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A carriage made its way along the cobblestone road, escorted by Edgar and his ten skilled stormriders, a sense of tension filled the air. The lush green trees lining the path seemed to lean in, as if anticipating something.

In the distance, a horde of a hundred goblins could be seen, their weapons glinting in the sunlight. But Edgar and his men appeared unfazed by their presence, their eyes trained and focused on the impending attack. They were already informed of the goblin presence just thirty minutes earlier.

The carriage door flew open with a loud creak, revealing Marie and Chrysta standing side by side. Marie's fiery spells flickered and sparked in the air while Chrysta's ice spells swirled and shimmered, creating an intense contrast of heat and cold. Behind them, JD emerged with a nonchalant attitude, his eyes mischievously glinting.

And finally, the Immortal General himself appeared, his presence commanding. Arlan then addressed Chrysta and Marie with a taunting grin, as if daring him to start the fight. “You both were just talking about how bored you were. Here’s your fun then.”

Marie chuckled, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she twirled a fiery ember in her palm. "Ah, Arlan, you always know how to liven up the mood. I was starting to think we were on a relaxing sightseeing tour."

Chrysta raised an eyebrow, her frosty demeanor contrasting with Marie's playful tone. "Yes, because nothing says fun like a hundred goblins trying to ambush us in the middle of nowhere."

JD leaned against the carriage, his arms crossed as he surveyed the approaching goblin horde. "I almost feel bad. They happened to attack a carriage with the Immortal General himself."

Without hesitation, Chrysta and Marie charged forward, their magical prowess on full display as they unleashed a torrent of flames and ice upon the goblin horde. The air crackled with energy as [Infernohand] and [Nixstorm] flew through the air, decimating rows of goblins with precision and power.

As Chrysta's ice magic created intricate patterns of frost that encased the goblins in frozen prisons, Marie's fire magic engulfed them in searing flames that left nothing but ash in their wake.

With each blast of their spells, the ground shook and trembled beneath the weight of the goblin army. The two women moved in perfect unison, a well-oiled machine fueled by their intense determination to serve their kingdom.

But even as they fought with a fraction of their might, more goblins poured out from the shadows, their bloodthirsty cries filling the air. Undeterred, Chrysta and Marie continued to rain down destruction upon the enemy. And as the battle raged on, it became clear that these two formidable women would not be defeated easily by any force.

The Stormriders watched in awe as Chrysta and Marie worked in perfect harmony, their spells weaving together seamlessly to create a symphony of destruction. Arlan nodded in approval, his eyes gleaming with pride as he witnessed the two powerful women effortlessly dispatching their foes.

As the last of the goblins fell to the ground, defeated and scattered, Chrysta and Marie stood victorious amidst the chaos they had wrought. Their chests heaved with exertion, but they wore triumphant smiles on their faces.

JD approached them, a smirk playing on his lips. "I must say, that was quite a show. Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Marie's laughter rang out, a mischievous glint dancing in her bright blue eyes. "Oh my, that was quite the exhilarating workout I needed."

Chrysta nodded in agreement, her expression transitioning from focused concentration to a wide grin. "I admit... It WAS a bit fun."

Edgar's voice cut through their banter as he approached Arlan with urgency. "General, we're just about an hour away from Auron."

Arlan's brow furrowed at the news. "And a horde of goblins this close to Auron is very unusual." Just then, a figure materialized out of thin air before them - a blonde woman draped in a flowing black cloak and adorned with a menacing leather half mask.

"What is it, Nightingale?" asked Arlan, his tone laced with both curiosity and caution.

The mysterious woman knelt before him, her voice cold and emotionless. "General Arlan, it appears that the area is brimming with not only goblins, but also nightmarish creatures from the abyss now inhabit the area. This is likely due to the Iron Grotto.”

Arlan's stern expression softened as he nodded in gratitude. "Thank you for your detailed report," he said, his voice carrying a sense of authority and respect. “Head to Auron ahead of us and let Jovann know of our arrival.”

"By your command," Nightingale acknowledged with a bow before vanishing.

As she disappeared, a figure caught Arlan's attention. It was a beautiful damsel with fiery red hair cascading down her back. She emerged gracefully from their carriage, her regal attire and jeweled tiara marking her as royalty. It was Princess Emmeline, the future Queen of Midland.

Her crystal clear voice echoed through the air, heavy with worry and urgency. "Is it finally over? Are the vicious Goblins gone?" Her eyes searched Arlan's face for confirmation, her delicate hands fidgeting with the fabric of her dress.

