Entry VToday, for the first time in a long while, I can finally say something with a bit of lightness:We made it through.The pressure of these past days has felt like a stone suspended above our heads, ready to fall at any moment.But now—there is light breaking through.And who would’ve thought the one to change everything…was Livia and that “treasure map” she found on that idle afternoon behind the northern hills?That piece of parchment—turned out to be real.We followed the markings, sent out a few trusted workers, and began quietly digging late at night.What we unearthed was a stone-sealed ancient well.At first, there were scattered jewels and relics.But deeper down—there were sealed stairs, and a vast hidden vault.We brought in a few trustworthy antiquities experts, and every single one of them was left speechless.Then came their unanimous verdict:These were noble treasures from the early Empire.Authentic, rare—and worth a fortune.We didn’t report it—and we couldn’t
Diary – Entry IIIWe’re close to breaking. Truly surrounded on all sides.The main road reached the central district—then construction was suddenly ordered to halt, citing “public disturbance.”The rebuilding of the residential quarter had barely been laid when the construction materials “mysteriously disappeared” en route.Even the funding that had already been approved was abruptly frozen—we’re now being asked to submit more paperwork, go through more review processes.But we’ve already submitted everything—three times.There was a time I truly believed:If we had sincerity, vision, and courage, the city would respond to us.But now I realize:The city never responds to anyone.It only protects those already sitting firmly in their seats of power.Elias’ father didn’t come home last night.I know he went to meet some of his “old contacts.”He told me perhaps it was time to “try another way,”that maybe we should start compromising.I understand him—but I’m terrified.Terrified that
The diary was slowly opened—The ink on the first page had already begun to fade, but two names at the very top remained strikingly clear:“To my children: Marcellus and Elias.”For a moment, the air seemed frozen in place.“…This…” Elias stood stunned.Marcellus’s hand paused mid-air, his eyes suddenly darkening with depth.They looked at each other, unsure whether to feel astonished—or afraid.This diary—was left by their parents.Never had they imagined that in the eye of this storm, their parents’ shadows would quietly emerge.“…Keep reading.” Elias said in a low voice, an unfamiliar tension tightening his tone.And so, they continued to read.This long-buried journal would unveil a story none of them had anticipated…The First EntryI hope someday you’ll read this diary.If not… maybe that’s for the best.Today, we officially launched the first phase of the City Expansion Project, together with Edgar.Its codename is “The Ring of Hope.” As the name suggests, we hope to turn this
Livia’s hand was still trembling slightly, but she didn’t stop to rest. She immediately picked up the communicator and dialed a number.“We did it.”Just three words — and on the other end, an eruption of cheers and elation.Within minutes, everything went into motion with rapid coordination.The Grail’s base was personally escorted into the vault by Adrian and Elise, where the fragments they had recovered earlier were already being stored. The chamber was dimly lit, filled with an oppressive, mysterious aura — as if every stone in the walls was silently watching.Adrian gently placed the base next to the fragments.The moment he let go, a faint humming seemed to ripple through the air.A soft glow began to shine from the runes carved beneath the base, and the fragments responded with a light vibration. Then — to everyone’s astonishment — the shards began to levitate, slowly drifting toward the base like metal to a magnet, slotting themselves into its gaps with uncanny precision.Clic
Chapter 244: A New DreamThe atmosphere in the room eased slightly. That quip about “the importance of a good wife” had brought a rare moment of warmth and closeness between them.Adrian muttered under his breath, “Come on, sis, don’t tease me…”Beside him, Elise’s cheeks flushed pink. She tugged gently at Livia’s sleeve and murmured, half protesting, half embarrassed, “We’re… not married yet…”Livia couldn’t help but laugh aloud. Only in front of these trusted loved ones could she afford to shed that heavy mask, if only for a little while.“By the way, there’s one more thing,” Adrian said suddenly, as if remembering something. He turned and rummaged through his bag, then carefully pulled out an old leather-bound journal. The pages were yellowed, the cover stained by water—clearly aged and weathered.He handed it over carefully.“We found this near the well.”Livia flipped through it but didn’t start reading.“No rush. This isn’t something we should go through casually,” she said calm
Night had fallen thick over the forest, the air humming faintly with insectsong.Livia stood at the edge of the hunter’s lodge for some time, eyes locked on the direction Jim had vanished. She didn’t move. She didn’t call anyone. Her heart was a tidal surge of thoughts, but her expression remained unreadable.Only after she was certain Jim was far—truly gone, with not even a possibility of surveillance—did she finally lift her hand.“Back to the castle.”Red frowned. He clearly didn’t like it, but still led the others away in silence. He knew Livia wasn’t the kind of heiress who needed protection anymore.Once back at the castle, Livia remained on edge. She climbed the tower and opened the mirror array hidden in the inner chamber, scanning for any suspicious eyes before she finally exhaled deeply. Then she unlocked her communicator and sent a coded message—short and sharp, intelligible only to her and Adrian.Not long after, a faint knock came from the hidden corridor.“It’s me,” Adri