The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

Hearts in the Courtyard

April 10th, 1810

Location: House of Ivanovich, Tsarigrad Citadel

Many days had passed since that fateful day when the truth finally came to light within the Ivanovich family—the truth about the child they had once called their own. From the outskirts of the grand, lavish domain of the Tsarigrad Citadel, several inquisitive carriages arrived, escorted by armed knights. At the very center of the procession stood a striking black steam car, its rear pipes exhaling thin streams of smoke into the cold air.

Emperor Graviil stood firm beside his two grandchildren, Aleksander and Violet, all dressed impeccably—as though expecting honored guests despite the chaos still raging in the world beyond the Citadel walls. Their faint smiles were polite yet subdued, unable to fully hide the weight of recent events.

All around them, servants, butlers, maids, and royal guards stood at attention, twelve meters apart on each side. Their silence and composure reflected both reverence and caution in the presence of the royal family—the King, the Princess, and the soon-to-be heir of the Grand Russian Empire.

And then, the moment came.

The doors of the black steam car opened gracefully, releasing a gust of wind that swept through the courtyard. Two familiar figures stepped out, their silhouettes catching the golden hue of dusk—none other than Teslaine and Miss Victoria.

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the onlookers. Graviil approached with a bright grin, his arms wide open. "Good evening, Lady Victoria! How was your long journey from London to Moscow? It must have been exhausting!"

Victoria bowed her head respectfully, her smile as composed as ever. "We are doing well, Your Majesty. It is truly an honor to stand before you, Emperor Graviil."

Graviil chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "No need for such formality. Please, call me Sir Graviil."

Victoria shook her head gently. "Oh, but I could never. As grateful as I am for your kindness, I wouldn't dare overstep such respect."

Her words carried genuine humility, and yet Graviil couldn't help but laugh heartily. "You overthink it too much. Truly, I insist—I am not one who clings to titles."

Victoria hesitated, then nodded. "I... understand, Sir Graviil."

As the air grew still again, Graviil's gaze shifted to the petite girl standing beside Victoria. Teslaine's eyes were distant—cold, as though the world itself had lost meaning to her. Kneeling slightly, Graviil softened his expression and asked gently, "Hey there. May I have the honor of knowing your name, Miss?"

Teslaine remained silent at first. Her gaze met his—steady, unreadable. The silence was deafening, heavy with everything unspoken. Victoria, standing beside her, could only watch in quiet guilt. She knew this silence well; it was the weight of betrayal. The truth of Teslaine's father—of the man he truly was—had shattered everything.

Graviil tilted his head, concern flickering in his voice. "Are you feeling unwell, dear?"

Victoria tried to step in. "No, she's just fatigued, Your Majes—"

But Teslaine's calm, icy voice cut through hers like a blade.

"Why did you bring us here?" Her tone was low, controlled, yet soaked in sorrow. "You went to great lengths to track us down. For what? What do you want from us?"

Graviil let her words hang in the air. His eyes softened further. He sensed the storm of emotions behind them—pain, anger, confusion. "Why do you think I would have malicious intent?" he asked quietly.