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Chapter 49
The Viscount's Manor
Two gentle days had slipped by since the night of chaos deep beneath the grand halls of Valencrest.
The fierce battle against the Eclipse Covenant had already begun turning into soft whispers and colorful rumors that danced through the duchy like leaves on a playful autumn wind. Knights told tales by warm fires, villagers shared stories over fresh bread, and even the birds seemed to sing of the brave prince who called down holy light.
Yet instead of peaceful calm returning to the land like a soft blanket of morning dew, the air grew more restless with every passing hour, humming with excitement and worry.
Because Duke Armand had done exactly what Alex had suggested.
He had stood tall on the castle balcony at sunrise, his emerald cloak fluttering like the wings of a great guardian spirit, and declared it for all to hear.
Valencrest would stop all food trade for one full year.
The words spread across the duchy like a bright thunderclap rolling over golden fields and sleepy villages. And chaos followed, not with swords or spells, but with the busy rush of everyday folk suddenly waking to change.
Merchant guilds panicked like startled rabbits in a meadow. Trade caravans halted in the middle of dusty roads, their colorful wagons sitting still under the sun while drivers scratched their heads. Warehouse owners rushed to check their grain reserves, lanterns swinging in the dark as they counted sacks of wheat and barley.
Money lenders shouted in crowded markets, their voices mixing with the calls of fruit sellers and the laughter of children who did not yet understand.
Within a single day, the wealthy merchant districts of Valencrest became louder than any battlefield camp—full of worried chatter, hurried footsteps, and the clink of worried coins.
Now every major merchant in the duchy wanted one thing: to meet the duke and beg for answers.
But Duke Armand was already drowning in meetings, his study filled with the scent of fresh ink and strong tea. Noble representatives in fine velvet robes arrived with worried frowns. Trade officials carried heavy ledgers that smelled of old paper and hope. Guild leaders argued in soft voices while messengers from other provinces rode in on tired horses, their banners fluttering like tired butterflies.
Every hour the castle gates saw new carriages rolling up, their wheels crunching on gravel as desperate merchants demanded explanations with trembling hands.
Meanwhile, far from the noisy crowds, Alex stood in the castle training yard under a bright blue sky.
The sun warmed the smooth stone floor, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the nearby gardens. The distant sound of birdsong floated through the air, making the peaceful courtyard feel almost like a hidden sanctuary within the busy castle.
Clang!
His wooden practice sword struck against Max's blade with a sharp, ringing sound that echoed like a cheerful bell.
Max stepped back quickly, raising his weapon again with a wide, friendly grin that showed all his teeth.
"Your Highness," Max said while circling slowly like a playful wolf, "you are getting stronger every single day. It feels like magic is dancing in your arms!"
Alex smirked slightly, his eyes sparkling with fun.
"Am I really?"
Max laughed softly, the sound warm and easy.
"Two weeks ago I could easily block every strike you made, like swatting away a sleepy fly. But now…"
Another clash rang out.
Clang!
Max slid backward across the stone floor, his boots scraping lightly.
"It feels like I'm fighting someone completely different—a young hero straight from the old songs!"
Alex lowered his sword slightly, breathing steady and strong.
"Well…"
He glanced upward for a moment, feeling the warm pull of his inner power.
"System."
A soft blue window appeared in front of his eyes, glowing gently like a friendly spirit's message written in starlight. It floated there, clear and kind, showing the truth of his growth.
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Status Window
Name: Alex von Voldigord
Age: 11
Title:
Second Prince of the Ether Empire
Heir of the Ancient Dragon
Apostle of Light
Bloodline: Primordial Emperor Dragon (51%)
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Stats
STR: B+
AGI: B
INT: C+
MANA: B
AURA: B
HOLY: A+
CHR: A+
LUCK: B
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Skills
Dragon Mana Circulation
Draconic Body
Dragon Aura – Dominion
Eyes of the Ancient Dragon
Holy Light Manipulation
Divine Purification
Light Healing
---
Alex studied the window for a quiet moment, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Well well…" he muttered quietly to himself, voice full of wonder.
"That Apostle bonus is quite ridiculous—in the best way. It feels like the Goddess wrapped me in a warm hug of extra strength and kindness."
The window disappeared with a soft shimmer, like morning mist fading under the sun.
Max tilted his head slightly, curious but patient.
"Your Highness?"
Alex sheathed his sword with a smooth motion, the blade sliding home like a faithful friend.
"Training is enough for today, Max. My body feels light and ready, like it could run forever."
Max wiped sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and grinned.
"Are we going somewhere fun?"
Alex smiled, bright and full of quiet purpose.
"Yes. Let's go meet him."
Max raised an eyebrow, his face full of friendly confusion.
"Him?"
Alex walked toward the waiting carriage at the edge of the yard, its wooden sides painted with gentle emerald vines that seemed to glow faintly in the sunlight.
"The main character of this world—the one who was meant to shine like a star in the old tales."
Max looked a little lost but followed anyway, his loyal steps quick and sure.
They climbed into the carriage as the coachman—a cheerful man with a kind face—snapped the reins. The two gentle horses, their manes braided with tiny enchanted bells that chimed softly, pulled the carriage forward with a smooth roll.
The destination was House Valeris, a small viscount territory located several peaceful hours away along winding roads lined with wildflowers and whispering trees.
As the carriage moved along the quiet path, Alex rested his chin against his hand while staring outside. The world rolled by in soft greens and golds—fields of tall wheat swaying like dancers, distant hills crowned with ancient oaks that looked like wise old guardians watching over the land.
If my memory is correct… he thought.
In the original story, he should be around twelve years old now.
And his sister… eleven.
