Chapter 366: The Weight of My Ambition

A day later, the morning sun cast pale, filtered light through the heavy drapes of Kael’s mansion.

Clink. Kael set his teacup down on the desk, looking up as Lira entered the study. She was dressed in her immaculate maid uniform, her posture perfectly straight, though a faint blush colored her cheeks.

"My Lord," Lira greeted, bowing deeply. "Congratulations on your promotion to the rank of Sword. The entire household is honored to serve under someone of your new stature."

Kael offered her a lazy, predatory smirk. "Thank you, Lira. Though I suspect the household might change their tune once they realize the Sword rank comes with a death sentence attached."

Lira’s expression faltered for a second, but she quickly regained her composure.

Kael leaned forward, his tone shifting to business. "Tell me, do we have any Shadow Hounds currently deployed on a planet called Vaelor?"

Lira blinked, her brow furrowing in thought. "Vaelor, My Lord? No. Our network hasn’t expanded that far into the Odessey Galaxy. The Shadow Hounds are currently stationed across the Thirteen Worlds, Starfall City, a few select trade hubs and a few other surrounding planets." She paused, her eyes widening slightly. "Why do you ask? Is there a problem?"

Kael let out a low sigh, rubbing his temples. "You could say that. Vaelor is the planet the Family Head assigned to me for my first mission as a Sword. I have six months to conquer it, without using the Vorn name."

Lira’s face paled. "Six months? That’s... that’s madness!"

Before Kael could respond, the heavy wooden door to the study CREEEAKED open. Gerard stepped inside, his sharp eyes immediately darting between Kael and Lira.

"My Lord," Gerard greeted with a deep bow.

Lira leaned slightly toward the butler, lowering her voice to a frantic whisper. "Gerard, do you know anything about Planet Vaelor?"

Gerard raised an eyebrow, whispering back, "Why are you asking? What happened?"

Lira’s whisper grew more urgent. "Our lord was assigned there as his first mission as a Sword."

Kael, who was sitting just a few feet away, cleared his throat loudly. "Do you two realize I can hear you perfectly well? My hearing is rather exceptional."

Both Lira and Gerard stiffened, immediately bowing their heads in apology. "Forgive us, My Lord."

Gerard quickly composed himself, his professional demeanor returning. "To answer your question, apart from the general astrogation data, I don’t have much information on Vaelor. I know it is located in the outer reaches of the Odessey Galaxy, bordering the Churchill territories. It’s known to be a highly dangerous, fractured world. The local kingdoms are constantly at war, and they are notoriously hostile to outsiders."

Kael sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair. "Well, it’s a good thing I have someone on my side with access to information on all the Vorn territories." He looked directly at Gerard. "Gerard, I need you to deploy more than twenty Shadow Hounds to Vaelor immediately. Use the Schuyler family’s shipping lines—Isabella’s connections are still valid, and they owe us favors. I want the Hounds to establish a network, gather every scrap of intelligence on the continents, the rulers, and their weaknesses. I want the place set for my arrival before I even step foot on that rock."

Gerard placed a hand over his heart. "As you command, My Lord. It shall be done."

"I will be arriving at Starfall City in two days," Kael added, waving a dismissive hand. "Prepare the portal infrastructure."

With a final bow, Gerard retreated, dragging a still-apologetic Lira with him.

The Next Morning, The Administrative Wing.

Kael walked through the grand, bustling halls of the Vorn Estate’s administrative wing. Hundreds of servants, guards, analysts, and operatives moved with frantic purpose.

He made his way to the third floor—Cassandra’s domain.

Standing guard at the massive double doors was Brody. The Origin Realm Guardian Knight, still wearing the scars of his recent battles, immediately snapped to attention.

"Young Lord Kael!" Brody greeted, a wave of relief washing over his stoic face.

But as Kael approached, Brody suddenly dropped to one knee, his head bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the floor. Clank.

"I... I apologize, Lord Kael," Brody’s voice was thick with guilt. "I failed in my duty. I was unable to protect you in the Void Realm. I was restricted, unable to enter, and you were taken because of my incompetence. I am willing to accept any punishment—"

"Brody," Kael interrupted, his voice surprisingly soft. "Stop being silly and stand up."

Brody hesitated. "But My Lord—"

"I said stand up," Kael repeated, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It’s not like you could have entered the Void Realm. Blaming yourself for a situation you had no control over is a waste of your time and mine. You’re a valuable asset to this family, Brody. Now, get off your knees."

Brody slowly stood, a profound respect shining in his eyes. "Thank you, My Lord."

The heavy doors opened, and Magareth stepped out. The stern, capable attendant looked at Kael, her lips curling into a familiar, sarcastic smirk.

"Hey Magareth," Kael smiled, genuinely pleased to see her. "It’s good to see you again."

Magareth snorted, crossing her arms. "The only time you ever bother to visit the administrative wing is if you need something from the young lady. What is it this time, Kael?"

Kael dramatically clutched his heart. "Come on, Magareth, you wound me. Can’t I just come to admire the beautiful smile of my dear sister?"

Magareth’s expression didn’t change. "No."

"Come in, Kael," Cassandra’s voice echoed from inside the office, carrying a hint of amusement.

Kael winked at Magareth and stepped inside.

Cassandra was seated behind her massive desk, a mountain of holographic reports and runic scrolls surrounding her. She looked exhausted, her dark violet uniform slightly rumpled, but her eyes were as sharp as ever.

Kael took a seat across from her. "You look like you haven’t slept in a week, sister."

"I haven’t," Cassandra replied, leaning back and stretching her arms above her head. Crack. "With Father leaving for the Starless Grave, the entire logistical weight of the family’s warfront has fallen on my shoulders. The Abyss is relentless."

They spent the next hour discussing the political climate. Cassandra warned him about Ursula’s growing desperation and the elders who were secretly backing Marcus. Kael shared his concerns about the Draven family and the possibility of them making a move while the Family Head was away.

Cassandra let out a long, weary sigh. She stood up, stretching her back. "I need a bath after all the work throughout the night. The stress is killing me."

She walked toward the hidden door in the back of her office. Kael followed.

They entered a private, rune-operated elevator. Hiss. It descended for nearly a minute before the doors opened to a breathtaking sight. It was a vast, enclosed garden. A canopy of bioluminescent vines covered the ceiling, and in the center lay a massive, steaming hot spring. The water shimmered with a strange, dense, silver hue.

Without a word, Cassandra began to undress.

Rustle. The fabric of her uniform fell to the floor. Kael quickly turned his head away, but he couldn’t help the involuntary glances he stole. His sister’s body was a work of art, afterall. He swallowed hard, forcing his gaze to the far wall.

Cassandra stepped into the water slowly, the heavy liquid barely rippling as she sank into it. She let out a soft sigh of relief.

Kael quickly stripped down and jumped in.

SPLASH!

The moment his body hit the water, a terrifying weight crashed down on him. BOOM! It felt like a mountain had just been dropped on his shoulders. His bones groaned, and the air was forced out of his lungs. He gritted his teeth, his aura flaring instinctively to keep his ribs from shattering.

Cassandra’s eyes widened in mild surprise. "It seems your body cultivation is still good. Most Spirit Soul cultivators would have been crushed into paste by now."

[Author’s Note]

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