The estate grounds were brighter than they should have been at this hour, magical light fixtures activated by servants responding to the disturbance. Raze remained seated in the cratered training area, three prehistoric creatures arranged around him in poses that would have been threatening if they weren't so absurdly small.

Slith maintained her position coiled around his neck, tiny head resting contentedly against his collarbone. Mittens had claimed his lap, multiple tail whips draped across his legs while mismatched golden eyes tracked approaching movement with predatory awareness. Bephe sat at his feet, visible heart pulsing steadily as intelligent amber eyes surveyed their surroundings with calculation that belied the creature's diminished size.

The first to arrive were servants, their expressions mixing concern about the shattered windows with confusion about what they were seeing. The head housekeeper approached cautiously, her professional composure faltering as she processed the scene.

"Count Dragonheart, are you injured? We heard an explosion and thought—" She stopped mid sentence, finally registering the creatures. "What are those?"

"Companions from the dungeon," Raze replied simply, standing slowly to avoid disturbing his new bonds. "They're harmless despite appearances. Well, harmless to allies anyway."

More footsteps announced his household's arrival, Oziel appearing first with sword drawn despite clearly having just woken. The Grandmaster's combat instincts had activated immediately upon hearing the disturbance, ready to face whatever threat had manifested.

His scarred face showed brief alarm when he registered Bephe, recognition flashing across his features before professional assessment took over. The small creature bore unmistakable resemblance to the fifth floor boss, even reduced to this form.

Mariabel emerged next, golden eyes widening as she processed what she was seeing. Her gaze tracked from Slith to Mittens to Bephe, cataloging details that suggested she was making connections Raze hadn't intended to be obvious.

"Those are the boss creatures," she said quietly, her tone carrying certainty rather than question. "Reduced somehow, but definitely the same species we fought."

Kael and Aslan arrived together, the alchemist's analytical mind immediately working through implications while Aslan's silver eyes studied the creatures with interest that bordered on fascination.

"How?" Kael asked, the single word encompassing dozens of questions.

Raze considered how much to reveal, recognizing that complete evasion would seem suspicious but full disclosure about the Dungeon Master talent felt premature. His companions deserved some explanation given what they'd endured together, but certain details could wait.

"One of the loot drops," he said, which was technically true even if incomplete. "A unique item that allowed me to summon creatures from the dungeon in reduced forms. They're bonded to me permanently, loyal companions that will grow alongside my cultivation advancement."

That explanation seemed to satisfy most present, though Mariabel and Oziel exchanged glances that suggested they suspected more complexity than he was sharing. But neither pressed the issue, recognizing this wasn't the time for detailed interrogation.

"May I?" Mariabel asked, gesturing toward the creatures.

Raze nodded, curious how they'd respond to someone besides himself. Mariabel approached slowly, kneeling to bring herself to eye level with Mittens. The hybrid creature studied her for a moment before pressing its head against her extended hand, accepting contact with surprising willingness.

"They're adorable," Mariabel said, genuine delight evident in her voice as multiple tail whips wrapped gently around her wrist. "I know what these were in the dungeon, how dangerous they were, but like this they're just... cute."

She moved to Bephe next, the small apex predator allowing her touch despite the wariness never leaving its amber eyes. Her fingers found the exposed heart, the organ warm beneath her palm as it pulsed with steady rhythm.

"Fascinating," she breathed. "The physiology is identical to the original despite the size reduction. These aren't simplified versions, they're perfectly scaled miniatures."

Slith remained coiled around Raze's neck throughout, the tiny serpent apparently content to observe rather than seeking additional attention. Her tongue flicked out occasionally, tasting the air with movements that suggested she was cataloging everyone present.

The gathering eventually dispersed after confirming no actual emergency required response, servants returning to address the shattered windows while his companions retreated to salvage what remained of the night's rest. Raze returned to his quarters with three creatures in tow, discovering that Slith refused to unwrap from his neck even when he tried to settle her elsewhere.

Mittens claimed the foot of his bed with possessive certainty, multiple limbs sprawled across the expensive linens. Bephe simply settled on the floor beside the bed, apparently content to maintain guard position despite no obvious threats present.

Sleep came fitfully, his mind processing everything that had occurred. The dungeon cleared, engagement gift secured, cultivation mysteriously advanced, and now three permanent companions whose growth potential exceeded most cultivators' wildest ambitions.

