Silver Lining

The Sea

Splash, splash.

The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the dock filled the air, their constant, gentle force echoing through the stillness of the day.

Here, the vast expanse of water stretched out endlessly, its surface shimmering under the soft light of the sun as it danced across the waves.

The sea itself was a deep, almost ominous blue, shifting between tranquil calm and restless movement as if the ocean held within it countless secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

The coastline was both breathtaking and intimidating.

Sharp cliffs jutted out from the land, their craggy edges plunging down into the swirling waters below.

The cliffs were a stark contrast to the smoother, sandy beaches of the Northwestern shoreline, and it was easy to see why this place inspired both awe and fear.

The sea pounded relentlessly against the base of the cliffs, sending sprays of white foam into the air, while the rocks stood as silent sentinels, guarding the land from the encroaching waters.

Ubarr Territory was unique in this regard—a place where the land met the sea in a dramatic display of nature's power.

The Ubarr and Chetter territories were known for their complicated shorelines, dotted with small islands that seemed to float just off the coast.

These islands added to the treacherous nature of the waters, making navigation difficult and anchorage nearly impossible in most areas.

Only a few places along this rugged coast could safely harbor ships, and it was here that the Ubarr Family had built their naval base, a fortification that had once protected the Roan Kingdom during the war against the Indomitable Alliance.

The Ubarr Family, though not excessively wealthy, had gained prestige through their strategic contributions, and the former Viscounty had risen to become the current Ubarr County—a testament to their value in the kingdom's defense.

Standing on the sandy beach, a woman with flowing green hair watched the waves with a calm and composed expression.

Her hair, tied in a loose side braid, fell gracefully over her shoulder, catching the light of the setting sun.

Her eyes, a deep, sophisticated green, held the serenity of the forest and the depth of the sea, reflecting the wisdom and strength of a leader.

She wore a simple yet elegant dress that moved gently with the breeze, the fabric of her attire designed for both practicality and grace.

This was Countess Amiru, the current liege of Ubarr Territory, who had inherited the title and the responsibilities that came with it after the war.

Standing before her was a figure draped in a heavy robe, the hood pulled low to conceal his features.

His voice, flat but with a hint of gratitude, broke the sound of the waves.

"Thank you for preparing the boat, Young Lady—no, I mean Countess Amiru."

Amiru's lips curled into a polite smile as she inclined her head slightly.

"This is nothing, Young Master Cale."

Her tone was respectful, yet warm.

The figure in the robe was none other than Cale Henituse, his signature blood-red hair hidden beneath his hood.

Though only a young master without a noble title, Amiru treated him with the utmost respect. There were many reasons for this.

Cale was a figure of great honor and merit, recognized across both the Western and Eastern Continents as a hero.