as she will need to be fitted for appropriate attire and introduced to palace protocols she'll be expected to follow as future sister to the crown prince.'

'The ceremony planning will involve numerous decisions requiring your input, and Fedora is quite insistent that everything be done properly. I suspect you'll find my daughter has strong opinions about most details.'

'Please arrive at the second hour past noon. Dress appropriately for formal court attendance.'

'Queen Eleanor Westia'

Raze read the letter twice, processing implications. The engagement ceremony was moving forward officially, transitioning from political arrangement into actual planned event that would formalize his betrothal before the entire kingdom.

And Sophie would be there, would begin learning how to navigate royal circles as someone whose brother was marrying the crown princess.

"Everything alright?" Kael asked, noting Raze's expression.

"Summons to the castle tomorrow," Raze replied. "Engagement ceremony planning. They want Sophie there too, getting her prepared for the role she'll need to fill."

"The whirlwind continues," Oziel observed. "From village nobody to Count betrothed to a princess, all in a matter of months. The kingdom won't know what to make of you."

"The kingdom doesn't have to understand," Raze said, tucking the letter away. "They just have to accept that I'm here now, that I'm not going anywhere, and that the people I care about are under my protection."

He glanced toward where Sophie's laughter could be heard from the adjacent room, the sound of her playing with Thomas carrying through the open door.

Everything he'd done had been for this. For her safety, her happiness, her future. The titles, the engagement, the formal household structure—all of it served the single purpose of ensuring she could grow up without the threats that had nearly claimed her life.

And tomorrow they'd take another step forward in that protection, beginning the process of integrating her into royal circles where she'd be recognized as untouchable.

The evening continued peacefully, the group eventually dispersing to their various rooms as exhaustion from the day's activities caught up with everyone.

Raze lay in his absurdly large bed later, staring at the ceiling while his mind refused to settle. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new responsibilities, new layers of complexity to navigate.

But tonight, Sophie was safe in her own room down the hall. His companions were formally committed to supporting what he was building. And the future, while uncertain, felt manageable in ways it hadn't since he'd first woken up in this world months ago.

He eventually slept, dreams mixing anticipated ceremony with lingering questions about the blank period and what had emerged wearing his face.

But those were concerns for another day.

Tonight, for the first time in what felt like forever, he could rest knowing the most important things were secure.

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