Chapter 243 - Whispers from Distant Lands, A Young Duke's Test

Morning sunlight slipped through the study windows, casting long shadows across the ancient maps spread before me. I traced the trade routes with my finger, following the journey I would soon undertake to the far eastern kingdom. As acting Duke apparent, I'd faced challenges before, but nothing quite like this diplomatic mission.

My father, Duke Lysander, entered with a weathered leather portfolio tucked under his arm. His silver-streaked hair and the fine lines around his eyes spoke of his seventy-five years, but his posture remained unbent by time.

"Alaric, a moment?" he asked, his voice carrying that particular tone that always signaled important matters.

I straightened. "Of course, Father."

He placed the portfolio on the desk between us, unsealing it carefully. Inside lay documents bearing unfamiliar scripts alongside translations, official seals I'd never seen before, and sketches of strange symbols.