The vast land of Northern Solitaire, Vernize, is a domain steeped in history and tradition. It is the realm of the royal family's blood relative, the brother of the first emperor of Solitaire who founded the empire.
Known for his role as the kingmaker, the first Vernize established a lineage that has been crucial to the empire's stability for generations. The land is perpetually blanketed in snow, blessed by the Ice Dragon, which shields its inhabitants from the harshest weather conditions. Despite the sparse sunlight, Vernize thrives, its wealth and prosperity a testament to the Grand Duke's leadership.
"I heard the Grand Duke is meeting the Grand Duchess chosen by the emperor today at Gala Port," one voice noted, tinged with a hint of disbelief.
"Yes, she's from the East, a Clarke," came the reply. "The family of the Imperial Hero.""Ah, but this situation is still very upsetting," another added.
"I agree," someone else chimed in. "We all know the Grand Duke has a beloved, Lady Neria Lamoure. How could the emperor betray the man who has aided him so much?"
"Yes," another voice echoed, "how can we accept an outsider as our Grand Duchess? An ignorant woman without any knowledge of Vernize?"
The discontent was palpable among the knights of Vernize as they approached Gala Port. Their faces were set in grim expressions, reflecting their frustration. The tension was so thick it felt as though they were heading into a battleground rather than a ceremonial welcome.
"I can't believe this!" Heron muttered harshly, his frustration escaping in puffs of visible breath. His tone was filled with contempt and was deliberately loud enough for others to hear.
"Heron, keep your voice down!" Keene said, trying to calm him.
"Heron, no matter how upset you are, you must show respect to the Grand Duchess. As soon as the ship arrives, you need to clear that sour look off your face," Oswald admonished.
"What? Are you telling me to bow to those Easterners? You think anyone here will do that?" Heron retorted, his defiance clear.
At Heron's outburst, the murmurs of frustration among the other knights grew louder. Oswald, recognizing the futility of further argument, simply shook his head. He knew how stubborn Heron could be, and pushing him further would only escalate the situation.
"What's the commotion here?" a commanding voice cut through the rising discord.The knights snapped to attention, their faces reflecting a mix of respect and relief as they turned to see the source of the voice.
The man who had arrived bore jet-black hair that seemed to shimmer like the night sky, his presence commanding immediate admiration.
His cerulean blue eyes, serene and fresh like the calm waves of deep azure seas, held an otherworldly allure. Every gaze upon his face seemed to reaffirm his title not merely as 'the most handsome man,' but as a paragon of beauty itself.
With his mother being a nymph, it was no wonder he bore such ethereal charm.
YOU ARE READING
Judge of Cosmos
Fantasy"Divorce? You think this sacred bond can be torn apart by your petty whims, Moraine? Our marriage is the will of the gods themselves! A soul-stamped covenant, sealed under the watchful eyes of the Deity of Promise-unbreakable, eternal." Moraine's ga...
