THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The garden was a masterpiece of natural and architectural harmony, a verdant oasis nestled within the estate's sprawling grounds. Delicate blossoms painted the air with their fragrance, their vibrant hues contrasting with the stark white columns of an open stone archway where David sat.

The structure stood as a serene sanctuary, draped in creeping vines that framed the picturesque scene. A soft breeze carried the rustle of leaves and the faint chirping of birds, adding a touch of tranquility to the waiting moment.

David sat on a carved stone bench, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning his surroundings. The maid had assured him this was where Lord Salomonis would meet him, yet his mind was more preoccupied with Luna.

"Are you okay in there?" David asked softly, his tone laced with concern. Ever since they arrived at the garden, Luna had been sneezing incessantly, finally retreating into the shadow realm to escape the overpowering floral aromas.

From within the depths of his shadow, Luna's voice emerged, tinged with faint amusement. "I'm fine now, David. Stop worrying so much. It's just the flowers. Something about them doesn't agree with me."

David sighed, glancing down at the faint shimmer of her presence in the shadow cast by the archway. "If it gets too uncomfortable, just let me know. I'll find a way to—"

"You're fussing again," Luna interrupted with a playful huff. "I can handle it. Focus on your meeting."

Reluctantly, David nodded, though her well-being remained at the forefront of his thoughts. To distract himself, he mentally summoned his system window. The familiar translucent interface appeared before his eyes, displaying a series of notifications.

"[Harem Bond: Complete]," the system declared, its monotone voice resonating in his mind.

Curious, David glanced at the details of the skill, noting the faint glow that signified its active status. Turning his attention inward, he addressed Luna again. "By the way, have you noticed anything different since this morning?"

After a short silence, Luna replied, "Now that you bring it up... I've noticed a slight itch around my abdomen. It isn't bothersome, merely peculiar. Could it be connected to the unusual magic you performed last night?"

David was about to reply when a smooth, melodic voice interrupted their conversation. "Oh my, I do hope I haven't kept you waiting long."

David looked up to see a figure approaching, his silhouette framed against the backdrop of the vibrant garden. Lord Salomonis Va Ferrum was a striking presence, his sharp features softened only by the warm smile playing on his lips.

His attire was both practical and elegant, a dark tunic embroidered with intricate gold patterns that hinted at his noble lineage and intellectual pursuits. A pair of peculiar mechanical glasses rested atop his head, the lenses gleaming faintly in the sunlight.

Rising to his feet, David offered a polite nod. "Lord Salomonis, I presume?"

The minister chuckled, spreading his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Indeed. And you must be the famed

Spross des Banners

of the De Gor family. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

David studied the man carefully, noting the faint trace of mischief in his eyes. Salomonis extended a hand, which David shook firmly, though he remained guarded. The man's reputation as a brilliant, if eccentric, inventor preceded him, and David couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting would be far from ordinary.

"Please, sit," Salomonis urged, taking a seat opposite David beneath the archway. He rested his hands on the table, his fingers adorned with peculiar rings that seemed more functional than decorative.

David resumed his seat, his posture calm but his mind alert. "I appreciate the invitation, Lord Salomonis. I must admit, I'm curious about the purpose of this meeting."

Salomonis leaned back, a sly smile curving his lips. "Curiosity, young lord, is the heart of innovation. But before we dive into matters of importance, tell me—what do you think of the garden?"

David raised an eyebrow at the unexpected question but decided to indulge him. "It's beautiful, though a bit overwhelming for some," he replied, glancing subtly at his shadow.

Salomonis chuckled knowingly. "Ah, yes. The bloomwood flowers can be... potent to those unaccustomed to their fragrance. I trust your

companion

is adapting?"

David stiffened slightly but maintained his composure. The man's perceptiveness was unsettling, though not entirely surprising. "She's fine," he said curtly, steering the conversation back. "Shall we discuss the reason you summoned me?"

Salomonis nodded, his expression growing more serious. "Straight to the point. I like that. Very well, David De Gor."

David sat in a composed silence, his gaze steady upon Minister Salomonis, whose keen eyes seemed to study him as though reading an ancient tome. Salomonis maintained an aura of intrigue, his copper-red hair gleaming under the soft light filtering through the garden.

