The sun bathed the courtyard of Valthoren Manor in a warm golden glow as the grand procession prepared for their journey. Elysar and his current strongest two followers, one of his own and one from his mother's side, Elara, and Garrick, stood at the center of the courtyard, their presence commanding attention and respect.
Flanking them were those same twenty Knight Vanguard-ranked bodyguards, from his mother's company, distinguished warriors carrying formidable weapons. Their unwavering loyalty and unwavering dedication to their mission were evident in their focused expressions and disciplined stances. They were a formidable force, instilling a sense of security and protection. They were all once again employed by Elysar's mother to protect him outside.
Spread out across the courtyard were the carriages, their elegant designs adorned with intricate carvings and lavish embellishments. Each carriage was pulled by a pair of celestial pegasi, their magnificent wings outstretched and shimmering with an ethereal radiance. These S-ranked magical beasts exuded an aura of power and grace, their presence elevating the entire scene to one of enchantment and wonder.
Elysar and Elara stood before their designated carriage, a breathtaking masterpiece crafted from polished mahogany and adorned with golden accents. The carriage was spacious, providing ample room for them to sit comfortably during their journey. Its interior was lined with plush velvet upholstery and adorned with delicate crystal chandeliers, casting a soft, warm glow throughout. Elara was especially stunned as she never lived this kind of life before. She previously almost always traveled on the plainest types of ground horse mounts.
The celestial pegasi that harnessed themselves to Elysar and Elara's carriage were a sight to behold. With their majestic wings spanning wide, their feathers glimmered like precious gemstones, reflecting a myriad of iridescent colors in the sunlight. Their eyes sparkled with wisdom and ancient knowledge, hinting at their celestial origins.
Meanwhile, Garrick and the group of bodyguards gathered around their own carriage, a sturdy and imposing vehicle crafted from reinforced oak and adorned with silver accents. It exuded an air of strength and resilience, reflecting the formidable nature of its occupants. The celestial pegasi harnessed to this carriage stood tall and proud, their muscular frames indicating their immense power and ability to carry the weight of their passengers with ease.
As the final preparations were made, the sound of hooves on cobblestone filled the air, accompanied by the gentle flapping of celestial wings. The carriages, propelled by the celestial pegasi, began to move in unison, setting the grand expedition in motion. The scene was a breathtaking spectacle, a harmonious dance of celestial power and human endeavor.
As the carriages passed through the gates of Valthoren Estate, the assembled onlookers couldn't help but be captivated by the sight. The servants peering through the iron-wrought gates watched in awe as the carriages and their celestial escorts disappeared into the distance, leaving behind a sense of awe and wonder.
In total, three carriages were necessary for the journey. The first carriage held Elysar and Elara, and the other two accommodated the twenty Knight Vanguard-ranked bodyguards and Garrick. Each carriage, pulled by a pair of celestial pegasi, symbolized the strength and prestige of the group, as they embarked on their expedition with determination and purpose.
This time, Elysar made a deliberate choice to opt for the most standard mounts and carriages befitting high-ranking nobles for the upcoming long journey. Unlike his previous low-key travels on foot around the capital city, he recognized the need for efficiency and comfort given the time constraints.
However, he maintained his desire to avoid attracting unnecessary attention and refrained from selecting more advanced and rare mounts. Instead, he settled on the reliable and prestigious S-ranking Celestial Pegasi, creatures renowned for their versatility and grace.
These celestial mounts possessed the unique ability to navigate both the skies and the ground, adapting to the situation and the riders' preferences. Whether soaring through the air or trotting along the earth, the Celestial Pegasi provided a smooth and elegant means of transportation for Elysar and Elara.
The carriages he handpicked were no ordinary ones either. They were the epitome of technological advancement within the world, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship reserved exclusively for the elite few. The astronomical price of these carriages reflected their exceptional quality and features.
What set them apart was their ingenious design, incorporating an inward energy-powering mechanism fueled by mana. This meant that even in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as injuries to the mounts or their inability to continue, the carriages possessed their own source of energy to propel themselves forward for a limited period.
These remarkable carriages provided an added layer of security and convenience, ensuring that Elysar and Elara could progress on their journey with minimal disruption. The utilization of mana as an energy source showcased the technological advancements achieved in this world and underscored Elysar's commitment to making the best possible arrangements for their expedition.
As Elysar and Elara settled into their carriage, they marveled at its luxurious interior and intricate details. Plush velvet cushions adorned the seats, providing the utmost comfort during the long hours of travel. Crystal chandeliers, delicately suspended from the carriage's ceiling, cast a soft and warm glow, adding a touch of elegance to the surroundings. The harmonious fusion of opulence and practicality made it clear why these carriages were reserved for the select few who could afford them.
