The Refuge of Fate

Chapter 147 - Truth, Lies, and Memories

"Raise your swords!" the Knight Captain yelled. The knights lined up beside the path, standing at attention as the incoming carriage approached. With a loud grunt, the knights unsheathed their swords and raised them high.

The Perez Duchy was an enormous estate ruled by the Perez family for centuries. Their family history was as deep as the roots the Belmaid Empire had laid in the annals of time.

Little hands gripped the window frame of the carriage, and a child's face appeared, eyes wide with wonder as he watched the knights. "Wow..." he muttered, captivated by the display. As the carriage passed, the knights lowered their swords in unison. "The human knights look awesome, Dad!" he cheered, turning to the young king who sat peacefully with a book in hand.

"That is to be expected," Silas replied. "After all, we are in the territory of one of the most powerful families in Belmaid, the Perez Duchy." The child's eyes widened further, mouth agape in awe. "Can our people do something like this too?" he asked, turning his gaze to Silas.

"Of course. Our military power is fairly new, but your uncle is working hard to make them excel like this. Though the People of Magic are a far superior race and our magic transcends heights, we still need practice and discipline." Silas returned to his book, and Raegan continued peering out of the window.

The journey from the estate entrance to the main mansion was long, with towering buildings in every direction. When the carriage finally stopped, the Knight Captain dismounted and stood by the door. The coachman stepped down and opened the door for the esteemed guests.

"Thank you, Chray," Silas said as he stepped out. "Greetings, Young Master Pier. The Perez Duchy is delighted to have you with us."

"Thank you for having us. I appreciate your warm welcome." With a nod, the Knight Captain bowed and stepped aside, revealing the Perez family waiting at the mansion entrance.

Silas stiffened slightly, seeing not just Lysander Perez but the entire Perez family. His eyes first landed on Duke Salvador Perez, who observed him with a blank expression. Next, he noticed Lady Victoria Perez, Salvador's wife, who had a nervous smile. Her lips quivered slightly when she met his gaze, making Silas chuckle softly.

Then his attention shifted to a younger copy of Lysander. 'A little brother? I didn't know he had one,' Silas thought but quickly dismissed it as Lysander approached with large, proud strides.

'Damn, he walks fast...' Silas was taken aback by Lysander's speed but composed himself as the man loomed over him. He internally grumbled about constantly meeting men taller than him.

"Welcome to the Perez Duchy, Sil-"

"Thank you. I'm glad to be here," Silas cut him off before he could finish his name, preferring the alias Pier. Lysander caught the hint and nodded apologetically, then glanced at the child in Silas's arms.

"Hope you don't mind I bring him with me," Silas said with a smile. Raegan was quiet, returning Perez's gaze steadily. "Of course," Lysander replied.

---

The birds chirped as they perched on the trees. Their nests, made of sticks and light materials, provided comfort inside the greenhouse. An artificial ball of light floated at the highest point of the building, radiating warmth for the plants below.

"Do you like it?" Lysander inquired, sitting opposite Silas at the table. "I like it. That's a smart use of your magic," Silas complimented, noticing the tension easing from Lysander's face as he grinned and leaned back.

"I hope Mother didn't annoy you too much," Lysander apologized, recalling how Victoria fussed over Silas earlier as if he were the emperor. The young king chuckled and shook his head. "Not at all. She's a lovely woman."