The Honorable Duke of Resnov

Chapter 1: Aelius Silva of the South

The world was blessed by two Gods, Sunniva and Arche. Sunniva represented the sun which blessed the world with light and all life that exists, Arche represented the moon which blessed the world with darkness and death.

both Sunniva and Arche existed together in the sky during their existence however, living beings would only look at Sunniva which displeased arche. And so the Gods decided to separate, the separation of day and night made the living beings appreciate Arche as the Moon God have become a symbol of rest and comfort during the engulfment of darkness. But as the time goes by Arche's symbolism have become twisted, due to the evil which plagued the living beings hearts, this had led to the God's corruption.

From Arche's darkness which used to comfort both living and the dead, emerged beasts and the spread of sorcerers and witchcraft. Due to this, even the living beings whom were united before are also separated into two factions. The Southern Empire of Luminium whom worshipped Sunniva and The Northern Empire of Endymion whom worshipped Arche.

The Empire of Luminium governed by the Imperial family were gifted with the power of the sun. the women of the Silva family were mostly gifted with healing abilities while the men were gifted with arcane infusion. Aelius Silva was the most gifted heir, born with a complete and happy family the prince had everything. until that very evening during the prince's 10th birthday, the imperial family except him were all murdered. Aelius was left alone in the palace while some servants hid inside the rooms and the bodies of his mother and father were left bloodied and broken on the floor. Nothing would hide his sorrow from the eyes of the gods.

Mourning the lost of his parents Aelius swore vengeance, for years on end after winning countless wars and  making Luminium the greatest empire in History he's plans are slowly setting in motion.

(Aelius POV)

"YOUR HIGHNESS I SWEAR IN MY FAMILY'S FORTUNE I HAVE NEVER BETRAYED THIS EMPIRE!" sounds of countless whining fills my ear as the traitor count descantus begged for mercy. They thought they could've fooled me? selling important copies of documents to that bastard from the Northern Empire, they've made a grave mistake!
I don't care that they're a bunch of scoundrels but I know when an empire of my own is being sold away! "PLEASE! PLEASE MERCY!" my eyes harden seeing how desperate he looked, but the more he begs the more it annoys me.

"What do you take me for count? Do I look like a benevolent and merciful ruler to you?" his eyes shifted from that of despair to that of fear. "Y-your highness..."

"Behead this traitor and hang his body outside the castle gates for everyone to see."  the words left my mouth with venom laced through them. I can feel anger brewing up within me with every moment that passes, my heart pounding faster and my fingers trembling, my hands gripping the edge of my seat with force as if I'll be able to pry myself off it and strangle that bastard myself.

After the stressful event, one of my retainers approached me according to the plans of securing the northern territory. "Your highness, Sun and Father of the empire. we've successfully planted spies within the Northern Empire. following this they've already sent reports regarding the weakest and formidable strongholds of the north."

"Good, I would like to hear it now."

"They said that it would be best to attack Gordev barony, their fiefdom is a trade route which goes straight to the Helesi March. these areas have the least security and supervision due to the distance of these two territories from the imperial city and also from the harsh weather. another factor to consider is that the Resnov duchy is very close to these territories, Resnov Duchy is only second in power from the Northern imperial family due to their ancestors being eligible to the throne. what is your take your highness?"

"Go on." I nodded urging him to carry on as to keep my sanity in check.
"If you attack the Resnov duchy directly and manage to overpower them in one attack, we can guarantee an upper hand against the north, however we have no Intel on how strong they are nor do we know the number of men they have. we can't attack in a large scale since it will alert the northerners and give them the opportunity to prepare."
"So what do you suggest then?" I questioned.
"We should strike Gordev Barony first with stealth. We can easily infiltrate into the further regions and eliminate the Northerners there without revealing our presence to anyone.This also gives us an opportunity to interrogate Baron Gordev and gain Intel on Resnov's strength."
"That seems wise. Go gather our troops and have them leave immediately. I'm going to send word to the Knight's commander."

With that command the retainer bowed and rushed to carry out my orders. My mind drifted to what was said earlier, if the Northers don't surrender I would slaughter them. I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. The knights under my command were skilled and will most likely immerge victorious. Just you wait Northerners, you all shall pay for what your God has done.

(Resnov's Duchy)
(Alexandrei Resnov)

"My lord, Baron Gordev sent you a letter of thanks in aiding the fiefdom regarding the construction greenhouses and heaters."  the steward announced as he entered my study.

"Thank you, Steward, bring the letter in here please."

As I read the letter, my lips curved into a satisfied smile when I saw its content. it's good to know we've solved some problems when it comes to food supplies. since the north is naturally cold and unforgiving, we've resulted in planting crops inside greenhouses and with the aid of sorcerers even able to create miniature suns for crops such as rice and wheat that are not able to grow in temperate weather conditions.

With the help of magic crystals we've created more than 20 greenhouses to provide food and energy sources throughout Endymion. although there were still many obstacles in our path, it was worth the risk.
"Bring some wine for tonight, make sure to put three crates into the Knight's barracks for tomorrow. I want everyone's morale to improve."
"Yes, sir." With that the steward bowed then retreated from the room.
While I'm pleased with the progress, I also couldn't hold back my worries. I have a feeling something terrible is brewing, perhaps an invasion from the southern Kingdom? Aelius Silva, not a single soul does not know that name. Ruler of corpses, King of madlads and conqueror of lands. He's held so many titles yet little does anyone know his true goal,  to take away the lives of the other rulers with such ease.

"My lord? it's already time for dinner."

"Ah yes! I will be there shortly."

I must've been overthinking. frankly speaking I've never even seen the man myself, I shouldn't overthink much. The Northern Empire is also formidable and they would have a hard time infiltrating now that the season of winds are growing much more stronger each day. right, I should indeed just have supper.