Over twelve years, the Gremory Dukedom changed dramatically, swept by powerful forces that brought transformation and turmoil. The once-strong vassal families that had been the backbone of the Dukedom were now mere shadows, weakened by a strange 'disease' that took many important figures, leaving behind sadness and lost potential.

  Marquis Renis, once respected and feared, was now little more than a memory, his lands absorbed by Izark’s growing territory. But when Izark’s father passed away suddenly, the real loss wasn’t in soldiers — there were plenty — but in skilled managers and craftsmen needed to handle the newly gained lands. This gap was deeply felt in the halls of power.

  During this time, Zain grew at an astonishing pace, not just physically but mentally. His hunger for knowledge seemed endless. By the time he was one, he could speak with surprising clarity, and by four, he had read nearly the entire palace library, constantly asking for more books to feed his curiosity.

  But Zain’s talents weren’t limited to knowledge. By nine, inspired by old stories of alchemists, he began experimenting with potions, hoping to discover the secrets of immortality. These early attempts were messy and chaotic, prompting Ruby and Lily to set aside a special space for his work — a sign of their unwavering support for his growing curiosity.

  Zain didn’t interact with many people. He mostly kept to his family and the ever-loyal Morris, who had been by his side since birth. He spent his days reading old texts and quietly observing the Dukedom, soaking in every detail. The energy inside him, full of untapped potential, seemed to flow into a strange egg his mother had given him. It pulsed with life, absorbing his energy and hinting at something incredible — something beyond what most could understand.

  One autumn morning, as the cold of winter approached, Zain sat in the warm library, surrounded by towering stacks of books. The shelves were not enough to hold all the knowledge he sought. Lost in his reading, he didn’t notice the chill in the air, his mind drifting through the wisdom of the past.

  The heavy oak doors creaked open, and Ruby and Lily entered quietly. Their voices, full of warmth and concern, broke the peaceful silence.

  "Zain… Zain… Zain!" they called softly.

  Startled, Zain looked up. "Oh… yes, Ru," he replied, using his affectionate nickname for them, a sign of the deep bond they had formed over the years.

  "Come, Zain, you need to eat," Lily said gently, her smile full of care.

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  "Just one more book," Zain pleaded, his eyes already drawn back to the pages in front of him.

  "Three days, Zain. You’ve been in here for three days," Ruby reminded him, her gentle tone hiding her worry.

  "Exactly. It’s only been three days. Maybe you could bring food here, Li?" Zain suggested half-heartedly. He knew they were right, and he valued their care too much to argue seriously.

  "That’s not happening," Ruby said firmly. "You will join us for a meal, or I’ll lock you out of this place for… two hours, let’s say?"

  Zain gave a small, defeated smile. "It’s hard to refuse you, Ru. Let’s go."

  They walked through the grand halls to Zain’s room, a simple space he rarely used. Beside his bed lay the egg his mother had given him, now ten times its original size. Izark had noticed its growth but never asked questions, respecting its mysterious origins.

  At the dining table, a feast fit for a week awaited him. Zain devoured it in minutes. To Ruby and Lily, this was no longer surprising; it was just another sign of his boundless energy.

  After eating, Zain sent a maid to call for Izark. Alone again, he went to the egg, placing his hands on its smooth, warm surface. His energy flowed into it, deepening the bond that had grown stronger over the years.

  "I know you’re close. Hurry," he whispered softly, his voice full of hope.

  The egg absorbed his energy until it could hold no more, darkening for a moment before returning to its glowing state. Zain left the room, leaving the egg pulsing with life, ready to reveal its secret.

  High in the tallest tower, Izark stood by the window, looking over the vast Dukedom — fields, forests, and rivers stretching far into the distance. Morris stood beside him, ready to report on the state of their lands.

  "That covers all current matters. My lord, young master Zain’s hunger for books has grown even more. Is it possible he’s read them all?" Morris asked, a mix of disbelief and admiration in his voice.

  "What do you think?" Izark replied, his tone amused, his eyes shining with pride.

  "Considering he often spends over a week in the library and his rapid growth… I believe he could. At this rate, he might reach maturity within a year. Yet, he seems to have no interest in magic or the arcane arts," Morris added thoughtfully.

  "You mentioned his reading," Izark noted with curiosity.

  "Yes, but he focuses on agriculture, architecture, and stories from other planes. He says practical knowledge is the most important thing to learn first," Morris explained, clearly impressed by Zain’s wisdom.

  "Let’s hear what he has to say for himself. He should be here any moment to…" Izark’s words trailed off as a polite knock interrupted him. Zain entered the room calmly, his presence confident but relaxed.

  "Good morning. How are things, Izark?" Zain greeted him casually, showing none of the formal respect expected from most.

  Izark, used to his son’s teasing nature, couldn’t help but see a bit of Vanessa in him. "You know many nobles tremble at my name, yet you talk to me so casually. I could punish you for that," he joked with a smile.

  "True, you could — but you won’t. Now, about the Dukedom… it seems you’re having some trouble keeping things in order. Why is that?" Zain asked casually, reclining on the couch, his gaze drifting to the ornate ceiling.

  Izark sighed deeply, the burden of leadership clear in his voice. "There are many reasons. We lack capable people, and trust is hard to find. But why the sudden interest?" he asked curiously.

  Morris nodded, looking tired but hopeful. "Indeed, my lord. We don’t have the money to hire the talent we need. Without your strength, the Dukedom would be in danger. We’re missing strategic minds to guide us through these troubled times."

  Zain smiled confidently, with a hint of mischief. "Why look for others when you have me?" he asked, his eyes shining with determination and youthful pride.

  The room fell silent as his words hung in the air. Though still young, Zain was full of promise — a promise that might be the key to stabilizing and improving the Dukedom’s future.