CLEAVER OF SIN

Thousands of kilometers away from the Wargrave estate, another massive castle could be seen stretching out across vast meters of land. Its walls stood tall and majestic, towering with defiance as the castle itself seemed to pierce the sky like a challenge to the heavens.

This was the Silvershade Ducal Household Estate.

Roughly six months ago, the Silvershades had suffered immense losses, both financially and reputationally, after they were forced to open their secret family vault and spend their hard-earned coins to pay the Duke of Wargrave.

It had all happened because Duke Rhydion Silvershade had lost a bet, one that he himself had suggested, confident in his success.

Following that costly mistake, the entire household’s daily affairs changed. Most noticeably, their meals. The quality and rarity of the food served in the estate dropped by nearly half, causing whispers among the servants and discontent among the family members.

They had been forced to adjust their lifestyle to match their new, tighter budget. But not everyone was happy. In fact, most weren’t. Their luxurious existence had been slashed in half as though struck by an invisible spear.

Within a private chamber layered in extreme opulence, Duke Rhydion sat calmly at a grand desk, signing a series of documents in hand. His pen glided smoothly across the pages as he worked in silence.

Despite the events that had unfolded six months prior, his presence remained unshaken, composed and authoritative. Though the Silvershade family’s reputation had been dragged through the mud, and they had lost a significant portion of their wealth, Rhydion had chosen to stay secluded in his castle rather than face society.

He held no hatred toward the Wargraves.

He had made the bet. He had taken the risk. He had simply wanted to make quick coin and make the Wargraves suffer a public loss. Instead, he had been the one humiliated.

But it didn’t bother him. Not truly. In the end, it was just money, and Rhydion had plenty of that.