“What?!” Jonas Alfredson looked up in shock, staring at Ian Alfredson.
Ian stood there calmly, arms crossed, not saying another word. His cold, indifferent expression, however, repeated the question loud and clear.
“That’s impossible!” Jonas muttered, shaking his head. He reached out instinctively to touch the throats of the men lying nearby. His hand jerked back as if burned-their skin was ice cold. Every one of them was long dead.
“H-How… how is this possible?” Cold sweat broke out on Jonas’s forehead. He had seen death before-being a son of the Alfredson family meant he’d been exposed to more than most-but this was on another level entirely. Those men had only been knocked unconscious moments ago. Not killed. So how did this happen?
Ian casually picked up the sword at his waist and began pacing slowly, his voice cool and detached. “You thought they were just knocked out like you do? His techniques are made for killing. If he doesn’t aim to kill, what’s the point of his skill?”
Jonas’s face turned pale. “You mean… he killed them just now?”
Ian chuckled darkly. “Of course. What kind of dumb question is that? He’s my master! A legend who’s lived his life surrounded by death.”
“Wait-are you saying…” Jonas’s eyes widened with disbelief. “He’s the war god? The one with the broken blade who stood at the border and kept the enemy army at bay for three whole years?”
Growing up in the Alfredson family, Jonas knew more than most about the legends that shaped the world.
Ian gave a small smile. “Why else would I take him as my master?”
Jonas blinked in astonishment, trying to process everything. Ian continued, his tone turning almost mocking. “You kneeling to him wasn’t a disgrace. It was an honor. For the Alfredson family to bow to someone like him is a privilege. You should wear it as a badge of pride, not shame. Today taught you something important: whether you’re dealing with people or situations, sometimes it’s better to yield and minimize risks. You’re still too young, little master. In front of people like him, you’ve got a long way to go.”
Instead of feeling insulted, Jonas nodded earnestly, taking Ian’s words to heart.
Ian pressed on. “Kneeling won’t make people look down on you. Sure, you might get laughed at in the beginning, but if you own it, no one can mock you. A real man knows when to bend and when to stand tall. It’s not shameful. If you want to lead the Alfredson family one day, you’ll need to do what others can’t, endure what others won’t.”
Jonas’s eyes lit up as if a fog had cleared. “I understand now!” he said firmly.
“Though,” he added, “I do have one question: why does that guy dress so casually? He’s a warlord, for crying out loud! Why act like some random nobody? Isn’t that just… overkill?”
Ian smirked, shaking his head. “That’s exactly what makes him extraordinary. He’s beyond all that superficial crap. No flashy uniforms or titles for him-his power speaks for itself. True strength doesn’t need to be advertised. The fact that he doesn’t care about appearances only proves how far above us he is.”
“Here’s a simple truth: don’t judge a book by its cover. It’s a rookie mistake. If you ever take over the Alfredson family and can’t even spot something so obvious, you’ll drag the entire family down with you.”
Jonas nodded slowly, Ian’s words sinking in. With newfound determination, he said, “I get it now. Thank you.”
“You sure?” Ian asked skeptically.
Jonas squared his shoulders. “Absolutely. I’m the future head of the Alfredson family. Don’t worry-I won’t let you down. Ian, I’ll never forget your guidance today. When I become the head, you’ll have your place at my side.”
Ian snorted, brushing him off. “Whatever. I’ll earn my keep with my skills, not favors.”
By the time Kayden Scott returned home, it was already past ten. Georgia Adams was in bed, sound asleep. Kayden moved quietly, careful not to disturb her, savoring the peace of the moment as he lay down. This was his sanctuary, the only time and place where his restless mind could truly be at ease.
These past three years had been the happiest of his life. For once, he wasn’t just a weapon, a machine programmed to kill. Even as a “fool,” he had felt the warmth of humanity, the joy of simply being alive.
“You’re back?” Georgia’s voice broke the silence, startling him.
He turned, surprised. “You’re not asleep?”
She huffed. “Did you forget what I went through today?”
Her words hit him like a punch to the gut. She’d had a rough day, and he’d left her alone to face it. Guilt washed over him as he mumbled, “I’m sorry. I came back late.”
Georgia turned over, her scent wafting through the air as she faced him. Though their eyes couldn’t meet in the dark, the tension between them was palpable.
“I thought you weren’t coming back at all,” she said, her tone a mix of accusation and hurt.
This wasn’t the first time Kayden had faced her scolding, but tonight felt different. Her voice carried a note of vulnerability, an edge of desperation that made him pause.
He gazed into the darkness, his voice soft but steady. “This is my home. Where else would I go? Here, with you, is where my heart belongs.”
Georgia’s breath hitched at his words. They were the most heartfelt thing she’d ever heard from him. But… why now? Was he trying to butter her up because he felt guilty?
Men only said things like this when they were hiding something. Narrowing her eyes, she took a deep breath and asked, “Tell me honestly. Do you have a thing for girls like Leah? Are you falling for her?”