Night had fallen over Velrois Castle, its ancient stone walls bathed in an eerie silver glow under the moonlight. The distant hum of the festivities lingered—celebrations of victory—but my mind remained far from the revelry. My body had healed, yet my spirit felt battered, as if weighed down by the burden of unseen chains.
I stood by the arched window of my room, staring into the inky void beyond. The stars blinked faintly, impossibly distant, their light muted as though they, too, carried the weight of truths too painful to bear. Victory was supposed to bring relief, perhaps even joy. Instead, it had unearthed revelations I was scarcely prepared to confront.
'Why does it feel like every step forward only drags me deeper into the shadows?'
The knock at the door startled me, sharp and deliberate in the silence. My heart tightened, and for a fleeting moment, I wondered if I was ready to face yet another truth.
"Come in," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil within.
The heavy oak door creaked open to reveal Count Hugo Velrois. His grave expression was a reflection of the shadows that seemed to follow him. The flickering candlelight accentuated the lines on his face, giving him the air of a prophet burdened by knowledge too terrible to share.
"Your Highness," he began, bowing slightly. His voice was low, deliberate. "I trust you're well enough for another private discussion."
I gestured for him to enter. "Come inside," I said. "There is much to discuss."
He crossed the room with measured steps and took a seat opposite me. For a long moment, neither of us spoke. The weight of what was unspoken filled the air, thick and suffocating.
"What I'm about to tell you," he said at last, his voice barely above a whisper, "must not leave this room. The fate of not just your family but the entire kingdom hinges on it."
I nodded, leaning forward. "Then speak," I urged. "I need to know everything. First, about Aethoria—its royalty, its present state. And then… about the truth of our past."
Velrois drew a deep breath, his eyes darkening with the weight of history.
"The Kingdom of Aethoria, once Avaloria, was the jewel of the continent—a land of unmatched power and honor. But even the strongest foundation can crumble under the rot of betrayal."
His words stirred something primal within me, a mix of dread and anger that coiled in the pit of my stomach. My fists clenched beneath the table as his story unfolded.
"King Geoffrey Aethoria, the ancestor of the current royal family, was the architect of that betrayal nine hundred years ago," Velrois continued. "He forged an alliance with the Holy Church, an act that brought Avaloria to its knees. By branding your ancestors as heretics, as demons, he justified his ambitions and unleashed a crusade that wiped out nearly all traces of Avaloria's greatness."
I felt my breathing quicken. So this was the foundation upon which Aethoria had been built—treachery and lies, masked as divine will.
"And King Thibaut?" I asked, my voice cold. "What of him and his crown prince?"
Velrois's expression darkened further. "King Thibaut, at 102 years old, is little more than a figurehead now, bedridden and clinging to life. His son, Crown Prince Geoffrey II, is a tyrant in waiting—cruel, power-hungry, and ruthless. He has already murdered his siblings to secure his claim to the throne."
The image of a kingdom under the rule of such a man sent a chill through me. 'Is this the future I am meant to fight against?'
"And the people?" I pressed. "What do they think of this so-called prince?"
Velrois's lips pressed into a thin line. "They fear him, as they should. His reign will plunge Aethoria into darkness, and yet… the people feel powerless to resist."
A silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words. 'Fear is a cage. How many more will suffer before they realize they hold the key?'
"What about my family?" I finally asked, my voice quieter now. "How do we fit into all of this?"
Velrois met my gaze, his expression softening with a mix of sorrow and determination. "Your bloodline, the Eisenharts, descends directly from André Avaloria—the captain of the Aethereal Kin, the elite force that once protected Avaloria. When the kingdom fell, your ancestors fled into hiding. For centuries, they have lived in secrecy, preserving the royal bloodline while evading the relentless hunt of the Holy Church."
His words hit me like a physical blow. The Eisenhart name, my name, was a shield—a mask concealing a legacy steeped in both glory and tragedy.
"And my sisters?" I whispered, the thought of them sharpening the ache in my chest.
