A New Life and a New Journey
A Mother's Joy, A Father's Softness
The morning light filtered into the Ravenshade estate, casting a golden glow over the dining hall. Averis sat at the long oak table, absently sipping his tea. His muscles still ached from training, but his father had given him a rare morning of rest before his departure. A moment of peace.
Then, Seraphina, looking as radiant as ever, stood from her seat and smiled at both Aldric and Averis.
> Seraphina (softly): "I have something to tell you both."
Averis tilted his head. Aldric, sitting beside her, merely raised an eyebrow, waiting.
> Seraphina: "I'm pregnant."
Silence.
Averis blinked.
Aldric blinked.
> Averis (internally): Wait...
His mind raced. He had always known he would have a sibling, but he had never known when. Now, it was happening.
Aldric, for his part, didn't speak right away. Instead, he simply reached out and placed a hand on Seraphina's stomach.
> Aldric (quietly): "...How long have you known?"
> Seraphina (smiling): "A few weeks. I wanted to be sure before telling you."
Aldric was a man known for his cold, calculating nature, feared across the North. But at that moment, a rare softness flickered in his crimson eyes.
Then—
> Aldric (deadpan): "Averis."
> Averis (blinking): "Yes?"
> Aldric: "You will have a younger sibling. I expect you to set an example."
> Averis (dryly): "Great. More responsibility."
Seraphina gave him a look.
> Seraphina (sternly): "Averis."
> Averis (raising hands): "I mean—great! I always wanted a little brother or sister."
Seraphina smiled in satisfaction.
> Averis (internally): Why does she look like I just agreed to sign a contract with my soul?
Aldric, meanwhile, leaned back slightly.
> Aldric (muttering): "Hopefully, they won't be as reckless as their elder brother."
Averis pretended not to hear that.
---
The Journey Begins – Packing for the North Wilds
Later that day, Averis stood in his room, packing for the journey ahead.
His bag already contained:
✔ 30 gold coins and 1 platinum coin.
✔ Five days' worth of food.
✔ A winter cloak and thick northern mercenary clothing.
✔ His sword, securely fastened to his waist.
✔ A half-mask covering his face up to his nose.
> Averis (grinning): "With this mask, no one will recognize me. I'll blend in perfectly."
> Frozen Raven (appearing on his shoulder, unimpressed): You're literally wearing noble-quality boots, carrying a high-grade sword, and your posture screams 'trained aristocrat.'
> Averis (pausing): "...Should I slouch?"
> Frozen Raven: That's not how it works.
Just as he was about to leave his room, the door swung open—
> Seraphina (holding a thick fur coat): "You forgot this."
> Averis (grinning): "Mother, I'll be fine."
Seraphina narrowed her eyes and wrapped the coat around him anyway.
> Seraphina: "The North Wilds are unforgiving. Wear it."
Averis sighed but let her fuss over him. He could feel her concern and, despite himself, found comfort in it.
---
Final Words Before Departure
As Averis prepared to leave, Aldric stood by the main gates, arms crossed.
> Aldric: "You have everything?"
> Averis: "Yes."
> Aldric: "Your sword?"
> Averis: "Yes."
> Aldric: "Your food?"
> Averis: "Yes."
> Aldric: "Your common sense?"
Averis paused.
> Averis: "…Debatable."
Aldric sighed.
> Aldric: "If you die because of your own stupidity, I'll personally resurrect you just to kill you again."
> Averis (muttering): "Motivating, as always."
Aldric placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
> Aldric (serious): "Survive. That is your priority."
Averis nodded, this time without humor.
---
The Road Ahead
As he rode out toward the North Wilds, the Ravenshade estate fading behind him, Averis exhaled deeply.
> Averis (thinking): A new sibling, a new journey…
> Frozen Raven: Try not to die, little human.
> Averis (smirking): "No promises."
And with that, his adventure truly began.
END OF THE CHAPTER
The currency in this world 1 copper (50 copper is daily pay for farmers and low rank scouts)
100 copper = 1 silver (which is can get you by 2 days of stay and food in North where stay and food prices are more than most places because of harsh cold weather)
100 silver = 1 gold (3 gold is average soldier yearly salary
100 gold coins = 1 platinum coin (with 1 platinum you could buy a house and live for 10 years of food without having to work).