His pale complexion highlighted his angular jawline, and his flamboyant yet elegant attire made him seem as though he had stepped straight from a painter's imagination. A wide leather belt adorned with keys and trinkets cinched his form, and his hands, decorated with intricate rings, gestured thoughtfully as though wielding unseen power.

David, while appearing calm, found his mind racing.

How did he know Luna was in my shadow?

he mused. Luna's soft voice interrupted his thoughts, whispering through the connection they shared, "I wasn't actively concealing my presence... but this man is unusually perceptive."

David frowned slightly, now appraising Salomonis in a new light. Not everyone could detect another being veiled within a shadow.

He's sharper than I anticipated,

David thought, adjusting his posture subtly. His system's Harem Bond notification still lingered in his thoughts, but he pushed it aside for now, focusing entirely on the peculiar man before him.

Breaking the silence, Salomonis finally spoke, his lips curling into a playful smile. "Tell me, Spross des Banners, are you enjoying the golden coast of our empire?" His voice was rich and melodic, carrying an undertone of amusement.

David tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

Still beating around the bush,

he thought. Out loud, he replied, "Not particularly. I haven't had the chance to explore much."

Salomonis clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment. "A shame, truly. At this time of year, the Adventurers' Guild organizes a grand dungeon raid. The blooming banquet coincides with a strange phenomenon by the sea—quite the spectacle for those who dare." His eyes twinkled with mischief as he spoke, but his words danced deliberately around a deeper intent.

David folded his arms, raising a brow. "And what exactly does that have to do with me enjoying the sights?" he asked, his voice tinged with scepticism.

"Ah," Salomonis exclaimed, leaning forward with theatrical excitement, "because the event isn't just a raid. It's a treasure hunt of the highest order. Relics of immeasurable value—some even rumored to be left by the gods themselves—surface during this time. Imagine the prestige and fortune such discoveries could bring!"

David shrugged dismissively. "Do I look like someone blinded by coin and fame to you?" he asked dryly, though his eyes never left Salomonis, scrutinizing every subtle movement.

The minister chuckled softly, the sound carrying a peculiar weight. "No, you don't," he admitted. Without warning, he reached into his coat and tossed something metallic toward David.

Instinctively, David caught it midair. The moment his fingers closed around it, his eyes widened. The object was a fractured orb, etched with arcane patterns that glowed faintly as though alive. The level of craftsmanship was unlike anything David had ever seen in this world, yet he recognized it from the detailed description in the novel.

Salomonis watched David closely, noting his reaction. "Curious, isn't it?" he said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "That, my dear Spross, is but a fragment of what lies within Leviathan's Abyss. Artifacts left behind by those who walked before gods ruled the heavens. Intriguing, no?"

David's grip on the orb tightened. His composure betrayed him for the briefest moment as he recognized the markings. He knew of these artefacts—not from this world, but from the fragmented memories of his past life.

Impossible...

he thought, his mind racing.

Seeing this, Salomonis casually unfurled a map, spreading it across the stone table between them. The intricate details revealed a path leading straight into the heart of Leviathan's Abyss. "Imagine the possibilities," the minister mused aloud, watching David's expression closely. "Wouldn't you agree?"

But before David could respond, the world around him began to shift. The sunlight dimmed unnaturally, shadows lengthening as a strange tension filled the air. Salomonis blinked in confusion, sensing the sudden change.

David rose to his feet, his white hair shimmering as though charged with energy. He pushed it back, revealing piercing eyes that seemed to radiate an otherworldly light. His voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight that made the air feel heavy. "I never imagined I would encounter another demon apostle in this place.," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Salomonis froze, his sharp features contorting into a mixture of confusion and alarm. "Demon Apostle?" he repeated, his voice unsteady. The atmosphere grew oppressive as David's presence seemed to swell, his aura flaring white-hot, casting long shadows across the garden.

The minister's confidence wavered. Whatever this was, it was beyond anything he had anticipated. "What... are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

David's gaze bore into him, unrelenting. "That's why you were enveloped in mystery.," he said, more calmly this time, though the intensity of his presence remained. "But now that I think about it, it makes sense."

Salomonis felt his breath hitch as the realization dawned on him. He had underestimated the man before him. David was no ordinary noble, no mere pawn in the Archon's games or Divine fates. Whatever power he wielded, it was far more dangerous than Salomonis had anticipated. But one aspect particularly intrigued him: David De Gor's knowledge of demons.