The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Violet Castle, casting golden beams over the courtyard as the household staff moved efficiently to prepare for the day's events. Today was special. Raimon's friends, who had stayed in the center of the city the previous night to give him time with his family, were due to arrive at the castle. It was an occasion not just for fellowship but also for them to formally meet the Flower family in all its grandeur.
Raimon stood on one of the balconies, overlooking the preparations below. His mind raced with anticipation and a touch of nervousness. Introducing his friends, Morrison, March, and Mancil, to his parents and grandfather felt significant—especially given his father's history with Morrison's family.
As the carriages carrying his companions rolled into the courtyard, Raimon felt a surge of excitement. He made his way downstairs to personally greet them. When he reached the entrance hall, he saw them stepping out, looking around in awe at the majesty of Violet Castle.
"Welcome, my friends!" Raimon called, a wide smile on his face.
Morrison Damian, March Alistar, and Mancil Ray approached with friendly nods, each of them still absorbing the grandeur of the Flower family's ancestral seat. The castle stood as a symbol of centuries of history, filled with relics and treasures from the days of the Estelar Empire.
"It's even more magnificent than you described," Morrison said, his eyes lingering on the towering stone walls and the intricate carvings of dragons and roses that adorned the entrance.
Raimon chuckled. "Wait until you see the inside. Come, my family is waiting."
He led them through the great hall, where the ceiling stretched high above them, painted with images of knights and battles from the ancient days of the Empire. The walls were lined with tapestries depicting scenes of victory and valor, showcasing the proud heritage of the Flower family. The air itself seemed to hum with history, and his friends couldn't help but walk in quiet admiration.
They were brought to the most elegant and historic salon in the entire castle—a room reserved for the most important of guests. Large windows let in the morning light, casting a soft glow on the polished floors and grand portraits of the Flower ancestors that hung along the walls. At the far end of the room stood Duke Raion and Reineza, seated in dignified grace, with Alaric standing proudly beside them.
Raimon introduced his friends one by one, starting with Morrison. As Morrison approached the Duke, Raion's eyes flickered with something beyond simple politeness—a deeper, more personal interest. Morrison, the son of Duke Dante Damian, had a history connected to Raion's youth.
"Ah, Morrison Damian," Raion said, a knowing smile crossing his face. "You look just like your father at your age."
Morrison bowed respectfully, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "My father speaks highly of you, Duke Raion."
Raion chuckled softly. "I'd imagine he left out the part where we fought for every inch of glory in our youth. We competed in nearly everything—especially when it came to missions and adventuring." His eyes glinted as he recalled the old days. "But our greatest battle was for your mother, Reineza."
Reineza, sitting gracefully beside her husband, let out a soft, elegant laugh. "Oh, those were foolish days, Raion. Both you and Dante were relentless, always trying to outshine one another. But in the end, I chose the one who had the patience to win my heart."
Raion, clearly enjoying the memory, shook his head. "Dante and I had one last fight over that, but I suppose that was the end of our rivalry. We both returned to inherit our responsibilities, and I've respected him ever since."
Morrison smiled slightly, but Raimon could sense the quiet tension between them—a remnant of that old competition. Morrison's father had always carried a bit of that rivalry in him, and it seemed Morrison had inherited some of that as well. But it was clear that Raion held no grudge, only a sense of mutual respect for his old companion.
With the introductions done, Raion turned to Raimon's other friends. "March, Mancil," he greeted them warmly. "Your fathers have served this duchy well, and I'm pleased to see their sons are friends of my own."
After exchanging formalities, Raion's eyes softened as he addressed them all. "You are all welcome here at Violet Castle. You've earned your place by Raimon's side, and any friends of my son are friends of this house. During your stay, feel free to train with our knights—our doors are open to you."
Raimon felt a wave of relief. His father had accepted his friends, and more than that, offered them the opportunity to grow alongside him during their stay. It was an honor that wasn't extended lightly, and Raimon was proud that his friends had earned his father's trust.
After the formalities, Raimon led his companions on a grand tour of the castle. He showed them the treasured relics of the Estelar Empire housed within its walls—ancient weapons, armor, and tomes of long-forgotten knowledge. One of the most striking pieces was the Dragon's Crest, a shield once wielded by a knight of legend, said to be imbued with the power of the old Estelar bloodlines.
"These relics," Raimon explained, "represent our family's long history. The Flower family has always been tied to the power of the Estelar Empire, and though much has been lost, we've preserved what we could."
His friends listened in awe, taking in the significance of every artifact they encountered. As they passed through the various wings of the castle, they couldn't help but admire the grandeur and the weight of the history that surrounded them.
That evening, as the day gave way to twilight, the group gathered for a special dinner in the highest tower of the castle. The tower's windows opened to reveal the sprawling lands of the duchy, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. The dining hall was elegantly set, with a long table adorned with candlelight and delicate flowers from the castle's garden.
As they ate, the conversation turned to the future. Raimon and his friends discussed the upcoming expedition to the north and the preparations for the hunt. Morrison, with his sharp strategic mind, suggested several tactics for the hunt, while March and Mancil offered their own insights into what awaited them.
"You've been preparing for this hunt for a long time, Raimon," Morrison said, his eyes serious. "I have no doubt we'll succeed. With your leadership and the strength of our combined forces, the Glacial Wolf Demon doesn't stand a chance."
Raimon nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but also the unwavering support of his friends. "We'll need every ounce of that strength. The north isn't forgiving, but I believe in all of you. Tomas is counting on us, and we'll bring him the power he needs to break through his limits."
As the evening continued, the mood lightened, and they shared stories of their adventures so far—some humorous, some filled with challenges they had overcome together. It was a night of camaraderie, the bonds between them growing stronger with each passing hour.
By the time the moon was high in the sky, casting its silver glow over the castle, the group made their way to their rooms. Raimon lingered by the window for a moment, gazing out at the night sky. Tomorrow would be another step toward their goal, another step toward the future they were building together.
As he turned away from the window, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. He was surrounded by those he trusted most, supported by a family that believed in him. No matter the challenges that lay ahead, Raimon knew they would face them together.
And with that thought, he smiled and quietly closed his door, ready to face the next day.