When you say "Three Pillars," everyone—even outside the Einston Kingdom—knows who they are. But what stands out the most is no other than the First Pillar. The one every noble sees as a threat. The one they claim is the second most powerful family after the Royal family.
Worthon.
Everyone fears them. Envies them. Respects them. Not just for their prowess or their title as Guardians of the Sky—but for their immense wealth and their widespread connections outside the kingdom. The Worthons, whether head house or branch, always make sure to marry someone from beyond the border. Be it for love. Or for the extension of power.
There are three rules in the Worthon Family.
Never betray the crown.
Never betray the family.
Never use their power against the weak.
It may be hard to believe, but among the nobles, Worthon is the least problematic. They have lived up to the reputation built by the Head House, and every single one of them is outstanding in their own right.
In the grand drawing room, a mixture of mauve hair mingled with cyan and even peach pink—a lighter shade than Reise's and the Duchess's rose-gold. But even then, the moment you wield grey eyes, your fate is sealed. You are a Wind mage. And this room wore all the same eyes.
Except for one girl.
Lilac hair. Brown eyes.
A pair of twins approached her—blue hair almost cyan, eyes both grey. Jake and Josh. Worthon by blood, bullies by nature.
"Look at her." The first twin smirked. "Inheriting nothing but Worthon's hair, right, Jake?"
"Right!" The other laughed. "It's so funny. Does it mean she's going to be a barbaric sword aura user, Josh?"
The little girl didn't fight back. She just looked down.
"Look at her." Jake conjured a ball of wind in his palm. "Is she going to cry? Look at this, Charlene! I can wield wind magic!"
"Stop it, Josh," the other twin said, grinning. "Charlene might suddenly awaken her sword aura."
They laughed.
Then Jake attacked.
A ball of wind shot toward Charlene. She ran. The twins chased her, their laughter echoing through the corridor, their wind spells clipping at her heels. The adults in the drawing room didn't notice—too absorbed in their own conversations.
Charlene ran. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Please stop!" she begged.
The twins didn't listen. They kept chasing, kept attacking.
Until she bumped into someone.
The twins froze mid-step.
Charlene wiped her tears and looked up. Her breath caught. Grey eyes. Cold grey eyes staring down at her. The Wicked Rose.
Cold grey eyes stared down at her.
"T-that's…" Jake whispered to his brother. "L-Lady Reise!"
L-Lady Reise? The daughter of Duke Worthon? The one with the bad temper? Charlene's thoughts raced. Oh no. What should I do? She choked back her sobs.
G6 had changed into a simple red dress. Her soft curly hair was down, adorned with a ruby headdress. Her expression was flat, unimpressed.
I am already pissed at Tina for making me wear this annoying hair accessory. And now these kids.
"What do you think you are doing in the hallway?" G6 asked. Her voice came out colder than usual—which was saying something.
"W-well." Josh stammered. "We were just playing, Lady Reise."
G6 glanced at Charlene, still frozen in front of her, obviously scared. Red-rimmed eyes. Wet cheeks.
"Does playing involve crying?" G6 asked.
The twins froze.
Judging by this world's simple biological imprint, no doubt these twins are from the De Lune line mixed with Worthon. Grey eyes give them away.
And this girl. Lilac hair—a sub-color of violet—yet she has brown eyes. Hmm. Nobles with brown eyes? The common colors for non-elemental magic nobles are honey, cognac, and chestnut brown.
But this kid's eyes aren't almost-black brown like Tina's or the commoners'. Closer to Alistair, Leo, and Edmund. Russet brown.
"I see." G6's gaze shifted back to the twins. "Are you making fun of her for not inheriting the Worthon's magic?"
The twins exchanged a glance.
"Well," Josh said, "it is true that she inherited Sword Aura instead."
"And what is so wrong with that?" G6 tilted her head. "I heard Sword Aura is indomitable. It can deflect magical attacks." She smirked. "Perhaps you are threatened?"
The twins immediately recoiled.
"Threatened?" Jake's voice rose. "No way! Mages are superior to those Vester people!"
