The first light of dawn painted the barren wasteland in muted hues as the trio moved through the desolate terrain.

  Lucian clung to Leo's back, his body still weak but his mind sharper than ever. The air was cold and dry, each step a rhythmic echo in the lifeless expanse.

  Breaking the silence, Lucian's voice carried a note of curiosity, though his words were anything but idle.

  "Leo, let's be frank. If you had the backing of a Paladin, an exiled bishop, an army of angry peasants, and the power of the printing press... would you take the mantle of Earl? Would you rule over us, young master Kraina?"

  Leo came to a sudden halt, nearly causing Lucian to slip from his back.

  "I'm not sure I follow." He glanced over his shoulder, his expression guarded.

  Theo, walking slightly ahead, turned back and nodded to Lucian. With a sigh, Leo gently set Lucian down, and the trio stood amidst the wasteland as the conversation unfolded.

  Theo broke the silence first.

  "The clothes you were wearing when we found you—made of fabric far too expensive for common folk." His tone was neutral but probing.

  Lucian leaned lightly against a nearby rock, smirking faintly.

  "Your knowledge of literature, history, and mathematics is... uncommon. And not just for a commoner—those subjects are reserved for the children of the upper class."

  "And the middle class," Leo countered quickly.

  Theo wasn't deterred. "When I went to the city to buy paper, I heard rumors. Rumors of a missing young master of Kraina. Red-haired. Named Leo."

  Leo's laugh was hollow, almost bitter. "There must be hundreds of children with red hair named Leo."

  "True." Lucian reached into his robes, pulling out a small, gleaming object. "But how many of them have this?"

  The brooch glinted in the rising sun, its intricate design unmistakable. An Imperial emblem bearing the visage of the Holy Emperor.

  Leo's eyes widened, and for a brief moment, his confident fa?ade faltered.

  "This," Lucian said calmly, "is given exclusively to noble children during their debutante ceremony at the Imperial Palace. We found it on you."

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  Leo let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. You've got me. Yes, I'm a child of the count. But I'm not the one you're looking for. I can't help you."

  "Why not?" Lucian asked, his gaze sharp.

  "Because I'm an illegitimate child," Leo admitted, his voice heavy. "And now that they've discovered what I really am—a beastman—I have no place in that family. Not anymore."

  Lucian straightened slightly, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. "But you do have a place. Legally and technically, you're still a member of that house."

  Leo's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about? The knights were sent after me!"

  Theo stepped forward, his arms crossed. "But not officially. Think about it, Leo. Do you really think the prideful Count Kraina would publicly acknowledge your lineage? Would he admit to mingling his bloodline with another race—no offense."

  "None taken," Leo muttered.

  Lucian pressed on. "No. He wouldn't. It would ruin his reputation among the nobility. To the public, you're not a beastman, nor a runaway. You're simply... missing."

  Leo hesitated, his fists clenching.

  Lucian's voice softened, but his words carried weight. "Imagine it, Leo. An estate where other races can walk freely without fear of enslavement or slaughter. A place where people like you don't have to hide."

  "That's a nice dream," Leo said bitterly. "But it's just that—a dream. The prejudices of this world run too deep. Changing them is harder than you think."

  Lucian's smirk returned, a spark of confidence in his eyes. "Not anymore. You've seen it yourself—the printing press. With that, we can shape public opinion. We could turn the masses against saints or crown the Demon King himself if we wanted."

  Leo frowned, skeptical. "It's impressive, I'll admit. But I find it hard to believe that alone could sway public opinion so drastically."

  Lucian chuckled to himself. If only you knew how that machine changed the course of history in my world.

  "Let's make a wager, then," Lucian said, stepping closer. "I'll ignite a rebellion in the hearts of the people. If—no, when—that happens, you'll take your rightful place as the lord of this county."

  Leo crossed his arms. "And if it doesn't?"

  Lucian shrugged, his tone casual but firm. "Then I'll personally escort you across the rift with Theo. You'll have your freedom, one way or another."

  Leo's lips pressed into a thin line. "You mean we'll escape. By that time, both of you will be fugitives too."

  "True," Lucian said with a smirk. "But that's a risk I'm willing to take. Or you can leave now. Go on your own and pray you survive out there."

  Leo glanced away, his inner conflict visible on his face.

  "And the aftermath?" Leo asked finally. "Even if you succeed, the neighboring estates will seize the opportunity to annex us. The imperial family might step in and declare this land under direct administration."

  Lucian's eyes gleamed with cunning. "There's one institution higher than the aristocracy, isn't there?"

  Theo's head snapped toward him, alarmed. "Lucian, you can't mean—"

  "We'll bring the Church into this," Lucian said, his tone decisive.

  "You're exiled!" Theo shot back. "You can't—"

  "Am I?" Lucian interrupted, his gaze piercing. "I read the scripture. The Church has the authority to sever heretical priests from divine grace, cutting them off from their power. Yet here I stand, still connected to divinity."

  Theo hesitated. "That... that means your exile wasn't meant to be permanent. Your father petitioned the Curia for leniency. He wanted you to reflect and repent."

  Lucian's grin widened. "Then tell me, Theo. How do I return?"

  Theo sighed deeply. "Through penitence and a divine vow."

  "Simple enough. What would they make me vow?"

  "Loyalty. To the Pope," Theo replied reluctantly.

  "And how old is the Pope?" Lucian asked casually.

  "Eighty-three," Theo said, frowning.

  "And the average lifespan?"

  Theo groaned, exasperated. "The same as any other human."

  Lucian chuckled. "Then I'll even lick his shoes if I have to."

  "Lucian…" Theo looked at him with concern.

  "Don't worry, Theo," Lucian said, his tone reassuring but laced with determination. "I have a plan. And Leo—on the condition that I secure the Church's support—will you accept?"

  Leo stared at him for a long moment, then let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. But this better work."

  Lucian's smirk deepened. "It will."

  "Now then. Shall we return?"

  The trio finally arrived back at the village, the first light of dawn casting a soft glow over the landscape.

  "The fields… they're full of wildflowers," Lucian remarked, his gaze drifting over the vibrant sea of yellow.

  "Dandelions," Leo said with a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "They were the symbol of Old Kraina. A symbol of resilience."

  Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly, taking in the sight. "Even in cursed land, they endure, don't they?"

  Leo nodded. "No matter how harsh the conditions, dandelions always find a way to grow. It's their nature."

  Lucian smirked as an idea took root in his mind. "Dandelions…" He paused for a moment, considering the metaphor. "A fitting symbol, wouldn't you say?"

  Leo hummed thoughtfully as they continued toward the village.