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Chapter 43
The Eastern Duke's Domain
The journey toward the eastern province took nearly a full day after leaving Baron William's territory. The caravan rolled along at a steady pace, wheels creaking softly over the ground. At first, the path wound through rocky hills and thick woods where tall trees whispered in the wind. But as the hours passed, everything began to change in the most wonderful way.
The rough mountain trails gave way to wide, smooth stone roads that looked as if they had been shaped by gentle magic long ago. Tiny veins of soft blue light ran through the stones, glowing faintly under the sun like hidden rivers of power. These roads never cracked or turned muddy, no matter how many carts or horses passed over them. Vast fields of golden wheat stretched out on both sides, rolling like waves of warm sunlight. The stalks swayed in the breeze, and every so often, little sparks of golden light danced between them—tiny bits of magic that kept the crops healthy and full. Birds with bright feathers flitted overhead, singing clear songs that seemed to carry a touch of enchantment, making the whole land feel alive and peaceful.
Small villages dotted the countryside. Wooden houses with cozy thatched roofs sat nestled among orchards heavy with ripe fruit. Children played near fences where gentle cows and sheep grazed, their wool shining a little brighter than usual, as if the land's quiet magic touched even the animals. Smoke rose from chimneys in soft curls, carrying the sweet smell of baking bread. Everything looked cared for and happy. No broken fences or empty fields here. Clearly, this province was ruled with a kind and steady hand.
Max rode beside Alex as the caravan crested a gentle hill. The late afternoon sun painted the sky in soft oranges and pinks. Max pointed ahead with a quiet smile.
"Your Highness," he said, "we've arrived."
Alex lifted his eyes and felt a spark of wonder. Even he, who had seen so much, could not help but stare.
Before them lay the capital of the eastern province—a city so grand that its thick stone walls seemed to stretch forever across the horizon. Massive watchtowers stood tall and proud at even spaces along the wall, their tops crowned with crystals that caught the sunlight and sent gentle beams of light dancing across the fields. Banners of deep emerald and shining silver fluttered from every tower, the cloth woven with threads that glowed softly, as if tiny spells kept them bright and strong no matter the weather.
Beyond the walls rose the heart of it all: an enormous castle made of white marble and gleaming steel. It looked like a mountain carved by friendly giants, its spires reaching high into the sky. A soft, warm light seemed to wrap around the whole place, like a protective hug from the land itself.
The heart of the eastern territory.
The domain of the empire's most powerful duke.
The Grand Duchy of Valencrest.
Alex narrowed his eyes just a little, taking it all in.
"So this is Valencrest," he murmured.
Max nodded beside him.
"The richest province in the eastern empire. The Valencrest family has watched over it for many generations. Their magic and care keep it strong and fair."
The caravan moved closer to the massive gates. Guards in polished armor spotted the imperial banners on the lead carriage right away. The moment they saw the royal emblem, they stood tall and saluted with sharp respect.
"Halt! Identify yourselves!" one called out, though his voice sounded more welcoming than strict.
Max stepped forward calmly on his horse.
"Prince Alex von Voldigord, Second Prince of the Ether Empire, requests entry."
The guards froze for a heartbeat. Then their faces lit up with surprise and joy.
"Open the gates!" the lead guard shouted.
The huge iron gates groaned open like waking dragons, and soldiers hurried to line up in neat rows, their emerald armor catching the light.
"Welcome to Valencrest, Your Highness!" they called together.
The caravan rolled inside.
The streets burst with life and color. Merchants called out their goods with happy voices—fresh fruits that sparkled with a touch of preserving magic, warm loaves of bread, and colorful scarves that shifted shades in the light. Children laughed and chased each other through the alleys, their footsteps light on the clean cobblestones. Bright banners hung from balconies overhead, swaying as if they had a life of their own. The air smelled of fresh bread, sweet spices, and blooming flowers from window boxes that glowed softly at the edges.
People stopped what they were doing as the royal carriage passed. Whispers spread like gentle ripples.
"Is that the prince?"
"The second prince?"
"I heard he saved a village from bandits and fought with real courage…"
Alex watched quietly from the carriage window. A small smile touched his lips. His reputation was already traveling ahead of him, like a friendly wind carrying good news. It felt strange but nice—people looking at him with hope instead of fear.
Soon the caravan reached the grand castle at the city's heart. Tall white walls surrounded it, guarded by rows of elite soldiers in shining emerald armor—the proud colors of the Valencrest family. The gates swung open without a single question, as if the castle itself welcomed him.
Alex stepped down from the carriage, the warm stone under his boots feeling steady and safe. A group of nobles and servants waited with bright, kind faces. At the very front stood an elderly man with silver hair and eyes that twinkled like stars on a clear night. The moment Alex saw him, his own expression softened with real warmth.
"Grandfather," Alex said softly.
The old man's face lit up like the morning sun.
"Alex!" Duke Armand Valencrest called out. Despite his years, he walked forward quickly and pulled Alex into a big, warm hug. "Hahaha! Look at you, my boy! You've grown taller since the last time I saw you!"
Alex laughed and hugged him back. The duke's arms felt strong and full of love.
"You say that every time, Grandfather."
"And every time it's true!" the duke replied with a proud chuckle. His eyes shone with gentle magic, a soft glow that spoke of wisdom and care passed down through the family.
Unlike the cold nobles back in the capital, Duke Armand felt like real family—warm, open, and full of life. He patted Alex's shoulder with a hand that carried the faint scent of garden herbs and old books.
