Five Minutes to Chaos
As Ayra hurried back to the castle, the ground continued to rumble with aftershocks, echoing in a low, ominous roar. The people of the estate were visibly shaken, though as she scanned the crowd on her way back, it didn’t seem like anyone had been seriously injured.
Her gaze first landed on the dust-covered townsfolk, then slowly lifted to the massive notification window hovering beside the castle’s highest tower.
[Days Until the Fall of Solar Estate: D-234]
Ayra bit down on her already swollen lip, hard enough that fresh blood seeped out.
‘This may be modeled after a game system, but this isn’t actually a game. That message means someone—or something—is actively working to destroy this estate.’
Her sharp glare pierced the notification as a faint crease formed between her delicate brows.
Who was trying to bring this land to ruin?
The idea that her family’s deaths had been intentional rather than accidental suddenly felt far more plausible. The image of a devastated, crumbling estate resurfaced in her mind, stirring an unsettling sense of déjà vu.
By the time she reached the castle, Jinas, along with the knight commander, the treasurer, and the administrative officers, were all engaged in a grave discussion. The moment Ayra entered through the front gates—when she was supposed to have been inside the castle—their eyes widened in shock.
Jinas, looking utterly startled, rushed toward her.
"Lady Ayra! Where on earth have you been?"
“Just outside for a bit. More importantly, the lower castle walls have completely collapsed. Some of the residential homes have been partially destroyed, too.”
At her words, Jinas' expression darkened with deep concern. It seemed the news of the collapsing walls hadn’t reached them yet.
“Understood. We don't know when another earthquake might strike—Lady Ayra, it would be best for you to remain inside for now. Sir Bloom, escort the lord safely to their chambers—”
Ayra cut him off before he could finish, stepping forward to block Bloom’s path.
"No. I’m not ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ staying inside. First, send the knights and soldiers down to handle the damage. Then, we’ll proceed with the succession ceremony immediately.”
An earthquake, the ominous D-234 countdown—this was no time to be concerned with tradition or formalities.
She needed to officially take the lord’s seat as soon as possible and gain full authority over the estate. There was no time to delay.
However, Jinas did not immediately acknowledge her command.
“But... It has not been long since the former lord’s passing...”
"My late father would have wanted his rightful heir—me—to stabilize the estate as quickly as possible.”
Ayra’s tone remained even, but suspicion flickered in her eyes as she observed Jinas hesitating strangely.
Even though Jinas was acting as the acting lord, he still wouldn’t have the same level of authority as the true lord.
And in times of crisis, the absence of a ruling lord could be catastrophic.
With the castle walls destroyed, Solar Estate was now completely vulnerable to external threats.
And yet, he was still trying to delay the succession ceremony?
That alone was more than enough to make Ayra wary.
Perhaps realizing the same, the young steward bit his lip, then finally nodded.
“We will handle the disaster recovery first. Then, we will begin the succession ceremony.”