Duke of the North Refuses the Villain Route

Chapter 5-Training

For once, since they arrived, snow clouds did not cover the brilliant orange light of dawn. The sun had just finished emerging from beyond the mountains when Aryssa decided that it was a good idea to go for a short walk in the garden near their rooms. He expected it to be cold, but thankfully a series of magic heaters had been placed around areas of the garden. With their personal guards trailing behind them, the imperial siblings began to enjoy their last day in Valtoria Castle.

However, as they got closer to a large domed building they spotted several servants gathering near the entrance. Through the open door, they could hear sounds of breaking wood, clanging of metals, and explosions could be heard.

Nysander met eyes with Aryssa's curious one. With a silent agreement, they headed for the building, quickly spotting the elderly steward of the Valtoria Family. The old man noticed them at once and organized the others into a bow of greeting.

"Greetings to Your Royal Highness the Imperial Crown Prince, and Your Highness the Second Princess," Herard said. "May the light of dawn bless your day."

"Good morning, as well," Nysander asked. "My sister and I were just curious about what is inside the building."

The older man's solemn face soon morphed into one filled with joy and excitement. The same expression appeared on the rest of the staff and Nysander's curiosity only grew.

"This is the indoor training ground of the Grand Duke, Your Royal Highness," Herard answered. "His Grace is inside practicing...his Dragon Flame."

At the mention of the famous Dragon Flame, memories of the previous Grand Duke's white-yellow flames appeared in his mind. Years ago, he had the opportunity to witness a spar between the Grand Duke and one of the Imperial Knights. Said Imperial Knight also happened to be one of the two people behind him.

Nysander turned to look at the Imperial Knight and his personal guard, Count Alegio. The middle-aged man had a pure look of interest and curiosity as he looked towards the entrance.

"Is it okay for us to watch?" Aryssa asked Herard.

The elderly man smiled brighter and nodded. "Of course, Your Highness."

Without any more hesitation, they entered. The noises had quietened for a moment, and he spotted the reason why.

On the dirt-covered grounds surrounded by stone amphitheater seats, a tall man with bright red hair stood in the center. His dragon eyes were focused on the new targets being set up by the servants. He gave no indication that he noticed their presence, but maybe he had. It was hard to read Roran Valtoria.

He and Aryssa sat down on the highest seats at the insistence of their personal guards. It would not be good for them to get hit with flying projectiles and debris. Even with a magic barrier, it was better to be safe than sorry.

It didn't take long for the new targets to be set up. With a shout from one of the leaving servants, the magic barrier was activated over the dirt training ground with a light shimmer.

Blue flames with white tendrils roared to life from Lord Roran's hands before Nysander could blink.

With a flick of his wrists, three fireballs manifested in front of him. The fireballs flew toward three wooden dummies, obliterating two torsos and one head. Wood and splinters scattered in the air with a loud crack.

Before the wooden debris settled down, Lord Roran shifted his stance and summoned a cluster of fiery arrows. With a wave of his hand, they hurled towards the iron targets. They clanged and sizzled as the arrows struck, leaving behind nothing but glowing, molten punctures.

Constructs flew from devices on the edge of the training grounds. The Grand Duke extended his arms to the side, and a small tornado of fire began to swirl around him. With a push of his hands, he sent the fiery whirlwind tearing through the constructs, incinerating them before they even reached 10 feet of him. Targets popped up from behind barrels. Blades of thin blue fire cut through each within the second they appeared.