But the one most shocked was Baron Mortimer. As the instigator who had foolishly targeted the Everhart family out of lust for Isabella, he now trembled with regret.
He hadn't just underestimated the family's strength; he'd walked headfirst into a den of lions. His thoughts spiraled—fear and self-loathing filling his mind.
"How could I have been so foolish…?" he muttered under his breath, his face paling as he watched the siblings reunite.
Celes, who had left her mercenary group to follow Adrian, was equally astonished. Her heart pounded as she witnessed the young lord's strength and control over the situation.
She had expected Adrian to be impressive, but what she saw exceeded even her highest expectations.
Seeing Sophia's victory and Adrian's calm demeanor amidst it all, Celes felt a deep sense of validation.
She knew now, without a doubt, that following Adrian was the best decision she had ever made. There was no limit to what she could achieve at his side.
As Sophia approached, Seraphina, who had been maintaining the barrier, allowed a small opening. Without missing a beat, Sophia leaped through and landed gracefully beside her brother, her face lighting up with excitement.
"Little Brother, what did you think of my fight?" she asked, her eyes sparkling. "Wasn't I cool? You have to admit, I outdid myself this time, right?"
She stood on her toes, peering up at him eagerly, almost like a child seeking praise. "I think I deserve a reward!"
Adrian smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with affection. "You were more than just 'cool,' big sis. You were amazing."
He reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "But I'm just glad you're not hurt. That's what matters most."
Sophia's heart fluttered at his words. The warmth in his gaze, the genuine concern in his voice—it all made her feel cherished.
Unable to hold back, she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace.
Feeling his solid presence against her, she whispered, "I'll always protect our family, Adrian. No matter who stands in our way."
Then, with a surge of emotion, she tilted her head up and pressed her lips against his, kissing him with a fiery passion.
Adrian was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly reciprocated, his arms wrapping around her in a tender yet possessive manner.
Their kiss lingered, filled with unspoken emotions that spoke of deep bonds and unwavering loyalty.
"Mind the place," a soft but firm voice interrupted. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel•fire.net
Sophia and Adrian broke the kiss, turning to see Isabella standing just a few steps away, her gaze a mix of exasperation and amusement.
With a swift motion, Isabella delivered a light chop to the top of Sophia's head.
"Mother!" Sophia pouted, rubbing her head. "You're being jealous right now, aren't you?"
Isabella sighed, but her eyes softened.
"I'm just glad you won against your opponent and that you're not injured." With a gentle smile, she placed her hands over Sophia's body, and a soft golden glow enveloped her daughter.
The Sacred Healing spell washed over Sophia, easing any lingering strain and restoring her vitality.
Sophia blinked, feeling warmth spread through her body. "I'm fine, really… but thank you, Mother." She smiled softly and she hugged Isabella. "I knew you'd always be there for me."
"I will be," Isabella murmured, pressing a kiss to Sophia's forehead. "You're my precious daughter, after all."
Meanwhile, the remnants of Count Vortigern's entourage were still struggling to process what had just transpired. Sir Asmodeus clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.
"What… are these people?" he whispered hoarsely.
Vincent, beside him, shook his head slowly. "They're monsters," he muttered. "That girl—Sophia was it? She shouldn't have been able to defeat Isolde so easily. There's something else at play here."
Baron Mortimer, his face ashen, stared blankly ahead. He could already feel the noose tightening around his neck.
This was no longer a matter of simple revenge or lust. He had kicked a hornet's nest, and now he would pay the price.
But as he glanced back at Adrian and his family, he couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of dread. Whatever it takes, he swore to himself. I have to find a way out of this.
As the scene settled, Celes watched from the side, her chest swelling with pride. Seeing Adrian and his family in action only solidified her determination to follow him. With them, she could reach heights she'd never dared to dream of before.
Sophia, now fully recovered, turned back to Adrian. "So, about my reward…"
Adrian raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly. "Didn't that kiss just now count?"
Sophia shook her head vehemently. "No way! I want something else."
Before Adrian could respond, Seraphina stepped forward, her voice firm. "Enough flirting for now. We still have matters to settle with these prisoners."
Her gaze shifted toward the defeated mages, her eyes sharp and calculating. "What do you plan to do with them, Adrian? They're too dangerous to simply let go."
Adrian's expression turned serious as he nodded. "I've already thought of a way to deal with them."
Sophia's curiosity piqued, but she knew better than to question him. Whatever her brother had planned, she trusted that it would be perfect.
"I'll make sure they won't be a threat to us—or anyone else—ever again," Adrian said softly, a faint, almost dangerous smile playing on his lips.
"They're going to serve the Everhart family from now on, whether they want to or not. But before that I also want to fight and figure out my limits."
Adrian's eyes glinted with a fighting intent, ready to test his limits as he pulls out his enchanted dagger, the blade shimmering with an eerie, pulsating glow.
He took a step forward, addressing both Sir Asmodeus and Vincent with a calm yet commanding tone.
"Same deal," he stated, his voice carrying a weight that silenced the onlookers. "Defeat me, and I'll let you walk free. So… who wants to go first?"
Before Asmodeus could even open his mouth to respond, Vincent stepped forward, as he felt this was the only way to survive for now. His eyes burned with defiance and a hint of desperation.
"I'll fight you," Vincent declared, his voice steady despite the tense atmosphere. He knew this was a gamble—a slim chance at survival, but he would rather die fighting than submit to whatever Adrian had planned for them.
Adrian glanced at Seraphina, and she nodded knowingly. With a wave of her hand, a ripple of mana spread through the air, separating Vincent from the rest of the captives.