-12th day of first Winter quarter. Morning. Ragefire's estate.

Faust's POV-

A piece of disturbing news delivered by spies at the Bidlakes and informed by Alphonse just now announced the end of a long year of stillness in which my family lived in peace, but the fools coveting my daughters don't give up so easily. Perhaps thinking that we lost sufficient vigilance with the stalemate period, and the current situation with the country requesting high rankers for war, they employ different approaches that wouldn't go against Royal's decree to leave our family alone.

"Winds of change, huh?" I murmured standing in front of the door after Alphonse left and turned around to make my way towards the glass window facing north.

I navigate through the field of empty alcohol bottles and reach the window before looking at cloudy day outside that indicate rain is coming soon, then moved my gaze to the right where a purple-blue dragon is sleeping on top of the decreasing pile of firewood.

Things have started to move, but not in a good direction... it's too soon! I evoke the information acquired by Alphonse's spy network while watching a black haired maid picking up logs earlier than usual.

Haha... I chuckle at the amusing actions of the maid doing her best to avoiding the dragon's harass then think back to the severity of the situation.

Sighs, I'm concerned that my wife is heading here in secret, or so she thinks while the disgusting Marquise of Domenour wants to appeal the Royals for Liana after earning enough merits in the current war. I realize the Marquise may not have things his way easily and focus on the immediate problem.

Hmm... Eleonor coming to visit our estate after showing zero interest in her children for the past year and legally speaking, she has the right to take her daughter away for a few days, but why is Rigel who is the guard of Elders escorting her? This can only mean the Elders of the Bidlakes are involved in something when they send an upper Rank 8 water magician for intimidation while accompanying Shaila's mother as pretext since she never travels with such high-rank escort. They are trying to corner me with a Higher Rank while Lucious is at war, and it would be illegal even if I could oppose by force because Shaila is still underage which her mother has custody until she's 18. I think of the blue-white haired woman who technically is still my wife despite not wanting anything to do with me anymore.

Ugh, she just cares what the Bidlakes tell her to do which allows her to spend time leisurely in parties and well treated, but she's just a pretty woman who neglected her High Light talent and Low Water living under her mother's shadow. Elena just spoils Eleonor so much because she was the only child in her long life that was born dual elements and could be a healer, but the Low Water Talent greatly discouraged my wife since that's what healers use to Rank up. Still, I can't regret marrying her after giving me three kids, but that doesn't mean I can't hate her for what she's taking part in right now. I recall Alphonse deductions after noticing the Silverstein spies retreating while Shaila's mother makes her way here.

I wonder... could it be a mistake they made when trying to lower our guards by taking away the spies at the same time Eleonor wants to see their children all of the sudden without prior notification? A coincidence? Nah! Too suspicious since nothing significant happened in the past year and we still don't have a clue why someone wants Shaila so adamantly. Maybe it could be made to look like a mistake to lure me out now that Lucious is at the war, but I'll go get him, and now that I'm close to Rank 8, we have a chance at taking down whoever is behind it... I remember the only backer left at the Silversteins is a Rank 8 Earth magician called Houron.

Although I don't have any information that could remotely connect to the kidnapping a year ago, using Shaila's mother is rather clever, and it's possible only someone who failed an external attack would change tactics for an inside strategy. I conjecture tapping on the glass. However, there is no proof whatsoever as they have cleaned their trails quite well and I can't bother the Royals just for a rumor after losing all credibility which frankly, it's a miracle they didn't ask back the Tungstenium equipment gifted by the Divine. Well, Lucious and I should be able to take Houron out even if he ranked up a little since all he does are travel around and sleep with many women or so are the rumors... What a disgusting womanizer... maybe he's the one who wants Shaila for his sickening hobbies!! I decided to prepare for another war where the future of my children are at stake.

I guess I had a good run until now, receiving the title of Baron, marrying a noblewoman and having three children which it's more than what a simple idiot that walked the streets until meeting Lucious wished for. Though I wonder if we'll get as lucky as back then or fall into the enemy's trap this time? I recall the naval invasion which Alphonse, Lucious and I received high recognition for our achievements.

Haha, we ended the war in a single night! And with minimum casualties to boast about... I recollected how the enemy dropped guard from the apparent surrender after ordering our troops to retreat. The idiots thought they won and were in quite a hurry to celebrate, but never expected the three of us to fly over the ocean at night assassinating the leaders. I finish reminiscing about old times and navigate through the field of empty glass bottles to reach the safe on the wall.

I open the safe then pull out two jars fist-sized, some vials for emergencies and equip the Tungstenium armaments covered with tattered clothes before heading for the study to find Lester.

I was hoping for a little more time before leaving Shaila in the hands-- claws of that Dragon, but such luxury won't be allowed huh? Well, I've observed enough to know he's quite dangerous to Shaila, but weirdly enough they care for each other and present the beast a little motivation. I affirm walking down the stairs to the first floor.

