Chapter 56 - End of the first part [4]

Two days later, we left that piece of land behind.

The sound of my warhorse's hooves echoed along the gravel road with an imposing rhythm. With each step, dust rose like veils of farewell.

Evelyn followed behind me, clinging to my waist, wrapped in a dark cloak I had arranged for her. She still wore her shepherdess's overalls, as if her soul still resisted leaving the countryside. But her fingers were firmly clasped around me. She trembled, but did not retreat.

The city wall appeared on the horizon—a gray stone structure that touched the cloudy sky. When we stopped in front of the gates of New Moon, two guards peered down from the inspection towers, watching in silence. A single gesture was enough, and the sound of chains rang out, heavy and metallic, as the gates began to open.

Neither of them dared to question us. They saw the armor. They saw the sword strapped to my back. That was enough.

I led the horse inside the walls with Evelyn still clinging to me.

The city swallowed us with its noise. New Moon was a world apart — stone streets, reinforced wooden houses, colorful awnings, and hurried people. Artisans with faces smeared with soot. Nobles riding in shiny carriages. Merchants shouting their offers in loud voices. Children running, dogs barking, the aroma of fresh bread mixed with the smell of rust and sweat.

Evelyn tightened her arms around me.

"It's okay," I whispered. "I'm here."

Her curious eyes peered out from under her hood. There was fear, yes. But also a spark. As if she wanted to understand that world. As if she were discovering that the horizon was wider than she had ever imagined.

A man approached, wearing chain mail, a smarmy smile plastered on his face.

"Welcome, young master," he said, bowing. "I see you took care of the bandits around the city. We thank you for your hard work on behalf of New Moon."

His eyes gleamed with greed, and his honeyed voice dripped with flattery.

I said nothing.

I just nodded and continued riding, keeping a steady pace and a watchful eye. The light weight of Evelyn behind me, her arms around my waist, anchored me. I could feel her breathing against my back, still tense, probably frightened by what we saw around us—and she had good reason to be.

New Moon was a lively, noisy city, suffocating with so many voices and smells mixed together. It was also dangerous, if you knew where to look. And I knew.

Her eyes were still covered by her hood, but from time to time I felt her shrink further as we passed armed men, guards with tired or overly curious looks. Even under the shadow of my armor, I could see them watching. Calculating. Trying to figure out if I was just another kid throwing himself into war clothes.

They gave up quickly. Most recognized the armor—the crest on my chest, the battle marks on the steel plates. Others simply saw my eyes and turned away.

That's when I saw them.

Men from the House of the Sun. My blood. My home. They stood in formation just past the market street, swords sheathed, spears at attention. When I approached, they dismounted and knelt.

Fists on their chests.

"Welcome back, young master," said Doug, the oldest of the trio, his eyes narrowed by time but still as alert as ever. His voice was rough, like dry wood, but it carried a reverent firmness.

"Thank you for your welcome," I replied firmly, holding his gaze. Not as a boy who had returned—but as someone who had survived outside the walls on his own merit.

Doug nodded with a slight tilt of his head, but did not smile.

"We have come to escort you to the castle," he said bluntly. "Your father has been waiting for your return for a long time."

I nodded, then felt Evelyn stirring behind me. Doug noticed too. His eyes narrowed, curious.

"Young master... is this?"

I looked at him and spoke without hesitation:

"My wife. I brought her home to marry. And to have children."

Some of the soldiers chuckled softly. Not in mockery, but at my frankness. They were used to it by now. I didn't care for metaphors or salon flourishes. If it was true, it was said. Period.

Doug smiled slightly. "As you wish, young master."

They knew who I was. They knew I didn't play games.

As the escort formed in front and behind us, I pulled my horse close to Rammal, who rode silently, alert. He was like a fox disguised as a wolf—eyes always calculating, ears always listening.

"Any news?" I asked, keeping my voice low. Evelyn was now leaning more heavily on me; I think she was beginning to relax.

Rammal nodded.

"The city has received a new wave of young nobles. The Full Moon School's crop arrived this week," Rammal said in a low but firm voice. "Sons of counts, viscounts... and some from even higher lineages. They are excited, trying to impress the directors."

"And?" I asked, unable to hide my boredom.

"The school sent an emissary to the House of the Sun," he continued, his gaze fixed on my face. "They want to schedule a meeting with you. The vice principal, in person."

I sighed, letting the air escape slowly.

"I see. Any other news?"

Rammal hesitated for a moment, as if weighing whether or not to say it.

"As for the murder on the road..." his voice grew deeper. "It was officially closed as a clash between rival families. No names were mentioned in the documents. No investigation. No charges." He paused briefly, then added regretfully, "The Baron received gifts on behalf of the Crown. Silks. Silver. And a letter... with the imperial seal."

The frown that formed under my helmet burned inside me. So that was it. Lives erased as if they were trash on the road. And the Empire... rewarded silence.

"Of course," I muttered. "Nameless blood carries no weight in the palace."

Hearing Rammal's words, I felt my shoulders relax—for a brief moment. But then he continued, and everything froze inside me.

"Furthermore..." he said, in that neutral voice he used for serious matters, "the Violet House has declared war on our family, master."

I stared at him, not understanding at first. Blinking once or twice as if that would dispel the fog that had suddenly invaded me.