Arlan's voice carries with it a sense of duty and determination as he responds to Emmeline's question, "Yes Emme, the goblins have been dealt."

Emmeline's eyes soften with understanding as she replies, "Thank goodness… It has been several months since the war ended, but there is still much to be done in rebuilding Midland."

As the group looked around at each other, they couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope and relief that the War of the Great Houses had finally come to an end. But their smiles are tempered by the knowledge that there is still much work ahead of them.

Chrysta, her eyes filled with determination, stepped forward to stand beside Arlan and Emmeline. "We have come a long way, faced unimaginable challenges, but together we have emerged victorious. I have vowed to give my all in service to both of you. So I’ll do what I can to help rebuild Midland and ensure its future prosperity."

Marie nodded in agreement, her gaze unwavering as she added, "I echo Chrysta's sentiments. We have proven ourselves time and time again on and off the battlefield, and now we shall prove ourselves in the efforts of reconstruction. Count on me to do whatever it takes."

With a steely expression and unflinching gaze, JD promised his unwavering dedication. "I assure you my sole purpose is to defend this kingdom and serve its citizens with the utmost seriousness." His words carried a weight of determination and duty that left no room for humor or lightheartedness.

Edgar, ever the stoic one, spoke up next. "I have followed any order given to me by General Arlan and Lord JD. I swear upon my honor as a soldier to give everything I have for the good of Midland."

Arlan's eyes blazed with fierce pride as he looked upon his loyal companions. "We have been blessed with true friends and allies, Emmeline. And for that, Midland will forever be indebted to you all."

Emmeline's smile widened, renewed by her friend's words. "No amount of gratitude can repay what you've done for our kingdom."

The Immortal General nodded decisively. "It grows late. Let us make our way to Auron." He turned to Edgar and the Stormriders. "Ride ahead and notify the local garrison of the goblins we have vanquished. You are dismissed for the evening, back to my manor."

"By your command," replied Edgar as he and his ten riders galloped ahead of the carriage.

JD shrugged nonchalantly. "Not like we needed protection anyway. With all of us here, including Arlan, nothing can truly threaten us."

Arlan affirmed JD's statement. "Yes, and Sophia will warn us of any lurking dangers."

Emmeline's curiosity was piqued. "Sophia? You mean the spirit within your regalia?"

Arlan nodded gravely. "Indeed. Without her advanced abilities, we would not have emerged victorious in our battle against Luther and Duke Osmund."

Marie suddenly declared her hunger. "I'm hungry as hell! Let’s continue this discussion once we reach Auron."

JD leaned in close to Arlan and whispered urgently. "Marie becomes quite cranky when she's hungry. You and I both know she’s scary when she’s cranky."

"I HEARD THAT, JD!" Marie bellowed.

Arlan wasted no time in ushering his companions back into the safety of the carriage. "Alright then, let’s be on our way! Jovann awaits us at the Reeve Manor, and I am sure he will have dinner set for us."

As the sun began to set over Auron, a girl in a dark red and black cloak made her way through the bustling streets. Her map clenched tightly in one hand while she consulted a few nearby guards for directions, but she was still hopelessly lost in this sprawling metropolis.

Auron, like a shining jewel of economic power, rivaled even Oreta in size and population. The girl muttered to herself, her voice barely audible above the cacophony of noise around her, "The last time I was here... it was for the Tetrasan Tournament. I had forgotten just how massive this place is."

Her stomach grumbled loudly as the delicious smells of various street food stalls filled the air. Her eyes landed on one in particular, where savory tauro steak kebabs were being grilled over hot coals. Despite knowing she would be having dinner later, she couldn't resist the temptation of a quick snack.

She rushed over to the stall and was greeted by a friendly dwarf manning the grill. "The meat has cast its charm on you, missy?" he chuckled.

"Yes! I would love two skewers please!" the girl replied eagerly.

"That'll be twenty bronze coins," said the dwarf with a sly grin.

"Gladly!" The girl reached down to grab her coin pouch, only to discover it was missing. Panic flooded her as she frantically searched her pockets and realized it must have fallen somewhere along her journey.

"Look lady, you look like you got money so this ain't no charity. Are you trying to swindle me?" growled the now unfriendly dwarf merchant.

"No, no, I promise!" pleaded the girl, scanning the bustling crowd for any sign of her missing pouch. In desperation, she closed her eyes and focused her mind to cast a [Seeker] spell.

