**Narrator:**
The news spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom: the new Duke of Zarador had done the impossible. The curse that had long plagued the northern lands had finally been broken. Whispers floated on the wind from village to village, carrying the astonishing news, and soon the entire capital buzzed with excitement, each citizen eager to share the miraculous tale.
In the grand halls of the royal palace, **King Henry** leaned back on his ornate throne, his fingers resting thoughtfully on his chin. A rare smile, both proud and amused, curled at his lips as he contemplated the events unfolding in his kingdom.
**King Henry (with a mix of pride and amusement):**
"The brat did it."
**Narrator:**
In the palace gardens, **Princess Yumehime** stood beside her mother, **Queen Eleanor**. The cool breeze playfully tousled her silver and green hair, each strand glinting in the sunlight. Her heart raced with exhilaration at the news, her eyes sparkling with joy and hope.
**Princess Yumehime (in awe, to her mother):**
"He did it, Mother! Sai... he really did it."
**Narrator:**
Beside her, **Prince Leo**, ever the curious youth, beamed with delight, practically bouncing on his heels as he absorbed the joyous news.
**Prince Leo (excitedly):**
"Sai did it! He really broke the curse!"
**Narrator:**
Across the kingdom, the news reached **Duchess Celestia Norrin**, who resided in the cold, snowy reaches of the north. Standing at the window of her ancestral home, she gazed out over the vast, snow-covered mountains, their peaks glistening like diamonds against the azure sky. A soft smile touched her lips, though her expression remained cool and composed, betraying nothing of her true feelings.
**Duchess Celestia (softly, to herself):**
"So, he did it, huh?"
**Narrator:**
In the west, where the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, **Duke Mathias Drayton** stood in his training yard, the weight of his heavy sword resting on his shoulder. He had heard the news while sparring with his soldiers, their laughter echoing in the evening air. Pausing, he wiped the sweat from his brow, a thoughtful look crossing his rugged face.
**Duke Mathias (gruffly, to no one in particular):**
"So, you're the blood of the dragon."
**Narrator:**
Far in the east, amidst the misty hills where the air was thick with fog, **Duke Alaric Vayne** sat in his dimly lit study. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across his face as he read the message. He didn't utter a word, only smiled—a small, knowing smile, as if he had been anticipating this outcome all along.
**Narrator:**
But in the southern reaches, where the heat was oppressive and the jungles thick with life, **Duke Rhys Aelfric** slammed his fist against the armrest of his ornate chair. His face contorted in fury, and his teeth ground together as he absorbed the bitter report.
**Duke Rhys (spitting in anger):**
"Damn it! That piece of shit!"
**Narrator:**
The news rippled across the land, reaching the farthest corners of the kingdom. But it did not stop there. Deep in the **Forest of Zarador**, where the trees whispered secrets and the air was thick with ancient magic, something else stirred. In the shadows of the ancient woods, an **Unknown Species** caught the breeze—a rumor carried on the wind, a name echoing through the rustling leaves.
**Unknown Species (in a low, guttural voice):**
"Sai Aelith… the blood of the dragon…"
**Narrator:**
The forest trembled ever so slightly as the unknown entity moved deeper into the darkness, its presence now fully awakened. The time for hiding was over. The new Duke of Zarador had become more than just a man—he had become a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, in the meeting room of the castle, a palpable sense of purpose filled the air. **Sai Aelith** sat at the head of a sturdy wooden table, his posture relaxed yet commanding. The table was strewn with maps and documents, each detailing the resources of Zarador. Beside him, **Hana** stood with her arms crossed, her expression focused and attentive, the flicker of determination in her eyes.
Across from them, **General Jin Thunderbolt** and the Butler awaited instructions, each ready to discuss the future of Zarador.
**Sai (leaning forward, his gaze sharp):**
"Now that we have lifted the curse, it's time to build up our territory. What does Zarador have to offer?"
**Butler (clearing his throat, steady and formal):**
"My lord, we have unexplored mines. No one has dared to mine them because of the monsters that inhabit the depths."
**General Jin (with determination, stepping forward):**
"My lord, give me a squad of knights. I will clear those mines and prove my worth to you."
**Sai (nodding thoughtfully):**
"That's a wise choice, Jin. We need brave souls to secure our resources."
**Sai (raising his voice slightly):**
"Thalion!"
**Thalion (entering the room with a firm salute):**
"Yes, my lord! You called?"
**Sai (his tone decisive):**
"From now on, you're the Vice General. This is your new General, Jin Thunderbolt. Coordinate with him to assemble a team of knights. Jin, you'll clear the mines."
**General Jin (with resolve, nodding):**
"Yes, my lord!"
**Narrator:**
With that, Jin and Thalion exited the room, their expressions filled with purpose as they hurried to execute their orders. The door creaked shut behind them, leaving Sai and the Butler in a silence that thrummed with anticipation.
**Sai (turning back to the Butler, curiosity piqued):**
"Now, tell me more about our resources."
**Butler (with a hint of optimism):**
"With the curse lifted, we can resume farming. Zarador's land is known for producing rare herbs, which we can use to create potions and trade with neighboring regions."
**Sai (a glimmer of ambition in his eyes):**
"Good. This could strengthen our economy and relations with other territories. Go and inform the people. Hire skilled individuals to aid in the rebuilding of Zarador."
**Butler (bowing slightly):**
"At once, my lord. I will ensure we find the best talent available."
**Narrator:**
As the Butler prepared to leave, Sai leaned back in his chair, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. The pieces were falling into place. Zarador would rise again, stronger than before, and he would lead it into a new era of prosperity.