As the sun rose above the horizon, casting its warm light across the land, Arvind felt a quiet sense of anticipation. It had been a month since he set out on his journey to his new territory, and the dawn marked his first crossing into lands he would now call his own. After a quick breakfast, they packed their belongings, leaving only the ashes of their campsite as evidence of their passing.
The carriage lurched forward along the bumpy road, each jolt a reminder of the backwardness he was inheriting. Soon, they crossed into his barony, and the path grew worse—overgrown with tangled roots and unruly vegetation that seemed to reclaim it with ease. His knights were forced to draw their swords, hacking at the brush to clear a way for the convoy's slow progress. Arvind sighed, feeling the weight of the world's inadequacies.In his former world, Roads back home were never left to ruin; even the most remote village could be reached with ease, a testament to a more advanced world.
Resolute, he silently vowed to repair these roads, to bring prosperity here—just as he'd seen it flourish in his former world. By noon, when the convoy slowed for lunch, he stepped out to stretch, absorbing the wild landscape surrounding him. Towering mountains rose in the distance, dense forests pressed close, and rivers threaded through valleys in pristine quiet. It was a scene both hauntingly beautiful and untamed by industry. He couldn't help but admire the rawness of it, yet he knew that sacrifices were required for progress. Like entropy, he mused, development demanded change, and if he had to choose, he'd always opt for growth.
Lunch preparations began with an efficient, practiced routine. Arvind watched the familiar bustle as his maid, Anika Windham, approached, her hands full of utensils. She flashed a bright smile when she reached him.
"Good afternoon, Master. Lunch will be ready soon. Please, take a seat, and I'll serve you shortly," she said warmly.
Arvind returned her smile, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Anika. No need for formality—just prepare as you need."
As she moved away, he took in her figure with quiet appreciation. Anika was tall and graceful, with fair skin, delicately long brown hair, and soul-stirring blue eyes that spoke of calm intelligence. Her form was balanced and poised, radiating the same elegance he once admired in women of his past life. He wondered if his mother had somehow known his preferences when she chose her as his personal maid.
Anika, meanwhile, was focused on her work, yet memories crept into her mind as she prepared the meal. She thought of the day she'd been chosen from a group of trainees in the castle—a selection that had reshaped her life. She owed a deep gratitude to Arvind's mother, who had mentored her through countless challenges and prepared her for the duties expected of a noble's personal maid.
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She had been at Arvind's side since his childhood, five years his senior, watching over him through moments of joy, mischief, and sorrow. She remembered his mother's passing, the grief that engulfed him. Since that day, she had resolved to be there for him, a quiet pillar of strength when he needed it most. Now, far from home and the comforts of the capital, she was apprehensive about what lay ahead yet remained hopeful. Despite the family's disregard, she believed in him, sensing a resilience within him that she hoped would grow under the trials that awaited. For as long as he needed her, she would be his steady support.
Arvind's gaze turned to his butler, Shankar Stonefield, a dignified figure standing nearby, overseeing the convoy's rest. Shankar was tall, with dark hair streaked with silver, his posture as unyielding as his sense of duty. His face bore the quiet marks of age, and his sharp, steady brown eyes held a wisdom that spoke of years of loyalty and experience.
To Arvind, Shankar was more than just a servant; he was a mentor in nobility's nuanced ways—a silent guide in matters of etiquette, diplomacy, and self-restraint. Although Shankar rarely shared details of his past, Arvind sensed his knowledge stretched far beyond the castle walls. In moments of crisis, his calm remained a source of quiet reassurance, anchoring Arvind as he faced the unknown.
Shankar's loyalty ran deeper than duty. He had served Arvind's mother faithfully, a bond that now extended to her son. Through her illness, he had been there, attending to Arvind's needs in the family's darkest hours. His steady presence felt like a pledge—support offered not from obligation but belief in Arvind's potential.
As he organized the convoy's rest stop, Shankar observed his young master from a respectful distance, his expression calm. Arvind had grown since he was a boy, yet in many ways, he remained the same—a young man striving to find his place in a demanding world. Shankar concealed the hints of pride he felt as he watched Arvind embrace his new responsibilities, silently acknowledging his young master's progress.
Memories of the early years surfaced—when Arvind's mother entrusted him with her son's well-being. She had known he would need someone to guide him, someone to protect him. And over the years, Shankar had come to see the boy as more than a noble to serve. The bond they shared was unspoken, yet steadfast, shaped through quiet conversations, rigorous training, and shared hardship.
The road to Arvind's barony led through desolate lands, bordering the treacherous Warcraft Forest, far from the capital's protection. It was a place where only the strong would thrive. Arvind, with his youth and unproven abilities, would face steep challenges here, and Shankar was prepared to guide him, navigating the complexities of leadership, politics, and survival.
Shankar's loyalty to Arvind was resolute. He saw his master's flaws—his inexperience, his occasional doubt—yet he'd glimpsed a resolve, an inner strength waiting to unfold. The journey ahead would be harsh, but Shankar had faith in Arvind's potential, even if buried beneath uncertainty.
As he watched Arvind in this quiet moment, Shankar felt an unusual sense of purpose. He was not only here to serve; he was here to ensure Arvind would become the leader his mother believed he could be. With each trial they would face together, Shankar pledged to remain by Arvind's side, providing the steady support his young master would need to rise to his destiny.