Chapter 7: Return II
'Finally.' Cassian whispered under his breath as the faint silhouettes of the Royal Capital emerged on the far horizon, growing sharper with each passing moment. After non-stop traveling for three whole days, they'd finally arrived at the Royal Capital.
Passing through the massive gate, they announced their presence inside the city. The carriage rattled softly as it rolled over the neatly maintained cobblestone path, its wooden wheels echoing faintly in the bustling air of the Royal Capital. Through the small, glass-paneled windows, the city's grandeur unfolded, a spectacle both imposing and lively.
Towering buildings lined the streets, their intricate stone facades and towering spires casting long shadows over the winding alleys below. Balconies adorned with vibrant flowers spilled color onto the muted grays of the architecture, while banners bearing the Royal Crest fluttered proudly in the breeze.
The streets were alive with the hum of activity—merchants hawking their wares, children darting between carts, and guards clad in polished armor patrolling the avenues.
In the distance, the focal point of it all came into view: the Royal Castle.
Rising high above the city, the massive fortress dominated the skyline with its imposing silhouette. Its stone walls gleamed faintly under the midday sun, a testament to centuries of meticulous upkeep. Dozens of turrets spiraled upward, their sharp points reaching toward the heavens, while stained-glass windows reflected bursts of color onto the city below.
As the carriage drew closer, the outer gates loomed ahead—massive wrought iron bars intertwined with ornate golden patterns. Beyond them lay a sprawling courtyard, lined with lush greenery and fountains that sent streams of crystalline water arcing into the air.
The city bustled around the path, but here, a sense of quiet awe hung in the air. People paused to watch the carriage pass, their chatter softening to murmurs as they craned their necks for a better view.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the shadow of the castle's majesty casting itself not just over the city, but overall who approached.
Cassian exited the carriage subtly and jumped down, his feet landing on the textured roads under him.
Stretching his arms lazily, He gazed at the massive castle before him, impressed by its beauty. He had laid eyes on countless castles in his previous life but, this one was the finest of them all. Its architectural beauty instantly grabbed his attention.
"Impressive." He smiled, feeling mused by a sudden nostalgic feeling. The nostalgia enveloped his heart, showcasing childhood memories of Cassian inside his mind.
It seemed this castle held quite memorable moments for the previous owner. Shaking those emotions away, he slowly entered inside, his steps firm and refined.
The castle's interior was extravagantly luxurious, to say the least.
The grand hall welcomed visitors with soaring ceilings adorned with intricate tapestry, their vibrant colors illuminated by the golden glow of enormous crystal chandeliers. These chandeliers, suspended by chains of purest gold, sparkled like captured starlight, their countless facets scattering light across the marble floor below.
The polished marble gleamed underfoot, its surface veined with streaks of gold and silver, forming patterns so elaborate they seemed almost deliberate. Velvet carpets, rich in crimson and embroidered with threads of gold, lined the halls, muffling footsteps and adding a touch of regality to every step.
Delicate porcelain vases stood on pedestals, their surfaces painted with scenes of blooming gardens and tranquil lakes, while the scent of fresh lilies and lavender wafted through the air, courtesy of floral arrangements strategically placed along the corridor.
tak tak
Sharp footsteps echoed through the hallway, breaking the silent atmosphere. His refined steps, habits of his past life, displayed an unusual grace and nobility as he silently passed through the living quarters, arriving before a room.
Suppressing the countless emotions bubbling up from within, he twisted the doorknob and entered inside.
Gazing at the scene before him, a single teardrop instinctively dropped from his cheeks.
"Mom…" He softly whispered, rubbing those tears away.
Before him lay a beautiful lady, with honey-blonde hair, soft cherry lips, a porcelain face, and a beautiful visage, accentuated by the morning sunlight. Her eyelids were shut tight as she lay on the massive bed asleep, her breathing faint yet steady—a sign of life, though her soul seemed distant, trapped.
"I'm sorry." He weakly muttered sitting beside her, his hand trembled as he reached out, gently caressing her cheek.
clicks
The soft click of the door opening pulled him from his reverie.
Suddenly, the front door was opened from the outside and a young girl, no older than twelve, entered the room, adorning a silver-white gown with golden stripes on it. Her gaze landed on her sleeping mother and the handsome man beside her.
"Mother I–" Her words got stuck inside her throat as she froze up under his gaze. Her body shook uncontrollably, tears dripped down from her moist eyes, wetting the carpet. Without much thought, she rushed toward him, throwing herself into his arms.
"Brother…sob sob …Where were you?" she cried, her voice breaking as she clung tightly to him, her face filled with fresh tears.
Cassian wrapped his arms around her small frame, stroking her head gently
"Your brother has arrived, Amy." He replied with a kind smile. His arms circled around her body as her head lay on his chest. They remained like that for a while until Amelia calmed her emotions and peeked up, gazing at his handsome face.
She lifted her fingers lightly and poked his cheeks, "Where were you?" Her cute voice was filled with curiosity.
"Mournshade forest." He replied, placing her on his lap. She was Amelia Luminaire,
his younger sister and the princess of the Luminaire Empire.
"W-What?!" Her body trembled slightly, hearing my response. It was quite a natural reaction considering the Mournshade forest was a forbidden zone.
"Why would you go there?... Are you trying to leave me too, just like mother?" Her voice broke down at the end.
"Silly girl, why would I ever leave you? I was just curious, so I ventured around the forest." He smiled, hugging her body gently.
"Mmm…promise?"
"Yes, promise. I won't ever leave you." He lightly nudged her nose, earning himself a soft giggle.
"Let's go outside. Mother is sleeping, don't disturb her." He placed her down and holding her hand tightly, they exited the room.
—
"It's confirmed. I have reincarnated into the novel." Cassian walked through the hallway, deep in his thoughts. He had analyzed everything before concluding.
Amelia von Luminaire was one of the main heroines of the 'Voidstar Chronicles'. To successfully obtain Amelia's love, the MC had to cure her mother's curse.
'Cassian von Luminaire, the greatest talent of the Empire. Sadly, he died in the Mournshade forest before he could mature properly.' He thought, remembering the information about Cassian.
Cassian was supposed to be an extra character whose sole purpose was to die and later help the MC acquire Amelia. The MC would emotionally manipulate Amelia, promising her to find her brother, obvious to the fact that her brother was long dead.
sigh
"Are you serious?" A tired sigh escaped his lips, imagining his future.
[Ding! Awakening Star System…]
A sudden robotic voice echoed in his mind, startling him. His lips quivered lightly at the mention of the system.