Maxwell Duchy

The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the Cromwell Barony as Strider stepped out of the mansion, dressed in a simple yet refined noble outfit.

The air was crisp, and the distant chirping of birds filled the silence of dawn.

As he approached the mansion gate, he saw Baron Graham and Baroness Eleanor standing beside a luxurious noble carriage adorned with the Cromwell family crest.

Beside them, Silvia stood with her arms crossed, an exaggerated pout on her face.

The moment she spotted Strider, she huffed and tapped her foot. "You're late! Fifteen whole minutes late!"

Amused by her childish antics, Strider smirked. "My apologies, Lady Silvia. I had no idea you were keeping time so seriously."

Silvia puffed up her chest. "Of course! This is an important journey! How can you be late?"

Baron Graham chuckled, while Baroness Eleanor smiled fondly at the sibling interaction.

The familial warmth was evident, and it was moments like these that made Strider appreciate his home despite his greater ambitions.

Once the playful banter settled, Baron Graham turned serious and introduced Strider to two elderly men standing beside the carriage.

Both were dressed in sturdy martial robes, their eyes sharp with years of experience.

"These two are Henry and Wallace," the baron said, gesturing toward them.

"They are both at the peak of the Mortal Transformation Realm. Our family has invested heavily in their cultivation, ensuring their loyalty and strength. They've reached their limit in martial progress, but they serve as valuable guardians for noble households. This time, Henry will act as the coachman, while Wallace will ride alongside on horseback."

Strider nodded in understanding.

Cultivators who hit bottlenecks often served as elite guards, their sole allegiance bound to the noble house that raised them.

While they weren't earth-shattering powerhouses, they were strong enough to deter troublemakers.

Behind them, a unit of twenty elite guards, all ranging from the first to third layers of the Mortal Transformation Realm, stood in formation.

Their presence was a statement of power—any bandits or schemers eyeing the Cromwell siblings would think twice before acting.

"Everything is prepared," Baron Graham said. "You'll leave immediately."

Strider exchanged a final glance with his parents, who both looked at him with a mix of pride and concern.

"Take care of Silvia," Eleanor reminded him.

"I will," Strider promised.

With that, he and Silvia entered the carriage, the door closing behind them.

The inside of the carriage was luxurious, lined with soft cushions and even containing a small table for refreshments.

Silvia immediately made herself comfortable, stretching her legs and grinning excitedly.

"This is my first time leaving the barony," she admitted, her voice brimming with excitement.

"I wonder what the Maxwell Duchy looks like! I've heard it's filled with grand buildings and bustling markets."

Strider leaned back, resting his chin on his hand. "You'll see for yourself soon enough."

And thus, their journey began.

The journey to the Maxwell Duchy took six days.

For Strider, those six days felt like an eternity.

Silvia, ever the energetic one, talked non-stop.

From stories about their childhood to theories about the heir selection ceremony, she filled every moment with chatter.

Strider had never known someone could have so much energy.

By the third day, he resigned himself to his fate, responding with hums and occasional nods while letting Silvia carry the conversation.

Even Henry, the coachman, and Wallace, the escort, occasionally exchanged amused glances at Strider's plight.

However, despite the constant chatter, Strider took note of one crucial development—Silvia's excitement about the future.

She was young, but her ambitions were clear. She wanted to prove herself at the Maxwell Duchy, to show that even someone from a small barony could be strong.

Strider admired that about her.

On the third day of their journey, as Silvia continued her endless chatter, Strider sighed and retrieved a book from his storage ring.

Handing it to her, he said, "Here, this is the Everlasting Cultivation Manual. Study it carefully—it'll help you advance faster, this is also my gift to you"

Silvia's eyes lit up as she took the book, her excitement shifting from talking to reading.

Finally, there was silence in the carriage, and Strider closed his eyes, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

On the fifth day, the landscape began to change.

The vast plains and rolling hills gave way to well-maintained roads lined with merchants and travelers.

Small villages grew into bustling towns, and soon, the towering structures of the Maxwell Duchy came into view.

Silvia, who had spent the past few days reading the everlasting cultivation manual also got amazed .

Her eyes widened in awe as she gazed at the massive walls of the duchy capital, the grand city of Whitewave.

"Wow…" she breathed. "It's so…big."

Strider chuckled at her reaction.

Compared to the Cromwell Barony, the Maxwell Duchy was a different world.

It was a center of wealth and power, its streets filled with nobles, merchants, and cultivators.

As they passed through the city gates, the sheer scale of the capital became more evident.

Elegant mansions lined the streets, banners of noble houses fluttered in the wind, and various sects and guilds advertised their skills.

The roads leading to the Maxwell Mansion were filled with noble processions, each displaying their wealth and power.

Carriages adorned with family crests moved in orderly lines, their guards standing tall and alert.

Strider let out a small sigh of relief. Silvia was finally too captivated to talk.

After several hours of navigating the busy streets, their carriage finally reached the Maxwell Mansion.

The estate was a fortress of elegance, its grand halls built with white marble and gold-trimmed pillars.

The gardens were vast, filled with rare spirit flowers and ornamental statues.

As their carriage pulled up to the entrance, a steward dressed in fine robes approached.

"Welcome, esteemed guests from the Cromwell Barony," the steward said politely.

"The Duke has arranged accommodations for all noble representatives. You may rest before the ceremony begins."

Strider and Silvia stepped out of the carriage, stretching after the long journey.

Their guards dismounted, falling into formation behind them.

Silvia turned to Strider, her eyes sparkling. "We're really here."

He nodded. "We are. Now, let's see what awaits us in the Maxwell Duchy."

As they entered the grand estate, Strider couldn't shake the feeling that this journey was about to become much more complicated than he had anticipated.