Chapter 12

The Raizungu grandfather and grandson came to leave after their cordial greeting, allowing the next Ach-Duke and Duchess to step forward. As they advanced, Annabel observed that their clothing was distinctly different from that of the other nobles she had seen thus far. Their attire seemed to draw inspiration from Native American garments, yet it was embellished with a more sophisticated and Western flair that made it appear both elegant and unique. The couple's skin tones were noticeably darker than those of most individuals in the grand hall, which added to their striking presence. Their appearance certainly stood out amidst the crowd of familiar faces. However, it was not just their looks that captured attention; they exuded an exotic aura that was intriguing and captivating. With grace and poise, they came to kneel before the throne of the Emperor and Annabel, ready to pay their respects and present whatever business had brought them to the imperial court on this noteworthy occasion.

"We, the Villalobos, greet the mighty sun and the rising star." The couple spoke in unison as they knelt gracefully before the assembly. The Villalobos were the esteemed rulers of the beastmen, a powerful and proud lineage, but one wouldn't be able to tell just by looking at them since they were currently in their human forms, their true beastly nature concealed.

"Welcome; it must have taken quite a while to travel here today." The Emperor remarked, his voice resonating with authority. As he spoke, the gathered crowd shifted, and when Annabel attempted to discern which of the attendees belonged to the main family, the striking feature: the woman possessed heterochromia in her irises, one eye gray and the other cyan—unique traits reserved for those born of the main family bloodline. However, just because she hailed from the main family didn't automatically mean she held the title of head, due to the ancient customs of the beastmen society. When a couple marries, they engage in a fierce battle to determine who will lead the family. The victor takes the prestigious role of head, while the defeated spouse assumes the responsibility of managing the household and caring for the children after they are born.

One might think this arrangement seems unfair to the females, given that males are often born with greater physical strength. However, in the world of beastmen, this is not necessarily the case. Their strength is derived from a combination of genetics and rigorous training, ensuring that there is no inherent disadvantage, allowing both genders to compete on equal footing. This unique dynamic fosters a sense of respect and equality within their society, where prowess is earned rather than assumed. The first one to speak would be the head of the current Villalobos house, or more like tribe.

"Not at all, Your Imperial Majesty." The current head had been the rather muscular man with long, dark coloured hair. He carries a sharp gaze; his black eyes have dark circles around them. "Thanks to the Gates there were no troubles." 

The Gates were extraordinary portals strategically located throughout the vast expanse of the empire. Each of the Arch-Dukedoms boasted portals situated in the major cities within their territories, allowing for efficient travel and communication. These portals were intricately linked to one of the five central portals found in the capital city of each Arch-Dukedom. Four of these portals were positioned at the four corners of the city, serving as gateways to the surrounding regions. The fifth portal, however, was uniquely situated in the very heart of the capital, acting as a vital link to the Imperial Capital and the other Arch-Dukedoms. This elaborate network of portals facilitated the movement of nobility and important figures across the empire, ensuring that they could attend significant events and gatherings with ease.

Historically, access to these portals was limited to specific groups within the noble class, often reserved for those of the highest rank or those with direct ties to the ruling family. However, in a rare and unprecedented move, the Emperor had extended permission to all nobles and their esteemed guests to utilize the portals for a grand event. This gesture not only demonstrated the Emperor's desire for unity among the nobility but also highlighted the importance of the occasion. With the Gates open to all, the empire buzzed with excitement and anticipation, as nobles from distant lands prepared to converge and partake in the festivities that awaited them.

In a few decades, the twins who will ultimately play a significant role in shaping Tylra's future will be born into the direct branch family of the esteemed Villalobos house. These twins are destined to become powerful allies in the unfolding narrative. However, their journey will not be without complications. One of the twins, a young man with exceptional potential, is already engaged to the only daughter of the family head, a union that is not only advantageous but also highlights his bright future. This engagement will create both opportunities and challenges for him as he navigates the complexities of family expectations and personal aspirations. Meanwhile, his twin sister, a fierce and independent spirit, will emerge as one of Tylra's significant love interests. Both twins are unique in their heritage, as they are wolf beastmen, beings known for their extraordinary abilities and strength. Their innate powers will play a crucial role in the challenges and adventures that lie ahead, intertwining their fates with that of Tylra.

