His Highness’ Pledge

Matthew was really hoping that the report on Feigan's status would come tomorrow, but unfortunately, his hopes were crushed, which led to The Grand Duke having to go to Feigan himself. And let me tell you, what they saw when they got there was something else.

The town square of Feigan used to be bustling, but now it's a complete mess. The market stalls are empty and the tourist attractions are destroyed. It's all so quiet, except for the sound of crows flying above.

In the middle of the square, there were these makeshift quarantine tents set up, creating a really gloomy triage center. Scared and worried townspeople, wearing cloth masks, were waiting outside, hoping for some relief or maybe even a little bit of help. The kids held onto their parents' worn-out clothes, looking really confused and scared.

Close by, a small group of people huddled around a plain wooden cart. Resting on top was the motionless body of a beloved elder, covered in a dark cloth. A lone priest, his voice shaking with sadness, spoke the customary words while tears flowed down the cheeks of those who had come to say their goodbyes.

In the square, the tavern that used to be lively now looked sad and abandoned. There was a simple painting of a teardrop at the entrance, a sign that Feigan was being crushed by the plague. Instead of laughter and friendship, the tavern felt eerie and empty.

As the Grand Duke encouraged Amias to move forward, he felt a sudden tremor run through his body, like an old tree shaking in a storm. His usually strong face showed a moment of vulnerability, a crack in his regal exterior. It was as if what he saw had hit him deep inside, like a secret message from the universe that only he understood. The town in Landroich was in a terrible state that he never expected. Even Matthew was really surprised.

It was his own fault for being too focused on a certain task, not switching off any tasks which left the Fegan's government unmonitored, nor not checking on the town's state. 

But he couldn't blame himself either; he's just a human after all.

Matthew stared in disbelief at the sight before him. He had once spent a vacation in Feigan, and he had never seen it look this way. The once bustling town was a shell of its former self. The market stalls were empty, and the tourist attractions were in ruins. The only signs of life were the crows flying overhead and the quarantine tents, which housed sick and worried townspeople.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" The Silver Hawk urged his steed beside The Grand Duke. 

Kaiser replied solemnly, "I am fine. Let us move forward." Then he gestured to Amias to move forward at an average pace. The Grand Duke's eyes once again ventured through the streets, some were cleaned up and some are still in the process of cleaning. Once he passed by, the people who were assigned to clean greeted him with a bow.

As usual, The Grand Duke paid no mind and continued to reach their destination in Feigan. Some streets, one could see uninfected townsfolk wandering around the streets, but they are dirtily clothed which hurt The Grand Duke's eyes. He said to the Silver Hawk beside him, "Bring some clothes to some fellows over here. Give them food and drink as well." 

The Silver Hawk nodded in acknowledgement, and quickly called out orders to his fellow knights. A group of Silver Hawks dismounted and approached the uninfected townsfolk, handing them food and clothing as per the Grand Duke's orders.

The Grand Duke watched on, feeling a sense of satisfaction as he saw the relief and gratitude on the faces of the people. As they rode deeper into Feigan, the sights only became more bleak. The streets were littered with abandoned buildings and rubble, and the atmosphere was somber. The Grand Duke could feel the weight of the tragedy that had occurred in this place, and he was determined to bring some semblance of order and compassion wherever he could.

As they rode through the streets, they came across a group of people who looked to be in a particularly bad way. Some were lying on the ground, presumably too weak to move on their own, while others were tending to the sick or helping to bury the dead. The sight was grim, and it filled the Grand Duke with a sense of despair.

Matthew approached one of the sick people and asked if there was anything he could do to help. The person, a man in his 40s, gestured towards the empty bowl lying beside him, "Some food and water, if you please," he said through a raspy voice.

Matthew nodded and quickly sent out orders for a group of knights to bring food and water to the sick and injured. He also instructed them to look for clothing and blankets, and to set up tents and beds for those who were too weak to make their own. The knights quickly set to work, their movements efficient and coordinated.