"I was so happy when I heard you were coming," the duke said, his voice thick with joy. "The castle has been too quiet without you."
"I've missed you too, Grandfather," Alex replied, meaning every word. For a moment, the weight of everything else felt lighter.
The duke stepped back and waved to the people behind him.
"Come, come. Let me introduce you to the rest of the family. They've been waiting all day!"
A tall, calm man stepped forward next. He had the same kind eyes as the duke but carried himself with quiet strength.
"This is your uncle," the duke said proudly.
Lord Cedric Valencrest bowed with respect, though his smile was warm.
"It's an honor to see you again, Your Highness. Welcome home."
Beside him stood a graceful woman with soft features and eyes full of kindness. Her dress shimmered with tiny embroidered flowers that glowed faintly, as if touched by a light spell.
"My wife," Cedric added with a gentle nod.
Lady Marianne Valencrest smiled and gave a small curtsy.
"Welcome to Valencrest, Prince Alex. We've prepared your favorite honey cakes for tonight."
Then two younger faces came into view. A tall boy with messy dark hair grinned wide, full of energy.
"This troublemaker is my son," Cedric said with a playful sigh.
Leon Valencrest—sixteen years old—crossed his arms and smirked with friendly confidence.
"So you're the famous cousin everyone keeps talking about. I've heard stories of you fighting bandits and clearing dangerous places. Can't wait to see if they're true!"
Next to him stood a girl a little younger, with long golden hair tied in a neat braid and bright, curious eyes that sparkled like the crystals on the watchtowers.
"And this is my daughter," Cedric finished.
Lyria Valencrest—fifteen years old—bowed politely but with a shy smile.
"It's nice to meet you, Cousin Alex. I hope you like it here with us."
Alex smiled at them all, feeling a real warmth in his chest.
"It's good to see everyone. Thank you for the welcome."
The family laughed and chatted as they led him inside. Servants bowed happily, and the castle halls echoed with light footsteps and friendly voices. For the first time in a long while, Alex felt like he had truly come home.
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Later That Afternoon
The castle gardens sparkled under the afternoon sun. Fountains sent water dancing high into the air, and the drops caught the light like falling jewels. Flowers bloomed in every color, their petals edged with a soft magical glow that kept them fresh all year round. The family gathered here, the air filled with laughter and the sweet scent of roses.
Leon tossed Alex a wooden practice sword. It felt light and balanced, with faint green lines of magic along the blade to keep any real harm away.
"Let's see if the rumors about you are true," Leon said with a big grin.
Alex caught the sword easily.
"Oh? You want to test me already?"
"You've been fighting bandits and clearing dungeons, right?" Leon teased. "Let's see how strong you really are, Cousin!"
Lyria laughed from a stone bench nearby.
"Don't break the garden again, Leon. Last time you knocked over three rose bushes!"
The two cousins began to spar right there in the open grass.
Servants watched from the edges with nervous but smiling faces.
Leon moved fast for his age, swinging with the skill of a trained noble swordsman. His strikes were quick and sure.
But Alex… Alex had changed.
The dragon blood inside him gave him speed and power that felt natural now.
He dodged and parried without effort.
Within seconds, he spun low and tapped Leon's sword away. The wooden blade flew from Leon's hand and landed softly in the grass.
Leon stared in disbelief.
"What? Already?"
Alex laughed and picked up the sword, handing it back with a friendly wink.
"You're not bad at all. Really. You move like you've trained hard."
Leon blinked, then burst out laughing.
"Not bad? I lasted ten whole seconds! That's humiliating!"
Lyria giggled and clapped her hands.
"You lost so fast, Brother! But it was fun to watch."
The garden filled with bright laughter.
Duke Armand watched from a shaded chair, his eyes crinkling with joy.
Lady Marianne brought cool drinks, and Cedric clapped Alex on the back.
For a short while, Alex forgot about the dark conspiracies, the Eclipse Covenant, and the war that waited on the horizon.
Here, with family around him, everything felt normal.
Happy.
The sun warmed his skin, the flowers glowed softly, and the sound of laughter made his heart feel light.
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Evening — The City of Valencrest
Later that evening, as the sun dipped low and painted the sky in deep golds and purples, Alex felt the pull of the city streets.
He wanted to see the people up close, to feel the life of this place.
"I want to walk through the streets," he told Max quietly.
Max nodded and followed a few steps behind, always watchful but giving Alex space.
The city looked even more beautiful at dusk.
Lanterns hung along the roads, their soft lights floating just a little off the ground thanks to gentle magic. They cast a warm, golden glow that made everything feel safe and welcoming.
Musicians played soft melodies in the open squares.
The smell of roasted meats, fresh pies, and sweet fruits drifted from street vendors.
Alex walked slowly, taking in every detail.
Then suddenly—
Alex stopped in the middle of the busy street.
Max noticed at once.
"Your Highness?"
But Alex's eyes stayed locked on one man moving through the crowd.
Ordinary clothes.
Ordinary walk.
But on the back of his shirt…
A black scorpion.
Alex's pupils shrank slightly.
That symbol…
He had seen it before.
In the game lore.
In secret reports.
The mark connected to the Eclipse Covenant.
Alex's heartbeat slowed.
"Max," he said quietly.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
Alex kept watching the man disappear deeper into the crowd.
"…Wait."
His voice turned cold.
"Isn't that—"
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