After a few more exchanges of words between the Emperor and the Arch-Duke, her and his wife left. This had allowed the final Archduke to step forwards, along with their partner and heir. 

"Greetings upon the Mighty Sun and the Rising Star." The one who had spoken was a middle-aged woman, exuding a quiet strength as she stood tall. Her ocean blue hair, vibrant and flowing, was styled in a bob that gracefully reached down her backside, while her bangs were meticulously cut to frame her face just above her eyes, adding an air of mystery to her gaze. Her attire, a flowing garment that shimmered like the sea at dawn, complemented her striking appearance, making her seem both approachable and formidable.

Beside her stood her partner, a simple man whose presence was unassuming yet reassuring. Dressed in plain clothing that blended into the background, he bore no remarkable features or flamboyant accessories to set him apart from the crowd. His demeanor was humble, and though he seemed ordinary in every sense, there was an undeniable depth in his eyes that hinted at hidden wisdom and experiences.

As for the heir, he was a slim, young man of approximately fifteen years old. He possessed striking, straight ocean blue hair, a defining trait of those born into the esteemed Arslan house. His bangs were particularly prominent, cascading down to cover part of his forehead, while some smaller strands playfully jutted outwards from the top of his head, giving him a somewhat carefree appearance. His large ocean blue eyes sparkled with youthful curiosity, and his small, mildly round nose added to his overall charm.

These descriptions were remarkably similar to those of the young male whom Tylra would come to regard as his rival and best friend, the first person to whom he would truly open his heart.

Annabel, however, wasn't surprised by the resemblance. The boy standing before her was, after all, his grandfather in the future, a connection that added layers of complexity to their relationship. He was also the younger brother of the future head of the Arslan house, a position he had no desire to assume. Instead, he harbored dreams of adventure and exploration, yearning to travel the world and experience life beyond the confines of his lineage. It was during his travels that he would eventually cross paths with Tylra, forging a bond that would last for years. 

With that, all of the nobles had greeted the emperor and Annabel, allowing the lavish party to proceed without further delay. Annabel sat elegantly in her ornate chair, her posture poised but her expression revealing her disinterest. The Emperor, in contrast, had descended from the elevated dais to engage more closely with the nobles, mingling among them with charm and charisma. As he moved through the crowd, Annabel found herself observing the festivities with a detached air, her mind wandering far from the glittering scene before her.

Although Annabel didn't want to be here, she couldn't seem to focus on anything for more than a few fleeting seconds. Her head felt foggy, as if a thick mist had settled inside her mind, clouding her thoughts and making it difficult to concentrate on the ongoing discussions around her. For some reason, she felt really hot, an oppressive heat radiating from within her. The truth is, she had noticed this discomfort a while ago, but she hadn't paid much attention to it at first. However, it had just gotten worse, intensifying to a point where she could no longer ignore it. The sensation was overwhelming, and she felt as though she were trapped in a furnace.

So much so that she ended up slipping out from her chair, causing all heads to turn in her direction. This was just great, she thought bitterly; now everyone was looking at her with a mix of concern and curiosity. She tried to get back up, but instead, she stumbled awkwardly, her legs refusing to cooperate. This small body of hers was already annoying to deal with, but now there was this added layer of discomfort that made everything feel even more unbearable. She didn't think things could get any worse, but before she knew it, the heat in her body began rising even more, like a raging fire consuming her from the inside out. Her vision started to fail her, the edges of her sight blurring and darkening as if she were peering into a deep abyss.

"Cassandra!!" The voice of the emperor reverberated in her ears, filled with urgency and alarm. It was the last thing that Annabel heard before everything around her faded into an endless void, the world slipping away as she succumbed to the overwhelming darkness. Panic and fear filled the air, but she was no longer part of it; she was lost in her own turmoil, her consciousness drifting away from the chaos surrounding her.