At sunrise, golden light spilled across the Virel Mansion, washing its ancient walls in a quiet warmth—as if the world itself wished to pretend that nothing had changed.
A carriage stood ready in the courtyard, horses restless, breath steaming into the cool morning air. After breakfast, Elden and Kael met their father one final time before departure. No words were spoken about the risks ahead, yet all three understood the weight of this moment. Once they left those gates, there would be no turning back.
Elden and his father shared the same unspoken fear—the fate of the empire now balanced on an unseen blade.
Kael, however, felt something different.
Excitement stirred within him, sharp and dangerous. The thought of witnessing the power that had brought his father to his knees with a single glance sent a thrill through his veins. Yet beneath that thrill lurked something unfamiliar—unease. What if it was all an illusion? A legend mistaken for truth?
That doubt unsettled him more than any monster ever could.
Their father—the strongest pillar of the Eastern Empire—personally came to see them off. As Kael and Elden boarded the carriage and it began to roll toward the royal capital, a strange sensation tightened his chest.
For the first time in his life, he felt as though he was sending both his sons to a battlefield where certain death awaited.
Inside the Carriage
Kael leaned back casually, though his eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Kael: "So, brother… what's the plan now?"
Elden exhaled slowly, fingers clasped together.
Elden: "I've informed Sir Alex of our arrival at the capital. We'll meet them at the headquarters of Division Eight during lunch. I hope everything proceeds according to plan."
Kael smirked faintly but said nothing more, his gaze fixed on the horizon ahead.
Meanwhile — Far from Valenfyr
By the time the carriage crossed beyond Valenfyr's borders, Rudra was living what seemed like an ordinary day.
He followed his routine—attending the office, learning the ways of trade, and quietly enjoying the fleeting freedom of youth. That morning, he and Richerd arrived at the company together, just as they always did.
Once inside, Richerd disappeared into his private office.
Rudra remained behind in his own chamber, seated across from the head butler, who continued his lessons with strict discipline—completely unaware that far beyond these walls, fate itself was already moving toward the boy he lectured.
Everything was proceeding like any other quiet, ordinary day.
People from the town visited Richerd's shop, browsing shelves and purchasing goods. Coins exchanged hands. Voices murmured. Life went on.
Then the calm shifted.
A soldier from Division Eight stepped into the reception hall.
Lumi stood at the front desk.
Lumi: "How may I help you, sir? Would you like to take a look at our latest products?"
The man shook his head.
Victor: "No, thank you. My name is Victor. I am a soldier of Division Eight, here on the direct orders of our captain."
Lumi straightened at once.
Lumi: "Division Eight… Captain Alex's unit. What brings you here, sir?"
Victor: "I am here to deliver an urgent message from our captain. Please inform Sir Richerd."
Lumi hesitated, maintaining her polite smile.
Lumi: "Please wait here, sir. I'll see if Master Richerd is available. If you wish, you may leave the message with me, and I'll forward it."
Victor shook his head firmly.
Victor: "I'm sorry, miss, but our captain was very clear. This message is confidential. Under no circumstances can it be passed to anyone other than Sir Richerd."
Lumi nodded.
Lumi: "Of course. Please wait here."
She walked swiftly down the main hallway and stopped before Richerd's office door. She knocked.
Richerd (from inside): "Yes. Come in."
Inside, Richerd was buried beneath paperwork, documents spread across his desk.
Lumi: "Apologies for the interruption, Master Richerd. There is an urgent matter."
Without looking up, Richerd waved his hand dismissively.
Richerd: "Yes, yes. What is it now?"
Lumi: "There is a man named Victor here to see you."
Richerd: "I don't know anyone by that name. Tell him I'm busy."
Lumi hesitated.
Lumi: "Sir… he's a soldier from Division Eight. Captain Alex's division. He says he has an urgent message."
The moment she said that, Richerd froze.
He dropped the papers, slammed both hands onto the desk, and stood abruptly.
Richerd: "Why didn't you say that earlier?! Send him in immediately—and bring some tea. These records are giving me a headache."
Lumi sighed lightly.
Lumi: "Please calm yourself, Master. If you greet him like that, you'll frighten the poor man."
She returned to the reception desk.
Lumi: "Master Richerd is free now. Please follow me."
Victor followed her into the office. She knocked once more.
Richerd: "Come in."
Victor entered.
Richerd: "Lumi, why are you still here? And where is the tea I asked for?"
Lumi: "The maid is bringing it. I'll leave you both to talk."
She exited quietly.
Moments later, the maid arrived with tea. Richerd gestured for her to pour for both of them before dismissing her.
Richerd took a sip, studying Victor carefully.
Richerd: "Now then… what is this urgent message from my brother? Is there some kind of trouble?"
Victor straightened.
Victor: "There is nothing like that. Let me introduce myself properly. I am Victor, a loyal servant of Captain Alex."
Richerd waved a hand.
Richerd: "Leave the formalities. Tell me the main point."
Victor's grip tightened around the cup.
Victor: "Sir… it concerns the boy. Captain Alex says he has found the one you were looking for. That person will be at our headquarters by lunchtime. He has invited you there."
Richerd froze.
He really found him…
So Alex and Elden truly found a companion for Rudra's journey.
A long breath escaped him.
Richerd: "Ahhh… what great news. They finally got him."
Victor: "Did you say something, Sir Richerd?"
Richerd: "Nothing. But this news has lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders."
He glanced at the clock.
Richerd: "It's already time for lunch. Let's leave for your headquarters."
They exited the office together. Near the corridor, Richerd stopped.
Richerd: "You go ahead and wait near the carriage. I'll join you shortly."
Victor nodded and left.
Richerd turned toward Rudra's office. Inside, Rudra, Lumi, and the head butler were present.
Richerd: "I hope you're doing well today."
Rudra: "I am, Father. You seem to be in a hurry."
Richerd: "I'm going to Division Eight's headquarters. There's an important meeting. I just came to check on you. Enjoy your day."
He left.
After he was gone, Lumi asked curiously,
Lumi: "Do you know whom Master Richerd is going to meet?"
Rudra: "I don't know. He never shares more than necessary. But it must be important."
The head butler sighed.
Head Butler: "You notice, yet you never learn, young master. A merchant must choose his words carefully. And Lumi, do not pry into our master's affairs."
Lumi: "I'm sorry, sir. I was only curious. I thought we might get a bonus."
Rudra chuckled.
Rudra: "Relax. It's nothing. I trust you all."
Meanwhile — The Slums
As Kael and Elden approached the capital, a shadow moved within its underbelly.
The cloaked man entered Drex's tavern once more. Everyone recognized him—the man who had injured a waiter days earlier. No one questioned him.
He walked straight into Drex's private room.
Man in Black: "The day of action has come. As agreed, you and your three hundred men will capture Richerd's trading company."
Drex: "Without a plan?"
Man in Black: "There's no need. We're crushing ants. Just ensure no interference. I will handle the rest."
Drex smiled darkly.
Drex: "Pity for them. But it's business."
He turned.
Drex: "Gather everyone. Move now."
On the surface, the capital remained calm.
But no one knew that this very day would shake the foundations of not only the capital—but the entire empire.
Next Chapter: Return of the Blue Flames