Welcome to Aloria

The forest gave way to rolling hills and fields of golden wheat, a stark contrast to the charred remains of Aethelhum. As Kaito and Elara emerged from the treeline, they were greeted by the sight of a small village, its houses built of sturdy stone and timber, smoke curling lazily from their chimneys. A sense of peace and normalcy settled over Kaito, a welcome change from the chaos and destruction he had become accustomed to.

He watched as villagers went about their daily routines, their faces etched with a contentment that he hadn't seen in Aethelhum.

Children chased each other through the streets, their laughter echoing in the crisp morning air. Farmers tended their fields, their movements practiced and efficient. It was a scene of simple, honest living, a stark reminder of what he was fighting to protect.

As Elara and Kaito walked through the village, they were greeted with smiles and respectful bows. "Greetings, Lady Elara," a woman called from her doorway, a basket of freshly baked bread in her hands.

"Good morning, Lady Elara," a group of children chorused, their eyes wide with admiration.

Elara responded with a warm smile and a friendly wave, her demeanor a stark contrast to the fierce warrior Kaito had seen battling orcs and wolves. He saw a different side of her now, a gentle and compassionate leader who cared deeply for her people.

But the idyllic scene was shattered as a woman, her face etched with grief, approached Elara, her eyes red and swollen.

"My lady," she sobbed, clutching Elara's hand.

Elara's face fell, her smile fading into a somber expression. "I'm so sorry, Martha," she said, her voice filled with sympathy. "We haven't found any survivors."

The woman wept, her body shaking with grief. Kaito's heart ached for her, for all those who had lost loved ones in the attack on Aethelhum.

He knew that feeling all too well, the pain of loss a constant companion in this looping nightmare.

They continued towards the castle, the weight of the village's grief heavy in the air. As they approached the castle gates, a tall, imposing figure stepped forward, his armor gleaming in the sunlight.

Kaito felt a surge of apprehension. This man radiated an aura of power, his eyes sharp and alert, his movements precise and disciplined.

"Lady Elara," the man said, his voice deep and resonant. "Welcome back. We were worried."

Elara nodded, her expression grim. "Thank you, Commander Gavril. I have... grave news."

She recounted the events of the past few days, the attack on Aethelhum, the orcs in the forest, the deaths of the villagers. Gavril listened intently, his face hardening with each word.

"I will inform the Duke immediately," he said, his voice grim. "And I will personally lead a search party to Aethelhum. We must find out who is responsible for this."

Elara nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Gavril."

They passed through the gates and into the castle courtyard, the imposing structure looming over them. Kaito felt a sense of awe mixed with trepidation. He had never been inside a castle before, and the sheer scale of it was overwhelming.

The castle doors swung open, revealing a grand entrance hall, its walls adorned with tapestries and suits of armor. A man, impeccably dressed in a butler's uniform, stood waiting for them, his posture ramrod straight, his expression unreadable.

Kaito felt a shiver run down his spine. This man, like the commander, exuded an aura of power, a silent strength that belied his seemingly subservient role.

"Lady Elara," the butler said, his voice smooth and refined. "Welcome home. The Duke awaits you in his study."

Elara nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of relief and apprehension. "Thank you, Sebastian. Please see to our guests. They need rest and medical attention."

Sebastian bowed, his gaze turning towards Kaito and Hope. "Of course, my lady. Please follow me."

He led them down a long corridor, his footsteps silent on the plush carpets. Kaito glanced back at Elara, who offered him a reassuring smile before disappearing through a grand oak door.

Sebastian stopped before a pair of intricately carved doors. "These are your chambers," he said, opening the doors to reveal a spacious and luxuriously furnished room. "Please make yourselves comfortable. I will send for a maid to attend to your needs."

He clapped his hands, and a young woman with short, neatly trimmed hair appeared, her eyes wide with curiosity. "This is Mary," Sebastian said. "She will see to your comfort."

Mary curtsied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Please follow me," she said, her voice soft and gentle.

Kaito and Hope followed Mary into the room, their eyes wide with wonder. The bed was enormous, piled high with soft pillows and blankets. A fireplace crackled merrily in the corner, casting a warm glow over the room. A table laden with fresh fruit and pastries sat by the window, overlooking a sprawling garden.

Kaito felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He had been running, fighting, and dying for what felt like an eternity.

He needed rest, needed time to heal, needed to figure out his next move.

He looked at Hope, who was staring at the room with wide, curious eyes. He smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through him. He would protect her, he would find a way to save her, and he would break this curse, even if it meant facing the Devil himself.