In the peaceful, manicured garden of the Lloyd family estate, Donovan stood focused, carefully clipping the hedges with a practiced hand. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the trimmed greenery. Nearby, Sheena folded her arms tightly, her brow furrowed in frustration. "How is Andrew doing?"

"He's not dying anytime soon," she muttered, irritation clear in her voice. "That fool really got under my skin. I still can’t understand why he wouldn’t let me finish off Wilder when I had the chance."

Donovan’s tone remained calm, almost detached. "As long as he’s alive, that’s what counts. Everything else can be sorted out in time. This is… very good indeed."

Sheena’s scowl deepened, a flicker of suspicion crossing her face. "Good? What exactly do you mean by good, Grandpa? What are you talking about?"

Donovan smiled softly, setting the shears down on a nearby stone bench. "Andrew, naturally. Don’t you find him remarkable? To have faced Wilder—a man of such formidable strength—and come through unscathed. That kind of resilience, that fierce spirit… He truly is the Dragon Prince. It seems the Blood-Eyed Black Dragon within his bloodline has finally stirred to life."

Sheena’s expression shifted, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Grandpa, are you suggesting that Andrew was able to stand his ground against Wilder because of the family totem?"

Donovan nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "Exactly. The totem inside him has awakened earlier than Reginald’s ever did. It appears our family’s prodigies are beginning to rise together, each one stronger than before."

A heavy silence settled between them before Sheena spoke again, her voice quieter, almost hesitant. "Grandpa, did you and the others know that Wilder planned to kill Andrew? Were you all just watching and doing nothing?"

Donovan didn’t flinch, his demeanor unshaken. "And if we did? There are many who wish that boy dead—Otto among them. So much is beyond my control. Reginald is halfway across the world and powerless to intervene. Tell me, why shouldn’t we let events unfold as they will?"

He continued, his voice dropping to a low, resolute tone. "Andrew’s journey was never meant to be easy. It’s a harsh path, one only he can walk. The strong never take shortcuts. One day, he will rise above all obstacles and make the world bow before him."

Sheena exhaled slowly, nodding as she absorbed his words. "I get what you’re saying… at least in part. But have you thought about how Andrew’s energy core is also his greatest vulnerability? If he keeps pushing himself like this, eventually he’ll face someone he cannot defeat. When that happens, even Uncle Reginald’s clever plans won’t be enough to save him."

A faint smile played on Donovan’s lips. "You’re heading to the Eastern Stronghold soon, aren’t you? Alfredo is a formidable opponent—a nightmare, really. So why do you insist on facing him?"

Sheena’s lips curved with understanding. "I see it now… Like Andrew, I have to rely on myself to survive. If I can’t, then I’ll die trying. That’s the fate we’ve been dealt."

Donovan shook his head gently. "No, that’s Andrew’s fate, not yours. I’ve already taken steps regarding the Eastern Stronghold. Even if you lose to Alfredo, he won’t dare take your life. The Lloyd family won’t allow any harm to come to you. Not even Swordhaven Keep would risk defying Reginald’s authority."

Sheena bristled, frustration flashing in her eyes. "Why do you always meddle in my battles, Grandpa? Don’t you realize my growth depends on these fights? Facing Alfredo isn’t a choice; it’s necessary."

Donovan’s voice hardened, carrying a weight of authority. "I know that perfectly well. But what I’m doing is making sure Alfredo doesn’t cross the line and kill you. You have no idea what Reginald, Andrew, and I have sacrificed for your sake."

He paused, then added with quiet intensity, "I won’t speak for myself or Reginald. He was your father’s brother, and you know how close they were. When your father was left crippled by the war, Reginald took care of you like his own child—no different from Andrew."

"In fact, he’s always been stricter with Andrew, yet he’s never raised his voice at you. Sheena, don’t mistake the care your elders show you for a mere obligation. Many without family to protect them have already been buried in cold graves. But you… you are loved by all of us. The whole family stands behind you."

He looked at her with steady eyes. "So don’t see this as a burden. Understand it for what it truly is—something done for you. For Andrew, for everything they’ve sacrificed."

"What you owe us," Donovan said softly, "is not obedience, but gratitude. Gratitude towards Reginald and the family."