A pristine manor, adorned in flawless emerald hues, with regal blue and amber accents woven into its intricate exterior, stood tall and proud, almost reaching the height of a mountain. Its towering spires pierced the sky, casting long shadows over the land below. The structure's imposing demeanor and majestic appeal exuded an air of undeniable superiority, effortlessly dwarfing even the grandest of castles.
It is the Verdanthold Manor, the residence of the hero Zephiron, located in the Grimhold district. So immense that it occupied at least a quarter of the entire Ravenspire city, its vastness was awe-inspiring. Yet, contrary to its grand size and noble appearance, Verdanthold was not a place of luxury. It bore the stern, unyielding air of an ancient stronghold, its towering walls and somber halls a reflection of the legend who lived within. The manor's imposing presence stood as a testament to Zephiron's legacy, a blend of power and history that overshadowed any extravagance.
At the foot of a giant nestle, the dragon landed with a loud, piercing screech, announcing its arrival. The doors of the carriage swung open in a majestic manner, and those inside began to step out slowly. Zephiron, as expected, disappeared and reappeared outside the carriage in an instant, a display of his powers that surprised no one who knew of him.
Finally, Kael rose and stepped out of the carriage, his gaze drifting to the impressive Verdanthold Manor. To any commoner, the sight would have been awe-inspiring, but to Kael, it felt no different than one of the mansions he had left behind in his previous life. He made a half-hearted attempt to appear impressed by the grand structure, but the weight of it all felt tedious. His usual aloof expression remained, betraying his indifference despite the manor's undeniable magnificence.
Kael soon joined the others on their way to the main residence. As they walked, the scene before him caught even someone like him slightly off guard. A platoon of men stood in formation, armored in gleaming gold and crimson, their presence exuding authority. Every one of them was at least of the fourth rank, while their leader appeared to be of the fifth. What left Kael truly shocked, however, was not their strength alone—it was the realization that these men were mere guards of the castle. The sheer power concentrated in what was supposed to be a simple security force was a testament to the significance and might of Verdanthold.
Behind the platoon followed two men: a lion beastkin and an elderly human, both adorned in luxurious garments. The elder carried a massive scepter, marking him as a wizard, while the beastkin's aura hinted at a battle mage of considerable power. Both radiated the unmistakable presence of mid stages of the warlord, their strength palpable in the air.
Kael didn't recognize the old man, but he was absolutely familiar with the feline beastkin beside him. This was the very figure responsible for the Grimhold district's resilience against other powerhouses. Despite its reputation as a haven for criminals, Grimhold was known as the "Land of Freedom," able to stand its ground due to this man's influence. Though Zephiron had lived in Ravenspire for years, only a select few—countable on the fingers and toes of five men at most—knew of his residence there.
The true reason the district maintained its current status was walking right in front of him: Regent Cyran, the magistrate of Grimhold. An apostle and one of Zephiron's most trusted subordinates, Cyran's power and reputation alone were enough to keep the district's enemies at bay.
Under the disciplined and reverent gaze of the guards, the two men made their way to the front, positioning themselves on either side of Zephiron. Their heads bowed in deference as they slightly loosened their posture, bending one knee while keeping the other foot firmly planted on the ground. Then, in unison, their voices rang out with authority and respect.
"Cargon Sun Reign Army Commander, Third Apostle, greets you, Your Liege," the elderly man announced with a deep, rumbling voice.
"Ebonwing assembly chief, Seventh Apostle, greets you, Your Liege," Regent Cyran, the lion beastkin, followed suit with a measured tone.
Both stood, their titles and devotion to Zephiron underscoring the immense power he commanded, even among those who were themselves legends in their own right.
Their eyes then shifted to the next notable figure in the vicinity: Kael. Uninterested in the pomp and circumstance of introductions, he remained aloof, choosing instead to size up his surroundings without offering an explanation.
Zephiron, pleased with Kael's indifference—especially since the young man didn't even flinch under the scrutinizing gaze of two warlord-rank individuals—began making his way back inside, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.
"It's been a long journey, kid, and you don't seem to have eaten anything for some time. Come on, have a nice bath and then join us in the dining hall. You'll be served grandly there. No need to worry about directions; the maids will guide you to your destination." With that reminder, he hurried off, leaving Kael to contemplate the grandeur of Verdanthold Manor and the curious dynamics of those who inhabited it.
——— ——— ——— ——— ———
A few hours later,
At the foot of the grand staircase leading to an opulent chamber, dozens of maids stood in wait, their anticipation palpable. Each maid was more gorgeous than the last, adorned in exquisite garments that shimmered with a silky sheen, creating a scene that could make any man weak at the knees.
Yet it was not the beauty of these women that captivated the air; rather, it was the arrival of one man that sent them into a reverie, eliciting the same breathless reaction they would have inspired in others.
Dressed in a regal aquamarine tunic, the fabric flowed elegantly around him, complemented by a cape of deep violet that cascaded to his ankles. His white pants highlighted his strong and robust legs, while the subtle pieces of ornate jewelry he wore only added to his charm. As he descended the stairs, he exuded an aura that captivated all who laid eyes on him, making him a living embodiment of allure.
The maids exchanged glances of admiration, feeling the same thrill that any man would experience in their presence.
The man was none other than Kael himself. As he glanced at the maids swarming around, trying to catch a glimpse of his allure, chattering and showering him with praises for his beauty, he felt a twinge of satisfaction at his vanity—at least he acted that way, even if he wasn't particularly skilled at it. Fortunately, no one bothered to notice such details.
As he made his way down the stairs, he attempted to channel the charm of a country bumpkin dressed in luxury.
Thud! Thud! Crack!
Kael landed hard on the ground, crashing down due to the long cape that had gotten tangled around his feet. It was a moment of disappointment for the women; despite his attempt to appear unrefined, it seemed he just wasn't suited for all this luxury, or so they thought. His stumble diminished the noble aura present around him, the exact effect he wanted to see.
Yet, Kael managed to rise back to his feet without any assistance, brushing off the embarrassment, though his opulence was far more than them, he made his way to the grand dining hall.
"Why do you have to act like that?" Upon arrival to the hall Zephiron questioned, his tone tinged with curiosity. "It's not like there are any informers here, and given your previous state, if someone wanted you dead, you would've already been gone."
He was curious because, despite being a deity, it seemed nigh impossible to derive anything substantial about the young man standing before him, shrouding Kael in an intriguing layer of mystery that only heightened Zephiron's interest.
"And to hell with all that," he continued, a chuckle escaping him. "I haven't even asked for your name until now. Though I haven't introduced myself either you must know it by now."
Kael waited for him to finish, contemplating the words he had spoken, considering how best to respond. After a moment of silence, he finally opened his mouth, uttering the only words that weren't laced with foulness for the first time.
"I'm the heir of the Ceasarcrest aristocracy. My name is Kael Seraphim von Ceasarcrest."