The Honorable Duke of Resnov

Chapter 2: Duke's thanksgiving

(Alexandrei's POV)

My mind was filled with thoughts about my upcoming meal. The dining hall has become decorated as the I have decided to hold a Thanksgiving party for the Knight's and sorcerers that have helped us secure stability with the food supplies.

without these men and women the Gordev Barony would've had a hard time supplying their domain as well as cause a problem with the trade routes.

The celebration party started out nice and peaceful, everyone was enjoying themselves and enjoyed each other's company with much warmth and enjoyment.  It wasn't long until the music came to life, the Knights sang their songs together along with the mages and sorcerers to accompany them.
As the music continued and the alcohol flowed, I took notice of a woman standing behind the table dancing and singing her heart out along with the Knights and Sorcerers with her. The dance is beautiful, mesmerizing even. She looks like a ballerina at the top of the world. Her hair flowing down to the floor with graceful movements. She dances with a grace that makes her seem untouchable yet captivating; enchanting even.

Such a simple party yet look how happy these people are. I'll do everything in my power to protect this peace as 73rd Duke of Resnov.

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The banquet ended with the last guest leaving the dining hall leaving the Knights and mages to their own devices as I walked towards the kitchen to grab a glass of water before returning to my chamber to rest. I'm glad the festivities went smoothly today so far...

As I lay down, I still have the same terrible feeling that something will happen. The moon shone brightly though my window,

'Moon God Arche, bless this land and continue to guard our borders. May you have mercy on your children and give prosperity to those who deserve your gifts.'

As the sky grew darker, the stars glimmering brightly, the soft glow of the moonlight making everything look brighter. I closed my eyes drifting off to sleep, but it seemed like someone else's dreams plagued mine. The scene played before me like a movie that kept replaying the same thing over and over again. My body felt heavy while my mind was clear, my gaze set firmly onto the person whose face was hidden by darkness. There were faint whispers and voices echoing around my ears that sounded like pleas. I was unable to grasp or understand their words.
The more I tried to move my body, the worse I felt; it felt like I was moving through quicksand, the sensation made me want to cry. I could not open my eyes as tears poured down my cheeks.

"MY LORD!"

I spring back to life as the head butler shook me awake. I blinked my eyes rapidly trying to rid myself of the remnants of the dream.
"Is something wrong my lord?" The servant asked with concern lacing his tone.
"No I was just having a terrible nightmare." I replied weakly rubbing the sides of my throbbing head. That felt all too real to be a dream, it's as if seeing someone else's life flash before my very eyes.

~ Meanwhile~
(Aelius' POV)

Another terrible morning, never have I been able to sleep well ever since the night of my parent's murder. everytime I close my eyes it wasn't rest but rather a trip down the very nightmares that plague my existence.  I am afraid that they will consume me whole once they fully manifest themselves to my senses.
My mind is a maelstrom of chaotic thoughts. What are we waiting for? How long are we supposed to wait? If we waited any longer would we lose control and unleash hell upon us and those in the castle with the Northmen? Endless chain of thoughts, these won't stop until I stomp my enemies to death.

"Your Highness" my retainer bowed holding a tray with a letter on it.

"Come"

I reached out for the letter and began to read it's contents.

"Your highness Duke Resnov held a Thanksgiving party for his men. it seems the duke doesn't have much knights nor sorcerers despite how large his territory is. However we've also identified few of his men, under his command includes the Sorcerer successor Ivan Laurel, and the Templar knights which are known as one of the strongest knighthood from the north. I advice we stay cautious in advancing and remaining stealthy as possible. Th western part of Gordev has a dense forest suitable for us to camp and advance through, it would also be better to wait till the snow storms become more frequent as it will help us attack them unprepared. We are awaiting your orders."

It seems the sorcerer is indeed one of the biggest threats to our plan.
"You may go. Thank you Steward," I replied before shutting the door.
After reading the letter I placed it aside and stood up. I changed into my usual attire and proceeded to go to the meeting hall.

"William send letters of notice to all the lords for an emergency meeting. they have until 2 o'clock in the afternoon or I will end their bloodline."

"Very well Your Grace." William nodded before disappearing out of sight.
Just then, a knock was heard. I looked toward the direction and smiled, "Enter."
The door opened revealing Count Orlis. He bowed and approached my desk.
"Count Orlis reporting. it is such a good coincidence that I've come to greet his highness, if you would allow me I shall await with you for the other nobles to come."
As much as I despise him, he serves my needs. if he weren't willing to serve me, then why bother? It's no use being angry at him for that. I've learned to live with it.

"Very well, Count Orlis you may wait with me."

"Thank you." he bows and proceeds to be seated.
It didn't take long until the noble lords began coming to meet me.
"Greetings Your Highness." Count Eruford greeted me first followed by another member of the nobility.
"I  thank you all for coming here for an emergency conference."
"We are honored to be invited Your Highness."
After receiving all the reports the discussion quickly escalated to our planned strategy to capture and take advantage of the Northern Kingdom's weakness.
"What exactly are your plans regarding the attack against the north, Your Majesty?" Counts Eruford, Orlis, and Rufus asked.
"As you can see the Northern Army is currently scattered, their army has been stationed far from each other due to the winter weather. They will find it hard to contact each other and regroup so let us take that opportunity. Our option is to get our hands on the main trade route first and equipments to make things easier."
"But what about the northern mages and sorcerers?" Count Eruford questioned.
"They seem to be the main threat along with the Templar knights stationed in the Duke's Duchy."
"But won't they be wary of attacks after your recent victory in capturing the continent of Estrella?" Count Orlis inquired.
"They might, however, our current situation would only increase our chances of success. As long as we don't engage with their troops directly then we should be fine."
"If you say so Your Majesty. " Count Orlis said.

"I will also join the Conquest."

"WHAT!? THAT IS ABSURD YOUR HIGHNESS! WHO WILL GOVERN THIS EMPIRE WITHOUT YOU?"

"Let's all be honest, all of you would rather see me dead in the battlefield than be in my presence right now. However worry not, I will appoint Duke Uriel as regent while I'm away as usual."

All the nobles were shocked from my decision. Duke Uriel is a powerful mage and has the title of the strongest mage in the history of the Kingdom.  I don't see any problem appointing him as regent, even more so after he swore loyalty under the Sunnival scroll. breaking his oath would mean death, therefore there is nothing for me to worry about.
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I sat outside drinking my tea enjoying the fresh cool breeze blowing through the air. I couldn't help but feel restless with the anticipation of the upcoming attack and battle against the Northmen. The sooner we crush this enemy and bring an end to every single one of them.

(Duke Resnov's POV)
(Resnov Duchy)

"The moon seems foreboding doesn't it?"

"May that not be true my lord, Arche's light is shining brightly afterall." My butler spoke as he serves me tea.

"Hmm..." I hummed and sipped on the drink.

"I shall retire now. goodnight butler."

"Yes. goodnight my lord." the butler bows as I leave the balcony.