Chapter 45 Travel Back

The farewells were bittersweet. King Aros, Queen Esabel, and Prince Beroldus, accompanied by a retinue of Tigerheart Kingdom officials, boarded their carriage, the golden emblem of the Sunfire lineage gleaming in the morning sun. Tatsuo and Ahtris stood at the palace gates, waving as the carriage disappeared down the winding road.

The gifts they received were a testament to the alliance, and the personal connections forged. King Aros's gift of 200 Elite Tiger Guard, a force renowned for their ferocity and unwavering loyalty, was both a gesture of protection and a symbol of trust. The Emperor and Empress bestowed upon them the Saszaben Spear, a legendary weapon imbued with the spirit of the third Emperor, a relic of immense power and historical significance. King Kazan, ever the pragmatist, offered no material gift, insisting that the 1,000 Drake Battalion he had gifted Tatsuo earlier was more than sufficient.

Tatsuo, eager to return to Dragonsden County and begin his life with Ahtris, requested his father's permission to depart the following day. The Emperor, understanding his son's desire to establish his own domain, readily agreed.

The next day, Tatsuo and Ahtris, accompanied by the 200 Elite Tiger Guard, boarded a ship bound for Harbor City. Upon their arrival, Mayor Mosuke, beaming with pride, greeted them with a warm welcome. He presented them with a gift, a masterfully crafted black shield, emblazoned with a fierce dragon, a testament to his skill as a craftsman and his loyalty to Tatsuo. They exchanged pleasantries, but Tatsuo, eager to reach Dragonsden County, did not linger. They continued their journey by carriage, the 200 Tiger Guard forming a formidable escort, the Imperial Family flag and Tatsuo's personal black dragon flag fluttering in the wind.

A month and a half later, they arrived at Emberfall Town. The town, nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant forests, was bustling with activity. Mayor of Emberfall Town, a stout, jovial man named Borin, greeted them alongside Diza, the Branch Chief of the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild. Borin's face was filled with warmth and hospitality, while Diza's was more reserved, but filled with a quiet loyalty.

"Your Highness, Princess Ahtris," Borin boomed, his voice echoing through the town square, "welcome to Emberfall! We are honored to have you."

Diza stepped forward, her half-elven features composed. "Your Highness, Princess Ahtris," she said, her voice clear and steady, "the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild welcomes you to Emberfall. We have been expecting you."

Tatsuo smiled, pleased with the warm reception. "Mayor Borin, Diza," he said, "thank you for your hospitality. We are eager to see the progress that has been made in Emberfall."

Ahtris, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, surveyed the town. "It's charming," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'm eager to explore."

Borin, eager to showcase the town's prosperity, led them on a tour. He pointed out the newly constructed buildings, the bustling marketplace, and the well-maintained training grounds. He explained the town's thriving trade with neighboring regions, the result of Tatsuo's strategic initiatives.

Diza, meanwhile, provided insights into the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild's operations in Emberfall. She detailed the guild's successful missions, their growing membership, and their contribution to the town's security. She also showed them the location of the new branch headquarters. A building that was large and well defended.

"We have established a strong presence in Emberfall," Diza said, her voice filled with quiet pride. "We are ready to serve Dragonsden County in any capacity."

Tatsuo, impressed by the guild's progress, nodded in approval. "Excellent work, Diza," he said. "Your dedication is commendable."

Ahtris, her eyes gleaming with interest, asked Diza about the guild's training methods and combat strategies. She was particularly interested in the guild's use of magic and their ability to adapt to different combat scenarios.

Diza, recognizing Ahtris's keen interest, offered to arrange a demonstration of the guild's skills. Ahtris, her excitement growing, readily accepted.

As the day drew to a close, Tatsuo and Ahtris settled into the comfortable accommodations provided by Mayor Borin. They discussed the day's events, their minds filled with plans for the future.

"Emberfall is thriving," Tatsuo said, his voice filled with satisfaction. "We have built a strong foundation for Dragonsden County."

Ahtris nodded in agreement. "Indeed," she said. "And with the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild's presence, we have a formidable force at our disposal."

They looked at each other, their eyes filled with a shared sense of purpose. They were not just husband and wife, but partners in a shared destiny, ready to face any challenge that came their way.

