The Hero's Puppet Master

"Come on, Ron, I want to buy everything!" Aurelia yelled out, her voice full of excitement as she sprinted toward the marketplace.

Ronan trailed behind, hands thrust deep into his pockets, his expression one of resigned patience. "Yeah, yeah. What is it this time?" he said in a half-teasing tone.

She stopped and turned back, her emerald eyes gleaming. "Let's see… new dresses, gear, and definitely a new sword!" Without waiting for a response, she darted toward a clothing shop.

As they wandered into the bustling store, she wasted no time diving into the racks, picking out flowing dresses, sturdy leather armor, and sparkling accessories.

He entered calmly, ignoring her excitement, but he did place a purse that weighed like a boulder against the counter. "What she wants," he told her. "Just hurry this."

The merchant's eyes popped, tallying the growing selection that was being placed on top of the pile.

"A beautiful shade and very practical," Aurelia teased, holding up a stylish red tunic to view Ronan with a raised eyebrow. "What do you think?"

Ronan shrugged, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Just buy what you want and let's move on."

Satisfied with her haul, Aurelia practically skipped out of the store, bags in hand. "Next stop: the blacksmith!"

The forge glowed brightly, filling the air with the sharp scent of molten metal and burning coal. Aurelia's eyes sparkled as she examined the array of weapons displayed on the walls.

Ronan stood beside her, arms crossed, his eyes contemplating her. Every sword she uses chips or breaks within just a few fights. I have to get her something that can deal with her energy—a weapon such as my black sword.

Aurelia picked up one sword after another, checking their weight, balance, and mana flow. She swung each blade delicately, allowing her energy to coat the metal before moving on.

After some thought, her eyes settled on a nice, subtly curved blade. She grasped the hilt of it, and a tiny hum reverberated through the air as her mana flowed completely into the sword.

"This one," she said with a beam of excitement. "I can feel it. It's perfect."

Ronan nodded at her as if approving. "Good choice."

They paid for the blade, the blacksmith nodding at them respectfully as they left.

Aurelia held the sword up, admiring the way it caught the light. "Now I'm ready for anything!"

Ronan chuckled softly. "Let's just hope this one lasts longer than the others."

The busy marketplace became quiet as the sun set. Ronan and Aurelia walked toward a small, cozy house on the edge of town. Aurelia's excitement was clear as they neared the simple home they had rented with money earned from unofficial missions for the past 5 years.

She gripped the bags tightly, her green eyes sparkling with joy. "Ronan! Our own place! I'm going to decorate everything—curtains, rugs, maybe even flowers by the windows!"

He smiled at her energy but stayed quiet as he unlocked the door. Inside, the house was plain but warm, with a small kitchen, a sitting area, and two bedrooms.

Aurelia rushed inside, looking around like a child seeing magic for the first time. "This is perfect!" she said. "Finally, a home of our own!"

Ronan watched her with a small smile before taking their bags to his room. Closing the door behind him, he let out a quiet sigh as he put down his gear. From his space pouch, he pulled out an old, leather-bound journal and sat at a small desk by the window.

He opened the journal and began flipping through its pages, which were filled with notes, drawings, and quick scribbles. It was a record of his past lives—of what he had done right, what he had done wrong, and all the plans he had made to prepare for the coming war.

His thoughts shifted to Aurelia's progress.

We're both at S-rank now, barely. But that's not with her using divine magic. When she does, it'll be more power than mine. Still, this much power won't win her this war. Not this time.

He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. Every time, I made mistakes. I reached S-rank and dived headfirst into the fray.

This time, we have to train smarter and plan better. Seven years is not much time, but we will reach our peak.

He flipped through to a page marked "Demon Activity" and concentrated on his notes. His brows furrowed as he read about the Copper Mine Incident in the Greyvein town.

Adventurers had reported seeing demon knights at the mine before it collapsed, killing nearly everyone inside.

"Why were they there?" He thought to himself. "Copper isn't important to demons. Were they looking for something? Or was it just a distraction?"

He wrote a reminder to check the mine himself, then flipped to another page. The name Villmore Village stood out in bold letters, and his hand froze.

And then his vision became foggy. Memories flooded him like a wave: fire spreading through Villmore, people screaming, and a woman's voice wailing in desperation.

"Ronan!" she shrieked, the pain etched in her voice.

He clutched the journal tightly to his chest and wept upon its pages. He shook his head and blinked to bring himself back to the present.

"I'll change it all," he whispered, his voice shaking but full of resolve. "I'll save them… and I'll make Zorak pay for everything."

He closed the journal and slid it back into his pouch. This time, I'll be ready. We'll be ready.

From the kitchen, Aurelia called out, her cheerful voice cutting through his thoughts. "Ronan! Should we get curtains with flowers or plain ones?"

Ronan wiped his face quickly and laughed. "Whatever you want, Aur. Just don't go crazy."

Days later.

In the sitting room of Valtoria Manor, Lady Seraphina Valtoria sat with quiet poise, her emerald gown glinting faintly under the chandelier's light. Across from her, Baron Kael Durnholde leaned forward, his expression tense.

"Lady Valtoria," Kael said, his voice low. "Declaring this at the capital will change everything in Elysium politics. Opposition will come from all sides, and assassins are already being sent after you."

Seraphina's gaze didn't waver. Her voice was calm but firm. "My husband's death was not in vain, Baron Kael Drunholde. What he started, I will finish."

He studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Very well. I am the best friend of your husband and a loyal subject to this Voltoria family. I'll stand by you, even if it puts my own life at risk."

"Thank you," she said softly.

"But," he added, his tone cautious, "if you're going to capital for this, you'll need stronger protection. I'll send two of my trustworthy to ensure your safety."

Her brows arched slightly. "Who?"