Chapter 6 Velmora City

"We have arrived at the outskirts of the Alverton Viscounty capital, my lord," Cooper informed Aldric, who had been engrossed in reading a manuscript from his family's library inside the carriage.

Aldric glanced up, setting the parchment aside, and peeked out the window. In the distance, a sprawling city loomed beyond the horizon, its towering stone walls standing as an unshakable testament to its wealth and security.

"Up ahead is Velmora City, my lord," Cooper continued. "It is the capital of the Alverton Viscounty and one of the largest commercial hubs in the northern region."

As they approached, Aldric silently observed the grandeur before him. The city walls were well-maintained, far more fortified than the modest defenses of Windsor County. Merchants, traders, and travelers lined up at the entrance, their carts laden with goods from across the kingdom. The streets near the gate teemed with life—shopkeepers shouting about their wares, laborers hauling goods, and nobles passing by in well-guarded carriages.

The sheer scale of prosperity left a bitter taste in Aldric's mouth. Windsor County had no city of this magnitude. Despite its rich resources, it was constantly struggling due to piracy, border skirmishes, and its isolated position. Meanwhile, Velmora flourished, unburdened by such struggles.

One day, Windsor will be like this. No greater than this, he thought to himself. I will make it happen.

Just as they reached the massive gates, the city guards stepped forward, blocking their path.

"Halt! State your identity and purpose," one of the guards demanded, his tone strict and unwavering.

Cooper dismounted, retrieving a finely crafted emblem bearing the insignia of House Windsor.

"This is the escort party of Count Aldric Windsor. We are here on a diplomatic visit, escorting the count himself. Please inform the castle," he declared.

The guards exchanged glances before recognizing the emblem, their posture shifting to a more respectful stance.

"My apologies, sir. I will deliver the message at once," one of the guards responded before rushing off.

Moments later, the sound of galloping hooves echoed through the streets as a group of knights approached. Leading them was a middle-aged man with streaks of gray in his hair and a composed yet commanding aura.

"I am Belrick, sent by the viscount to escort Count Windsor and his party. Please, follow me."

With that, the group proceeded through the grand gates and into Velmora.

As the carriage rolled through the city streets, Aldric took in his surroundings. The roads were paved with stone, the buildings tall and sturdy, adorned with banners and intricate carvings. Every few streets, he spotted patrols of well-equipped guards, their armor polished, their discipline evident. Marketplaces bustled with activity—merchants peddling silk, spices, fine steel, and exotic goods from distant lands.

The vibrancy of Velmora only deepened the stark contrast in his mind. Windsor was a fortress first, a land of hardship second. Trade was minimal, its people endured constant raids, and any surplus wealth was reinvested into military upkeep. Here, in Velmora, wealth was abundant, untouched by war.

Aldric clenched his fist slightly. For now, Windsor was weak. But not forever.

Upon arriving at the castle, Aldric and his knights were led through the grand halls adorned with golden chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and masterfully sculpted statues. Compared to the Windsor estate built for war rather than comfort this castle was grand and luxurious.

At the end of the hall, seated on a throne-like chair, was Viscount Robert Alverton a man in his fifties, dressed in fine noble robes, he had a cunning charm to his face.

"Count Aldric Windsor, welcome," the viscount said, offering a measured smile. "I offer my condolences for the loss of your father. Managing a territory alone at such a young age must be… difficult. It has been years since we last met. You were but a boy then. I see you have grown into a fine young man."

Aldric stepped forward, offering a slight bow. "Thank you for your welcome, Lord Alverton. It is an honor to visit Velmora."

The viscount nodded. "You must be weary from your journey, Let us not discuss business immediately, I have prepared a banquet in your honor. Please, make yourself comfortable."

"I will do so, viscount" Aldric replied.

Aldric and his knights were escorted to their chambers to rest. Hours later, he was dressed appropriately with the help of some servants and made his way to the banquet hall.

The hall was vast and extravagant, filled with various vassals serving the Viscounty dressed in their finest attire. Long tables were adorned with lavish dishes roast meats, fresh seafood, and an endless supply of fine wine. As Aldric took his seat, he remained observant of the surrounding.

"Viscount Alverton enters!" a guard announced.

Immediately, all eyes turned toward the viscount. He walked in the middle of the hall and raised his cup with a warm smile.