G6's smirk widened.
I knew it. Those three old men are from the Vester Kingdom. Now I am more curious why they are at the palace. G6's thought referring to Edmund, Alistair, and Leo.
"What are your names?" G6 asked.
"Jake," said one.
"Josh," said the other.
The twins spoke in unison, as if practiced.
"M-my name is C-Charlene," the girl whispered.
"Listen." G6's glare swept over all three of them, making them flinch in unison. "I don't want to see you three fighting again. Because it's annoying." She turned and walked away.
Those kids. It would be a shame if they grew up twisted. I can sense a great deal of potential in the three of them.
She halted mid-stride and looked back.
"What are you waiting for?" Her voice dropped. "Aren't you going back to the drawing room?" A pause. "Or do I need to drag you back?"
"W-we are going!" the twins said in unison.
They immediately fell in behind her. Charlene hesitated for a moment, then followed.
The door of the grand drawing room echoed as it opened, revealing G6 in her red attire with three children scurrying behind her.
The Duchess smiled upon seeing her. "Reise, my dear. Come and greet your aunt!"
G6's eyes fell upon the woman beside her mother. Her hair was peach pink, and she had jade eyes—but not as intense, not as beautiful, as her mother's.
G6 stepped beside her mother and bowed slightly. "Hello."
"Look at her, Reyna!" The woman clasped her hands together. "She looks exactly like you."
"Oh my, don't flatter me, Maribel." The Duchess waved a dismissive hand. "We know she resembles His Grace a great deal."
G6 noticed a girl around her age sitting quietly to the side. She had the same peach-pink hair as Maribel—but grey eyes. Worthon eyes.
The girl looked at G6 and scoffed—her eyes flicking over the red dress, the ruby headdress, the rose-gold hair. Dismissal, but practiced. As if she had been waiting for this moment.
G6's eyes narrowed.
Ah. She is that girl.
In the book, there was a line where Reise was compared to her cousin. She was one of the great mages in the Sanctum. Reise—without talent, chasing after Prince Dio—was always ridiculed by other nobles, comparing her to…
So you are Sienna, huh?
G6 looked at her for a few more seconds. Then she smirked.
Sienna's brow furrowed in response.
This means Maribel is the wife of Father's second brother.
"I heard, Your Grace," Sienna began, her voice smooth as oil, "that Lady Reise has been going to the Royal Collegium. But I rarely saw her there."
"Of course." G6's smile was that of a predator. "After all, I am not limited to only one department. I can access all three."
"Is that so?" Sienna tilted her head. "I wonder what made the Professional Guild grant you that privilege."
"Oh, you shouldn't wonder." G6's voice dropped into a taunt. "After all, it was Her Majesty who granted it."
At that declaration, Sienna's composure cracked. Shock. Disbelief.
Ah. Right. Only my puppies know the truth about my admission.
"It seems Her Majesty and Lady Reise have become quite close," Maribel said, her smile strained.
"Of course." G6's voice was silk over steel. "After all, we will soon be family by law. No?"
The Duchess just smiled.
My dear Reise has gotten so good with her words. I am so proud.
"That is true! Ha ha ha!" Maribel's laugh was obviously awkward.
Sienna was fuming with irritation.
It seems like something was right in the book after all, G6 thought. About Reise being so insecure against Sienna.
"Well," Sienna said, snickering, "word came to my ears that you were mostly stationed in the Bastion. Was it to make sure His Highness the Second Prince won't be stolen by the commoner Eliza—the new owner of Benedictio?"
Maribel and Duchess Reyna exchanged a look.
"Oh please." G6's smile didn't waver. "It was already annoying how Prince Dio kept coming after me. He acts like a fool. A dog who listens to my words."
The nearby conversations paused.
A Worthon had just insulted a royal.
"Your lie is being exaggerated, Lady Reise," Sienna said, her voice tight.
"That's not a lie."
A voice approached. Ray and Ron.
"Greetings to Countess Maribel Worthon and Lady Sienna Worthon." The brothers bowed in unison.
