Chapter 38: Arrival in the Imperial Capital
The grand carriage moved steadily along the paved road, its wheels rolling smoothly over the well-maintained imperial highway. Surrounded by an elite escort of knights, the sigil of House Everhart gleamed proudly on its surface, an unmistakable declaration of power and status.
Inside the carriage, Leonhardt Valerian Everhart sat in silence, his crimson-red eyes gazing out the window at the approaching Imperial Capital, Solmaris—the heart of the empire.
The towering walls, engraved with runes of ancient protection, stood like a fortress against the sky. Beyond them, countless spires, mansions, and grand palaces stretched toward the heavens.
The air itself hummed with power. The city was home to the empire's greatest magicians, knights, and politicians—a place where power was both earned and stolen in the same breath.
But to Leonhardt, it was nothing more than a stepping stone.
A place filled with insects buzzing in the light of power.
He had no interest in their schemes, their ambitions, or their desire to control the empire.
His only goal remained unchanged: breaking the seal and finding her.
But to do that, he needed strength—absolute strength. And the Imperial Capital, for all its political filth, was a place where he could further sharpen his power.
"We'll be passing through the gates soon, young master," the knight captain reported from outside the carriage.
Leonhardt didn't respond. Instead, he leaned back against the plush seat, his expression unreadable.
The Capital's Gaze
The streets of Solmaris were alive with activity as the Everhart procession entered the city.
Merchants, nobles, and commoners paused in awe as the black and gold banners of House Everhart came into view.
"Is that… the Grand Duke's heir?" a noblewoman whispered.
"I heard he's a prodigy, a genius in both magic and the sword," another murmured.
Rumors had already spread about him—his performance at the grand ball, his talent surpassing all expectations, and his cold, unapproachable presence.
Yet, as he passed, their admiration held something else—fear.
A ten-year-old should not have such an aura.
A child should not carry the presence of an emperor.
But Leonhardt Valerian Everhart was no child.
He was a force waiting to be unleashed.
And they could all sense it.
The Imperial Palace – An Invitation from the Emperor
As they approached the Everhart estate in the capital, a royal messenger awaited them.
Dressed in the emperor's gold and white colors, the man bowed deeply as the carriage came to a halt.
"By the decree of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Alistair von Aurelius, the young heir of House Everhart is summoned to the palace."
A summons from the emperor himself.
Leonhardt's eyes narrowed slightly.
How troublesome.
He stepped out of the carriage, his ashen-black hair gleaming under the sunlight, and met the messenger's gaze with a cold indifference.
"…I understand."
The nobles watching from the sidelines shivered at his mere presence.
This boy…
No, this future ruler of the battlefield—was destined to shake the empire itself.
And none of them were ready for it.