"Welcome, my comrades . Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of Count Aldric Windsor my son-in-law and the Count of Windsor County! Let us raise our cups in his honor and enjoy this banquet to the fullest."

The vassals echoed the sentiment, raising their goblets, and one by one, they approached Aldric with polite pleasantries.

Windsor County's instability was no secret. To them, Aldric was a young noble struggling to keep his house afloat an opportunity. Some sought to gain influence over his territory, others aimed to establish some relationship with the lord.

"Lady Eleanor Alverton enters!" the guards announced again.

From the entrance came a beautiful young woman with golden hair, fair skin, and striking emerald eyes. She moved with the grace befitting a noble lady, drawing countless admiring gazes.

As Aldric was surrounded by various vassals and having conversion, Eleanor Slowly approached towards him.

"It has been a while, Aldric, or should I call you Count Windsor now?" Eleanor said with a soft smile. "I still have fond memories of my visit to Windsor County. Welcome to Velmora."

Aldric returned her smile, nodding slightly. "It indeed has been a while, Lady Eleanor. You are as radiant as ever. I appreciate your warm welcome."

His polite yet reserved tone made the nearby nobles hesitate. They had been subtly vying for his attention, but now that Eleanor had joined the conversation, they stepped back, unwilling to interrupt.

Eleanor chuckled as she watched them retreat. "It's so easy to make people scatter. You should thank me for rescuing you."

Aldric smirked. "Thank you, Lady Eleanor. It's tiresome to deal with so many at once."

"You're still as bad at social gatherings as ever, aren't you?" she teased. "You never enjoyed these kinds of events when we were younger."

"I don't see the point of meaningless small talk," Aldric replied, glancing at the departing nobles. "Everyone here either wants to take advantage of Windsor's current state or measure how weak I am."

"Though I must say, you've improved. If this were years ago, you would've already left the banquet early to read in the library."

Aldric sighed. "That does sound like something I'd do."

She giggled. "It was cute. But you can't do that anymore. You're a count now, Aldric. Whether you like it or not, you have to play this game."

"That's why I'm here," he admitted.

Eleanor tilted her head. "And what game are you playing tonight?"

Aldric met her emerald gaze. "The same one your father is playing."

For a moment, she studied him, then laughed softly. "Be careful, Aldric. My father is very good at this game."

"I know," he replied. "But I don't intend to lose."

Eleanor's lips curled into an intrigued smile. "Then I'll be watching closely. Don't disappoint me."

Their conversation was interrupted by another noble who cautiously approached Aldric with a toast. Eleanor stepped back slightly, allowing him to navigate the social web on his own, but the knowing glint in her eyes remained.

Later that night, Aldric met with the viscount privately in his study.

"I will not waste your time with unnecessary pleasantries, my lord," Aldric began. "Windsor County is at a critical turning point. While we hold strategic importance, financial limitations are hindering our growth. I have come to request a loan one that will be repaid with interest."

Viscount Alverton leaned back, his fingers lightly tapping against the armrest of his chair.

"A loan, you say?" He mused. "I sympathize with your struggles, but financial aid is not given lightly. Why should I risk my wealth for Windsor?"

Aldric met his gaze evenly. "Because a strong Windsor benefits the northern region as a whole. Without proper support, my county may weaken further, which could have unintended consequences for Alverton as well. Pirates continue to grow bolder, and should Windsor fall into true decline, the chaos will not remain contained."

The viscount remained silent for a moment. Then, he exhaled. "I will have to decline."

Aldric remained composed. He had expected this.

However, before the discussion could end, Eleanor stepped forward.

"Father," she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Windsor County is our ally. Aldric is my fiancé. Should we not offer support when it is needed most?"

The viscount glanced at her, then back at Aldric. A quiet tension filled the room.

Finally, he chuckled, shaking his head. "You always had a soft heart, Eleanor."

Then, turning to Aldric, he smiled. "Very well. I will grant you the funds you request. However, consider this a gesture of goodwill rather than a simple loan. Windsor County is unstable… and I wish to ensure my daughter's future remains secure. With this investment, I expect our alliance to deepen."

Aldric immediately understood the implication.

So this is your game. You wish to turn me into your puppet.

But aloud, he merely said, "I understand. Thank you, Lord Alverton."

The viscount's smile widened. "Then let us toast to a prosperous future."

Aldric raised his glass, but in his heart, he was already planning his next move.