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Chapter 10 - A New Day

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The morning sun streamed through the window, golden light painting the room in warm hues. A soft breeze fluttered the curtains, carrying the chirping of birds and the distant sounds of the waking city.

Orion sat up, rubbing his temples.

That dream again.

It was always the same—flashes of betrayal, of blood, of her face. His jaw tightened. It had been years, yet his past life still haunted him like a shadow that refused to fade.

Exhaling sharply, he pushed the thoughts aside.

Today marked the beginning of something new.

Rising from bed, he bathed and changed into a fresh set of robes. The fabric was soft yet firm, tailored to complement his athletic frame. His bluish- white hair, still slightly damp, fell naturally over his forehead, framing his sharp features. His cold blue eyes, deep and unfathomable, stared back at him from the mirror.

Handsome.

Determined.

Ready.

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Starting today… I give everything I have."

As Orion descended the grand staircase, the rich aroma of breakfast filled the air—freshly baked bread, honeyed fruit, and roasted meat. At the foot of the stairs, both of his mothers, Celia and Sera, awaited him. The moment they saw him, their lips curled into knowing smiles. 

Sera was the first to speak, her tone laced with playful mischief. "Celia, just look at our Orion. He's grown into such a fine young man. I won't be surprised if we have a line of daughters-in-law waiting at our doorstep soon."

Celia chuckled, placing a delicate hand over her mouth. "Oh, no doubt about it. With that face and presence, we might need to start preparing for marriage proposals in advance."

Orion's expression stiffened for a fraction of a second. Love. Marriage. The bitter memories clawed at the edges of his mind, unwanted and unwelcome. "I will never make that mistake again."

But as he looked at his mother's, so happy and carefree, he didn't have the heart to dampen the mood. Instead, he exhaled lightly and played along. 

"Mother, stop teasing me," he muttered, rubbing his temple.

His resistance only fuelled their amusement. Sera let out a melodic laugh, while Celia gave him a fond smile.

"Alright, alright, we won't tease you—too much," Celia said, winking.

Orion sighed, shaking his head. "Where's Elara?"

Sera smiled. "Elara insisted on getting ready properly for the trip to the market, so she had her breakfast in her room."

Orion nodded. "I see. Well, as long as she eats properly."

With that, he joined his mother's at the dining table. The warmth of family surrounded him, a feeling he had not known in his past life. They spoke of casual things—Sera's insistence that he should dress more elegantly, Celia's gentle reminders to be careful in the city. Orion listened, silently treasuring these moments.

Once breakfast was finished, Orion stood and adjusted his clothes, preparing to leave. But before he could take a step toward the door, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.

Turning, he saw Elara descending the stairs.

She looked breathtakingly.

Her long, wavy Black hair cascaded down her back like silk, and her deep blue eyes shimmered like the clearest lake. She wore a golden-white robe, the fabric flowing elegantly around her delicate frame. There was an air of grace about her, yet the way she rushed down the stairs, nearly tripping, almost shattered that image.

Sera let out an amused hum. "My, my. Our little Elara looks truly stunning today. Doesn't she, Celia?"

Celia nodded in agreement. "Indeed. It seems we have another heartbreaker in the family."

Elara's face turned crimson. "M-Mother!" she whined, pouting.

As the women laughed, Elara turned toward Orion, her expression suddenly hesitant. She fidgeted with the edge of her robe; her voice soft.

"Brother… how do I look?"

There was something vulnerable in her gaze—a quiet longing, a silent plea for acknowledgment.

Orion studied her for a moment before offering a small, genuine smile. "You look beautiful, Elara. The outfit suits you well."

The words were simple, but to Elara, they were everything. A spark of joy bloomed in her chest, her heart skipping a beat. She looked down shyly, her fingers clutching her robe a little tighter.

Suppressing her happiness, she nodded quickly. "T-Thank you, Brother."

Orion, unaware to her inner turmoil, turned toward the door. "Let's go to the market."

Sera and Celia also don't notice Elara's inner turmoil. Both smiled because both think their children is really close. And after both ladies and Elara follow Orion toward door of mention.

As they stepped outside the mansion, a row of waiting horses, a grand carriage, and several guards lined up in disciplined formation.

One man stepped forward.

He was tall and regal, his muscular build evident beneath polished armour. His face was stern, yet his deep-set eyes held respect. With a crisp salute, he spoke.

"I am Black, commander of the fourth troop. It is my honour to escort you today, Young Master and Young Miss."

Orion raised an eyebrow and glanced at his mother. "Mother, I'm just going to the market. Do I really need this many guards?"

Sera smiled gently. "Orion, you are of noble lineage. Whether you like it or not, you must always be protected."

Celia nodded. "Even though the city is safe, precautions are always wise."

Orion sighed. "Alright, alright. I understand."

Just as he was about to step into the carriage, Celia walked toward him and pressed a pouch into his hand. The weight was unmistakable—gold coins.

"Take this. Buy anything you want."

Sera then turned to Elara and handed her a similar pouch. "Here, Elara. Make sure to get something nice for yourself."

Elara beamed. "Thank you, Mother!"

Orion nodded. "Thank you."

There were four types of coins to gauge wealth in Eldora.

1. Bronze Coins – Common money, used by commoners. (100 bronze = 1 silver)

2. Silver Coins – Normal for everyday bartering and trading for middle classes. (1,000 silver = 1 gold)

3. Gold Coins – Currency of merchants and nobles. (10,000 gold = 1 platinum)

4. Platinum Coins – Extremely rare and extremely valuable, only used by the wealthiest and highest-ranking nobles. A single gold coin could feed a common family for a month.

 

As the carriage rolled through the streets, Orion looked out the window. The city was alive. Merchants called out their merchandises, from exotic spices to glistening jewels. Children laughed as they ran through the streets. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat mingled with the air, creating an intoxicating blend of aromas.

Beside the carriage, Commander Black rode his horse. Orion called out to him.

"Which shop sells the best weapons in the city?"

Without hesitation, Black answered. "That would be Iron Fang Armory, Young Lord. They are renowned for their craftsmanship, cultivation pills, and enchanted gear. Many high-ranking nobles purchase their equipment there."

Orion nodded. "Then let's go there."

The carriage turned slightly, heading toward the heart of the market.

Soon, a massive building loomed ahead, banners adorned with the emblem of a sword and a dragon waving in the breeze. The aura it exuded was one of power and prestige.

A smirk played on Orion's lips.

"Let's see what this place has to offer."

And just like that, their next step had been decided.

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