2025-06-09 09:45:36Ethan urged his horse onward, the winter wind biting at his face as their company rode south at a steady, urgent pace. In days, they crossed from the snow-laden northern frontier into the temperate heartlands of Carosso. With each mile, the reports grew more dire. Messengers and refugees intercepted their column, painting a harrowing picture of a kingdom tearing itself apart.
At a roadside inn converted into a field command post, Ethan gathered with Celestia, Nina, and his top officers to review the latest pleas for aid. Scrawled in haste and sealed with various noble crests, each missive told a similar tale of chaos.
Celestia read one letter aloud, voice tight with anger. “Lord Ethan, Carosso bleeds. Since King Aldric’s death, Count Vilmere of Ironvale has sealed his city and hoards grain while peasants starve.
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CHAPTER 93: Forging Bonds
That afternoon, the castle forge was alive with activity. Under the glow of roaring firelight, Solaine the blacksmith stood at his anvil, holding a long blade of heated mithril steel with sturdy tongs. The metal glowed orange-hot, ready to be imbued with power. At his side, Solaine’s daughter Nina hovered with a bowl of shimmering rune-ink and a fine inscription brush. Just a few steps back, Celestia and Eileen prepared to do their parts – Celestia to channel her dragonfire, and Eileen to bind the magic with her aura. Watching from the sidelines, Lyra Vespera and Lyssandra looked on with wide-eyed curiosity; even as bystanders they could feel the excitement crackling in the air.Solaine inspected the blade one last time and gave a satisfied nod. “The blade is hot and ready for runes,” he announced, his deep voice carrying over the crackle of coals. He glanced at Celestia. “Let
CHAPTER 92: Lyra Vespera
The next morning, Ethan led Celestia to a quiet corner of the palace library where a small ornate pouch lay on a marble table. Silver runes glinted on its fabric. Celestia knew at once what it was – the dimensional pouch containing Lyra Vespera, the vampire maiden Ethan had promised to protect for their enemy Zephario.Ethan took a steady breath. “It’s time I fulfill my promise to Zephario,” he said softly. Celestia nodded, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.With a careful tug, Ethan opened the pouch. A cool blue light flowed out and gently formed the outline of a young woman on the floor. As the magic faded, Lyra Vespera’s unconscious form remained. She looked deathly pale, her raven hair fanned around her and her dress torn and bloodstained from past horrors.Celestia knelt an
CHAPTER 91: Negotiation (2)
Before the night was over, Ethan and Garrick agreed that only the dwarves of Ironroot, ruled by King Havram, could build the Grand Arena. Ethan planned to entice them with generous trade from Carosso’s Mistveil Mine—the promise of mithril steel flowing into Ironroot’s forges. Garrick heartily concurred, thumping his tankard on the table. "Offer a dwarf a mountain of mithril, and he'll build you whatever you want," he laughed. They toasted to the new alliance and the bright future of Carosso.Not long after, the two men parted ways beneath the torchlit corridors of the palace. Garrick departed to spread the good news among his guild, while Ethan made his way toward his chambers, weary from the long day’s negotiations and triumphs.In Ethan’s private quarters, Celestia waited by the window. Moonlight outlined her graceful figure; her
CHAPTER 90: Negotiation (1)
In a dimly lit back room far from prying ears, Ethan sat across from Garrick, the grizzled Guildmaster of the Adventurers' Guild. A single oil lamp cast flickering shadows across the stone walls. Garrick leaned back in his chair with arms crossed over his scarred chest and a deep frown on his grey-stubbled face. He let out a long, tired sigh."I never thought I’d see the day I’d be complaining directly to the Emperor himself…" Garrick growled. "But here we are."Emperor Ethan of Carosso set down his wine goblet and gave a slight, wry smile. He had shed his crown and finery for a plain cloak and tunic—tonight he looked more like an adventurer than a king. "What troubles you, old friend? Speak freely."Garrick grunted, grateful for Ethan’s informal tone. "It’s that damned conscript
CHAPTER 89: Reunion
The forge fires burned hot and bright, casting dancing light across Ethan’s face as he stood over the anvil. Beside him, Eileen—a lithe, copper-haired, blue-eyed smith from the Town of Dasi—adjusted the clamps holding Ethan’s flameblade, Fireheart.“Steady, Your Lordship,” Eileen said, guiding Ethan’s hands on the hilt. “When I pour the molten mythril, channel your aura into the blade.”Ethan nodded, sweat beading on his brow from the heat. Watching a few paces away, Celestia told herself she was here only as a guard. Yet her keen eyes tracked every movement: the way Eileen’s fingers briefly rested over Ethan’s, the bright smile she gave him. Celestia’s tail flicked, unease coiling in her chest.With a whoosh, Eileen poured silvery metal along Fireheart’s blade. “Now, Lord Ethan!” she cried.Ethan closed his eyes, pushing his energy into the sword. Flames flared alon
CHAPTER 88: New Policies
The months following Carosso’s reunification were among the busiest of Ethan’s life. Victory on the battlefield was only the beginning—now he had to heal and modernize a broken kingdom. Settling in the capital as Prince Edwin’s Lord Regent, Ethan threw himself into rebuilding with relentless focus.He began with basic needs. Granaries filled with seized hoarded grain were opened to feed the starving. Royal work crews repaired war-torn roads and bridges, reconnecting towns so trade could resume. Slowly, markets buzzed back to life and the specter of famine lifted.Education became another pillar of renewal. Under Ethan’s guidance, community schools opened in every major town. Retired soldiers and scholars taught children of all classes their letters and numbers. Celestia even visited some classrooms incognito, gently guiding wide-eyed youngsters through the alphabet. The sight of the fearsome dragoness patiently helping a peasant child trace letters became a beloved leg
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