Chapter 17:The Marriage, Royal Palace And Grandmother.
Chapter 17:The Marriage, Royal Palace And Grandmother.
After their decisive exit from the Vermithorn estate, Lucen stepped beyond the threshold and drew in a deep breath of the free air. The heavy weight of the past fell away in that single exhale, and he turned to his mother, his voice calm and certain."I am alright, Mother—truly," Lucen said, his eyes resolute. "I feel refreshed, as if a new chapter has begun. I am finally free."
Cristiyana, overcome with emotion, knelt and pulled him into a tight embrace. "I feel it too, Lucen. At last, we are free together."
Malcnoh cleared his throat, his expression as implacable as ever. "Ahem… shall we prepare to teleport? Is there anything else you need to retrieve before we depart?"
Lucen shook his head. "No, Grandfather. My shadows and I have nothing left to take from this place."
Cristiyana mirrored him. "My shadows as well."
Lucen's curiosity was piqued by his mother's mention of her shadows. He turned just in time to see two figures emerge from the castle—Luna, his faithful confidant, and a second, unfamiliar presence. A young elf girl with striking white hair and vivid green eyes, an ethereal beauty who seemed to step from the pages of legend.
As Luna approached, she caught Lucen's gaze and gave him an exaggerated pout—an unspoken promise that even in these uncertain moments, she would remain by his side. The few onlookers who noticed could not help but laugh at the incongruity.
With all matters settled, Malcnoh's voice resonated with finality. "Then let us go home, Cristiyana."
He took Cristiyana's hand in his own, and she smiled radiantly, the relief of their escape shining through her eyes. In the span of a single breath, the world shifted. When Lucen opened his eyes, they stood in a land unknown to him—a bustling town alive with vigor and vitality. In the distance, a massive castle loomed, its regal presence dominating the skyline.
Lucen took in the scene with wide eyes. So this is the countryside empire I've only heard about… It commands the entire continent's rural territories. Impressive.
Cristiyana's soft voice broke through his thoughts. "Welcome to my homeland, Lucen."
Lucen nodded with respect. "Thank you, Mother."
In the midst of this new chapter, Lucen's mind turned to his secretive plans. He accessed the skill store within system and purchased a mind link skill—an invaluable tool for the clandestine maneuvering ahead.Lucen (in his mind, to Luna): Begin the infiltration. Within two months, I want all of this empire's key positions under our eyes.Luna: Are you certain you do not wish to dominate the entire continent? she teased, a hint of amusement in her tone.Lucen: Oh, come now… Also, forge ties with that elf girl. Share our techniques with her. My mother's safety is paramount—report all Vermithorn movements to me.Luna: Understood, young master. Consider it done.
Malcnoh's voice cut through the private exchange. "Cristiyana, tell me—has Lucen been engaged to anyone yet?"The question shattered Lucen's planning mindscape.Cristiyana shook her head gently. "No, Father. He has not."
Malcnoh nodded thoughtfully. "Good. I have a candidate in mind—the daughter of Duke Elehiyem and Duchess Ronana. They are your closest friends, and their daughter would make a strong partner for our Crown Prince."
Cristiyana hesitated. "Is she not two years older than Lucen?"
Malcnoh waved away the concern. "What does that matter? Lucen will manage just fine. She will be a worthy partner—and this match will fortify his position as Crown Prince."
Lucen, eavesdropping with growing unease, understood the political implications immediately. His grandfather sought to bind him to the empire's nobility, strengthening his position and ensuring loyalty. Let's see… but I have no dating experience—how am I supposed to handle this? he thought ruefully.
He reached out to Luna through the mind link.Lucen: Luna… do you have any experience with girls?Luna (cheerful laughter): Good luck, young master. You're on your own with that one.
Shortly thereafter, the small group arrived at the royal palace—the very castle Lucen had seen in the distance when he first set foot in the empire. Within its grand hall, a sudden shift of atmosphere accompanied their entrance. A formidable woman emerged to confront Malcnoh, her presence a force of nature.
"You damn old grazer," she spat, her voice seething with authority. "You simply brought them here without so much as a reckoning for that wretch of the Vermithorn line?"
She seized Malcnoh's collar in a grip that spoke volumes of her martial mastery.In Lucen's mind, Luna's calm voice narrated the unfolding scene.Luna: That is the current queen of the Rebeka Empire, and a Grand Master of the sword. She is the last daughter of the Felham Sword Family—her elder brother now leads the clan. Their power rivals even that of the Vermithorn family. Young master, I did not fully investigate this empire before, but it appears their foundation is far stronger than expected. We must proceed with caution. And… when did you become an aura user?
Lucen blinked, momentarily taken aback. I… I don't even know. There has been no chance to examine it—I kept getting interrupted.
The queen released Malcnoh and turned to Cristiyana, her expression softening with familial affection. She embraced her daughter-in-law warmly. "Why didn't you simply end that traitor's life…? Ah, never mind—we shall speak later, my dear. Now, let me see my grandson."
Her eyes fell upon Lucen with a penetrating gaze, and she drew him into a hug. Suddenly, she stiffened, her sharp senses registering the impossible.
"Mmm… you are an aura expert," she murmured, her eyes narrowing. "What is this, boy? How old are you?"
Malcnoh spoke up, pride seeping through his calm voice. "That is what I have been trying to say, Your Majesty. Lucen is only seven years old, yet he has already mastered the sword image technique. He is an aura user of extraordinary talent."
The queen's astonishment turned to cold fury. "Seven… and already manifesting sword images? This is beyond even the greatest legends."
Malcnoh continued, undeterred by her glare. "I have declared Lucen the Crown Prince and arranged his engagement to the daughter of Duke Elehiyem and Duchess Ronana."
The queen fell silent, her expression a tempest of disbelief and vexation. Her voice, when it finally emerged, was soft and deadly. "Where is my sword?" she demanded, her eyes glinting like drawn steel. "You reckless fool—you declare these things in the middle of such chaos? Ha…"
She let out a long breath, her eyes sweeping over Lucen, Cristiyana, and Malcnoh—a final, calculating gaze. The storm was only beginning, and Lucen, now free of Vermithorn's chains, stood poised to carve a new legacy from the embers of the past.
End of Chapter 17