The Throndsen estate had no walls or boundaries around Falcon, the state city. Without the confines of walls, every side of the city stretched out seamlessly into sprawling fields, bustling markets, and residential areas. The lack of barriers gave the land an open, free-flowing beauty, and its sheer scale was immense.
Arlon leaned closer to the window, his purple eyes under the mask scanning the horizon.
No wonder they called this land a kingdom once, Arlon mused. Even now, the Throndsen Duchy felt like royalty disguised as nobility.
The sprawling fields, bustling markets, and golden farmland blended seamlessly into the horizon, as if the land itself breathed with life and purpose.
He remembered reading in the original story that the family's position had shifted when Ciel Throndsen, the previous head of the family, had become a close ally to the other kingdoms. To maintain balance and peace, Ciel had willingly lowered the family's status from royalty to nobility, transforming the Throndsen Kingdom into the Throndsen Duchy.
"It's still like a kingdom, though," Arlon muttered under his breath, his gaze moving from the distant market stalls to the golden fields beyond and then to the bustling port. The lands were alive with activity, people moving like tiny ants in the distance, each contributing to the Duchy's vibrance.
His eyes finally landed on the Throndsen castle, perched near Falcon city like a silent guardian overlooking the land. The castle was massive, its towers reaching skyward and casting long shadows over the nearby city. It's just like something out of those fantasy books, he thought, a mix of awe and anxiety stirring in his chest.
For a moment, excitement bubbled up inside him. This was an entirely different world from the one he had come from, and yet here he was, part of it—living it. But then, that excitement twisted into a knot of nervousness. The weight of being Arlon Throndsen settled heavily on his shoulders again.
Suddenly, Ace's voice broke through his thoughts. "Hey, noble Arlon, you're not ignoring me, are you?" The cat's tone was teasing, but his golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"Just... thinking," Arlon replied, his voice calm as he leaned back in his seat.
"Thinking about what?" Lawrence asked from across the carriage, his emerald eyes catching Arlon's.
"About how ridiculous this place is," Arlon said lightly, though there was a trace of honesty in his tone. "A 'duchy' that looks and feels like a kingdom. It's as if father wanted the best of all kingdoms."
Lawrence tilted his head, intrigued. "It does seem excessive, doesn't it? I wonder why he made that choice."
"To keep the peace," Dimitri interjected from his corner, his voice smooth and even. "Ciel Throndsen was a visionary. He understood that power, if unchecked, breeds unrest. By lowering the family's status, he ensured stability and alliances. It was a calculated move."
Ace scoffed, flicking his tail. "Sounds dull. If I had that kind of power, I'd let everyone know it. Towers of gold, lightning storms on command—the works. Holding back is for cowards."
Arlon gave him a sideways glance. "And that's why you're sitting on my lap and not running a kingdom, Ace."
The carriage erupted into laughter again, the tension lifting for a moment.
But as Arlon leaned back against the cushioned seat, his eyes drifting back to the castle on the horizon, the knot of nervousness in his chest didn't go away.
Soon, I'll have to step into that castle, into the world of nobles and politics—and into the role of someone I'm still figuring out how to be.
He took a deep breath, letting the warm wind calm his racing thoughts. One step at a time, Shin. You've got this.
The journey through the Throndsen lands finally brought them to the grand entrance of Falcon. Arlon leaned slightly out of the carriage window, catching his first glimpse of the massive stone bridge ahead. It stretched across a deep ravine, with shimmering water far below reflecting the afternoon sun.
The water wrapped around the city like a natural moat, its presence both elegant and imposing.
At the far end of the bridge stood a gatehouse carved into the cliffside, with tall watchtowers flanking the entrance. The guards stationed there squinted at the approaching carriage, their gazes narrowing as they spotted the Throndsen family crest emblazoned on its side.
"Open the gate! It's the Throndsen family carriage!" one guard shouted, his voice carrying over the bustle of the area.
Creak—
The massive iron gates creaked as they were pulled open, revealing the road leading directly into the city. Guards lined up in perfect formation, bowing deeply in respect as the carriage passed through.