With the celestial pegasi harnessed and the carriages ready, the expedition commenced. The rhythmic sound of hooves and the gentle flapping of wings filled the air as the group set forth on their journey.
As they approached the carriages and were now seated, Elysar couldn't help but reflect on the innovations and advancements that his mother's business empire had brought to the realm of transportation. Their commitment to excellence was evident in the various enchanted items and accessories they had developed to enhance the speed, comfort, and safety of animal-drawn carriages and ships.
One notable invention was the mana-reinforced carriage wheels. These specially crafted wheels were infused with mana, granting them enhanced durability and resilience. Designed to withstand rough terrains and long journeys, they minimized the risk of wheel damage or breakdowns, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted travel experience. Elysar marveled at the ingenious combination of magic and craftsmanship that went into creating these wheels, a testament to his mother's dedication to providing the highest quality products.
Another innovation lay in the protective mana-enhanced armors designed for the animals pulling the carriages. These armors, woven with intricate enchantments, provided an extra layer of defense and comfort. The animals, whether celestial pegasi or other majestic creatures, were safeguarded from physical harm, shielded by a magical barrier that absorbed impacts and minimized fatigue.
Furthermore, they had devised mana protective arrays specifically tailored to carriages themselves. The integration of enchantments, magical craftsmanship, and innovative design principles demonstrated his mother's commitment to pushing the boundaries of transportation technology.
Elysar couldn't help but ponder the potential applications of these advancements beyond mere transportation. The underlying principles and techniques used in these innovations had the potential to be adapted to other areas, such as defense, communication, and even medical advancements. It was a testament to the vast possibilities that magic and technology could offer when combined harmoniously.
The journey was set in motion, and Elysar found himself gazing silently through the window of the luxurious carriage. As the landscape gradually transformed, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity. This marked his official departure from the familiar bounds of Valthoren territory, venturing into uncharted lands with a newfound purpose.
As his eyes met the ever-changing scenery outside, Elysar's mind wandered to their destination, the the Dupontier Duchy. It would be the first stop in his quest, the initial thread he would follow in unraveling the mysteries of his past and discovering the elusive "Sons of Luck." Though he never divulged this kind of information to Elara, he just told her they were going on a business trip and were doing some chores for his mother. As for those two individuals he needed to hunt in succession, he will say that they were part of those chores.
As the carriage glided through the landscape, Elysar's gaze lingered on the rolling hills, lush meadows, and quaint villages that passed by. The countryside unfolded like a living tapestry, painting a picture of a world beyond the confines of his familiar domain. He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the vastness and diversity that awaited him.
Fields of vibrant wildflowers painted the landscape in hues of yellow, red, and purple, swaying gently in the breeze. The celestial pegasi gracefully guided the carriages, their radiant wings casting a soft glow as they soared through the clear blue sky. The rhythmic sound of hooves and the fluttering of wings created a melodic harmony that accompanied their journey.
Eventually, inside the carriage, Elysar's attention shifted from the passing scenery to the captivating presence and delicate bodily fragrance of Elara. It seemed that she was still a bit absent-minded from the meeting with his mother. Her distinct features drew his gaze, and he found himself entranced by her alluring appearance and figure in this closed space. Elara's lustrous locks cascaded in shades of vibrant purple, framing her face with a touch of mystique.
She exuded an allure, accentuated by her choice of attire. Clad in a form-fitting black ensemble, Elara's current outfit accentuated her curves and emphasized her pronounced figure showing a bit of open skin on her shoulders and chest area.
The sleek and stylish design of her clothing hinted at both elegance and functionality, tailored for agility and mobility. Despite their practicality, the garments retained an undeniable allure, enhancing her natural beauty and complementing her cold and enigmatic persona. While he wore the same kind of clothes he wore when he met his mother.
However, as she was currently subconsciously playing with her glowing hair a little and her almond eyes narrowed slightly, Elysar realized that she might be thinking of something deeply or was suspicious of something. He picked on some of her behavior patterns during the last few days, they spent together, just like she probably also realized some of his own.
"What are you thinking about, Elara? Was my mother's behavior toward you that strange? Don't worry, we aren't plotting anything, we simply don't care. In fact, if you were a human, even my father might look out to recruit you based on your talent. The only downside is that you are a vampire. But for me your race is irrelevant, the only thing that matters is your talent and strength...", 'Or better said your high level of luck points...', Elysar suddenly smiled a bit and replied while thinking inwardly of the girl's innate fate value. He truly appreciated that.