"Lady Sienna." Ron's smirk was sharp. "You claim to know the Collegium, yet you didn't know that Prince Dio follows my sister around like a lost dog?"
"Yeah." Ray crossed his arms. "Staff of Bastion said it themselves. Every time the four see my sister, they go crazy. Like wild dogs." His expression shifted to something darker. "Especially Prince Dio. He acts like he wants to hasten the marriage." A pause. "Like hell that's ever going to happen."
These two are enjoying this, huh.
"It seems the children are getting serious…" Maribel said, smiling nervously.
"Forgive my children." Duchess Reyna's voice was sweet—and utterly unapologetic. "You know them. They all have fiery tempers."
"Countess." Ray's gaze shifted to Sienna. "You used to be a high priestess of your house back in the Holy Kingdom. Aren't you guys stricter about the rules of hierarchy? Yet your daughter runs her mouth like she was from the ducal house itself."
"Tsk." Ron murmured, loud enough to carry. "Her enchantations aren't even that impressive. What a joke."
Countess Maribel looked down, embarrassed. Sienna looked furious.
G6 remained silent, observing.
Well, I guess even if they look out for each other in terms of political war, they still have a value hierarchy inside the line.
"Goodness." A man approached—mauve hair, grey eyes, a little younger than the Duke. His features were sharp, handsome—but nothing compared to the Duke. "Masters Ray and Ron are as protective as ever of Lady Reise."
"Count Worthon." The two brothers bowed.
"Oh please, call me Uncle."
"Being respectful doesn't hurt," Ray jested.
"Wilfred." The Duchess's tone shifted, pivoting the topic. "How was the East region?"
"Well, it was nothing compared to the capital's region. But everything is faring well."
The Count turned to G6. "Forgive my daughter Sienna, Lady Reise. You know she is still working on her manners."
"I don't really care," G6 replied coldly.
The Count laughed. "Goodness! As you grow up, you are turning into your father!" He glanced toward the Duchess. "Speaking of—there must be a reason why he told the four branch houses to come early. No, Duchess?"
The Duchess nodded. "Yes. Marquess Thonson is discussing something with him in the study. They will be here any moment."
G6 sighed and rolled her eyes.
Another political antics, huh.
Her eyes landed on the child—Charlene—who kept staring at her. Beside her, the twins were no longer sneering. They were talking to each other, stealing glances at Charlene as if trying to figure her out.
Children, G6 thought. They forgive faster than adults.
G6 stood and bowed to her mother. She did not bid farewell—she simply left. But before she turned her back, she threw another glance at Sienna and gave her a mocking smile.
The two brothers excused themselves and followed their sister. She was on her way to the open balcony inside the grand drawing room.
Worthon is really a big house, G6 thought as she stared outside at the sprawling gardens.
"You played it well there, sweetie," Ron said.
"Fucking gross." G6's voice was flat.
"Which? Sienna or Ron?" Ray tilted his head. "Well, doesn't matter. Either answer is right."
Ron shot him a glare.
"Anyway, Reise." Ray stood beside her, also looking out at the gardens. "Always remember that we are family."
"That's so random," G6 said.
"Just saying." Ray's voice was quiet, serious. "Only Father's devotion is to the Crown. We are always ready to take your side."
"What that big brother is trying to say," Ron added, leaning against the balcony railing, "is that you don't have to go through with that marriage. Prince Dio becoming Grand Duke is none of your concern."
"But it's Father's words that this is our purpose, our duty." G6's gaze remained fixed on the distance. "To protect the kingdom."
"To be precise," Ray said, "the people. But you don't necessarily need to be wed just to protect them. The Royals, I mean."
"It's kind of funny just how weak the Royals are." Ron's voice dripped with contempt. "They cannot even abolish the Court Houses. Now they need one of us to secure stability of their own. They are just giving us more power."
"I heard being a Grand Duke is a heavy duty." G6 turned her head slightly. "Is it because it oversees internal affairs—not only its specific territory, but the entire kingdom?"