After a while, they arrived in the camp where the citizens of Feigan were being treated. The frontliners bowed their heads as The Grand Duke dismounted from Amias. He wore a black mask that covered half of his face, his voice stern with the aura of strictness as he spoke, "Why haven't I received any reports?" 

Matthew also dismounted on his steed, he also uttered a voice as if adding more fuel to the fire, "We've been waiting in the palace for your reports, but it's more than delayed. Do you know how important the reports are?"

The Grand Duke clenched his fists, his voice becoming even more stern as he replied, "I demand to know why I haven't received any reports. This is unacceptable." He took a few steps forward and raised his voice, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the camp. "I will not tolerate this level of mismanagement. We have a job to do, and it is our duty to provide these people with the help they need. If you are unable to accomplish this, then I will find someone who can." 

One of the frontliners, a tall and lanky man, stepped forward, sweat running down his brow, "Your Grace, we have been working tirelessly to treat the wounded and ill citizens of Feigan. We have set up temporary medical camps in the city, but many of the infected are refusing treatment, and we are running out of supplies." 

Another one of the frontliners, a woman with curly brown hair, added, "We are trying our best, but we need more men and more resources."

The Grand Duke frowned, his jaw tensing. He cleared his throat, "And what of the infected? Are they still rampant?"

This time, the oldest of the frontliners, a man with graying hair and a thick beard, spoke, "They have been quarantined in a few of the buildings, but they are rapidly growing in numbers. We need to act now or the whole city will be lost."

"How odd," Matthew interrupted, "Three days ago, The Grand Duke had sent five more frontliners to assist all of you. Where are they?" 

The three front liners gave a look at each other, the oldest decided to reply, "Marquis.. There are no newcomers that helped us or have been sent." 

Matthew's eyes narrowed, his skepticism growing, "What do you mean? Did you lose them or something?" 

The oldest front liner shifted uncomfortably to The Grand Duke, "We weren't informed of any newcomers, Your Grace."

"How is that possible?" The Grand Duke said, his voice lowered than before, "Are they kidnapped or they didn't come here at all?"

The Grand Duke's eyes narrowed, the severity of the situation becoming more apparent with each passing moment. He was frustrated and his frustration could be felt by the frontliners. They were at their limits; and they needed help urgently. The Grand Duke sighed, knowing that they were all in need of assistance and they didn't know where to turn anymore.

Brief silence. 

All of them were too afraid to answer the Grand Duke, because as they see it, soon enough the Grand Duke would go feral from rage and start biting like a dog with rabies.

Matthew and The Grand Duke waited in the camp's center. The atmosphere around them was tense and grim. The camp was filled with the sounds of people coughing and moaning, while some were just lying there in their beds. The Grand Duke's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene. He turned to his right and spoke with a stern voice, "I'm afraid we don't have any more time to spare. We need to find a way to deal with this quickly before more people get infected." He then turned to Matthew and continued, "Maximino, you are familiar with this place. Do you have any suggestions on how we can help these people?"

Before Matthew could reply, there's an odd looking kid who lunged forward The Grand Duke, hugging him from the waist.

With this sudden contact, The Grand Duke had goosebumps all over his body and panicked, he felt his knees soften, "G-G-Get off me!" he shouted without thinking. The Silver Hawks went to grab away the kid but to their surprise, the kid has.. a tail?! 

Matthew couldn't believe his eyes. He's never seen anything like this before. This was clearly a child but with a feline-like appearance. The Grand Duke was completely terrified, his eyes wide with shock. The Silver Hawks stood, unsure of what to do.

The kid hissed to the Silver Hawks like a terrified cat, there are also ears on top of the kid's head, like he was a half cat and a half human, "W-What are you doing?! Don't hug me..!" said The Grand Duke.

This was clearly a child, but with feline-like appearances. The Silver Hawks drew their swords, unsure of how to react to the strange situation.

The kid hissed at the Silver Hawks with a look of fear in its eyes, similar to a cornered cat. The Grand Duke, still shaken from the previous incident, seemed to be even more terrified by the appearance of this strange child. 

