The journey to Violet Castle had been filled with excitement, new discoveries, and challenges. However, nothing could compare to the feeling of seeing the majestic structure appear on the horizon, framed by the rising sun. For Raimon, it was not just a castle—it was home. As they approached the gates, the familiar sights of the tall, violet stone walls and the blooming gardens greeted them. His heart swelled with pride and nostalgia, knowing that this fortress had stood for centuries as a symbol of his family's strength and resilience.
Upon entering the castle grounds, Raimon was immediately embraced by the warm smiles of the household staff, but it was the sight of his parents and grandfather waiting for him that truly made the journey worthwhile. His father, Duke Raion, stood tall and regal as always, though there was a faint shadow of fatigue on his face from the burdens of ruling. His mother, Reineza, was the picture of elegance, her beauty radiant as ever, and beside them stood his ever-proud grandfather, the ex-duke Alaric, beaming with pride.
"My boy," Alaric called out, his voice echoing across the courtyard. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of joy and pride as he looked at Raimon and then, with even greater pride, at the magnificent steed standing beside him. "You've outdone yourself this time, Raimon. This... this is no ordinary horse. This is a king!"
The elder knight was almost giddy with excitement, his hands patting the neck of the Frisian steed that Raimon had named Nerón. The horse's shimmering white coat gleamed under the sunlight, its red-and-gold eyes surveying its surroundings with intelligence and power. Raimon could see how much his grandfather adored the horse, the elder's pride swelling to the point that even his father, Duke Raion, seemed overshadowed.
"Dad, don't be so smug," Raion muttered, his voice tinged with a trace of exasperation as he cast a glance at his father. "It's not like you tamed that beast yourself."
Alaric chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. "No, but my grandson did. And that, my dear son, makes it all the better." He flashed Raion a teasing grin before turning back to Nerón, admiring every inch of the powerful horse. "Magnificent. Truly magnificent."
As the reunion continued, Raimon turned his attention to his father. He could see the weariness in Raion's eyes, a sign of the pressures of governance that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Before the Duke could speak, Raimon stepped forward with a smile.
"Father," Raimon said, "I have something for you as well."
He reached into his bag and pulled out the elegant, ancient sword he had won at the auction. Its long, double-edged blade shimmered with a faint violet hue, and its delicate engravings seemed to pulse with a history of power. The black matte sheath, adorned with the extinct rose, gave the sword an air of mystery and regality.
Raion's eyes widened in surprise as Raimon handed him the weapon. The Duke held it with both hands, clearly awestruck by its weight and craftsmanship. Slowly, he unsheathed the sword, revealing the brilliant blade that glistened in the light.
"This… This is incredible," Raion said, his voice barely above a whisper as he examined the weapon more closely. He could feel its ancient power, the weight of history that accompanied it. "Where did you find this?"
"At the Tulipán family auction," Raimon explained. "It's from the ruins of the Estelar Empire. I thought it would be the perfect gift for you."
Raion's fatigue seemed to lift as he admired the sword, a rare smile crossing his face. "Thank you, Raimon. This is truly a remarkable gift."
Not to be outdone, Raimon then turned to his mother, Reineza, who watched the exchange with her usual composed grace. Her violet eyes sparkled with warmth as she looked at her son, already sensing that something special was coming her way. Raimon stepped forward, pulling out the set of stunning jewels from the same auction.
"These are for you, mother," Raimon said softly, presenting the glittering collection of rare gems. "They're from the best jeweler in the Empire, a collection worthy of you."
Reineza's face lit up with joy as she gently took the jewels, her smile widening with each piece she examined. "Raimon… they're beautiful. Thank you, my dear." She leaned forward and kissed his forehead, her affection clear in her eyes. "You always know how to bring the best gifts."
With the heartfelt exchanges complete, the family gathered in the grand hall to catch up on the latest news. Duke Raion shared the latest progress in the duchy's development, explaining how his recent policies had increased trade and agricultural production. The flourishing city of Viena and Raimon's own fief were nearing completion, with the latter set to become one of the greatest achievements in the duchy's history.
"We expect the mega-city to be finished in about six months," Raion said proudly. "It will be the centerpiece of our northern lands, a city that will draw merchants, scholars, and warriors alike. Thanks to your efforts, Raimon, this will become a stronghold for the entire duchy."
Raimon nodded, but his thoughts were on more than just the city's completion. He knew that while the Empire was at peace under Emperor Aurelio's leadership, no one could predict how long that peace would last. "Father," Raimon began, "while the Empire is stable now, we must continue to strengthen our forces. Food, supplies, and an army capable of defending our borders—those are our most important assets. We cannot rely on others for our safety."
Raion's expression turned serious as he listened to his son. "I agree. We've made great strides in securing our lands, but you're right. We must remain vigilant. The north is peaceful for now, but the situation could change at any moment. Which is why I'm glad you're continuing to improve our cavalry."
Raimon nodded, shifting the conversation to his recent accomplishments. "Speaking of which, I've been working on something that I believe will change our military capabilities." He gestured toward the grand window that overlooked the stables where the newly bred Frisian horses were being cared for. "These horses, our new Frisones, are more than just powerful mounts. They are the future of our cavalry. With them, we'll have an unparalleled advantage."
The Duke and Alaric shared a look of surprise and admiration. "I'd heard about your experiments," Raion said, standing to peer out the window, "but to see the results… They're extraordinary."
A chuckle escaped Alaric's lips. "My grandson has outdone himself, hasn't he?" The elder knight leaned back in his chair, his face filled with pride. "He even gifted me the king of all horses."
Raion sighed, shaking his head at his father's smugness. "Well, you've certainly proven your worth," Raion said, turning back to Raimon. "But what about the 145 remaining horses? What are your plans for them?"
Raimon smiled, sensing an opportunity for negotiation. "I think they should be incorporated into our military forces. They'll serve the duchy well, but we'll need to ensure they are trained properly and handled by our most skilled riders."
Raion raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "I suppose we can come to an agreement. They'll be a valuable asset."
The conversation shifted back to the upcoming hunt for the Glacial Wolf. Raimon explained his plans to improve Tomas' abilities and the importance of the hunt for their future strategies. Raion and Alaric listened carefully, both understanding the significance of this endeavor.
"We leave soon," Raimon said, standing tall. "And when we return, Tomas will be stronger than ever. This hunt is the key to unlocking his full potential."
As they finalized their plans, the excitement and anticipation for the future filled the room. Raimon knew that the hunt would not only change Tomas' life but also continue to shape the destiny of his family and the duchy.