"Yeah." Ron nodded. "Imagine that. Father is already the Minister of External Affairs. What do you think will happen if you become Grand Duchess and oversee internal affairs?"
"The balance of power will be ruined," G6 answered, like it was a quiz.
"Exactly." Ray's jaw tightened. "The King is being selfish. Both him and Her Majesty. Worthon is already seen as a threat by the Court Houses. Dragging us into that power struggle over the Grand Duchess position is like the Royals putting our house in a den of hungry vultures."
"If someone heard you, they would accuse you of treason," G6 jested, yet her voice is cold.
"I am just speaking the truth." Ray's voice was all seriousness now. "His Majesty is a good man, but he is not a good leader."
He said the same thing that the Queen said. G6's thoughts.
"Don't worry." G6's voice dropped—softer, colder, more final. "The only person who can kill me…" A pause. "…is me."
The two brothers looked at her. Worry flickered across their faces. Fear, too. And somehow, they both knew—there was truth in her words.
Before they could respond, a knight's voice echoed through the room.
"His Grace, Duke William Worthon, is entering."
"It seems like Father is here." G6 pushed off from the railing. "Let us move along."
She left first. Her brothers followed.
Except for the three children, all members from the drawing room moved to the adjacent room. When G6 entered along with her brothers, it was obviously a meeting room—where family meets and talks.
It was a massive room, wider than the grand room. In the middle of this white space stood a massive circular table with multiple chairs. Two long tables flanked both sides of the circle. At the center of this table, two chairs stood distinct—clearly belonging to the Duke and Duchess. Behind them hung a large portrait. A family portrait of the Head House.
G6 scanned it. It was obviously painted two years ago—Reise looked a little younger there.
Around the room, smaller frames held solo portraits and couple portraits. Are those the previous Duke and Duchess? And on the side, family portraits of adjacent families. G6 understood the pattern—it was either a hair color close to the Worthon line, or those predatory grey eyes.
"What an expensive vibe," she murmured.
There were a total of four branch houses.
First, the Second House: Marquess Judeo Thonson, from a family line of one of the 2nd generation Duke's sisters. The house of Lt. Nash Thonson.
Second, the Third House: Count Benjamin Viremont. He was not a Worthon, but had married the sole heir of the Third House, Countess Charlotte Worthon (now Viremont). Parents of Charlene. He was a noble from a respected line of swordmasters in the Vester Kingdom.
Third, the Fourth House: Marquess Henry Worthon, father of the twins.
Fourth, the extension of the Head House: Count Wilfred Worthon, who married the cousin of Duchess Worthon—Countess Maribel Worthon, parents of Lady Sienna.
The branch houses of Worthon were always founded by and consisted of siblings of whoever took the seat of Duke. In this atmosphere, you could already tell the Worthons were not just some random nobles. They held power. And in this room, this was not the everything of it. Not even half.
Lt. Thonson sat beside his parents. Lady Sienna sat beside hers.
G6 sat next to her two brothers, in the proper order of birth.
"Now that we are all settled, let us begin." Duke Worthon's voice carried across the room. His soft demeanor vanished. The one sitting there now was the Duke of this powerhouse.
"Of course." He folded his hands on the table. "The reason I told you to come early—to discuss pressing matters—is not because your houses are the main four of the adjacent families. It is because all of you are working directly inside the palace."
Marquess Thonson raised his hand. The Duke nodded.
"Your Grace," Marquess Thonson asked, "is this about what transpired in the Grand Arena?"
"Is it the assassination of the artificial mage?" Count Wilfred leaned forward. "The death of that criminal benefited the Crown more. What is there to look into when the answer is obvious?"
"Wilfred." Duke Worthon's voice was sharp. "I have already told you to stop making your own conclusions."
"I am merely speaking from a rational perspective, Brother." A pause. "Or rather, Your Grace."
"Let us also widen our perspective." Marquess Henry Worthon stroked his chin. "It could also be the work of another enemy—one who did not want that criminal handed to anyone."
