The sound of hooves clattered against the stone-paved road, accompanied by the soft creaking of carriage wheels. Our journey south from the northern reaches of the Flower Duchy had begun at dawn, the crisp morning air tingling with excitement and anticipation. Edward and Guillermina sat across from me, their eyes wide with curiosity, while Elara leaned against the window, watching the landscape pass by with quiet contemplation. The castle, with its familiar halls and towering walls, now lay far behind us as we embarked on this new chapter.
The journey was smooth at first. We rode in a well-furnished carriage that I had personally modified for comfort and security. Plush seats upholstered with enchanted fabric ensured a peaceful ride, while hidden compartments contained emergency weapons, a lesson learned from my past life. The horses pulling us—massive creatures bred in the northern stables—had been enhanced slightly with potions of stamina, making them ideal for the long journey ahead.
The route took us through each of the five first-tier cities within the duchy, where we made brief stops to rest. The twins were captivated by the bustling markets and colorful displays of goods. Each evening, we stayed in luxurious hotels, their architecture a blend of elegance and practicality, reflecting the improvements we had made to the duchy's infrastructure. At dinner, seated around long tables covered with fine dishes, I took the opportunity to explain the workings of the Ducal Institute to Edward, Guillermina, and Elara.
"The Institute is divided into different branches," I began, swirling a glass of juice in my hand. "There are schools for aura knights, swordsmen, and mages. Each student follows their chosen path, developing the skills that will define their future. The curriculum is intense, but you'll learn more than just combat. Politics, etiquette, magical theory—every aspect of leadership is covered."
Guillermina leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "Will we get to fight real duels?"
Edward smirked. "Only if you don't trip on your way to the arena, Guill."
Elara smiled faintly but kept her thoughts to herself, her amber eyes glimmering as if she was already calculating the challenges that awaited her. She had changed so much in the past year, mastering her unique abilities to the point where they no longer drew unwanted attention.
Halfway through our journey, we encountered the inevitable: a band of ragged highwaymen from the southern territories, accompanied by small demonic beasts. It was hardly a threat. The beasts were no larger than wolves, their forms twisted and malnourished. Before any real danger could arise, my guards dispatched the attackers swiftly and without mercy.
Edward and Guillermina were exhilarated by the brief encounter. "That was incredible!" Guillermina exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement.
Edward nodded. "It wasn't much of a challenge, though. I expected something bigger."
I smiled but said nothing. It was a harmless adventure, a taste of the dangers that lay beyond the safe walls of the duchy.
Throughout the journey, my thoughts kept drifting to the new ideas I had been mulling over for the Luminarias, my personal organization at the Institute. With Cedric and Kira gone, the responsibility of expanding our research and influence now fell entirely on me. I needed new avenues of inquiry, something ambitious yet achievable.
One idea that had consumed me for the past six months was the use of demonic blood in animals. Horses, in particular, seemed like ideal subjects for this experiment. If I could infuse ordinary horses with controlled amounts of demonic blood, I could enhance their speed, stamina, and strength without the side effects seen in corrupted creatures. It was a delicate endeavor—one that required precise knowledge of alchemy and biology—but the potential benefits were immense.
I could already envision the cavalry mounted on these enhanced steeds, their enemies falling beneath the thunderous charge of riders who combined natural strength with carefully crafted enhancements. The future was bright, and I intended to seize every opportunity.
As we neared the Institute, the familiar sight of its grand towers and fortified walls came into view. The carriage slowed to a halt before the entrance, where Viktor Halloran, the new director, awaited us. He was dressed in formal robes, his stern face softened by a welcoming smile.
"Raimon," he greeted warmly, extending a hand. "It is good to see you again. And these must be Edward and Guillermina." He turned to the twins with a nod. "I was fortunate enough to meet you during the year-end celebrations."
The twins returned his smile, their excitement evident. Elara gave a polite nod, her demeanor reserved but respectful.
The grand hall of the Institute was a sight to behold, adorned with intricate tapestries and chandeliers that sparkled like constellations. The air was filled with a hum of excitement as new students and returning scholars gathered for the opening ceremony. Viktor led us to the center of the hall, where we joined the other arrivals.
The moment was electric. I could feel the weight of tradition and excellence pressing down on me, urging me to rise to the occasion. Viktor stepped forward, his voice commanding yet warm, as he addressed the assembly.
"Welcome, students of the Ducal Institute," he began. "You stand here not just as individuals but as future leaders, warriors, and mages of this great Empire. This year brings with it new challenges and new opportunities. It is our duty to prepare you, to sharpen your minds and strengthen your hearts. Here, within these walls, you will learn not only the art of combat but also the principles of honor, responsibility, and camaraderie."
The hall fell silent as he continued, his words carrying the weight of expectation. "Remember that greatness is not given; it is earned. The bonds you forge here will last a lifetime, and the knowledge you gain will shape the future of the Empire. Together, we shall embark on a journey that will test our limits and push us to achieve the impossible."
The room erupted in applause, and I felt a surge of determination rise within me. This was the beginning of a new chapter—one that held the promise of growth, discovery, and, perhaps, something more. As the applause faded, Viktor's gaze found mine, and in that brief moment, I knew that whatever lay ahead, I was ready.
The future awaited, and I would face it head-on.