Edward opened the office window, glancing outside. The cool breeze brushed against his face as he scanned the surroundings. A brief moment passed before he turned away, stepping toward the door. He walked back to the window and locked it—just as a sudden knock echoed through the room.
Click.
The door handle rattled.
"Edward, did you lock the door?" Cassandra's voice came from the other side.
Edward froze for a second before quickly composing himself. "Oh… I must've accidentally locked it," he said casually, closing the window before unlocking the door.
Cassandra stepped inside, her sharp gaze scanning the room. "Is everything fine?"
"Yes," Edward replied, adjusting his cuffs. "I just have a lot of work to get through."
Cassandra studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. We're heading out now. You should take a break and work from home later."
With that, she turned and left, heading toward Jonathan and Julian. The children looked up at her eagerly.
"Are we really going, Mother?" Jonathan asked.
Julian chimed in, "What about Father? Is he coming with us?"
Cassandra sighed. "He's busy. He'll come with us next time."
Though slightly disappointed, the children nodded. Soon, they boarded the carriage and set off toward Charles's mansion.
Not long after they left, a group of men approached the estate. The butler, who had been tending to his duties, spotted them immediately. His eyes widened as he recognized the man at the forefront.
Emperor Ezekiel.
The butler bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Your Majesty."
Ezekiel's gaze was sharp, his expression unreadable. "Where is Edward?" he asked, his tone laced with irritation.
"He is in his office, my lord. Shall I announce your arrival?"
"There is no need."
Without another word, Ezekiel strode forward, his knights following closely behind. They marched straight to Edward's office, their presence unsettling the servants.
Edward barely had time to react when the doors were flung open.
"Ezekiel—" His words cut off as shock flashed across his face. "What are you doing here?"
Ezekiel didn't answer. Instead, he gave a simple command.
"Seize him."
The knights surged forward, grabbing Edward forcefully. One pressed a sword against his neck, its cold steel sending a sharp chill down his spine.
Edward gritted his teeth. "What is the meaning of this?"
Ezekiel stepped closer, his piercing gaze locked onto Edward's.
"You will come with me."
Edward clenched his fists. "Why should I listen to you? Just because you're my older brother?"
Ezekiel's gaze remained steady. "I know you left the family… but don't you dare sever all ties with it."
Edward scoffed. "I already have."
Ezekiel sighed, stepping closer. "You're so stubborn." He placed a hand on Edward's shoulder, his voice softening. "I know… my mother and yours were not the same. But we are still brothers."
Edward tensed at the touch.
Ezekiel's tone turned serious. "Please, come with me willingly. If you refuse… I will have no choice but to take you by force."
Edward narrowed his eyes. "Is this the king's order?"
"Yes."
At his command, the knights sheathed their swords. The tension in the air shifted. Edward studied Ezekiel, who now looked at him with quiet determination, his expression softer than before.
Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Jonathan and Julian were laughing, their excitement evident. Cassandra watched them fondly before suddenly remembering something.
"Oh, I almost forgot—I have a gift for you two." She opened her handbag and pulled out a small velvet box.
The twins gasped. "Wow, Mom!"
Cassandra chuckled as she carefully removed their old earrings. "I bought these just for you." She placed one earring on Jonathan's right ear and the other on Julian's left.
They looked at each other, realizing they now had matching earrings. Their smiles widened.
Cassandra smiled warmly. "See? Now you two look even more alike."
But before they could respond, the carriage suddenly jerked to a stop. Cassandra's expression hardened as she heard the sound of horses shifting outside.
The Grand Knight approached and opened the carriage door. "Lady Cassandra, the king has summoned you."
Her brows furrowed. "Very well, but I will take the children with me."
"There's no need," the knight replied. "Another escort will ensure their safety."
Cassandra's expression darkened. "And where are you taking them?"
"To their grandparents' estate."
Jonathan and Julian, sensing their mother's unease, grew quiet. "Mother, what's happening?"
Cassandra forced a reassuring smile. "Nothing to worry about, my loves. You're going to visit your grandparents."
The knights formed a protective formation around the carriage as it turned back toward its new destination.
At the entrance of Charles' estate, William stood beside Walter and Seraphina.
Walter frowned. "Where is William going with Father?"
Seraphina glanced at Charles, waiting for an answer.
Charles knelt beside William, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'll be staying with your mother for a few days. Four, to be exact."
William's face remained unreadable. "Okay."
As he climbed into the carriage, Charles watched him carefully. The boy sat with an unusual stillness, staring straight ahead.
With a sigh, Charles spoke softly. "Your mother is a kind and good woman, William. She will take care of you."
William gave a small nod but remained quiet.
As the carriage rolled forward, Charles' gaze lingered on his son, wondering what thoughts filled the boy's mind.