In her mind, a gray image of everything around her materialized. The world was bathed in muted shades, as if viewed through a foggy window. A blue stream of mana, thick and pulsating with energy, the size of an arrow made its way towards a skinny teenage boy with dirt and tattered clothing.

He stood before a burly man with tattoos and scars, his posture tense and ready to bolt at any moment. The mana stream pointed toward the missing coin pouch as it was being handed to the burly man, its glow intensifying with each passing second.

“There it is… I’ll be right back, mister!” announced the girl, her voice filled with determination. With a flick of her wrist and a whispered incantation, she had cast [Greater Augmentation] – a powerful fourth-tier physical buff spell. Mana surrounded her body and hummed with newfound strength as she dashed through the streets, weaving between groups of people with ease.

With eyes blazing with determination, the young girl strode forward to confront the burly man who held her stolen coin pouch. Her heart raced with excitement and fear as she stood before him, unafraid despite the gang of tattooed men surrounding her. The pouch in question gleamed in her hands, filled with a bountiful amount of gold and silver coins - enough to buy a small house.

“I believe that money is mine,” she stated boldly, her voice unwavering. “Hand it over and I’ll spare you all.”

The burly man let out a low, menacing laugh as he towered over the small and seemingly weak girl before him.

“Careful now, little missy. You're accusing me of stealing? This pouch belongs to me - I dropped it,” he sneered, his eyes darting towards his fellow gang members who were closing in on the girl. “You best choose your next words carefully, or we'll have to give you a lesson in respect for your elders.”

The shady brigand’s hand reached for the hilt of his scimitar as he spoke, sending a clear warning to the defiant young girl. The young mage stood her ground, her staff at the ready as she faced off against the burly man in front of her. She had warned him, but he had not listened. With a swift motion, she swung her staff upwards, sending the man flying backwards and causing his coin pouch to tumble into the air. The girl caught it effortlessly with her left hand.

Confusion and fear filled the onlookers who cowered behind their stalls or other means of protection. The rest of the gang members, six in total, exchanged glances before charging towards the young mage with weapons drawn. She remained calm and composed, lowering her hood to reveal her identity. A nearby little girl gasped in recognition and whispered to her parents, "I know her! It's Lady-"

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But before the little girl's words could register with anyone else, her father quickly muffled her and pulled her down. "We should not get involved," he said sternly.

The six attackers closed in on the mage, but she was prepared. With a flick of her wrist, she had cast a paralysis spell that rendered them immobile. Using her staff with precision and skill, she dispatched them all without causing any serious harm.

The brigand who had initially held the stolen pouch looked up at her weakly and asked, "Who...who are you?"

But before the mage could answer, a platoon of forty city guards surrounded the scene with spears drawn and aimed at her. The lieutenant, their leader for this area, stepped forward and demanded, "You're under arrest for fighting in the city streets. In accordance with Midland law, you are to surrender yourself to us."

The mage pleaded, "I was merely retrieving what was taken from me!" The lieutenant shook his head in disbelief, "That's not what the witnesses are saying. They saw you attacking those men."

As she looked around, the mage noticed that the gang members she had just defeated were slowly getting back up with smirks on their faces. Realization dawned upon her and she whispered to herself, "So that's how it's going to be."

The guard lieutenant demanded that the mage lower her weapon and release her spells, but she knew she was being set up. With a deep breath, she prepared for what would come next.

The mage's voice was laced with a dangerous edge as she taunted the city guards, "Come and take it then. I will not stand for this injustice."

Nervous glances were exchanged among the guards before the lieutenant barked out an order, "What are you waiting for? Arrest her for disobeying Midland law!"

With clear instructions and the fear of disobeying direct orders, the guards closed in on the mage, their weapons at the ready.

But before she could retaliate, a commanding voice rang out loudly, causing everyone to freeze. It was Duke Arlan Reeve, the crown prince himself. A little girl who had been watching from a safe distance pointed at him and cried out, "It's the crown-prince! Duke Arlan Reeve!"

The entire city block fell to their knees in reverence as Arlan approached. He was joined by his Heracul knights and Stormriders. Arlan’s voice rang out, “What is the meaning of this?!”

Silence hung heavy in the air as all eyes turned to the city-guard lieutenant, who nervously shifted under his helmet. Finally, Arlan spoke up again, his frustration evident in his voice, "ANSWER ME!"

The Heracul Knights and Stormrider’s drew their blades upon the city-guards in response to Arlan’s demand.