"S-Stay back," The Grand Duke blurted out, his voice shaky, "You don't know what this.. creature could do. So stay back." 

All the frontliners stepped back, frightened.

The Grand Duke held the kid's forearm with his gloved hands, he tried to speak softly, tried to add more emotions in his blunt tone and his stoic face to not intimidate the kid, "If you may.. Please release me."

The kid on the other hand, didn't obey and even sobbed, "P-Please my lord!" the kid pleaded, "Help me!" 

Matthew stepped forward, "Your Grace... this child needs help. That much is clear. I understand your worries, but attacking the child would be a mistake. They are clearly scared and don't know this place at all. We need to help them, not attack them."

The Grand Duke obviously knows that, but it's the Silver Hawks who acted rashly to protect him just in case of an impulsive action.

The Silver Hawks raised their swords, but Matthew called out to them, "Hold your swords! There will be a time for that later."

The Grand Duke ordered, "Stand down!"

The Grand Duke was hesitant to touch the child, but at the same time, he couldn't just walk away and leave the kid in this situation. He could see the desperation in the child's eyes and the fear in their body language, so he knew they were in trouble, "Calm down, child," The Grand Duke said in a soothing voice, holding his gloved hands up to show that he meant no harm, "Tell me what's going on. How can I help you?"

The child took a deep breath and began to explain, their voice low and shaky. "M-My name is Arama, My lord. M-My friend.. please help him.."

The Grand Duke's face softened for a moment as he looked at the frightened child. To him, this was just a vulnerable child that needed help, nothing more.

Matthew was equally shocked by the situation and the sight of the child, he crouched about the level of the child, then he touched the child's cat-like ear, "How interesting.. what are y—"

With Arama's terrified instinct, its animal-like instinct to defense had been triggered by Matthew, Arama swinging his sharp claws to defend himself with a terrified cry, Matthew dodged in an instant and instinctively hit Arama's nape, knocking it unconscious. 

As Matthew knocked Arama unconscious, The Grand Duke shouted in anger whilst Matthew tried to defend himself, "You idiot! What were you thinking?! Do you not know what you have done?! This child was innocent and confused, not hostile! You almost killed him!"

Aram's body fell limp but before Arama could drop face first on the ground, a Silver Hawk caught his lithe body and rushed into the tent while some of his comrades followed. Silver Hawks were trained when to move or not even if their Crown Prince wasn't told to do so. 

Matthew replied calmly, "It was my instinct, Arama almost hit my eye, and if Arama became feral, he might hurt you! do you value a stranger's life rather than your concubine and yourself?" 

The Grand Duke was clearly upset by Matthew's words and his tone hardened to a cold and angry one, "You call him a stranger, Maximino? Have you no compassion or empathy at all? That child is a human being, not some random stranger we found on the streets. And the fact that he is a stranger does not give you the right to treat him with such a lack of compassion and respect." 

The Grand Duke took a deep breath, trying to control his anger, "Maximino, I understand that you have a duty to protect me, but this is not how I want it to be done. I'll have no more of this behavior. Is that understood?"

Matthew nodded in response. The Grand Duke sighed as he composed himself, "Bring Arama new clothes." Matthew obeyed and went out of his sight. As they were arguing earlier, Arama was carried in the tent to consult. The frontliner's eyes widened in shock, they had never seen a human being with cat-like ears and tails, what creature is this? They gave each other a look as they treated Arama's scratches.

The Grand Duke lifted up the tent's entrance, "How is Arama?" 

One of the frontliners, a young woman, responded to The Grand Duke's question. "Arama is recovering, Your Grace. The scratches were not too deep and we have cleaned and bandaged them already."

The Grand Duke nodded in acknowledgment, "That's good to hear. We should keep him under observation though, we don't know how he came to be like this. Let's give him new clothes while he recovers."

The frontliner nodded again, and Matthew was back, carrying a small bundle of clothes. "Here you go, Your Grace." Matthew handed The Grand Duke the clothes and he took it from him, placing it down on Arama's bedside.

