---

  Butler Levan, Lord Austin, and Commander of the Lavoisier Knights, Gerald Franklin, were discussing the upcoming joint training exercise with the imperial palace troops.

  “This joint training is part of our preparations to safeguard the Empire’s southern border, given the increasing frequency of demonic beast attacks,” said Gerald.

  “These attacks have indeed been intensifying lately. And since the southern region falls under Lavoisier’s jurisdiction, the consequences of a breach would be disastrous for us,” Austin replied, clearly concerned.

  “Exactly, Your Grace. That’s why the palace is sending reinforcements. A breach wouldn’t just hurt Lavoisier—it would threaten the palace as well. The southern region is a vital trade route for merchants,” Gerald added.

  “Conduct the training properly. We need to prepare the soldiers mentally before they face the battlefield,” Austin commanded.

  “Yes, Your Grace,” Gerald responded firmly.

  “Let’s observe the knights’ training session,” Austin suggested.

  “Of course, Your Grace. Please, this way,” Gerald said, as he and Butler Levan followed Austin.

  When they arrived at the training grounds, they found six knights in the middle of a heated argument while the others looked on. Gerald’s face darkened at the sight—clearly, the knights had not resumed training after their break.

  The observing knights stiffened the moment they noticed their Commander and the Lord of the House approaching. They immediately assumed a ready stance, awaiting Gerald’s command.

  Austin overheard part of the argument—and to his surprise, they were talking about his third son.

  *Why are they mentioning my third son?* Austin thought, eyebrows furrowing.

  “I apologize, Your Grace. You had to witness such an undignified display,” Gerald said, ashamed.

  “It’s all right. They probably haven’t realized we’re here yet,” Austin replied.

  Without another word, Gerald strode toward the quarreling group.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “What do you think you’re doing?!” Gerald barked.

  The six knights instantly ceased their argument. Seeing both the Commander and the Head of the House approach together sent a wave of fear through them. They quickly lined up, ready to face punishment.

  “I’ll ask one more time—what were you doing?” Gerald’s voice was laced with a chilling aura that made sweat bead on their foreheads.

  “Commander, sir! We were arguing over food,” Yustaf finally managed to say.

  “What?! You got into a heated argument... over food?” Gerald was dumbfounded.

  “Erick, what are you doing here?” Butler Levan asked sharply.

  Erick froze at the question, internally blaming the others for dragging him into this mess.

  “Your Grace, Butler Levan,” Erick began nervously. “Today, the Third Young Master gave me some food. I wanted to share it with Yustaf during the break, but the others wanted more than just one piece, and that’s how this all started. Please forgive us.” The six knights bowed deeply in unison, admitting their fault.

  “Kieran made the food?” Austin asked, seeking confirmation.

  “Yes, Your Grace. The Third Young Master prepared the food himself and gave it to me,” Erick said quickly, revealing the pizza Kieran had made.

  The three men examined the dish. Its appearance was strange, but the aroma was absolutely enticing.

  “My apologies, Your Grace. If you don’t mind, would you like to try the food the Third Young Master made?” Erick offered, certain that their praise would only elevate Kieran’s reputation further.

  Austin, Gerald, and Butler Levan took a bite, while Erick explained how to eat pizza. The five knights watching them could only swallow their envy as they watched their superiors enjoy the delicious treat.

  The three men were shocked after the first bite. It was incredible—no wonder the knights had fought over it. Austin’s heart swelled with pride. His third son clearly possessed extraordinary culinary talent.

  “This... is amazing,” Gerald said, eyes wide with delight.

  “Indeed. An absolutely exquisite dish,” Levan agreed.

  “My third son has a hidden talent,” Austin said with a proud smile.

  Erick beamed, thrilled that his Young Master was gaining recognition not for his death magic, but for his cooking.

  “If I may, Your Grace, I’d like to give this to you. I’m sure the Third Young Master would be delighted to hear that you finished his dish,” Erick said, handing over the remaining pizza.

  “Oh? Are you sure? Kieran gave it to you,” Austin asked, hesitant.

  “It’s no problem, Your Grace. Since it was made by the Third Young Master, it’s only right that his father enjoys it to the last bite,” Erick insisted.

  “Then, thank you,” Austin said as he accepted it, secretly eager for more.

  “With pleasure, Your Grace,” Erick replied with a smile.

  At Gerald’s command, the training ground soon returned to order. Austin and Butler Levan departed for the mansion, while Erick returned to his duties. Kieran became the talk of the estate—his cooking was now coveted by every knight eager for a taste.

  Austin later handed the remaining pizza to the Lavoisier family chef, curious if it could be replicated. The chef was amazed and promised to reproduce Kieran’s creation exactly.

  Meanwhile, Kieran remained unaware of the chaos he’d stirred. He sat quietly on the balcony, watching the sunset.

  ---

  **The next day**, after completing his daily routine, Kieran resumed his training in death magic. He had begun to control life absorption—either completely draining or lightly siphoning life energy. His body was now saturated with life energy, which made him immune to illness and caused his wounds to heal almost instantly. It was as if he possessed regenerative powers.

  While reading in the main hall, a sudden surge of death energy erupted from Kieran’s body without warning. Alarmed, he tried to suppress it, but failed. This was the very scenario the nobles had feared—Kieran losing control.

  All this time, he had focused on how to *use* death magic, not how to *contain* it. What he thought was control only applied during absorption—not when the energy leaked out on its own.

  Dark smoke now coiled around his body. Kieran stepped into the garden and stood silently among blooming flowers, curious to see if the black mist would affect them.

  At first, nothing happened. He didn’t feel life energy being drawn in either. But after nearly an hour of stillness, he noticed a change—the vibrant flowers began to wilt. Their petals dropped, and their leaves followed soon after.

  This was different from when he intentionally absorbed a flower’s energy—back then, they only withered. Now, they were decaying.

  The death energy leaking from him was far more dangerous. It worked slowly, but its effects were devastating. Kieran realized he could no longer be near living beings without harming them. The full weight of his curse settled upon him.

  Now he understood why he had been locked away. Until he could fully control this death energy, he would remain a prisoner in the mansion.

  ---