Chapter 18: Grandmother, Black Moon, Future
The grand hall of the Rebeka Imperial Palace shimmered with the light of the setting sun, casting long golden shadows across the polished marble floor. The air hung thick with the weight of legacy and anticipation.
After a long breath to steady herself, a noblewoman stepped forward with quiet grace. Her presence commanded respect yet carried a gentle warmth, her eyes gleaming with both pride and restraint.
"I am Silviya Re Rebeka," she announced solemnly, her voice echoing like a gentle bell, "Empress of the Rebeka Empire—and your grandmother."
Lucen turned to face her, his expression unreadable. At his side, his mother Cristiyana spoke softly, "Lucen, greet your grandmother and grandfather. You carry their blood."
Though young and inexperienced in martial arts, Lucen had studied noble etiquette with precision. He stepped forward, placing his left hand over his heart, and bowed deeply, demonstrating a poise far beyond his years.
"I am Lucen Re Rebeka, son of Cristiyana Re Rebeka. Today, by decree of His Majesty Emperor Malcnoh Re Rebeka, I have been named Crown Prince of the Rebeka Empire. It is an honor to stand before you, Grandmother, Grandfather."
Servants and nobles observing from the shadows gasped in unison. The boy—only seven—radiated an aura of imperial majesty, the bloodline of emperors unmistakable in his bearing.
Silviya smiled faintly, warmth and pride in her eyes. "Raise your head, Lucen. This is not a ceremony. We are not an audience, but your family."
She stepped forward, brushing a hand gently through his dark hair. "Welcome home, Crown Prince Lucen."
Turning sharply to Emperor Malcnoh, her voice sharpened. "Now then… what of your niece's son? The boy from House Elagen. The nobility presumed he would be your heir, since Cristiyana married outside and left no successors behind."
Malcnoh replied bluntly, "I do not require the nobles' approval to name my successor—especially not when it concerns my own grandson."
Lucen's sharp mind processed the implications instantly.
So that's it... There were no suitable heirs left in the royal bloodline. With Mother married into Vermithorne and exiled, the nobles rallied behind the Elagen heir. No one expected us to return. This complicates everything...
Silence fell, heavy and thoughtful.
Silviya clapped lightly, shifting the mood. "Enough of politics. We are still in the grand hall. Save these discussions for tomorrow. Cristiyana, your old chamber remains untouched. You'll find it just as you left it. Your personal maid will return tomorrow morning—she resigned after your marriage, but she's coming back."
She turned to a servant. "Escort the Crown Prince to the guest wing. Prepare his permanent quarters starting tomorrow."
She addressed Lucen warmly, "Rest, Lucen. Supper will be served in your room. We shall take breakfast together as a family. It's been a long day."
Lucen nodded, embraced his mother quietly, and walked away with quiet dignity.
Later That Night: In the Empress's Private Quarters
Silviya waited until the boy was gone before facing her husband with narrowed eyes. "Now tell me—why did you name him Crown Prince so suddenly? That is not like you."
Cristiyana's voice betrayed concern. "Father, Lucen is only seven. Why involve him in a succession war at this age?"
Malcnoh's tone turned cold and cryptic. "In time, you'll understand."
But in his heart, he recalled that fateful moment back at the Vermithorne estate:
"Bring them here," Lucen's father had said, aura shaking the heavens. "Make Lucen Crown Prince. Only that way will he and Cristiyana be safe…"
Meanwhile: Lucen's Guest Chamber
Lucen finished his bath and collapsed onto the silken bedding. The day's events raced through his mind like a whirlwind.
"Lunaria," he said aloud.
A swirl of wind materialized as the young woman emerged from the shadows, her voice crisp. "Yes, Master?"
"Have you figured out a way to sneak through the palace yet?"
Lunaria frowned. "I can leave the palace alone, but bringing you out undetected… that will take more time. The security enchantments are formidable."
Lucen sighed, sitting up with distant eyes. "We need more mobility. And fast."
He waved his hand, summoning Diana from his summoning space. The world rippled briefly—and she appeared, barefoot on the rug, a silver-blue glow in her hair and a radiant smile.
"Master!" she exclaimed, embracing him tightly. "I missed you."
Lucen smiled, brushing her shimmering hair. "I missed you too."
Inside the summoning realm, Diana had been diligently training in the Northern Ice Palace Sword Art, a rare style imported from the system's store. She had awakened her Ice Veins two years ago and had now reached Sword Master (Tier 3)—likely the youngest in history.
His remaining system points: 100,000. The memory stung.
Feeding a family really is expensive… he muttered internally.
Still, progress was undeniable. In two years, Diana had exceeded every standard. Through her cultivation, Lucen had learned that combining qi (life force) with mana significantly accelerated advancement.
He had once considered cultivating both mana and life force simultaneously—but the system stopped him, warning of severe backlash:
"Life force is a product of the world. It sustains reality. Mana, however, distorts reality. You cannot combine them lightly."
Lunaria, watching from the corner, coughed to regain his attention.
Lucen blinked, realizing he was still absentmindedly brushing Diana's hair. She looked up, beaming like a puppy.
He coughed. "Ahem. Right, Lunaria—give me the Black Moon report. It's been a year."
Lunaria straightened. "Of course."
"Black Moon now operates from the Forbidden Forest known as Dark Force. Currently, we have 300 operatives. Of them, 100 are Tier-3 swordmasters, 50 grandmasters, and 40 assassins—10 of whom have reached Mana Core Level 3.
We also have three transcendent swordmasters—one demon, and two elves. Their power rivals your grandfather's."
Lucen's breath caught.
Three transcendent beings... at my command? He felt the gravity of the organization he had built.
"And the others?" he asked.
"Remaining agents span Mana Core Levels 1 and 2. They serve as spies across key regions. Also… we've expanded the merchant front. Under the name Dawn Merchant Alliance, we have stores in two of the Four Great Empires, including the Vermithorne State. We now economically control the Asmod Empire from the shadows. If we choose, we could even place the most useless prince on its throne."
Lucen did not react with shock. Instead, he smiled—bright and confident.
Lunaria and Diana watched silently, hearts fluttering.
Lucen stood, fatigue washing over him.
"I'm tired. Lunaria, rest. Diana—return to the summoning space. I'll find a way to bring you with me soon."
As they vanished, the boy-turned-prince stood alone by the window, eyes fixed on the moon.