Erm... now that I think about it, at this rate Shaila will end up with the beast as they planned...! I grimace recalling their secret conversations to travel the world together. Ugh, I'm such an air head! I didn't think this through again.... I'll warn him not to have a relationship with her until either of them become Divines because it's certainly heading in a weird way, and it is not right even she hates people. I also can't believe I didn't get as angry like when Liana had her first boyfriend, but why it couldn't be a little fluffy pet or a commoner boy... I lament the outrageous partner choice of my little girl.

Although our kingdom's laws only permit a single forced engagement per parents, Lester is supposed to take that role, and I can't do that to Shaila who pretty much hates humans now, especially nobles. I desist the idea of finding her a marriage partner from nobility.

Sighs, I guess Shaila deserves some affection even if it's from an animal since she lost the opportunity to love another human normally because of that trauma. She lost the young love that kids her age start to experience, lost a normal life in this Kingdom where everyone knows her, and there are even songs about the kidnapping. So much was forever taken from her by people and she knows it which is why she wanted to commit suicide... she knew the life that awaited her, the life of pity, mockery and shut behind closed doors. However, she's a strong girl that will hate humans for a very long time to move forward, but will she ever have human children, I wonder?... Argh! I hold the handrail of the stairs after remembering how much happiness has been denied to the little girl while tears form in my eyes, but I quickly wipe them.

This is no time to shed my tears, but the enemy's! I WILL KILL THOSE BASTARDS! I reaffirm my resolution to make them pay while gripping strongly making the wood crack.

Calm down, don't break the stairs... this Ancient wood from a High-Ranked tree is quite expensive. I heave a sigh calming my emotions before wondering if time will be enough for all of us to prepare.

Hmm... Eleonor likes to be comfortable and will take her time getting here, so I'll have a chance to make sufficient preparations before heading for the battlefield at the Bidlakes which should also have most of their high ranks at war. I deduced reaching the study and opened the door without wasting time in knocking.

...This might be the last thing I can do as a father, but I will end this farce and give them a future! I resolved myself to risks while making a sound-proof wind barrier.

"Father..." Lester uttered after noticing my presence and stopped working on his papers.

"I came to say goodbye," I informed walking up to his desk. "I'm leaving soon to find Lucious and prepare for a personal war," I announced.

He won't be able to come since he's punished for abusing power and has to stay here managing the territory, but I'm also not coming back until everything is settled so this might be the last time we see each other... I acknowledge his efforts that brings me peace of mind.

"...Alphonse already informed me that Mother is probably coming to pick up Shaila, but what are you planning to do about it?" He inquires placing elbows on top of the table and holding his hands.

"Nothing I can do without getting restrained or arrested again, so I'm going after the source and take out whoever is behind the schemes once and for all," I explain the best course of action.

"WHAT!?" Lester's expression changes before slamming the table in anger. "You are going to use Shaila as bait!!?? How can you guarantee her safety like that huuh??" He shouted in opposition to my rash decision while narrowing his eyes.

"I'm her Father!" I let an outburst leak raising my voice a little. "Sighs...I know it's risky, but they want Shaila alive, albeit for nothing good it should give me some room to act since we are already quite cornered as it is, but I don't intend to let this go on much longer." I shake my head in frustration while making an ugly expression. "Don't you get it? This is all I can do for you, children..." I show a helpless expression. "I'm sorry I couldn't be a better father. I tried, but fate was cruel, very cruel you know? However..." I apologized before looking at him resolutely. "This... will end, no matter what!" I declared.

"Sighs..." Lester stops staring at me and reclines back in his chair looking at the white roof. "I figured it wouldn't be possible to reason with you after finally coming out of your room, but what about contacting Grandmother? Shouldn't she be able to stop this-- Wait a moment!! The increase in her spies since last quarter... could it be she's not around anymore and left more spies than usual because of that?" He proposes before inquiring on Elena's whereabouts.

"Correct..." I nodded at his conjecture. "Elena has been missing for the last quarter season, but you didn't hear about it because it's not something uncommon for her to do, being the best healer in the country and all." I shrugged recalling the woman who keeps in secrecy some of her 'treatments.' "She's probably treating some Noble in secret or even outside the country, and maybe the Bidlake Elders know when they are manipulating Eleonor like this in her absence, but I'll try finding her anyway before tailing your mother back to their territory." I voice my guess realizing the high-rank escort heading this way might know.

"Such timing... just how many things had to fall into place for them to move like this?" Lester opens his eyes wide surprised at the luck those people had to pull this off.

"Not sure..." I dare not wonder what methods used either. "I don't know how the Bidlakes got involved with the Silverteins, and it doesn't seem minor when the Elders are risking animosity from Elena, but they are probably thinking to let her daughter take the blame since she sees her children as..." I elaborate my conjecture before stopping to badmouth her mother.

"I know... tools. You can say it." Lester looks down accepting the fact before raising his head. "Still, isn't it better to just hide Shaila far away?" He proposes the idea unsure.

"You know that Alphonse has been killing spies nonstop for the past year right?" I remind him waving my hand in denial. "Shaila won't escape detection since they just get replaced, and there should be even more we are not aware of in places we don't expect." I point out the enemy's persistence to keep us in check.

"Ugh, then are you going to let Mother take Shaila alone while you watch from afar?" He questions the idea of letting the girl go alone.

