Location: ??? CountyDate: 25th, Month of Zephyris, XXX
An ivory carriage rolled to a halt, its wheels crunching against the gravel-strewn road. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and damp earth as a man stepped out, his sharp gaze sweeping over the towering stone gate ahead. Weathered by time yet unyielding in stature, the words Duskrane County were carved deep into its surface.
The ground beneath his boots was uneven, worn by countless travelers who had crossed these lands. Moments later, another carriage approached, its wheels reinforced to handle the treacherous incline. The rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed through the valley, blending with the distant howling wind.
From the second carriage, a man in a maroon hat and coat emerged, his vest embroidered with symbols of crossed swords and hammers. He bowed deeply before the first carriage, his voice even yet filled with respect.
"This humble servant greets the Duke of the East, Duke Leonhart," he announced, stepping forward to open the door. "By the order of my lord, I have been sent to escort you."
Duke Leonhart exhaled, his breath curling into the cold air. "Yeah."
With a practiced motion, he turned and extended his hand.
Tap-tap…
The Duchess stepped down, holding a baby in her arms. Despite the chill, her posture was poised, every movement deliberate. As she turned to her husband, her brow furrowed.
A flush tinged his otherwise pale face, beads of sweat forming along his forehead.
She reached up instinctively, pressing the back of her hand against his skin. "What happened?" she asked softly.
Leonhart caught her hand, squeezing it lightly before exhaling sharply. "It's nothing… just nerves."
She studied him for a moment before nodding. "Let's get inside."
Just as they settled into the wooden carriage, the horses neighed, halting abruptly. Duke Leonhart's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword.
"Hello," a voice called out.
A man stood ahead, silver hair gleaming in the thin mountain light. His green eyes reflected the surrounding forest—sharp and unyielding.
Minutes later, the carriage reached a tunnel entrance, its mouth guarded by armored Duskrane soldiers.
Step, step…
Leonhart descended, his boots crushing fallen leaves and twigs. Without hesitation, he reached into his coat and retrieved a golden brooch, the metal glinting in the dim light. The insignia—a calm lion with crossed swords—was unmistakable.
The guards stiffened. One of them stepped forward, pressing against a brick within the tunnel wall. A faint click echoed, and a hidden drawer slid open. From within, the guard retrieved a scroll, handling it with the utmost reverence as he presented it to the Duke.
Duke Leonhart accepted it, turning to his wife. His hold on her tightened slightly. "Shall we go?"
"No," the Duchess said firmly. She turned to the guard. "Is my sister here?"
The guard hesitated before nodding. "Yes, my lady."
A knowing glance passed between the Duke and Duchess.
"We'll sightsee for a bit," Duke Leonhart said, motioning to the guards before leading the way into the tunnel.
After walking some distance, the tunnel opened up into what appeared to be the entrance to a mine. A wooden post read, Ferrum Mine 03.The smell of iron filled the air. Workers in vests and helmets passed in and out of the entrance, and a tent stood at the corner of the mine.
With a soft rustle, the fabric of the tent shifted, and Duke Leonhart's broad frame emerged."Oh, hello, Alexander." A figure waved from inside the tent.
Duke Leonhart's eyes twitched, his thighs tensing before he launched forward with a powerful lunge.Clang!His Lunar sword glowed with a faint white light, the ancient rune on its blade shimmering with a soft luminescence. Sparks flew as the claymore collided with the man's silver spear, which shimmered with the same mystical energy."Stop!" both Duchess Leonhart and Duchess Tigranclaw shouted in unison.
Duke Tigranclaw retracted his Void spear and walked back to his chair. He clenched his wrists tightly, but the expression on his face was one of excitement, not anger. Duke Leonhart patted his friend's shoulder and sat beside him.
"Edward, you've grown stronger again!" he remarked."Alexander… no need to be modest. The fight isn't over," Edward replied.
Alexander smirked.
"Where's your son?" Edward asked, looking around the tent.Alexander shrugged."Henry took him."Edward groaned, covering his face with his palm."I see."
He sighed, looking up at the fabric of the tent."Same for you?"
Alexander raised an eyebrow, lips curling into a half-smile. His tone was casual, as if the question didn't matter much either way."Same for me," Edward answered with a tired sigh.
