Six months had passed since the pivotal incident between Rosaline and Arthur in the capital, bringing about significant changes. Most notably, the bond between Arthur and Rosaline deepened, reaching a point where they were almost inseparable. Rosaline became a constant presence, joining Arthur in various lessons and even participating in horse riding sessions.
During this time, Arthur took up secret training for expert magical attacks. Simultaneously, Ginny, his mentor, achieved a remarkable feat by advancing to the fourth stage in magic, earning the title of an advanced master at the young age of 20.
Arthur, recognized as a gifted magician, harbored the potential to reach the transcend stage, surpassing the elusive 7th stage. However, achieving this feat had been limited for over 350 years throughout the Eastern Continent. A unique challenge arose due to Arthur's vulnerable body constitution, preventing him from holding much aura. Despite this, his precision in swordsmanship proved efficient.
The potential for aura ranged from the best-case scenario of the 4th stage to, at worst, not beyond the 2nd stage. Nonetheless, Arthur's ability to learn both magic and aura distinguished him as one of the few individuals with the potential to become a magic swordsman.
Unlocking his aura and commencing training in swordsmanship alongside aura would take another year or two. For now, Arthur dedicated himself to mastering magic, successfully reaching the highest level of the 1st stage. His progress surpassed even Ginny's expectations, and at the same age, he emerged stronger than she had been. These six months marked a period of transformative growth, setting the stage for Arthur's future endeavors in magic and swordsmanship.
Meanwhile, Garfield and Arthur's initiative to provide homes and makeshift villages for veterans progressed smoothly. Over 8,000 elite soldiers, prematurely retired by the Prime Minister, gathered in the Elmsworth Margrave territory. They embraced new roles as adventurers, mercenaries, town guards, or village protectors, seamlessly integrating into local communities and starting peaceful lives anew.
While many harbored resentment against Duke Raul and would readily draw their swords against him, the current circumstances did not permit such actions.
Simultaneously, Arthur's hasty decision regarding the engagement caught both Duke Raul and Duke Aquila off guard. A ripple of unease permeated their thoughts, each suspecting the other's involvement. Initially, prompted by his son's reckless actions, Duke Raul expressed minor opposition. However, Duke Aquila promptly challenged him, asserting that Duke Raul was disregarding the Emperor's wishes. This confrontation led Duke Raul to retract his objection and throw support behind the engagement.
Duchy of Raul initiated the supply of military resources to the Belmont Kingdom at discounted rates, demonstrating a shift in their stance. In parallel, Duchy of Aquila extended economic and food assistance to the Belmont Kingdom. This transformative gesture facilitated the reclamation of lost lands by the Belmont Kingdom from their neighboring state.
While the broader populace may have overlooked it, this incident subtly weakened both duchies to some extent. The engagement decision not only altered the political dynamics but also prompted collaborative efforts in support of the Belmont Kingdom. The intricate dance of alliances, resources, and concessions reshaped the power balance within the region.
As for Sigmund, the sole heir of Duke Raul, he secluded himself in his room following the engagement ceremony. Despite the ceremony occurring a week after the incident, Arthur's directive prevented Sigmund from participating.
The Eldorion Empire adhered to a tradition of hosting a modest ceremony for engagements, reserving grand celebrations for marriages. Due to Emperor Arthur's persistent insistence, both faction heads were compelled to temporarily leave their duchies and journey to the capital for the ceremony.
The events within the ceremony, however, remain shrouded in mystery, awaiting revelation in future chapters. Sigmund's seclusion and the unspoken tension surrounding the engagement ceremony hinted at underlying complexities and unspoken narratives yet to unfold.
_ _ _ _
Meanwhile,
On the solitary deck of a ship, nestled in the harbor of an enigmatic island, a woman in her mid-twenties meticulously sharpened her sword, the metallic ring echoing in the quiet air. Her features, adorned with the shimmering silver cascade of her hair, projected an aura of both elegance and danger. This mysterious figure harbored a profound enmity as she engaged in a conversation, or rather a confrontation, with a man chained to a wooden log. The man in question was Wilhelm Von Aquila, the eldest son of Duke Aquila and the maternal uncle of Arthur, the young Emperor of Eldorion.
"Listen here, you little midget! I've had enough of your damn barking. So what if your father's some bigshot? Currently, you are nothing but a prisoner, a fucking loser, incapable of doing a thing! Besides, didn't your father have another child? Maybe he can be the new Duke of Aquila. Hahaha!" The woman's words dripped with disdain, her eyes reflecting a deep-seated animosity toward Wilhelm.
"Ple-Please, let me go. I'll pay you any amount you want. I am willing to give you my Resonance Islands as well, if you just let me leave," pleaded Wilhelm, his fear palpable in the face of the woman's overpowering aura.
"What? So soon?! Just a few minutes ago, you were barking at my subordinates, claiming that your 'all-powerful father' would kill them all, their families, ravage their women, and turn their children into forced laborers? What happened to that enthusiasm of yours? Come on! Say that all in front of me! I too want to hear your thoughts!" With a cold and ruthless demeanor, she used her Aura to lift Wilhelm off the ground, interrupting his desperate pleas.
*Hecc* *Dham*
Before Wilhelm could complete his shouts, the woman used her Aura to throw him down, releasing his constraints without a touch.
"Pathetic! Just like your father," she retorted coldly, her silver hair dancing in the wind, revealing a strikingly beautiful face. Despite her appearance that could be mistaken for nobility, a latent danger emanated from her. Born two decades before Arthur, she too was a magic swordsman, harboring a mysterious connection with the young Emperor.
"Let's see how your child is like, Johannes." Her words hung in the air, resonating across the distance as she gazed at the vast sea. The mention of Johannes, Arthur's deceased father and the former crown prince of Eldorion, hinted at a concealed history between the woman and the royal lineage, adding an intriguing layer to the enigma surrounding Arthur's lineage.
_ _ _ _
Under the luminous glow of the full moon, near the grandeur of the Giant Imperial Palace, a pair engaged in the mystical arts of magic and sorcery. These practitioners were none other than Arthur and his nurturing companion, Ginny. The young Arthur sat with crossed legs, hands resting near his stomach, engaged in a state of meditation to attain enlightenment. This journey led him to achieve the impressive feat of advancing to the 2nd stage in magic, officially earning him the title of an expert in the magical arts.
"YESSS!! I did it! We did it, Ginny!" The exuberant words burst forth from the young child as he enthusiastically jumped up and down, his joy evident in every movement. Without hesitation, he embraced his nanny, expressing the genuine elation that filled him.
"I'm so proud of you, Arthur," Ginny responded with a kind and warm smile, radiating a sense of accomplishment for her young charge.
"Now, let's go. Your dear fiance must be getting restless~" Ginny teased with a playful wink, attempting to playfully embarrass Arthur.
"Alright, let's gooo," Arthur replied, his innocence shielding him from any potential embarrassment. With that, the duo set off, towards the Imperial palace with a sense of achievement, with the marking Arthur's triumphant ascent to the 2nd stage of magic at the tender age of his pre-teen years. The magical journey of the young Emperor continued, promising further exploration and growth in the mystical realms.
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A/N
Spoiler, the new woman and Arthur have 'some' kind of relationship.