"Well... about that." I scratch my head pondering how to tell him. "You can't leave here, and they won't let Alphonse get close to a little girl or Elena, so I can only think of Liana and Shaila's pet..." I inform.

I'm not involving Alphonse this time in case something goes wrong, and Lester needs him. He has done more than enough leaving his own spy network for a year to serve our family and even used intel for personal benefit, but it was productive since he's Rank 5 already. I recall the former Royal Spy and old friend.

"To send a beast as an escort... we sure lack people we can trust huh?" Lester speaks in self-mockery.

"I couldn't agree more." I nodded recalling lost connections after the past year's events.

I thought many times of packing up and leave the Kingdom to start anew in another place, but regrettably I swore an oath to serve the Royals... I lament the unbreakable ties with the country.

"I guess we should hide this from Shaila since she might tell Mother because of her obedience..." Lester nods understanding. "However, anyone over Rank 6 will be too much for the Dragon. He might be talented, and may even Rank up again by the time Mother gets here, but that's still too weak to fight High-Ranks...he'll die in a blink of an eye! Liana is no good either, she just crossed to Rank 4 Aura and at least will be a shield without good weapons..." He points out the negative aspects.

"Perhaps the Dragon might be weak for now, but he's only a season old and Rank 4 already by his own effort. However, what if I were to give him this?" I take out a small jar fist-sized to show him.

"!!...F-father! T-that's...!?" Lester stuttered in panic before getting up from his chair.

"Calm down boy! Haha..." I urge him pushing my palms in front after watching his amusing reaction.

"I know what you want to say." I nodded as he slowly sits back down. "This is indeed rash considering we've been holding information back and slowly providing the Dragon with knowledge until he trusts us completely, but it's time I tell him about getting to Rank 7. I've been spying day and night on those two since they met, so I know they both should reach it in a few years, and perhaps my little girl could become a Divine alongside him which would make me incredibly happy." I informed while smiling then put back the jar in my tattered clothes.

"Tch, what a peeper..." The blond haired boy makes a disgusted expression crossing his arms.

"What? I had free time and was worried, so don't look at me like that!" I shrugged moving my arms. "Anyway, you should know by now the beast has a secret that he only told Shaila, and thus I also know it, but I don't think he revealed everything yet since the circumstances are too strange," I announced.

"Secret? Circumstances? What do you mean? Wasn't him an Ancient Divine's or Demigod's child?" Lester probes for my discovery.

Ancient dragons huh? They haven't been seen for a long time, and everybody wonders what they are doing... I recall the rumors of them mating in secret, and spreading their eggs in normal nests.

"Well, I thought so too at first which is another reason I didn't kill him back then when he was harming Liana, but he was born in this mating season, and no Dragon is that intelligent while being so young... not even an Ancient's child or any creature for that matter. They failed to tame the dragon whelp at the guild, so he was wild when he arrived here and yet immediately liked Shaila-- No, those two liked each other as if they were waiting to meet after a long time. I was baffled at their strange behavior, then I learned his secret which explains some things, but beyond that, it looks to me as if someone manipulated events to have them meet, and to be honest, it scares me a little just imagining what beings could do that..." I expose the mystery behind seemingly ordinary events.

"Sounds like alcohol talking to me." Lester narrows his eyes skeptic.

"How rude!" I glare at him "I haven't touched alcohol since the dragon appeared... I didn't want to miss anything and paid attention to his lessons which you should have tried to understand at least, like Alphonse did." I point out his missed opportunity.

"Father did? I see, even Alphonse huh?" Lester ponders before shaking his head. "Well, Liana finds it annoying sitting through lengthy explanations while I don't have the time to attend at all... I think I'll need to have a child to take over the house before Ranking up haha..." He announces then ridicules his lack of time.

"In any case, it's best you don't know since it could bring you trouble. But you must have realized how compatible they are, right?" I smirked mentioning while remembering the last day he called Light magic useless.

"Ugh... Yeah, he has the knowledge to make Shaila's light magic useful which even the magic academy couldn't help while she trusts him completely by now." My son grimaces perhaps recalling the same thing. "Still, can't you hire mercenaries with that?" He proposes an alternative to the lack of allies.

"Any High-Rank mercenary crazy enough to be okay with participating in a dispute between major families should not be trusted, or ask for a lot then hardly participate in fights when things get tough, and this is meant to be a mission off-the-records." I point out the problems with hiring a third party.

After saying goodbye to Lester once more, I left the study and jumped outside the walls using Wind arts before heading for the Northeastern corner. Arriving at the area where the Dragon footprints lay on the ground from jumping outside, I send magic over the wall while producing layers of gases with different temperature known as a mirage which projects the view from over the wall.

Just as I thought. Shaila is watching him sleep from the window in her room, but she shouldn't see me outside the walls, so I'll transmit the sound over instead. I confirm and move my magic to the Dragon's head.

"NEFIRU!" I yell near his ear knowing he wakes up around this time. "Nefiru, wake up! I have a delicious proposition you won't refuse." I call out to him hearing the dragon move.