5 regions 5 famalies

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After finishing his training, Ryan found himself back in the palace library, surrounded by the quiet calm of ancient books and warm sunlight filtering through the tall windows. His body was still, but his thoughts were elsewhere, drifting toward the south of the kingdom.

His mind lingered on the Dark Forest—a place he hadn't been able to stop thinking about recently. Malice is there, he reminded himself, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. It was a dangerous place, full of unpredictable threats.

I wonder if the Valors have noticed anything strange happening in the Dark Forest, he thought. They're stationed near there, after all.

The Valor family guarded the southern region, known for their military strength and unmatched swordsmen. If anything unusual was happening in the Dark Forest, they would likely be the first to know.

Just as Ryan's thoughts deepened, the door to the library swung open with a soft creak, and Aria came running in, her usual energy filling the room.

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The quiet was broken by the sound of footsteps. Aria entered the room, her usual energy evident as she strolled over and dropped into a chair next to Ryan.

"You're always hiding away in here," she teased, resting her arms on the table. "What are you thinking about this time?"

Ryan smirked, glancing at her. "Just thinking about the kingdom. The way it's divided, how everything works together.

You ever think about how the ducal families are the real pillars of Roan?"

Aria leaned back, folding her arms. "I mean, yeah. We've been taught all this since we were kids, haven't we? Five regions, five families, plus the royal family in the center. It's pretty simple."

"Simple?" Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Each family has its own strengths. There's a lot more to it than just the regions they control."

Aria rolled her eyes, though she was clearly interested. "Fine, Mr. Philosopher. Enlighten me. Let's start with the east."

Ryan nodded, enjoying the chance to talk it through. "Right, so the eastern region is controlled by the Rosechild family. They're famous for producing some of the best mages in the kingdom. That area borders the Salon Kingdom, so it's a hub for trade and travelers. The Rosechilds are basically in charge of keeping everything stable in a really busy region."

Aria tapped her chin, thinking it over. "Yeah, makes sense. Mages are good for handling all the different types of people and problems that come through. Plus, with all that trade, they probably have to deal with some shady types now and then."

"Exactly," Ryan said, nodding. "They've got to be versatile. The eastern region might seem peaceful, but it's always buzzing with activity. One wrong move, and things could get chaotic."

Aria sat forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Okay, so that's the east. What about the west? Isn't that where the Pristina family is?"

Ryan leaned back in his chair. "Yep. The Pristina family controls the western region, but it's a lot quieter out there. The west borders the Berserk Sea, and that sea isn't called 'Berserk' for nothing. It's dangerous—wild storms, unpredictable waves, and strange creatures. The Pristinas might not be as famous as the Rosechilds, but they're the ones keeping the sea from becoming a bigger problem."

Aria shuddered slightly. "I've heard stories about the Berserk Sea. Imagine having to live near that. Makes sense that the Pristina family focuses on magic. They need to be prepared for anything coming from those waters."

Ryan chuckled softly. "Yeah, not the kind of place I'd want to live. But the Pristinas handle it well. They've got some strong magic users over there."

Aria stretched her arms over her head, thinking about what came next. "So, we've got mages in the east and west. What about the north? The Alucard family, right?"

"Right," Ryan confirmed. "The Alucards are known for raising both knights and mages. The northern region is harsh—cold winters, rough terrain, and it's closer to the wild lands beyond the kingdom's borders. They have to be ready for anything, which is why they train both knights and mages. They're the kingdom's main defense up north."

Aria raised an eyebrow. "Both knights and mages? They must be pretty impressive to balance the two."

Ryan nodded. "They are. The Alucards have a reputation for being tough, and they need to be. The north can be unpredictable, and the threats they face aren't always human."

"Sounds intense," Aria mused. "But what about the south? That's where the Valor family is, right?"

Ryan's expression shifted as he thought about the Valor family. "Yeah, the Valors are different. They're not a ducal family—they're a marquis family—but their military is one of the strongest in the kingdom. The south is known for raising knights, and the Valor family is famous for producing top-tier swordsmen. Marquis Valor, their head, is said to be the best swordsman in all of Roan."

Aria's eyes widened slightly. "The best in the whole kingdom? I've heard rumors that he can even sense sword intent."

Ryan nodded. "That's what people say. Sword intent is rare, and only the most skilled swordsmen can achieve it. The Valor family might not be dukes, but their influence is massive because of their military power. They're the ones who protect the southern border."

Aria grinned. "I'd love to see him fight one day. Sounds like a real legend."

Ryan smiled. "Maybe you'll get the chance."

After a moment of silence, Aria tilted her head. "And then there's us—the central region. The Gracia and Alestra families."

Ryan's smile faded slightly as he nodded. "Yeah. The Gracia family and our Alestra family are based in the center of the kingdom, close to the capital. We're more involved in politics and the royal court, but when it comes to combat, both families are balanced in magic and close combat. We're expected to help support the other regions when needed."

Aria sighed. "So we're the backup, huh?"

"More like the balance," Ryan corrected. "We're positioned near the capital, so we have a role in everything—politics, combat, magic. We help keep the peace within the kingdom, and if something happens in one of the regions, we're the first to step in and support them."

Aria leaned back, her gaze drifting to the tall windows. "It sounds like a lot of responsibility."

"It is," Ryan agreed quietly. "But that's the way it's always been. The royal family trusts us to keep things stable, just like they trust the other families to handle their regions."

Aria nodded, understanding. "And the Alumina royal family is at the heart of it all."

Ryan's voice softened as he spoke about the royal family. "Yes, the Alumina family rules from the capital, Anthria. They've been in power for generations, focusing on both magic and close combat, like us. But their real strength lies in their ability to bring all the regions together, to keep the kingdom united."

Aria smiled faintly. "It's strange, isn't it? All these families with their own specialties, their own roles to play, but together, they make the kingdom what it is."

Ryan returned the smile, a hint of pride in his eyes. "That's why the kingdom has survived for so long. No single family could do it alone. It's a balance of power, and we all have our part to play."

Aria stood up, stretching her arms with a smirk. "Well, I guess we'll have our part soon enough."

Ryan looked at her, his eyes serious. "We will. And it's important to be ready."

Aria chuckled, waving a hand. "I know, I know. Don't worry, Ryan. I'll be ready when the time comes."

"Well, let us go to sleep; tomorrow there will be sparring and training with princes, so get some rest."

Aria nodded as she got up, "I can not wait for tomorrow! "

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