The lieutenant stuttered, eyes darting around at the expectant crowd. "I-I swear it wasn't my fault," he stammered. "That mage, she attacked these men and used dangerous spells within city limits. I was just trying to apprehend her."

Arlan strode over to the trembling lieutenant and grabbed him by the collar. His next words carried both anger and disbelief, "You mean to tell me that Lady Yuna Argold was stealing from these men?"

Yuna couldn't help but smile at this turn of events. Revenge tasted much sweeter than any meat skewer she could have purchased.

"Lady Yuna Argold?!" The lieutenant exclaimed, dropping to his knees and begging for forgiveness.

Ignoring him, Arlan gave his orders. "Arrest the seven brigands and send them to the dungeons. And as for the rest of you, prove your loyalty to the crown by arresting this traitorous lieutenant for conspiring with criminals."

Without hesitation, the guards sprang into action, their loyalty now firmly aligned with the crown-prince. The scene ended in silence, broken only by the sound of shackles being placed on the criminals and the disgraced lieutenant being led away.

Yuna's lips curved into a grateful smile as she greeted the familiar figure before her. "General Arlan, it seems you've saved me once again."

Arlan's stern expression softened slightly as he replied, "You're lucky Nightingale told me where you were and I decided to come get you anyway."

"Good thing… I have no idea how to get to your manor from here," Yuna admitted with a sheepish smile. "And...I'm absolutely famished."

"I know every street and shortcut, thanks to a detailed map provided by the Lansleys. I'll be happy to escort you to my manor," Arlan offered gallantly.

Just as the two were preparing to leave, a familiar dwarf merchant came running towards them, his arms full of sizzling meat skewers. "Lady Yuna and Duke Arlan! Please accept my sincerest apologies for my earlier rudeness. These are for you!" he exclaimed eagerly.

Arlan raised an eyebrow in question at Yuna, who responded with a tight-lipped frown. "Is this...a friend of yours?" Arlan asked cautiously.

Yuna's expression turned cold as ice. "No, not at all. Please begone from my sight," she demanded haughtily.

The dwarf merchant swore under his breath as he scurried away, regretting the way he had treated Yuna earlier. Now, with a powerful Heracul Knight standing between him and the lady, he regretted his actions. His stall would’ve been a much more popular place had the blessings of Lady Yuna and Duke Arlan made his stall known.

As Arlan and Yuna approached the Reeve Manor, they were met with a formidable sight - heavy security provided by House Lansley Guards and Arlan's own Heracul Knights. The gates swung open without hesitation as the two of them entered, their presence already expected. They made their way through the grand courtyard, bustling with activity from earlier arrivals.

But for Arlan and Yuna, there was still time to rest and refresh before joining the others. They were escorted to their lavish chambers, where hot baths and comfortable beds awaited them after their long journey. As they settled in to wash away the dust and fatigue, they were ready for dinner.

Arlan, clad in his regal military uniform, made his way down to the grand banquet hall where all of the royal court had already gathered. The flickering candlelight danced off the polished marble floors and ornate tapestries hung from the walls, creating an atmosphere of opulence and prestige.

As Arlan took his seat at the head of the long table, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and responsibility as he gazed upon his future queen, Princess Emmeline, seated beside him.

Emmeline raised an eyebrow at Arlan's tardiness and playfully remarked, "I heard a little birdie say you had to rescue Yuna from some trouble?"

Arlan shrugged nonchalantly as he scanned the room with a practiced eye. "Just some brigands and a corrupt city guard," he replied. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

Emmeline's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Well, Duke Frank Lansley seemed quite embarrassed about the altercation," she teased. "You should go relieve him of his worries."

JD chimed in from his spot nearby, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Don't you have to meet with him about that S-Rank bounty anyway?"

"In due time," Arlan replied confidently, his eyes scanning the bustling hall for familiar faces. "But for now, I’m gonna let him simmer. Who else has arrived?"

Emmeline's response was quick and efficient. “Archmage Jin is here along with Lady Dafni.”

"I'm surprised your mother, Queen Margaret, isn't here," Arlan commented, his eyebrows raising in mild surprise.

Unphased, the Midland Princess explained, her posture regal and composed. "Mother is now Queen Regent and can't leave Oreta until the Royal Court is properly stabilized. But she did send the newly appointed High Minister, Sir Dink Rorschach."

Just then, an elven teen in luxurious clothing appeared at Arlan’s side and whispered timidly, "You said it was going to be just us and Duke Frank. I didn't expect so many other important guests."