Inside the carriage, Arlon sat stiffly, observing the scene with mixed emotions.
The heavy gates gave way to the sprawling city of Falcon beyond. Arlon couldn't help but admire the view—the city had no enclosing walls, yet it was breathtaking. The open landscape flowed like a painting, with bustling markets, sprawling fields, and neatly arranged homes stretching out in all directions.
In the distance, Throndsen Castle rose atop a hill, its silhouette commanding attention against the blue sky.
"This is too much," Arlon muttered under his breath, his gaze flickering between the guards and the city that now stretched before them. "I told Dimitri to take a quieter route, but here we are parading through the main road like we're announcing a festival."
Ace, lounging lazily on Arlon's lap, tilted his head with amusement. "What's with the face? You look like you just swallowed that tea you hate so much."
Arlon shot the cat with a tired look. "I'm not fond of unnecessary attention," he replied, his voice even but tinged with irritation.
Ace smirked. "You're the heir to the Throndsen family. Attention is basically your middle name."
As they entered the city proper, Arlon noticed the way people stopped in their tracks. Conversations halted mid-sentence. Merchants froze, their wares halfway raised to customers, and parents pulled their children aside as they pointed at the passing carriage.
The crowd parted instinctively, forming a wide path for the vehicle. Guards flanked the carriage, ensuring no one got too close.
"So much for going unnoticed," Arlon thought, his lips pressing into a thin line. He leaned slightly out of the window, listening to the murmurs of the crowd.
"Lord Arlon is here? It's been so long!"
"Look at that crest. The Throndsen heir must be inside."
"I heard he's as powerful as his father, Duke Ceil. Could it be true?"
The whispers reached his ears, making him feel even more self-conscious.
"My Lord," Dimitri's calm voice cut through his thoughts. "Your discomfort is unnecessary. This level of respect is the norm for someone in your position. Embrace it."
Arlon sighed, shifting in his seat. "Norm or not, I'd rather avoid this circus."
Ace yawned dramatically, flicking his tail. "If you want, I can jump out and tell everyone to go home. Might make things worse, though."
"Don't you dare," Arlon replied flatly, though a hint of humor crept into his tone.
Clip-Clop Clip-Clop –
As the carriage moved deeper into the city, Throndsen Castle came into view, its pristine white walls veined with silver and gold commanding the skyline. The towering spires shimmered in the sunlight, their carvings and gargoyles casting long shadows.
In the immaculate courtyard, a fountain of a falcon in flight stood at the center, surrounded by blooming flowers and perfectly trimmed hedges, softening the castle's imposing grandeur.
Screech—
The carriage slowed to a halt at the courtyard's center, and Arlon took a deep breath. The guards and servants lined up on either side of the path, their heads bowed low in unison.
As silence settled, memories surfaced unbidden. Arlon thought of his mother's death during the war and the void it left in his heart. He remembered his father, Ceil Throndsen, his anchor through those times, until illness struck him while caring for the Duchess's twin daughters, claiming all their lives.
Ceil had fought desperately to save them, but in the end, it had cost him his own life.
Arlon's chest tightened at the memory. The loss of his father had forever changed him, leaving a void that even time had failed to heal. And though he understood the Duchess's grief over losing her daughters, he couldn't shake the resentment he felt toward her.
Now, as he stood before the castle that symbolized his family's legacy, he couldn't ignore the reality of his situation. His stepmother was still a part of his life, and whether he liked it or not, he would have to face her.
Step—
The sound of footsteps drew Arlon from his thoughts. Dimitri stepped out of the carriage first, moving with quiet precision. He turned back toward Arlon, gesturing for him to follow.
Taking another breath, Arlon stepped out, his polished boots meeting the cobblestones with a soft thud. The warm breeze carried the faint scent of blooming flowers and freshly tilled earth.
His gaze immediately sought the figure descending the grand staircase that led from the castle's main entrance.
And there she was—the Duchess,Emilia Throndsen.