"Yup."
Eris paused for a moment, looking at Zane with curiosity.
"How can you so?"
Zane's expression turned serious, he then said.
"Are you familiar of Arlo?"
"Arlo? Well, yeah. I am quite familiar with him."
Zane's expression was unchanged, he paused for moment, remembering what had happened earlier.
"Well, I met him earlier. And it didn't and well. In fact, it ended up really badly. I'm sure you know Arlo belongs to the same castle as me back then, and you know he was quite arrogant, even up until now."
Zane paused for a moment, he then added:
"...And he challenge me to a duel, which will be held next week."
As soon as those words came out of Zane's mouth, Eris' expression became dumbfounded. Well, for obvious reasons.
Arlo was one of the strongest mage in the main castle. Atleast for the C-rankers and below. But, still. He was still strong, much, much more stronger than Zane.
And Zane was going to have a duel with him? The outcome of this fight is pretty much expected already. It's a one sided fight.
And Eris knew that. Since Arlo was a fighting maniac, she would often see him in the dueling ground. And that's not all, the reason why Eris had such a dumbfounded face was because, she saw Arlo holding off against one of the top tiers among the C-rankers.
And Zane was going to have a duel with him? Zane who was known to have the lowest amount of mana capacity, not just in his clan, but also in his academy. It sounded way too absurd.
"Did you accept it?"
"I did."
"..."
Eris released a heavy sigh, she then said in a tone that spoke of annoyance.
"Why? You could've just avoided it, Zane! Do you know how strong that man is? He would demolish you into to pieces. That's how strong he is, and I'm sure you know that. But you still accepted it?"
She paused for a moment, she then added:
"Zane, you know mom will be furious if she founds out about this."
Zane remained quite, looking in front of him with a calm expression. Back then, he knew he could've just avoided it. If he refused, maybe Arlo would've just agreed either way. That's because, Zane's mom is in this castle. And she isn't just Zane's mom but also the Matriarch.
Well, as long as she is in this castle, Zane's mom would know everything that's happening about his son.
The reason why Zane often gets bullied in school is because, they knew no one would back him up. But that actually isn't the case, Zane could always tell his situation to his mother, its just that he doesn't want to.
He had a lot of reasons, actually. He hated his family's cruel traditions, he hated how they treated him, how his own family looks down on him. Who would want to rely in such a clan?
"I know. But, just try to see it to the end will you. And don't tell mom."
Eris stared at Zane with a serious expression. She then released a sigh once again, knowing that she can't stop Zane from whatever he was trying to achieve. Of course, she wanted to say a lot, too many actually. I mean, it all sounded so absurd. The worst of it all is that, Zane looked way too confident.
However, she didn't say anything. Maybe because she wanted to believe in Zane? But believing in a man who couldn't pass the trial for over 4 years just didn't seem like it. But, maybe he really passed fairly without cheating at all? But even so, it wouldn't make the situation any better.
What would 5 basic Thaleward barrier spell do to Arlo?
'Just where the hell is that confidence coming from?'
...
Moments afterwards, they finally arrived at their destination.
Obsidian Crown.
As soon as they arrived, a towering golden gate greeted them. This gate however, was a lot smaller than the other castle where Zane had just been. However, beyond the gate stood a palace wrapped in golden color.
The golden palace stood like a dream, its twisting spires gleaming under the sun. Gold blended with white marble, obsidian, and sapphire, creating a perfect balance of light and shadow.
At its gates, intricate carvings told silent stories, leading to a courtyard where a fountain of liquid gold shimmered. Inside, vast halls stretched beneath painted skies, every detail whispering of power, ambition, and legend.
There was also a butler waiting outside, waiting for them to step out.
As Zane was distracted by the beautiful structure of the palace, Eris had already gotten out of the carriage leaving him alone.
Realizing that, he also step out of the carriage, still distracted by the by the palace before him.
'Would Velrath be amazed by this?'
"Zane, let's go."
Hearing Eris voice, he nodded and followed her as they headed inside. The butlers were guiding them to where the Patriarch was.
Zane scanned his surroundings, as he followed his sister from behind. Soon after, they were inside the palace.
Inside the golden palace, every detail spoke of power and beauty. The entrance hall had soaring ceilings painted with gold and sapphire patterns, while crystal chandeliers cast a soft golden glow. Marble floors gleamed beneath towering pillars engraved with ancient stories.
Long corridors stretched endlessly, their archways lined with golden filigree. Tapestries shimmered as if alive, and the air carried a faint scent of incense.
The throne room was the grandest of all. A golden carpet led to a throne of gold and obsidian, encrusted with gemstones. Stained glass windows filled the room with colorful light, making it feel almost magical.
Beyond lay quiet spaces—vast libraries with golden-bound books, luxurious chambers with silk curtains, and balconies overlooking the grand courtyard. Soft lanterns flickered everywhere, making the palace feel warm and alive.
However, there was no one sitting on the grand throne.
He looked towards Eris, hinting for answers. Looking at her expression, it seemed pretty common for the throne to be empty.
Perhaps, his dad didn't like sitting on the throne. Well, fair enough, it looked uncomfortable which was pretty understandable.
'Where could father be?'