Arlan smiled knowingly. His eyes flickered over to the rest of the guests in attendance before returning to Jovann. "I didn’t know the others were going to be here either. But it helps at least that they’re here.”

Jovann replied with confidence, his posture exuding authority. “I’ll have you know, the Eastvale Trade Company isn’t exactly a subtle hand anymore. Everyone now knows my link to House Reeve and the Royal Family.”

“I assume you’ve already changed operating procedures?” asked Arlan with interest.

“Of course,” answered Jovann proudly, “You’ve chosen the right person for this and I’ll always be grateful for allowing me the opportunity to provide for Onas.”

As they finished their exchange, Yuna Argold made her way into the hall and gracefully took her seat next to Chrysta and Marie, who greeted her with wide smiles and open arms.

“Yunie!” exclaimed Marie with genuine excitement. “I haven’t seen you since King Richard’s service in Oreta.”

“It has been quite some time, Marie,” replied Yuna with a warm smile. “And I’ve just been spending time with my mother.”

“You look just as stunning as always,” added Chrysta, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “I hope your mother is doing better.”

Yuna's expression turned somber as she looked down at her plate, her fork delicately suspended in midair. “My mother is… still grieving the loss of my brother and father. But at least I was able to spend some precious months with her. She’s been preparing me to take over as Head of House Argold.”

Marie shared a sympathetic glance, understanding the heavy burden that Yuna carried. “I can imagine the weight you carry,” said Marie gently, placing a comforting hand on Yuna's shoulder. “I've also been told that I will inherit the title of Head of House Balan in a year.”

“It's lovely to see you, Yuna,” said Chrysta with a smile, “although I do wish it were under different circumstances.”

Yuna's expression softened as she confessed, “I can't help but feel weaker compared to you two and your... Regalias.”

Chrysta reached out and placed a comforting hand on Yuna's shoulder, "Don't worry," she reassured, "Your fighting style is unique and desperately needed."

"She's right," chimed in Marie, "Arlan specifically requested you because of your rare Argold Mage techniques. You'll be invaluable to us."

With newfound determination, Yuna's face lit up with a grateful smile. "Thank you both. I'm ready for whatever Arlan needs."

The trio continued their conversation and laughter over the savory food and wine.

Meanwhile, Arlan observed the three girls happily getting along and felt a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Finishing his own meal, he made his way over to Duke Frank and High Minister Dink Rorschach. The two powerful men were joking and sipping wine by the appetizer table.

Amidst their banter, Dink boisterously exclaimed, “The young lad then proceeded to utterly destroy the test golems! Not that I was surprised."

"Aye, he is quite remarkable," agreed Duke Frank. "Do you remember during the Tetrasan Tournament when he declared his victory for the princess? What a turn of events!"

Dink noticed Arlan approaching and playfully grabbed him around the neck. "And speaking of remarkable fellows," he said, "here comes Duke Arlan Reeve, the crown-prince of Midland!"

Arlan couldn't help but detect the faint scent of alcohol on Dink's breath. He also noticed the nearby Heracul Knights immediately draw their weapons on Dink in response to his familiar gesture.

"Dink! When did you become so casual with the crown-prince?" exclaimed Duke Frank, looking slightly disapproving. "It's unbecoming."

Arlan smiled and calmly ordered, "Return to your post. No one is to raise their weapon against Dink when he is in my presence."

As instructed, the Heracul Knights holstered their weapons and resumed their guard duties. Arlan turned to Duke Frank and said, "I apologize for any discomfort caused by my friend here. I don't put too much weight on formalities."

Duke Frank visibly relaxed and replied, "Thank goodness! And about the incident earlier in the streets, the Auron Ministry will launch a full investigation into all city guards."

"You have nothing to worry about in my presence," stated Arlan confidently. "I had faith that you would take appropriate action."

Duke Frank let out a sigh of relief as a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

"Now, if you'll excuse me," said Arlan, turning to Dink, "I'd like to speak to Duke Frank alone."

"Of course!" replied Dink as he released Arlan from his grip and made his way back to his table. "You still owe me a proper duel sometime."

Arlan nodded curtly and waved for Duke Frank to follow him up the winding staircase to the mezzanine. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly in the mostly empty hall, save for a few guards who trailed behind them at a respectful distance.

As they reached the top, Arlan paused and turned to face Duke Frank with a serious expression. "Your ring," he instructed, "Use it."