"That is also the conclusion drawn by the other two Pillars and the Crown," Duke Worthon said. "The Second Prince has been handling this case along with the Crown Prince, yet they have not found any leads at all."
"I heard they even disturbed the resting Marquess Eis," Count Wilfred added, "and suspected him. Simply because his affinity is ice."
"That is not mere ice magic." The Duke's voice was low, certain. "Ice magic melts. It wets. That day in the Grand Arena, that cold shattered the entire being of the criminal into pieces. It killed every cell. It cannot even be investigated. And the frost… just vanished. No trace."
Of course, G6 thought as she listened. My Cryomancy defies all laws in this world.
"Goodness." Marquess Henry's brow furrowed. "Then what could it be? Is there any family that wields such superior magic?"
"But let us not overlook the irregularities in monster movements and geography." Nash Thonson interjected. "We have learned about the Oak Village incident." He turned to the Duke. "Your Grace, that matter has also been left to the Queen's hand, I heard."
"Hmm." Count Wilfred's smile was thin. "Interesting. All these abnormalities and chaos are always being handled by the royals."
"Not only that." Nash's voice grew quieter, more serious. "On our way back here from expedition, we also encountered vicious monster wolves in Greenhill Village. The more they resurrected, the stronger they became." He paused, memory flickering across his face. "But three people in cloaks suddenly appeared and killed those wolves in mere seconds." He looked up at them, suspicion clear in his grey eyes. "The very monsters that the Five Angels could not finish off in the same manner."
It was just a slip-up on Daunt's side, G6 thought. And of course we could finish them off in seconds. We watched the whole joke before stepping in.
Duke Worthon tapped his finger on the table. The atmosphere thickened.
"It was also said that the ones who killed the horde of goblins and the new-type demon were only a two-man party."
"They could all be from Scutum." Count Viremont finally spoke. "We all know how tough Scutum adventurers are. Even the largest guild is there."
"Could be." The Duke's tapping stopped. "Still, it would not hurt to meet them."
He straightened in his chair.
"The three reasons for this meeting are: First, the new-type demon of Oak Village. Second, the origin of the artificial mage and the assassin. And third… those three."
He turned to Count Viremont.
"Count Viremont. Your home is close to Bellard County, is it not? And it is also just three counties and two baronies away from Scutum. I want you to find these suspicious adventurers."
G6's ears twitched at the name.
Bellard. Isn't that the family name of that fuck-faced knight in the Silver Company?
"Yes, Your Grace." Count Viremont bowed his head. "I will do as you say."
"Marquess Thonson." The Duke's gaze shifted. "You are on the Royal investigation personnel. I would like you and your son to assist the two princes in their work. And inform me if there are any findings."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Don't tell me you are asking me to find the assassin," Count Wilfred said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Don't flatter yourself." The Duke's response was immediate. "I want you to investigate whether there are any surviving members—or distant relatives—of House Neviden. Any blood relation that could be the source of the blood infusion."
"Alright." Count Wilfred inclined his head. "If it is His Grace's will, I will make do."
"So the finding of the assassin is left to me?" Marquess Henry asked.
"Please make use of the Shadowcloaks," the Duke said.
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Always remember," Duke Worthon said, his voice resonating through the room, "protect the people. In the name of God Eldrin."
"In the name of God Eldrin," they all said in unison.
The Duchess clapped her hands lightly, breaking the tension.
"Now," she said, smiling, "let us proceed to the Veneration preparation."
G6 remained silent.
But in the back of her mind, she was grinning.
All the sources of the problems and mysteries they are trying to look for and solve? Her. The very one sitting in front of all of them. The very Lady Reise Worthon.
Well. This is fun. Let's see if they can really catch me.
She smirked.
That is, if they are still alive when they do.
The talk of Veneration was soon overtaken by the wives. G6 listened again, as it was connected to Witherby—the author who claimed himself as the Messenger of the Heavens. Or, as G6 knew them, the All-Seers.