The morning sun streamed through the windows of their temporary quarters in Emberfall, casting a warm glow upon Tatsuo and Ahtris. Tatsuo, eager to share his domain with his wife, turned to her with a thoughtful expression.

"Ahtris," he began, "I have several towns within my county, each with its own unique character and purpose. Would you be interested in visiting them?"

Ahtris's eyes lit up, her adventurous spirit ignited. "Absolutely!" she exclaimed. "I've always longed to explore new places and experience different cultures."

Tatsuo smiled, pleased by her enthusiasm. "Excellent," he said. "We can begin our tour today. But first, I have a proposition for you."

He gestured towards the Dragon Cry Mercenary Guild's training grounds, where the mercenaries were engaged in their morning drills. "I thought you might enjoy a sparring session with some of the guild members. It would be a chance for you to test your skills and see their capabilities firsthand."

Ahtris's eyes gleamed with excitement. "That sounds wonderful!" she said. "I've been itching to get some practice."

They made their way to the training grounds, where Diza had assembled a group of skilled mercenaries. Ahtris, clad in her training attire, stepped into the arena, her posture radiating confidence. Tatsuo, watching from the sidelines, was impressed by her composure and her keen observation of her opponents.

The sparring began, and Ahtris displayed her agility and swordsmanship. She moved with grace and precision, her strikes swift and decisive. The mercenaries, though skilled, were no match for her. Ahtris's training as a princess and her natural talent shone through.

Tatsuo, deciding to join the fray, stepped into the arena. Ahtris, her eyes sparkling with competitive spirit, faced him with a determined expression. The sparring was intense, a dance of steel and skill. Tatsuo, though holding back, demonstrated his superior combat prowess. He disarmed Ahtris with a swift maneuver, ending the spar.

Ahtris, though disappointed, smiled at Tatsuo. "You're too skilled," she admitted, her voice filled with admiration. "But I'll get better."

Tatsuo chuckled, pleased by her competitive spirit. "I have no doubt," he said. "You have great potential."

The next day, Tatsuo and Ahtris, accompanied by the 200 Tiger Guard, set out for Greywall Town. The journey was smooth, the Tiger Guard maintaining a vigilant watch. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by Mayor Leon, a stern but fair man, who congratulated them on their wedding.

"Welcome, Your Highness, Princess Ahtris," Leon said, his voice resonant. "Greywall Town is honored to have you."

Leon led them to the Military Command Center, adjacent to the town hall, where Tatsuo's personal quarters were located. As they walked, Leon provided a detailed report on the town's progress. He spoke of the thriving mining operations, the improved defenses, and the growing population. Ahtris listened attentively, her mind absorbing the information.

Upon arriving at Tatsuo's personal quarters, Kelt, one of Tatsuo's original guards, approached them. "Your Highness," he said, his voice filled with respect, "congratulations on your wedding."

Tatsuo smiled and introduced Kelt to Ahtris. "Ahtris," he said, "this is Kelt. He is one of my original guards and now serves as the Commander of Greywall Law Enforcement."

Kelt bowed respectfully to Ahtris. "Princess," he said, "it is an honor to meet you."

Ahtris, her eyes filled with curiosity, asked Kelt about his duties and the challenges of maintaining law and order in Greywall Town. Kelt, pleased by her interest, provided a detailed account of his experiences, highlighting the town's unique challenges and the strategies he employed to overcome them.

Leon then went over the towns defenses and improvements that were made. he showed them the upgraded walls and the new guard towers. Ahtris and tatsuo went over the reports that leon gave them.

They spent the rest of the day exploring Greywall Town, visiting the mining operations, the training grounds, and the bustling marketplace. Ahtris was particularly impressed by the town's resilience and the determination of its people.

As evening fell, they returned to their quarters, their minds filled with impressions of Greywall Town. They discussed the town's strengths and weaknesses, their minds already formulating plans for further improvements.

"Greywall Town is a vital asset to Dragonsden County," Tatsuo said, his voice filled with conviction. "Its mining operations provide essential resources, and its people are strong and capable."

Ahtris nodded in agreement. "Indeed," she said. "And with Kelt's leadership, the town's security is well-assured."

They looked at each other, their eyes filled with a shared sense of purpose. They were not just husband and wife, but partners in a shared vision, ready to guide Dragonsden County to greater prosperity.