Morning arrived with gentle sunlight streaming through windows that servants had already repaired, the shattered glass replaced overnight through efficiency that spoke to substantial resources. Raze woke to find Slith still coiled around his neck, Mittens stretched across his legs, and Bephe sitting beside the bed watching him with those intelligent amber eyes.

He gathered his companions in the main sitting room after breakfast, the skill cores and equipment pieces from Titan Heart spread across a table for examination. The haul was substantial even beyond what he'd kept for himself, enough to provide meaningful advancement for everyone who'd supported the expedition.

"The Bephemoth core is mine," Raze said, claiming the glowing orb that pulsed with contained power. That decision was obvious given he'd technically been the one to defeat the final boss, even if his conscious mind hadn't been present for the actual fight.

Oziel and Mariabel examined the remaining cores, eventually selecting ones that complemented their existing capabilities. The Grandmaster took a core focused on enhanced speed and precision, while Mariabel chose one emphasizing mana control and elemental mastery.

Kael and Aslan divided the equipment drops, the alchemist claiming protective gear while Aslan selected weapons that would enhance his already formidable combat capabilities. Raze even provided the crystallized venom from the second floor boss, recognizing Kael could utilize it for alchemical research better than anyone else present.

"There's also this," Raze said, pulling out additional cores they'd accumulated from earlier floors. "Distribute them as you see fit. Everyone who participated deserves compensation beyond just surviving."

The distribution concluded with general satisfaction, each person receiving rewards that justified the extreme risks they'd undertaken. Mittens had abandoned Raze's vicinity to explore the sitting room, multiple tail whips knocking over a decorative vase that shattered with a crash that made everyone wince.

Crash!

"Sorry," Raze said quickly, noting the servants' expressions. "Still getting used to having companions who don't understand property value."

Logan appeared at the sitting room entrance as the meeting concluded, the young steward's expression carrying professional urgency that suggested this wasn't a social call. His compiled documentation was visible under one arm, thick folders that spoke to extensive research.

"Count Dragonheart, I've completed the initial assessment of your domain and financial situation," Logan said, bowing respectfully. "His Majesty has also requested your presence at the castle this afternoon. It appears the administrative matters we discussed require immediate attention."

Raze nodded, recognizing this had been inevitable. Being granted the title of Count came with actual responsibilities beyond just collecting the annual stipend. He needed to understand what governing his territory actually entailed before the engagement ceremony complicated everything further.

"I'll prepare for departure," he confirmed. "How long should I expect this meeting to take?"

"Several hours at minimum," Logan replied. "The King will want detailed discussion about your domain's current state and your plans for administration. Additionally, there are ceremonial obligations that must be addressed before the engagement ceremony can proceed."

They departed within the hour, boarding a carriage that carried the Dragonheart crest prominently displayed. Raze brought his three companions despite Logan's visible uncertainty about transporting what were technically dungeon monsters through the capital.

Slith remained coiled around his neck as always, her presence having become so familiar that removing her felt wrong. Mittens and Bephe settled on the seat beside him, the hybrid creature's camouflage fur shifting colors to match the carriage interior while the small apex predator simply stared out the window with disturbing intensity.

The journey through Castle Town attracted considerable attention, nobles and servants alike pausing to observe the Count's carriage and its unusual passengers. Word had clearly spread about the dungeon raid's success, though details remained vague enough that speculation was rampant.

The castle loomed before them as they approached, white stone gleaming under afternoon sun. Guards at the gate saluted as they passed, recognition of Raze's status ensuring smooth entry despite the creatures accompanying him.

They'd barely dismounted when a small figure burst from the castle entrance, white hair streaming behind her as she ran with abandon that suggested strict etiquette lessons hadn't fully taken hold.

"Raze!" Sophie's voice carried across the courtyard, pure joy evident in the exclamation.

She crashed into him with force that would have staggered someone without Expert rank durability, small arms wrapping around his waist in a hug that conveyed how much she'd missed him during the four-day absence. Her blue eyes were bright with tears she was clearly trying to suppress, the ten year old's composure cracking under relief.

"I'm fine," Raze assured her, returning the embrace while being careful not to dislodge Slith. "The expedition was successful, no permanent injuries, everything went well."

Sophie pulled back enough to look up at him, her expression shifting from relief to curiosity as she finally registered his companions. Her eyes widened, tracking from the serpent around his neck to the creatures at his feet.

