Grey froze for a moment, visibly shaken. How did he know I was following him? he wondered.

"Don't bother thinking about it," Roman cut in sharply, reading his silence. "Just finish your job already. The children are getting scared."

Without another word, Grey stepped forward. In a matter of minutes, he defeated the thugs and had them restrained. The terrified children slowly came out from hiding.

The shopkeeper, who had been watching everything from the doorway, approached nervously. "Young master Roman… why did you lie earlier, saying you were just a traveler?"

Roman glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Because I wanted to walk freely for once. And I was hungry, so I came here. Nothing more."

Then he turned back to the children. As he reached out his hand, one of the girls stepped back in fear. "P-please don't hurt us! We won't come here again," she stammered.

Roman knelt down so he could look her in the eyes. His voice softened. "Don't worry. I would never hurt you. I only want to help."

He straightened and addressed the shopkeeper. "Do as I said before. Provide these children with three meals a day, and send the bills directly to me."

The shopkeeper bowed deeply. "Yes, young master. I will do so."

Roman's gaze shifted to Grey. "Now, you can return to the palace with the thugs. And there's no need to follow me anymore."

Grey hesitated, his voice firm. "I can't do that, young master Roman. Lady Selena ordered me to keep an eye on you."

Roman's eyes narrowed. "So, you admit it openly now."

Grey met his gaze without flinching. "The truth is exposed, young master. Why would I lie?"

Roman thought for a moment before giving a faint smirk. "Fine then. Since you refuse to leave, join me in this venture instead."

Grey handed the thugs over to the nearby knight station, then fell into step beside Roman as they walked through the village. Roman broke the silence first.

"Tell me, Grey… what do you think about the condition of this village? Of our dukedom as a whole?"

Grey's expression darkened. "It's like living in hell. People go hungry, children starve, water is filthy, and healers charge so much that only the rich can afford treatment. The poor die while nobles fill their coffers."

Roman walked in silence for a moment, his hands tightening into fists. His thoughts drifted inward. This is worse than I imagined. In my past life as king, I emptied the coffers of greedy nobles to ensure my people lived well. That decision cost me my life. But this time… if I must live again, I will change this world from its very core.

Breaking the silence, Roman asked, "So tell me, Grey. What would you do if you had the power to change things?"

Grey's answer came cold and sharp. "If I had power enough, I would kill the royal family."

Roman's eyes flickered with surprise, though he hid it well. A dangerous man. I'll have to keep an eye on him.

Grey glanced at the setting sun. "It's late, young master. Tonight is the family dinner. You should return to the palace."

"You're not coming?" Roman asked.

"I must report to Lady Selena first." Grey vanished into the shadows, leaving Roman alone once again.

Roman sighed. "There he goes again… Still, it's time I start laying the groundwork. Slowly, carefully—I'll begin reshaping this world."

By the time he reached the palace gates, the sky was painted in twilight. Waiting near the entrance was Lyra, who hurried over as soon as she saw him.

"Young master Roman! How was your day?" she asked, her face full of curiosity.

"Not good at all," Roman replied bluntly. "Prepare a bath. I need to wash this day off me."

"Yes, young master."

After a long bath, Roman dressed and made his way to the grand dining hall. Waiting for him at the table were Duke Jacob and his elder sister, Selena—both ready with questions in their eyes.