Alex's expression darkened slightly, like a cloud passing over the sun.
In the original timeline, she died when she was thirteen.
Two years from now.
His fingers tapped slowly against the carriage window, the glass cool and smooth beneath his fingertips.
"Well… that's fortunate," he whispered to the breeze.
Max looked over, his brow furrowed with gentle worry.
"What is?"
Alex smiled faintly, pushing the shadow away like morning light chasing away night.
"She will still be alive. And I won't let anything change that."
Max clearly had no idea what Alex was talking about, but he didn't ask. True friendship meant trusting the quiet moments, and Max was the best kind of friend—steady as an old oak standing strong through every season.
Several hours later, the carriage finally reached a modest estate surrounded by low stone walls covered in soft green ivy that sparkled with tiny morning dew.
The Viscount Valeris Manor stood elegant and welcoming, not as grand as the duke's castle but still full of quiet charm. Its white walls glowed warmly in the sunlight, flower boxes burst with colorful blooms under every window, and a small fountain in the courtyard sang a happy, bubbling song.
It felt like a home from a gentle storybook—simple, loving, and full of hidden magic.
The carriage stopped in front of the iron gate with a soft creak.
A group of servants in neat uniforms hurried forward, their faces bright with surprise.
A middle-aged butler stepped out first, his silver hair neatly combed and his eyes kind behind round glasses.
He bowed deeply the moment he saw the royal crest shining on the carriage door.
"Your Highness!" he said warmly, voice full of respect and welcome. "What a bright surprise to have you visit our humble home."
Alex stepped out calmly, the fresh air filling his lungs like a friendly greeting.
"I came to meet Viscount Valeris," he said with a polite smile.
The butler looked slightly embarrassed, twisting his hands.
"My lord is currently out of town on business, Your Highness. But please allow us to host you until he returns. We have fresh tea, warm cookies, and a garden full of flowers that bloom only for special guests."
Alex thought for a moment, then smiled wider.
"Alright. Thank you."
He stepped inside the courtyard, Max close behind like a loyal shadow.
But as soon as they crossed the threshold—
A loud commotion echoed from the inner manor.
Shouting.
Crying.
And angry voices that cut through the peaceful air like sharp thorns tearing through silk.
Alex frowned, his heart tightening with worry.
"What's happening?"
He turned toward the noise, drawn by the sound like a hero sensing trouble in an old legend.
Then he saw something that made his eyes narrow with quiet fire.
A young boy was being dragged by a guard across the smooth stone courtyard.
The boy looked badly beaten—bruises bloomed like dark petals on his cheeks, his simple clothes were torn at the sleeves, and tears streamed down his face like tiny rivers of sorrow.
Yet he struggled with all his heart, small fists clenched and voice breaking.
Alex froze for half a heartbeat.
Leon .
The main character of the original story—the boy who was meant to rise like a phoenix from ashes and bring hope to the empire.
The boy struggled desperately against the guard's strong grip.
"Let me go!" he cried, voice raw and full of fear.
"Please! Someone save my sister!"
Alex's heart skipped a beat, then raced like a loyal stallion.
He rushed forward immediately, boots pounding softly on the stone.
"Stop!"
The guard froze the moment he saw the prince, eyes wide with shock.
The royal crest on Alex's cloak seemed to glow brighter, as if the light itself demanded fairness.
Alex knelt beside the injured boy, his voice gentle but strong.
"What happened, little one? Tell me everything."
The boy looked up with desperate, tear-filled eyes that shone with a spark of courage.
"Please… please go save my sister! That bastard is going to destroy her!"
Alex's heartbeat suddenly accelerated, a fierce protectiveness rising inside him like holy fire.
"What?"
His gaze snapped toward the guard, eyes sharp and steady.
"You. What bastard is he talking about?"
The guard immediately panicked, face pale as fresh milk.
"Y-Your Highness… It would be better if you don't interfere in Viscount family matters. These are private troubles, like storms inside a single house."
Alex's eyes narrowed dangerously, the faint golden glow of his Apostle power flickering at his fingertips like warning stars.
"Answer the question."
The guard swallowed hard, voice trembling.
"The one he is talking about… is the Viscount's son. Lord Edric Valeris."
Alex's mind instantly clicked, like a key turning in an ancient lock.
Edric Valeris—a disgusting name he remembered clearly from the original story, the kind of shadow that hid cruelty behind fine clothes.
Alex's expression darkened, but not with anger—only with the quiet resolve of someone who refused to let harm touch the innocent.
Wait…
Don't tell me…
Did that bastard start early in this timeline?
Without another word, Alex stood up tall, the air around him warming with protective light.
"Where is he?"
The guard hesitated, eyes darting.
Alex grabbed him gently but firmly by the collar, voice calm yet commanding.
"I asked you a question."
The terrified guard pointed toward the mansion with a shaking hand.
"Second floor… Third room!"
Alex released him instantly and started running, heart pounding like a war drum calling for justice.
"Max!"
Max already understood, his knightly instincts sharp as a blade.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
The knight dashed forward like a sudden storm wind.
Guards rushed to block their path, hands reaching out—
But Max smashed straight through them with careful strength.
Bam!
Two guards flew backward, landing softly on grass patches like clumsy dancers.
Alex reached the staircase, boots flying up the wooden steps two at a time.
His heart was pounding violently now, worry and light mixing inside him.
Please…
Don't tell me I'm too late.
He reached the second floor hallway, the air thicker here with tension and the faint scent of fear.
Third door.
Alex didn't hesitate.
He kicked the door open.
BANG!
The door slammed against the wall with a sound like thunder breaking a dark spell.
And the scene inside the room—
Horrified him.
For a moment…
Alex's mind went completely blank.