Ethan stood on the sidewalk across from "The Captain Slice." The pizzeria looked vibrant, its facade freshly renovated with warm wood and polished brick. But it was the small detail near the entrance that drew the eye: a solid gold "R" emblem, ticulously crafted and bolted to the wall.
It was a stroke of genius in Ethan’s territorial strategy. Any business displaying that R was officially an Affiliate of Royal. It wasn’t a forced protection racket; Ethan allowed every shopkeeper and entrepreneur to operate freely on his lands, offering tax breaks and low utility rates regardless of their status. There was no extortion here. However, those who chose to affiliate received a level of security that even the federal governnt couldn’t provide.
Every affiliated business had a dedicated patrol unit nearby, a direct ergency line, integrated high-tech surveillance, and even hidden automated defense systems within the structures, monitored 24/7 by Crul. Most importantly, Royal provided 100% loss insurance; any damage or theft was reimbursed in full. It was no surprise that 95% of the local businesses had already signed the contracts.
Ethan pushed the door open, the familiar scent of yeast, tomato sauce, and lting mozzarella hitting him instantly. The place was packed. Behind the counter, old Alfred looked up, his face splitting into a wide, joyous grin.
"Look who it is! If it isn’t our boss himself!" said Alfred, his voice booming over the chatter of the custors.
Ethan chuckled, walking up to the counter. "Co on, Uncle Alfred. It’s still just . Nothing has changed," said Ethan.
"Nothing? Look at you! You vanished that day after taking those people away. We were worried sick, you know," said Alfred, wiping his hands on his apron.
"I’m sorry, Uncle. I truly had to leave the city on business. It’s been a complicated few months," said Ethan.
"You’re telling ! This city was a total disaster—or at least it was. Your boys are doing a hell of a job out there. It’s quiet. People feel safe again," said Alfred.
"Thanks, Uncle. As long as we’re here, you won’t have to worry about a thing. I just ca by to say hello and see how things were going. My people told you were a bit hesitant to sign the affiliation papers at first," said Ethan.
Alfred leaned over the counter, his expression turning sincere. "When your lawyers showed up, I was scared, to be honest. I thought it was another scam or that sothing had gone wrong. Once they explained they were coming on your behalf, I cald down... but it’s still surprising to see everything you’ve achieved. Your father would be so proud of you, Ethan," said Alfred.
Ethan felt a rare pang of genuine emotion. "Thank you, Uncle Alfred. Truly. If it wasn’t for you, for Aunt Martha, and all your support back then... I don’t think I would have survived. I am deeply grateful to you," said Ethan.
Ethan began to bow his head in a gesture of formal respect, but Alfred reached out across the counter, catching his shoulders and pulling him into a rough, fatherly hug.
"Stop that. We’re family, aren’t we? There’s no need for that between us. I’ve always seen you as my son-in-law, anyway. I don’t know if you’ll ever actually marry my daughter, but in my heart, you’ll always be my son," said Alfred.
Ethan took a breath, clearing his throat to steady his voice. "And how are Lilly and Aunt Martha? I haven’t seen them in ages," said Ethan.
Alfred leaned back against the oven, a soft smile playing on his lips. "They’re doing just fine. They actually just stepped out to run a few errands. You know how won are—always finding sothing that needs doing. Besides, it’s Wednesday. It’s usually a quiet day, but I like coming in to work even when it’s slow. I love this place; it holds so many mories. Seeing it bustling now, looking so bright and safe... it fills with more satisfaction than the money ever could," said Alfred.
"It’s a great place, Uncle. I always loved coming here. Your pizza has always been the best in the city," said Ethan.
Alfred puffed out his chest, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You can bet your life on that, kid. Nobody touches my sauce," said Alfred.
A playful, sharp voice rang out from the doorway behind them. "Old man, don’t get too full of yourself, or your hat won’t fit anymore!"
Ethan turned, and his face brightened instantly. "Aunt Martha!"
"Well, look at you! How are you, boy?" said Martha.
She stepped forward and wrapped him in a warm, motherly embrace. As she pulled him in, her hand lingered for a split second, giving his buttock a firm, suggestive squeeze before she pulled back. She winked at him, her expression shifting back to one of wholeso affection so quickly it was as if the gesture hadn’t happened at all. Ethan kept his face a mask of polite, calm neutrality, pretending he hadn’t noticed a thing.
Then, he saw her. Lilly.
She stood just behind her mother, looking as beautiful and radiant as he rembered. While the other won in his life were like ripe, full-bodied roses, Lilly was a delicate, ethereal flower—the childhood friend he had fallen hopelessly in love with years ago. Just like Sarah, she held a place in his heart that felt different, separate from the power and the war. She possessed a unique, soft essence that stood in stark contrast to the cold, calculated world he had built.
Despite himself, his mind betrayed him, briefly comparing her delicate grace to the others. He pushed the thought aside, forcing himself to focus on the present.
"Lilly... it’s been a long ti," said Ethan.
"Too long, Etienne. We thought we’d lost you for good," said Lilly, her eyes scanning his face with a mixture of concern and hidden warmth.
"I’m back now. And I’m not planning on disappearing again anyti soon," said Ethan.
Alfred watched them, his grin widening. "See? Everything is exactly where it needs to be."
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