The Grand Duke then gestured for one of the frontliners to take the cat-boy's side while Matthew and himself stepped outside the tent to speak privately.

The frontliners obeyed and went to carefully remove Arama's clothes as they changed it to a more comfortable and clean one. They also observed Arama's unusual body, it's clearly a human build, a child even, but why does Arama have cat ears and tail? Arama looked like he was half human and half cat, is that even possible? Their minds ran in turmoil as they did, they decided to ask Arama if he woke up anytime soon.

As the frontliners tended to Arama, the Grand Duke and Matthew spoke privately outside the tent. The Grand Duke's face was troubled, "What do you think about Arama? We all know we've never seen one before."

Matthew hummed, "But it's definitely a human-breed with a.. you know, an animal… through experiment."

The Grand Duke nods, feeling a sense of guilt and anger at the same time, "This is a clear case of mad science and genetic engineering. I don't know how people would create this poor creature for their own selfish needs. It's barbaric and cruel. We need to find out who created Arama and bring them to justice."

Matthew was silent for a few moments, his expression darkening as he thought about what the Grand Duke just said.

"And what about Arama himself? What should we do with him? He's not like us, and it's not safe to keep him around. But at the same time, he's a sentient creature who deserves the same level of respect and compassion. What do you think we should do with him, Your Grace?"

The Grand Duke nods sadly, knowing that Matthew was right. He wasn't sure what to do in this situation. He wanted to help Arama, but he wasn't sure how to keep the people of the camp safe at the same time.

Arama wasn't a natural human to start off with; he might have lived in the forest and just came outside in the town's square to ask help. He obviously didn't know how to adapt with the new sights and faces, just like how he reacted to Matthew's gesture though it was Matthew's fault to invade his personal space. 

But even so, Arama wouldn't be able to live a normal life with normal humans like Matthew and Kaiser.

"I'm not sure, Matthew. This is something we've never encountered before. We need to take some time to think and come up with a plan. In the meantime, we need to keep Arama safe and secure, and make sure no one else knows about him."

The Grand Duke takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "I'll have the Silver Hawks keep a close eye on Arama, and we'll try to figure out what to do next."

The sun had set and during this night, everyone else was taking a rest. The Grand Duke has resided a distance away from the large tent for treatment, He chose to build the tent nearby the Luminaflora Tree. The Luminaflora Tree is a truly remarkable and enchanting species found in Feigan that lives up the tourist spots in Feigan. Standing at an average height of thirty feet (nine meters), these trees are known for their radiant beauty and unique magical properties.

The leaves of the Luminaflora Tree are a mesmerizing shade of twilight blue, reminiscent of the finest silks adorning the gowns of aristocrats. They take on an elongated, graceful teardrop shape, appearing almost translucent in the filtered sunlight of the forest. Each leaf is adorned with intricate patterns of silvery veins, which seem to catch the soft, early morning light. The bark of the Luminaflora Tree is a silvery-white masterpiece, its surface smooth to the touch and possessing a gentle coolness. It feels like the finest satin beneath one's fingertips. By the light of the moon, this bark emits a subtle, enchanting luminescence, casting a bewitching glow throughout the woodland, a phenomenon that has long captivated the imaginations of poets and dreamers.

In the springtime, the Luminaflora Tree graces the forest with its splendid blossoms. These blooms are grand and cup-shaped, flaunting a spectrum of colors including delicate shades of pink, lavender, and pristine pearlescent white. Their petals are fragile and carry a delicate, sweet fragrance that beckons butterflies and fireflies from afar, adding to the charm of this enchanting tree.

This tree is one of the precious species in Landroich which he likes the most, there is no wonder why The Grand Duke had decided to build the tent near the majestic tree. Feigan is like a province in Landroich due to its small population and its place built with forest, and the countable capital of Feigan. 