The Veneration was always led by Countess Maribel and Duchess Worthon. They had done so for years, as the old high priestess. In that respect, all branch houses within the kingdom gathered, along with their vassal families.
Then there was an after-party—a ball—to mingle and strengthen relationships between every family and their vassals.
So… it's like a saint something? Tsk. What is this family, a cult?
"Our family always believed that we are the closest subjects of the Holy Trinity E," Ray said, his voice low enough not to disturb the mothers' discussion. "Because the Messenger's statue is in our Estate. For unknown reasons."
"So this family is like a religious extremist group?" G6's face twisted into something almost like disgust.
"You look disgusted," Ray observed, "yet Mother herself is from the house of a Cardinal."
"Was it also a tradition to marry someone from the Holy Kingdom?" G6 asked.
"Well, not necessarily. But also, kind of." Ray shrugged. "I heard that Father fell in love with Mother when they did an expedition to the Abyss Dungeon. Mother was a high priestess at the time, also on an expedition practice."
G6's face turned into something more than disgust.
"That is the most cliché story I have ever heard."
"Right?" Ron snickered. "Uncle also fell in love with Aunt Maribel at our parents' wedding."
"That is an exhausting narrative," G6 said flatly.
"What about you, Rei?" Ron's grin widened. "Didn't you fall in love with that Prince Dio because you said his hair was like soft winter snow and his eyes were like amber fire? You really like his glowing amber-orange eyes."
"Continue that," G6 said, her voice dropping to something deadly, "and I will make sure you never live to tell your grandchildren how you met your wife."
"Just say you want to kill me," Ron said, pouting.
"Stop bothering her," Ray interjected.
"Why do you intervene, you ass?"
"What did you just say, you meathead?"
The two brothers continued to bicker. G6 looked exhausted just listening to their antics.
Lady Sienna had been intently listening to the mothers' discussion, even offering suggestions. Then she noticed G6—looking utterly bored.
"What about Lady Reise lighting the candle at the statue?" Lady Sienna suggested, her voice sweet as poison. "After all, didn't the Messenger's statue glow when she was born?"
Duchess Worthon's smile vanished.
What does this bitch want? G6's thoughts turned cold. And here I thought I was taking a break from Eliza's antics.
"Well," the Duchess said carefully, "we could have one of her brothers—"
"It is alright, Mother." G6's voice cut through. "All I have to do is light it, right?"
But the Duchess looked troubled.
G6 just stared at her. Then she smiled.
"It is okay. Really."
"Then it is settled!" Countess Maribel clapped her hands. "Lady Reise will light the candle!"
"It is indeed nice to see Lady Reise finally turn to lighting the candle," Marchioness Worthon said.
Countess Viremont and Marchioness Thonson also looked delighted.
Look at that mother's face. She really acts suspicious.
G6's thoughts sharpened.
Little did the Duchess know—G6 had heard what she said back in the outdoor corridor. She knew about Duchess Worthon's seemingly limited knowledge of the Messenger of the Heavens.
She looked at her mother, who was obviously troubled, being comforted by the Duke.
The book did not dwell so much on the Worthon family. But it does make sense now how Tolentino was able to immediately recognize that I am connected to Reyna Worthon.
She smirked.
So she is a daughter of a Cardinal. And a high priestess, huh?
G6 looked up at the portrait of their family. A priestess mother. And the Messenger of the All-Seers—or Heavens, whichever—sitting somewhere on the Estate.
And an imaginary friend of Reise's called "Ither."
I mean, who are you kidding? Witherby. Her eyes narrowed. You should make it harder if your plan is to keep me in the dark.
Her gaze turned colder.
Or was it your intention to bother me in my dreams?
While the other family members planned political matters and Veneration, G6 planned her own. To confront whatever—or whoever—had dragged her into this world.
A butterfly sat on the window frame.
It flew through the gardens of the estate, past hedges and flowers, until it reached the Messenger of the Heavens.
The statue stood in silence.
And yet, somehow, it seemed to smile.
"I know," a voice whispered—not heard, but felt. "The day to finally meet her is nearing."
— To Be Continued… —