Both duchesses walked toward their husbands, clearly discussing something important."How about visiting the Bleeding River?" Sophie suggested, towering over Alexander."Nah," Alexander responded, meeting her intense gaze. He gulped. "I mean, yeah, why not?" He gave her a thumbs-up, and she smiled in response."What about you, Ed?" Amelia asked, her eyes brimming with expectation."Uhh… why not?" Edward answered with a shrug.
The couples walked out of the tent, the air between them light and filled with quiet understanding."Here."Alexander handed a piece of paper to a nearby guard, while Edward exchanged words with a stout man wearing thick glasses."OK," the man replied.
They left the mine and began ascending the mountain. The trail twisted through dense trees, sunlight filtering through the canopy and casting dappled shadows on the ground. As they climbed higher, the forest gave way to rocky outcroppings, and the air grew colder, sharper.
Finally, they heard the soft trickle of water. Turning in the direction of the sound, they passed through sparse patches of rare vegetation until a breathtaking view unfolded before them.
A towering red cliff, streaked with veins of crimson water, loomed above. Moss and algae clung to its surface, while golden eels swam lazily in the blood-hued river that flowed beneath it. The smell of iron filled the air.
A sudden splash drew their attention.
From the river, a small figure emerged. A five-year-old boy, silver hair drenched in red water, adjusted his clothes before glancing around.
Golden eels flopped at his feet.
"Ack."
The child scratched his head before turning his amethyst gaze toward the party.
"Vincent!" Amelia ran forward, pulling out a handkerchief. She rubbed his hair furiously, her eyes full of concern. "What are you doing here?"
Vincent pouted, looking at his uncle for help. When he received none, he groaned. "I was just fishing."
Both Sophie and Amelia clutched their hearts.
"Oh, my little cutie pie!" Amelia crushed him in a hug.
Alexander snickered at Edward's expression. "You're jealous of a five-year-old."
Edward scowled.
"Vincent, come here."
Sophie motioned, a magic circle floating in her hand.
With a flick of her wrist, the magic circle expanded and passed through Vincent, drying his clothes.
"Thank you, Auntie!" Vincent smiled.
"You little cinnamon roll!" Sophie hugged Vincent, ruffling his hair.
"Who's the jealous one now, huh?" Edward remarked, seeing Alexander accidentally chewing a blade of grass.
Everyone looked at Alexander in shock. He realized it a moment too late.
"Ptooey." He spat the grass out, shaking his head. "I wasn't jealous." His flushed cheeks, however, said otherwise.
"HAHAH!" everyone laughed at him.
"Oh dear." Sophie wiped a small tear and walked toward Alexander. She ran her hands through his hair and kissed him gently on the forehead.
"Happy now?" she smiled.
"Hm." Alexander nodded.
"Look at you, grinning so shamelessly," Edward said with a disgusted expression.
"Heh, you don't understand love, my friend." Alexander spoke with his hand dramatically clenching his chest like a philosopher.
"Is that so?" Edward lifted a brow.
Alexander blinked.
"Let me show you what love really is," Edward said.
"Amelia," he shouted.
Amelia turned. "What happened?"
"Uhh… I think something bit me." He gestured toward the side of his neck.
Amelia carefully approached, eyes full of worry.
But as soon as her face was close enough, Edward snapped his head and pecked her lips.
Amelia was flustered. She took a few steps back, her face reddened.
Alexander and Sophie enjoyed the view while Vincent snickered.
"Are you out of your mind?" Amelia gasped, slapping Edward's back."How—how can you do that in front of a kid?!" she pointed to Vincent.
"Ehm, I learned a lot, Auntie," Vincent said softly.
Amelia turned even redder.
Roar…
A deep growl echoed through the trees. The earth shuddered beneath their feet. A stench of rotten flesh spread through the air.
The laughter died.
In an instant, Alexander and Edward drew their weapons, while Sophie and Amelia readied their magic circles.
Vincent, however, merely chuckled. "Aunt, call me if you need help. It's not alone."
Sophie turned to him, startled. "What?"
Before she could press further, a monstrous shape loomed from the shadows.
And it wasn't alone.