After a long day of traveling and adventure, The Grand Duke finally had a moment to relax amongst the peaceful forest landscape. He lay on his comfortable bed, closed his eyes, and let the serene atmosphere of the Luminaflora Tree wash over him. The rustling leaves, the gentle breeze, and the soothing light of the moon combined to create an atmosphere of calm and respite. The Grand Duke felt himself slipping into a deep sleep, his mind drifting in a haze of relaxation.

Since he was residing temporarily in Feigan to monitor its status, he heightened up his senses and did not sleep in such a deep state like he does in the palace. His mind remained alert and his senses were present as he slept. 

As the night deepened, there's a rustling sound outside his tent. It sounded more like a gust of wind so The Grand Duke shook it off. The next thing he felt was a sudden pressure on his abdomen, as if an invisible figure was sitting on him. Then there's a feather-like touch, slowly unbuttoning his nightgown..

The Grand Duke blinked as he grabbed the hand that was unbuttoning his nightgown, trying to make out who sat on him. When he finally saw, he realized it was not a person, but rather a strange creature with a humanoid form, ears that resembled a cat's, and a slender, feline tail that swished behind it. 

"Arama, what in the world?" The Grand Duke asked, still groggy with sleep. A wave of confusion washed over him as he tried to make sense of what was happening. 

The strange creature— no, Arama tilted his head, as if trying to understand him. Arama leaned forward, revealing a pair of large, luminescent eyes. 

"My lord.." Arama uttered, "Please help me.. help my friend.. w-what should I do to repay you..?" His tail brushed to The Grand Duke's cheek, "I-I could use my body as a payment like I did before.. please.. save my friend.." 

The Grand Duke reached out to touch Arama's cheek, feeling the soft fur of his ears, the texture of his skin, he felt everything through his gloved hand. He was a strange creature, but not like any others he had ever encountered. "Arama, I'm afraid we could help your friend tomorrow. I promise, I will help you tomorrow." The Grand Duke said, hoping to reassure Arama. Arama relaxed on The Grand Duke's comforting touch, letting out a low, soothing purr.

The Grand Duke studied Arama, his slightly malnourished body, with cat-like ears and tail as he sat comfortably on top of The Grand Duke. Slowly, he asked, "Arama, what are you?" 

Arama lowered his gaze, "I-I'm a hybrid.. A hybrid used for pleasure." 

The Grand Duke felt Arama shudder on his stomach, and he instantly knew something was wrong, "Don't worry, Arama. I promise I won't hurt you no matter what you tell it," he said, trying to comfort the hybrid. "Just tell me what I need to know, and we'll figure it out from there."

Arama looked up at The Grand Duke, his large, luminescent eyes fixed on the man. He took a deep breath before answering, "I was created by an organization, they used me for.. you know." The hybrid shuddered again, clearly uncomfortable and ashamed of what he'd been through.

The Grand Duke's gloved hand remained on Arama's cheek, a gentle gesture that conveyed both understanding and compassion. As Arama's purr continued, a soothing melody in the midst of uncertainty, the Duke leaned closer, their faces just inches apart. 

"A hybrid, A child, even.." the Grand Duke repeated softly, his voice a mix of curiosity and sympathy, "A creature of both wonder and sorrow, it seems. Tell me, Arama, how did you come to be in this predicament?"

Arama hesitated, his eyes reflecting a complex tapestry of emotions – shame, vulnerability, and a glimmer of hope sparked by the Duke's kindness, "I was created by a group of unscrupulous scientists, my existence shaped solely for the pleasure of others. I've known no life outside of their laboratory until now."

The Grand Duke's brows furrowed in both anger and empathy. He didn't know that his people had been doing such outrageous and unforgivable things in the clandestine corners of society where such experiments took place, driven by the insatiable curiosity of humankind. "Rest assured, Arama, you are safe here," the Grand Duke assured him, his voice resolute, "Tomorrow, we shall endeavor to free your friend from that wretched place. No one should suffer as you have."

Arama's gratitude was palpable, and he nuzzled against the Grand Duke's gloved hand in a gesture of trust and appreciation. Arama then spoke, "H-How about the payment, My lord? Please, let me pay you at least.. You could do me rough.. or anything, please, I have nothing to use except my body.." He pleaded. 

