New encounter 1

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Chapter: A New Encounter

The carriage bearing the crest of the Alestra family rolled steadily along the winding road, leaving the towering walls of the capital behind. Inside, Ryan and Aria sat quietly, their gazes fixed on the receding view of the city that had been their temporary home.

"I'm suddenly feeling a bit sad," Aria muttered, breaking the silence. Memories of their time spent with Princess Alice swirled in her mind. They had trained together, played together, and shared moments of laughter. Now, with their departure, a bittersweet ache settled in her chest.

Alena, seated across from her children, noticed her daughter's expression and offered a comforting smile. "It's not like you'll never see them again," she said gently. "Your age ceremony is just a month away. Clarice and Alice will almost certainly be there. You'll be reunited before you know it."

Aria nodded, feeling her mother's words ease her melancholy. She turned her gaze toward her younger brother, who sat by the window seat, lost in thought. Without a word, she got up and settled beside him.

Ryan blinked, pulled from his daze by the familiar presence at his side.

"What's wrong, sis? Feeling a bit lonely?" he asked, his blue eyes studying her thoughtfully.

"Yeah, a little," Aria admitted, leaning back in her seat. "We just made a new friend, and after all we've been through together, it feels strange and a bit sad that she isn't with us anymore."

"You're right," Ryan said, his voice calm and reassuring. "But it's not like we're parting forever. I'm sure the princess will visit soon."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Aria replied, her spirits lifting. She turned her attention to the window, joining her brother in admiring the passing scenery. Rolling hills stretched out to the horizon, dotted with patches of wildflowers and the occasional herd of grazing deer. The soft glow of the setting sun painted the landscape in hues of gold and crimson.

The peaceful atmosphere was suddenly interrupted when the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Ryan glanced at his mother and sister, their puzzled expressions mirroring his own.

"What's going on?" Alena asked aloud.

Before anyone could answer, the door to the carriage opened, revealing Cial, the captain of the Alestra family's knight brigade. His broad shoulders and polished armor gleamed faintly in the dimming light.

"Why have we stopped, Captain Cial?" Alena asked, her tone calm but curious.

"There's a carriage ahead belonging to the Gracia family," Cial explained, gesturing down the road.

The Gracia family ruled the central region of the Roan Kingdom alongside the Alestra family. Renowned for their strong magical heritage, the Gracia family consistently produced some of the most gifted mages in the kingdom, their talents rivaling even the royal family. Given their proximity to the Gracia lands, encountering their carriage wasn't entirely unexpected.

Ryan stepped out of the carriage first, followed by Aria and Alena. Ahead of them stood a similarly luxurious carriage, bearing the intricate crest of the Gracia family—a silver tree with golden roots, symbolizing wisdom and stability.

A striking woman with long, flowing black hair stood beside the Gracia carriage. She wore a regal, golden dress adorned with delicate embroidery, her posture calm and dignified. Beside her was a young girl of about ten years, dressed in a blue gown that contrasted sharply with her fair skin and raven-black hair. Despite her youthful appearance, the girl's proud expression carried an air of maturity and authority.

The woman turned toward the Alestra carriage, her sharp green eyes meeting Alena's. A faint smile curved her lips as she approached.

"Lady Alena," she greeted, her voice smooth and formal. "It's been some time since our paths crossed."

"It has, Lady Evelyn," Alena replied, returning the smile. "This is a pleasant surprise."

Ryan and Aria stood quietly behind their mother, observing the interaction. Lady Evelyn Gracia, as Ryan knew from his studies, was renowned for her sharp intellect and mastery of elemental magic. Her family's magical expertise made them a cornerstone of the kingdom's defense against external threats and beast tides.

The young girl beside Lady Evelyn stepped forward, her curious gaze flickering toward Ryan and Aria.

"This is my daughter, Camilla," Lady Evelyn said, introducing the girl with a gentle gesture.

Camilla curtsied gracefully, though her gaze remained steady and appraising. "It's an honor to meet the Alestra family," she said, her voice polite but tinged with curiosity.

Aria smiled warmly, stepping forward to return the greeting. "It's nice to meet you too, Lady Camilla. I'm Aria, and this is my younger brother, Ryan."

Ryan inclined his head in a polite nod, studying Camilla with mild interest. She carried herself with poise, her demeanor reminding him of Alice's proud and composed nature, though Camilla seemed more confident in her speech.

"Are you traveling back to your territory, Lady Evelyn?" Alena asked, steering the conversation.

"Yes," Evelyn replied. "We've been in the capital attending council meetings. The journey home is always a welcome respite from politics."

Alena chuckled softly. "I can imagine. Though the council's work is necessary, it can be... taxing."

Evelyn's smile widened slightly. "Indeed. And you? Returning to the Alestra estate, I presume?"

"Yes," Alena confirmed. "We've just finished a visit to the royal family. The children had an opportunity to spend time with Princess Alice."

Camilla's ears seemed to perk up at the mention of Alice. "Princess Alice? How is she? I haven't seen her since last year's winter ball."

"She's doing well," Aria chimed in. "We trained together while we were in the capital. She's really determined to improve her mana control."

Camilla's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "I'm glad to hear that."

As the adults continued their conversation, Ryan's thoughts wandered. The Gracia family's lands were vast and strategically vital to the kingdom. Their magical prowess not only ensured their region's safety but also bolstered the kingdom's position in negotiations with neighboring states.

"Would you care to join us for tea?" Evelyn's invitation pulled Ryan from his thoughts. "There's a quaint inn just a short ride from here. It would be nice to catch up properly."

Alena glanced at her children, then nodded. "That sounds lovely. We'd be happy to join you."

The group returned to their carriages, the two families setting off toward the inn. Ryan glanced at Aria, who seemed excited by the unexpected detour. He couldn't help but smile faintly, wondering what this encounter might bring.

As the carriages moved forward, the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the road.

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