"What are those?" she asked, wonder replacing concern.

"Companions from the dungeon," Raze explained. "They're bonded to me, loyal and harmless despite how they might look."

Before he could provide more detail, another figure emerged from the castle entrance with considerably more grace than Sophie had demonstrated. Fedora's cinnamon brown hair was arranged in an elegant style that managed to look both formal and approachable, her blue eyes tracking toward Raze with expression mixing happiness and carefully controlled excitement.

"Count Dragonheart," she said formally, though the slight blush coloring her cheeks undermined the professional tone. "Welcome back. Father has been quite eager to hear about your expedition."

Then her gaze found his companions, curiosity immediately evident. Sophie had already moved toward Mittens, kneeling to examine the hybrid creature with fascination that bordered on obsessive.

"He's so cute!" Sophie exclaimed, fingers moving to touch Mittens' fur before hesitating. "Can I pet him?"

"Go ahead," Raze confirmed. "Just be gentle."

Sophie's hands found Mittens' head, the creature leaning into contact with contentment that suggested it enjoyed attention. Multiple tail whips wrapped around her arms gently, the touch warm and somehow reassuring despite the appendages' appearance.

Fedora had approached Slith with similar interest, the princess extending one hand cautiously toward the tiny serpent still coiled around Raze's neck. Slith's tongue flicked out, tasting Fedora's scent before the creature extended her head to accept the touch.

"Beautiful scales," Fedora observed, fingers tracing along Slith's body with care. "I've never seen coloration like this."

Both Sophie and Fedora eventually moved to Bephe, the small apex predator accepting their attention with dignity that suggested it recognized their importance to Raze. The exposed heart drew particular fascination, both of them touching the organ gently while asking questions about the creature's physiology.

An idea had been forming in Raze's mind since discovering the bonding mechanism within the Dungeon Master talent. He could designate his summons to other individuals while maintaining ultimate control, granting them partial command authority that would allow the creatures to serve as protectors even when he wasn't present.

Sophie needed protection most. The threat Fedora had warned about remained despite the royal security. Mittens had Paragon growth potential, would become formidable enough to guard her against nearly any threat if properly developed.

And Fedora, as his betrothed and future wife, deserved similar consideration. Slith's loyalty was absolute, but bonding the serpent to Fedora would ensure she had personal protection that transcended what normal guards could provide.

Bephe would remain his alone, the small apex predator whose demigod potential made it too valuable to designate elsewhere.

"Sophie," Raze said, drawing his sister's attention. "How would you like to keep Mittens? As your personal companion, bonded to you specifically."

Sophie's eyes went wide, disbelief and hope mixing in her expression. "Really? I can have him?"

"He'll grow stronger as you do," Raze explained. "Eventually becoming powerful enough to protect you from anything that might threaten you. But he'll be yours, responding to your commands and staying by your side."

Sophie didn't hesitate, arms wrapping around Mittens with enthusiasm that made the creature's camouflage flicker uncertainly. "Yes! Thank you thank you thank you!"

Raze turned to Fedora, noting how she was still gently stroking Slith's scales. "And Slith is yours, if you'll accept her. For similar reasons, protection and companionship that grows alongside your own advancement."

Fedora's blush intensified, though her response was immediate. "I would be honored. Though I suspect you're being strategic rather than just generous."

"Can't it be both?" Raze replied with a slight smile.

He accessed the Dungeon Master interface mentally, selecting the bonding options for Mittens and Slith. The system confirmed his choices, establishing connections between Sophie and Mittens, Fedora and Slith, while maintaining his ultimate authority over both creatures.

The bonds snapped into place with sensation only he could feel, the summons now recognizing two individuals as having command authority while knowing Raze's directives superseded anything else.

Slith unwrapped from Raze's neck for the first time since manifesting, the tiny serpent coiling around Fedora's arm instead with movements suggesting she was claiming new territory. The princess held perfectly still, allowing the transfer without protest.

"She's wonderful," Fedora said quietly, bringing Slith closer to examine her properly. "Thank you for trusting me with her care."

King Harold emerged from the castle at that moment, his expression carrying amusement as he observed his daughter with a serpent coiled around her arm and Sophie petting a bizarre hybrid creature. His blue eyes tracked to Raze with a raised eyebrow that suggested questions would follow.

"Count Dragonheart," the King greeted formally. "I see your expedition yielded more than just material loot. Shall we discuss what you accomplished?"

