The uproar in the east also happened in the west. The events that shook the entire continent a few months ago have not receded; instead, they have developed into new stories and rumors, adding spice to the tales about the forbidden zone. On the northwestern side of the Doria Empire, bordering the Grand Duchy of Rivas, is the Vindas Empire.
In that region, the territory is under the Grand Duchy of Flamecrest. This area is known for the 'Blue Inferno' mountain range, a series of volcanic mountains along the northern border with the Devil Territory. The mountains earn their name from the sulfuric gases that combust under high pressure and temperature, producing an intense blue flame that lights up the range.
1,500 kilometers south of the mountain range lies the capital of the Grand Duchy of Flamecrest, Flamecrest City. With more than 60 million inhabitants, the city bustles with business, much like the capital of the Grand Duchy of Rivas. A distinctive feature of the city is the presence of people with red hair, a trademark of the Flamecrest family, even before they saw the fire dragon symbol on their attire identifies them. Their red hair signifies their compatibility with the fire element, a source of pride for the Flamecrest family.
As night falls in the Grand Duchy, the manor of the Grand Duke is boisterous with elegantly dressed guests adorned with expensive artifacts. Grand Duke Carlos Flamecrest is hosting a banquet to celebrate the return of his son from the forbidden land after being lost for almost 12 years. The atmosphere is lively, with many local nobles and even some from across the Vindas Empire attending the banquet, eager to form connections.
At this moment, the Grand Duke stood in his regal attire on the balcony of the ballroom, ready to give his opening speech. His fiery red hair and usually fierce face now showed a visible happiness that everyone could see.
"Thank you all for coming, no matter where you traveled from. Today is a great day for me and for our family as my son, who was lost for almost 12 years has come back." He raised the glass in his hand, prompting a wave of applause.
"Without further ado, let's welcome our star tonight, my son, Aldrey Flamecrest!"
As the Grand Duke finished his speech, the entire ballroom turned their attention to the stairs beside the balcony. Descending the staircase was a handsome red-haired man in noble attire. His striking face made the ladies swoon at first sight, and his red irises carried a fiery gaze, like a dragon surveying its surroundings.
"Ahhh, that is Master Aldrey, still as handsome as ever."
"Look, I think he is much stronger than when we last saw him."
"I want to marry him."
"Just look at his aura. It seems like he has grown even stronger. The Flamecrest family is truly blessed with one of the most outstanding heirs in their history."
"Indeed, he deserves to be nicknamed 'Fire Apostle.'"
Many praises reached Aldrey's ears, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
"Aish, I really don't like this kind of event. Sigh, I really miss Irene and Aldrian."
He walked towards the center of the ballroom and stopped there, trying to mask his longing with a composed expression.
"I'm deeply thankful for you all coming tonight. Even though I was gone for more than 11 years and endured many hardships, I am still full of spirit, especially when it comes to eradicating those devils who caused my misfortune." His words were met with enthusiastic applause.
"Well, I must thank those bastards because due to them, I lived with Irene in the secret realm and brought Aldrian into this world."he thought.
He smiled and began mingling with the crowd, but then a herald's voice echoed through the room:
"The second princess of the Vindas Empire, Her Highness Loraine Avandi, has arrived!"
The ballroom fell silent, all eyes turning to the entrance. Moments later, a stunning woman with long blonde hair entered. Her sharp eyes and rose-red lips captivated the onlookers, and her slender body and long legs were elegantly draped in a beautiful dress. She walked gracefully towards the center of the ballroom and stopped in front of Aldrey.
"It's nice to see you again, Master Aldrey."
"You are as beautiful as ever, Your Highness. I'm sorry I couldn't greet you properly," Aldrey said, bowing his head slightly.
"It's okay. I'm just glad you are safe and sound."
Their conversation sparked speculation among the guests about the nature of their relationship. It wasn't surprising, as many knew Aldrey and Loraine had been close since their time at the 'Heavenly Path' Academy, the most prestigious institution in the Vindas Empire that produced many powerful cultivators throughout history.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Also please send my regards to His Majesty."
"I will."
Seeing their interaction, Grand Duke Carlos felt a wave of satisfaction, envisioning the possibility of having a princess as his daughter-in-law. He walked over to Loraine to show his respect and politeness.
"It's good to see you, Your Highness. It must be tiring to travel all the way from the capital," Carlos said warmly.
"It's nothing, Grand Duke Carlos. Aldrey is my friend, and of course, I had to come." She answered with a sweet smile.
"Hahaha, that's wonderful. Now, I don't want to disturb you two. Excuse me." Carlos then left them.
"Your father is still the same Aldrey, still full of vigor. What age is he now? If I remember correctly, it's 497 years, right? Stil young for his stage of cultivation"
"Hahaha, correct, Your Highness."
"I want to be alone!" Aldrey screamed inside his head, "Ah well whatever."
"Excuse me, Your Highness, I have to go somewhere." He then secluded himself from the ballroom. Loraine watched his figure with a natural expression, her thoughts unreadable.
Aldrey walked outside the manor to the backyard and let out a long breath.
"That is tiring and bothersome, but—" He looked back towards the manor.
"Why do I feel weird sensation when I am close to Loraine?"
He didn't know why, but he felt uncomfortable standing close to Loraine earlier. He pondered this seriously, as he never underestimated his instincts but eventually shook his head, setting aside his concerns.
He sat on a bench among the flowers in the garden, enjoying the beautiful moonlight. It was a full moon, shining in all its glory. Alone in a moment like this, he reminisced about his time with his little family of three. As he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard someone else approaching.
"Brother, why are you here alone?" asked a red-haired man who bore an almost identical face to Aldrey. He was much shorter than Aldrey, and a perpetual smile pestered his face.
"Nothing. I just want to be alone. Why did you come here, my beloved little brother Luis? You should be mingling with your noble friends," Aldrey replied.
"Can you stop that? It gives me goosebumps," Luis Flamecrest facepalmed at his older brother's way of speaking.
"Their faces that trying to suck up to me, disgust me." Luis also said.
"Well, I know how you feel, but you know it's all about connections. You'll need some of them when circumstances arise."
"I know, I know. Damn, I really hate politics like that. But isn't it the same for you? You should be talking to them right now."
"Hmmm? Why would I? I'm the one they need. Even if I let them be for a long time, they will still pester me to fulfill their agendas," Aldrey answered with a smile, raising his head to the sky. Sometimes, Luis really wanted to punch his older brother's arrogant face, but he only sighed and sat beside him.
"Brother, can you tell me what you experienced in that place? I'm curious about the details. All I know is what everyone else does—that the Devils suddenly appeared on the south border to trap you and a few others, including the 'Blizzard Witch'."
Aldrey smiled and began recounting his story, from the time he battled the devils to when he trapped in the secret realm. He carefully excluded any mention of his relationship with Irene and of course, Aldrian. Matters related to Irene and Aldrian were too delicate to be shared carelessly, even with his little brother.
The idea of revealing that the heirs of two families from two historically unharmonious empires had a child without their families consent was unthinkable. Given the high standing of both families in their respective empires, such a revelation could cause an uproar and significantly increase tensions among the noble families.
Aldrey knew that the Flamecrest family had many rivals and enemies both within and outside the empire. He was acutely aware that any sign of discord could be exploited, potentially creating a crisis that their adversaries would not hesitate to capitalize on. The potential consequences of the truth getting out weighed heavily on him, guiding his decision to keep it hidden for now.
The siblings continued their conversation under the beautiful moonlight. Despite the serene setting, Aldrey's mind remained vigilant, aware of the delicate balance he needed to maintain to protect those he loved and the future he hoped to secure.