The Grand Duke sighs, understanding the hybrid's mindset, "Arama, I'm not interested in anything like that," he says firmly, "I'm not going to take advantage of you in any way whatsoever. Your safety and that of your friend are all the payment I need."

The Grand Duke withdrew his hand gently from Arama's cheek, his expression a mixture of sympathy and concern. He understood the desperation that drove Arama's offer, a reflection of the harsh reality the hybrid had endured. Arama is so young to think like this, just how disgusting those scientists did to an innocent child? Arama should've been studying in the Dame as they speak.

Arama's eyes, filled with a poignant mixture of gratitude and frustration, searched the Grand Duke's face. He had expected rejection, even scorn, but this nobleman had shown him a kindness he had never known. 

"But…" Arama began hesitantly, "I've been conditioned to believe that everything comes at a price. That there's always a cost for mercy."

The Grand Duke feels a pang of frustration as he realizes the extent of the damage done by the scientists. He doesn't blame Arama for his skewed perception, but it's still painful to see the effects of their cruelty on the young hybrid.

"I understand, Arama. I can't begin to imagine what you've been through. But I promise you, there is no cost for mercy here. Only kindness and compassion."

He pauses, unsure how to word his next words, "Arama, I want you to know that we see you as a person. Not as a tool or a toy, but as a being with feelings and thoughts of your own. You deserve respect and kindness, just like everyone else, and we won't let anyone take that away from you."

The Grand Duke's eyes held a profound sadness as he continued to listen to Arama's words. He couldn't help but be troubled by the injustices inflicted upon the young hybrid. It was a stark reminder of the cruelty that existed in the world, especially in the shadows where innocent lives were manipulated and exploited.

"Arama," the Grand Duke spoke softly, his voice carrying the weight of the compassion he felt, "I can't erase the past or change the horrors you've endured. But I can promise you this: under my care, you will not be treated as a commodity. You are not a debt to be repaid or a pawn in a game. You are a young soul deserving of love, protection, and a chance at a better life."

Arama's gaze remained fixed on the Grand Duke's face, and tears welled up in his eyes. For the first time in his life, he felt a glimmer of hope, a belief that there might be a way out of the darkness that had surrounded him.

The Grand Duke's resolve strengthened, "In the world I envision, kindness and compassion are freely given, not bought or bartered. Everybody is equal. Tomorrow, when we embark on our journey to rescue your friend, we will do so with a sense of justice and righteousness. And when that day comes, Arama, you'll see that there are those who will stand by your side without expecting anything in return."

With these words, the tent seemed to grow warmer, as if the very air had been infused with hope and promise. The Grand Duke's pledge had touched Arama's heart, igniting a spark of newfound courage and determination to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Arama slowly picked up The Grand Duke's gloved hand and pressed onto his own cheek for comfort. The Grand Duke's heart tightened, so he voluntarily comforted Arama with his gloved hands, one was caressing the child's cheek, and one was stroking his head. 

After a brief silence, The Grand Duke spoke, "Arama, are you the only hybrid in this town and your friend? or there is more?" 

Arama leaned into the touch, savoring the comfort and warmth of the contact. The Grand Duke's gentle caresses were like a balm for his soul, soothing his wounds and calming his fears. He nodded, his voice barely a whisper, "There are more, my lord. This town is breeding hybrids like me. They are used for the pleasure of others, being sold to foreigners and then discarded when they are no longer useful."

The Grand Duke's expression hardened at the thought. No one, no matter what they were, deserved to be treated in such a way.

"We hybrids live in a small disguised hideout in the depth of forest.. Not far to where the scientists reside." he continued, "These scientists teach us how to speak, and read, and also teaches us how to do service to our 'masters'. Sometimes, foreigners would check the hideout, and pick some hybrids to their liking."