They moved to a private study, Logan and Sophie accompanying them. The ten year old refused to be separated from Mittens, and Raze wasn't about to argue with his sister when she was this happy. Bephe followed at Raze's heels, the small apex predator apparently unwilling to be separated.

"First, the expedition itself," Harold said once they were seated. "Grandmaster rank encounters throughout. How did you manage?"

Raze provided a careful summary, emphasizing Oziel's critical contributions while downplaying his own role. He mentioned having gaps in his memory from the trauma without elaborating on what that actually meant.

The King listened attentively, asking clarifying questions. But he didn't press on points where Raze's explanation became vague, recognizing that some details were being withheld.

"Very well. The ceremony is scheduled for two weeks from today. You'll need formal attire commissioned, guest lists approved, and various other preparations completed."

"Which brings us to the administrative matters," Logan interjected smoothly, opening his folders to reveal extensive documentation. "Count Dragonheart's domain encompasses significant territory previously administered by Lord Venn. The region contains multiple towns and villages, generating substantial revenue."

Logan's brown eyes tracked across his notes. "However, there are significant administrative challenges. Lord Venn's corruption left the bureaucracy compromised at multiple levels. Officials accepting bribes, abandoned infrastructure projects, exploited tax systems. The entire governmental structure requires reform."

Raze studied the documentation Logan provided, recognizing his own inexperience made the steward's expertise critical.

"Your recommendations?" Raze asked.

"Systematic replacement of compromised officials," Logan said immediately. "Conduct audits of ongoing projects. Establish direct oversight of tax collection to eliminate exploitation."

He pulled out another document. "I've identified candidates for key administrative positions. With your approval, we can begin appointments immediately."

"Additionally," Logan continued, "you'll need to conduct inspection tours of your territory. The people need to see their new Count. I recommend visiting each major town personally within the next two months."

The meeting continued for another hour, Logan outlining proposals for each major challenge the domain faced. Infrastructure repairs, corruption elimination, resource management, all requiring decisions Raze felt barely qualified to make.

Finally Logan reached his conclusion. "In summary, Count Dragonheart, your immediate priorities are: approve administrative appointments, establish tax oversight, schedule inspection tours, and authorize legitimate infrastructure projects."

He paused. "I recommend these actions begin immediately following your engagement ceremony. The timing will demonstrate that your new status hasn't distracted from territorial responsibilities."

The King had been listening with satisfaction. "Your steward is quite competent, Count Dragonheart. I recommend following his advice closely."

Raze authorized Logan to proceed with most recommendations, recognizing the steward's expertise exceeded his own. The administrative appointments were approved, infrastructure projects authorized, and plans tentatively scheduled.

King Harold stood, signaling the meeting's conclusion. "Most young nobles view their domains as revenue sources rather than actual governance obligations. Your willingness to engage properly speaks well of your character."

As they prepared to depart, Sophie appeared reluctant to leave despite having accompanied them. She'd been playing with Mittens throughout the meeting, the creature keeping her entertained with its shifting camouflage and playful tail whips.

"I'll be taking Sophie back with me," Raze said to the King. "Thank you for looking after her while I was away."

Harold nodded understanding. "Of course. The royal guard escort will ensure safe passage."

The carriage ride back included Sophie chattering excitedly about everything Mittens had done, how the creature was the best companion ever, and asking a hundred questions about what the summon would be able to do as it grew stronger.

Raze answered patiently, explaining that Mittens would eventually reach Paragon rank if properly developed, becoming one of the most powerful creatures in existence. Sophie's eyes grew wider with each revelation, the ten year old clearly not fully grasping what that meant but excited nonetheless.

They arrived at the estate as evening approached, Sophie immediately running to show the other residents her new companion. Mariabel was delighted by Sophie's enthusiasm, Kael studied Mittens with analytical interest, and even Oziel showed rare warmth at seeing the girl so happy.

That night, as Raze lay in bed with only Bephe for company now that Slith and Mittens had been bonded elsewhere, his mind worked through everything Logan had outlined.

Two weeks until the engagement ceremony. Then inspection tours of a domain he'd never visited, meeting people who would look to him for leadership he wasn't certain he could provide.

Being a Count meant more than he'd fully appreciated. Real governance, real responsibility, real people depending on his decisions.

But he'd committed to this path. The responsibilities came with the position, and backing away now would damage everything he'd been building.

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