"They are direct heirs to Avaloria's legacy," Velrois said. "Their blood holds the power to awaken aether in its purest form. The Holy Empire now had just realize this, which is why they have gone to such lengths to capture them."
I leaned back in my chair, my thoughts a chaotic whirlpool. Fear for my sisters. Rage at the Empire. And beneath it all, a simmering resolve that refused to be extinguished.
"So," I murmured, my voice trembling with both awe and fury, "I'm not just the heir to a barony. I am the heir to a fallen kingdom."
Velrois nodded solemnly. "Yes. And with that comes great responsibility—and even greater danger."
I rose from my seat, pacing the room as the magnitude of his words settled over me. My entire life, I had thought of myself as a noble struggling to protect his family and territory. Now, I was something far greater—and far more vulnerable.
'All this time, I thought I was carving my path. But was it fate guiding my hand, or something darker?'
"I've fought battles," I said, more to myself than to Velrois. "I've faced death, outwitted enemies, wielded power most could only dream of. But this…" I turned to him, my eyes burning with determination. "This isn't just about me anymore. It's about my sisters. My family. Avaloria. If I am to reclaim our legacy, I need to know what lies ahead."
Velrois stood and bowed deeply, his expression resolute. "Your Highness, as your vassal, I pledge my full support to your cause. I will follow your command and assist in any way I can. However, I must caution you—this path will be fraught with danger. The Holy Empire and the Crown will not sit idly by as you claim your legacy."
I nodded, acknowledging his loyalty while feeling the weight of his words. "Danger is inevitable, Velrois. But so is progress. To survive and rebuild Avaloria, we must act decisively. Let's start with Aumale's lands."
Velrois's brow furrowed slightly, but his tone remained respectful. "What would you have us do, Your Highness?"
I met his gaze, my voice firm. "I want Aumale's territory under my banner. We've crushed his forces, and his lands are leaderless. Leaving them in chaos risks rebellion or opportunistic grabs from neighboring powers. Stabilizing the region will secure our position and send a clear message that we're here to restore order—not sow anarchy."
Velrois inclined his head, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "A wise decision, Your Highness. Claiming those lands will strengthen your foothold. May I ask how you intend to manage such a vast territory?"
I paused, letting the question hang as I considered my response. 'This isn't just medieval politics anymore. This is about efficiency, control, and the right people in the right places. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that success is built on systems, not just power.'
"I'll need trusted administrators," I said at last. "People skilled in governance and logistics. Aumale's lands are likely in disarray—fields untended, towns impoverished, corruption festering. I need managers who can root out inefficiency and enforce order."
Velrois straightened, his tone deferential yet firm. "I can provide such individuals, Your Highness. Men and women who have proven their loyalty and competence in managing my own estates. They will answer directly to you and carry out your vision."
"Good," I said, pacing the room. "We start by establishing control over the major towns and villages. Any remnants of Aumale's loyalists must be dealt with swiftly. Resistance can't be allowed to fester."
Velrois nodded. "Understood. Shall I dispatch our forces to root them out immediately?"
"Yes," I said, then added, "But not indiscriminately. Those who surrender and pledge loyalty will be spared and integrated. Fear alone won't secure these lands—stability will. The people need to see that under my rule, they'll have security and opportunity."
Velrois's expression softened with approval. "A measured approach, Your Highness. It will win both fear and respect—an ideal balance for leadership."
'Fear and respect. It's not so different from modern leadership. You need your subordinates to trust your vision, but they should also know you won't hesitate to act when the stakes are high. That balance is universal, whether you're running a corporation or a kingdom.'
"There's more," I said, turning to face him directly. "The infrastructure in Aumale's lands needs immediate attention. Roads, granaries, markets—they're the arteries of a functioning territory. Without them, the people will suffer, and resentment will grow."
Velrois bowed slightly. "I will assign surveyors to assess the state of the land and provide detailed reports. With your permission, I will send someone immediately."
"Permission granted," I replied. "But keep meticulous records. We're not just rebuilding—we're creating a model territory. Aumale's lands will become the foundation for Avaloria's resurgence."
A faint smile crossed Velrois's lips. "Your vision is inspiring, Your Highness. The people will see the difference under your rule."