The Grand Duke felt his chest tighten and his jaw clenched as he listened to Arama's account of the cruel and inhumane treatment the hybrids were subjected to. He didn't understand how human beings could do such despicable things to innocent creatures, or why they found pleasure in such atrocities. It was a world he had heard whispers of but never truly witnessed firsthand. The exploitation and degradation of these innocent beings was a grave injustice that demanded action.

"Thank you for sharing this with me, Arama," the Grand Duke said solemnly, his hand still resting gently on the hybrid's cheek. "Tomorrow's mission just became even more critical. We must put an end to this abhorrent trade and free your fellow hybrids from this torment."

Arama nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability, "My lord, they... they deserve a chance at a better life. They deserve to be free and to experience kindness, just as I have with you."

The Grand Duke's gaze softened, and he nodded in agreement. "Indeed, they do, Arama. Tomorrow, we shall make every effort to liberate them and bring an end to this cruel practice. Until then, you are safe here, and you are not alone. Rest now, for a new day awaits us."

Arama's cat ears perked up, "Rest.. My lord, if we were going to sleep together, I could sense that you don't like skin contact.." 

The Grand Duke coughed dryly, "Y-Yes I do not like contact, well then, To ensure your safety tonight, I'll send you to the tent where you rested earlier, how does that sound?"

Arama's sensitivity to the Grand Duke's discomfort was evident in the slight twitch of his cat ears, and he nodded in understanding. "I appreciate your consideration, my lord. The tent will suffice."

The Grand Duke couldn't help but feel a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment at Arama's thoughtfulness. It was a reminder of the kindness that could exist in the midst of darkness.

He rose from his seated position and offered Arama a reassuring smile, "I will ensure that you are safely settled in the tent. You deserve a peaceful night's rest."

With that, the Grand Duke led Arama to the tent, making sure he had everything he needed before bidding him goodnight. As he watched Arama enter the tent, he couldn't shake the feeling that hybrid breeding was a thing in Landroich. He never thought that hybrids would exist in his kingdom.

The Grand Duke stood beside the Luminaflora Tree, he removed his gloves and clasped his hand together, with a single exhale, he placed his hands near to his lips and blew it to a long whistle.

The Grand Duke is summoning the Silver Hawks.

The Duke's spooky whistle echoed through the forest at night, giving off a sense of urgency. He knew his faithful and skilled knights, the Silver Hawks, would quickly come to his aid.

A little while later, they arrived with the sound of leaves rustling and wings flapping softly. Coming out of the shadows, the Silver Hawks landed smoothly, their shiny silver armor glimmering in the moonlight, with a unique emblem of a silver hawk. They were like the epitome of knights, dedicated to guarding the Crown Prince and keeping justice alive in the kingdom.

Their leader, General Casimir, stepped forward and knelt before the Duke, "My lord, you have summoned us. How may we be of service?"

The Grand Duke turned to look at the general, his white, nightgown fluttering at the cold breeze that the Luminaflora Tree produced. His lavender eyes lightened beneath the moonlight, with a stern tone, The Grand Duke declared, "Gather a dozen Silver Hawks, Two batches of imperial guards, three batches of medics and a couple of investigators. and also gather medical supplies." 

General Casimir asked once again, "May I inquire of what is the purpose of gathering them?" 

The Grand Duke replied coldly, "Tomorrow, we're going to raid the hideouts of the disgusting scientists who started the breeding of Hybrids in Landroich in such an illegal way. We'll arrest them and will save the remaining hybrids."

General Casimir, a man of unwavering dedication to the Grand Duke, rose from his kneeling position and saluted, "Understood, Your Grace. I shall assemble the troops and prepare them for the mission without delay."

He gave a quick nod, then turned around and started telling his comrades what to do. His voice echoed in the night as everyone in the camp got ready for the upcoming raid.

As the camp buzzed with action, the Grand Duke couldn't tear his lavender eyes away from the Luminaflora Tree. Its magical glow made the mission ahead feel even more important. Thoughts of Arama and the other hybrids being mistreated by the scientists couldn't help but cross his mind.

With determination etched across his features, the Grand Duke whispered to himself, "Looks like I'm about to punish sinners again."