"By your command," answered Duke Frank as he channeled mana into his ring, activating its enchantment that allowed only their voices to be heard by each other.

"I'm sure you're well aware of why I've come to Auron," stated Arlan, his tone broaching no room for deception.

"Why yes, my liege," replied Duke Frank smoothly, "I am quite informed of your purpose here. But what perplexes me is why wouldn’t you simply demand the adamantite from me? I’d be more than happy to hand it over."

"You will do no such thing," asserted Arlan, his voice almost a growl, "I have come to resolve the issue at the Iron Grotto and I will do so personally. There is an unfinished business there that I must attend to."

Duke Frank's curiosity was piqued. "Does it involve your previous venture there?" he inquired, "Yozac had mentioned something about a Naraka Lord."

Arlan knew Duke Frank was well-informed and replied, "Yes, that Naraka Lord is waiting for my return. I suspect the Iron Grotto has become a spawning ground for dark fiends?"

"The cursed creatures from the abyss have made the area increasingly dangerous," confirmed Duke Frank with a grimace, "Along with the heavy concentration of mana, we have seen a surge in monster spawns as well. So if you do not seek the adamantite, what is it that you desire from me?"

Arlan's eyes flickered as he contemplated Duke Frank's offer. The sound of their voices echoed through the grand hall, bouncing off the intricate tapestries and ornate chandeliers.

Arlan stood tall, his posture exuding an air of confidence and authority. Across from him, Duke Frank lounged in a velvet armchair, his expression sly and calculating.

"Don't get me wrong, I do want the adamantite still," Arlan finally answered, breaking the tense silence that had settled over them. "But what I would like from you now, is an artifact from your vault."

Duke Frank raised an eyebrow at this bold request, "Oh? And of the eleven artifacts I hold in my vault, which one would you want?" he asked casually.

"The Black Draconian Cuirass," stated Arlan firmly.

A look of surprise flashed across Duke Frank's face before it quickly turned into a smile. "That...that is quite the expensive request," he replied with a sly tone. "I don't doubt you can use it but it is my most prized possession. I'm not sure if I can easily part with it...without some kind of favor or compensation."

"I understand the ways of the Royal Court," Arlan answered smoothly. "Name your price."

Duke Frank leaned forward with a glint in his eye. "Once you're king, allow House Lansley to take over the South-Eastern provinces that were once under House Kaiser," he offered with a grin.

As Duke Frank spoke, Sophia's voice emerged within Arlan's mind, "Be cautious, Arlan. While Duke Frank has sided with the crown in the past, I detect irregularities within his heart that imply he may be withholding his true agenda."

Arlan replied to Sophia with his thoughts, "I am well aware to be careful around Duke Frank. Though he may have our best interests in mind, he is still a man of ambition. If given the chance, he would surely take over as King. But for now, it is more beneficial to him to curry favor with us."

Duke Frank's gaze remained unphased, clearly unnerved by Arlan.

"Duke Frank, allow my words to reach your ears honestly," stated Arlan firmly as Duke Frank's expression turned into a piercing gaze. "I can agree to this under the condition that you will never raise your blade against me and will always support my ambitions as king. However, if at any point your heart desires unsightly ambitions towards the crown or the kingdom, I will come for your head personally. You know of my strength. Do not make an enemy of me or the people of Midland."

A bead of sweat dripped down Duke Frank's forehead as he nervously answered, "Of course not, I dare not harbor any greater ambition. I am quite content with what I already own. But if I am to remain an ally of the crown, will I have your word that I will rule over the South-Eastern provinces?"

"You have my word," replied Arlan confidently. "I cannot deny your contributions to the crown and my father. Have the Black Draconian Cuirass delivered to this manor tomorrow morning and ensure that it is well guarded."

Duke Frank let out a sigh of relief and ecstatically responded, "Of course, Crown-Prince Rove of Terra."

As their conversation came to an end, Arlan's eyes locked with Duke Frank's in a moment of unspoken understanding. "How-" he began to ask.

"Quiet, Arlan," Duke Frank interjected sharply. "I will not disclose your true identity to anyone nor will I answer how I know. Keep to your word when you become King and my loyalty to you will remain unphased."

Arlan nodded, still slightly perplexed by Duke Frank's words. He thought to himself, "Sophia, any thoughts on how he knows?"

"Nothing concrete," Sophia answered. "Duke Frank Lansley is indeed a powerful and mysterious man, tread carefully around him."