I stepped closer, lowering my voice slightly. "Velrois, I'm counting on you to ensure the managers you send are not just skilled, but loyal. This isn't just about administration—it's about building something bigger than any of us. A future that can withstand the storms to come."
Velrois placed a hand over his heart, bowing deeply. "You have my word, Your Highness. I will ensure that only the most loyal and capable serve you."
"Good," I said, returning to the table. "Then it's settled. Aumale's territory will be ours, and we'll begin the process of transformation immediately."
Velrois hesitated at the door, turning back to face me. His expression, usually calm and composed, showed a flicker of apprehension. "Your Highness, if I may… there is one matter we must address before we proceed."
I arched a brow, intrigued by his uncharacteristic unease. "Speak freely, Velrois."
"It is the matter of funding," he began, his tone measured but careful. "Aumale's territory is in disrepair, as you've astutely pointed out. Rebuilding infrastructure, establishing governance, and securing the region will require a considerable investment. With the war just concluded, resources are stretched thin across the lands. I fear we may face challenges in acquiring the necessary funds."
For a moment, I simply stared at him, allowing his concerns to hang in the air. 'Lack of funds? In most cases, that would be a death knell for such an ambitious plan. But they don't know what I have.'
A slow smile spread across my lips as I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "Is that all?"
Velrois blinked, clearly taken aback by my nonchalant response. "Your Highness, with all due respect, this is no trivial matter. Without proper resources—"
I raised a hand, cutting him off gently but firmly. "Velrois, I understand your concern. But you're underestimating the resources at my disposal."
He frowned slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but I was under the impression that—"
"Impressions can be deceiving," I said, standing and walking to the window. The moonlight bathed the room in a silver glow as I glanced back at him, my tone calm yet filled with quiet confidence. "The Eisenhart family has assets that have remained hidden for generations, beyond the reach of the Kingdom or the Church. Funds that I now control."
Velrois's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly masked his surprise.
"Hidden assets…?"
I turned fully to face him, my gaze steady. "In Avaloria's final days, my ancestors foresaw the betrayal that would come. They secured their wealth in what I call the Celestial Vault—a repository untouched by time or greed. It holds resources far beyond what you could imagine."
Velrois's jaw tightened as he absorbed my words, the weight of their implications settling over him. "Then… the funds needed for Aumale's restoration—"
"Will not be an issue," I finished for him, my voice firm. "I have millions at my disposal, Velrois. Gold, jewels, and artifacts that could finance not just a territory, but an entire kingdom. Let the Crown worry about their coffers. I am playing a different game."
His expression shifted from concern to awe, and he bowed deeply. "Your Highness, such foresight and preparation are truly remarkable. With these resources, Aumale's lands can be transformed into a shining example of your vision."
I smirked, stepping closer. "Precisely. The lack of funds isn't an obstacle—it's an opportunity. We'll use this to not only stabilize the region but to make Aumale a symbol of Avaloria's resurgence. Roads, granaries, trade routes—we'll rebuild it all, better than it's ever been."
Velrois straightened, his respect evident. "Then I will ensure that the managers and workers assigned to Aumale are of the highest caliber. Your vision will be realized, Your Highness."
"Good," I said, clasping my hands behind my back. "And remember, Velrois, this is only the beginning. What we build here will set the stage for what's to come. Aumale's transformation will be the foundation for Avaloria's rebirth."
Velrois bowed once more, his voice filled with resolve. "It shall be done, Your Highness. I will see to it personally."
As he departed, I returned to the window, gazing at the stars. 'Millions of gold and jewelry in the Celestial Vault. Resources enough to reshape this world. A modern mindset and ancient wealth—what better tools to rewrite history?'
The stars seemed brighter now, their celestial light piercing through the encroaching shadows of doubt and fear. 'Let the Crown hoard their gold, and let the Holy Empire bask in their hypocrisy. I possess something far more powerful: the unyielding will to change everything.'
The war for Avaloria wasn't just a battle of swords and shields—it was a battle of vision and resolve. And I was determined to emerge victorious.