The Dragons Heir

Arc 3/part 1: The return to the Capitol

ALEX

It was a bright, sunny day in the quaint village of Arlem, nestled within the realm of Lugunica. The rays of the sun bathed the village in a warm golden glow as Alex engaged joyfully with the children, their laughter ringing through the air like the delightful sound of bells. The familiar routine of spending time with them filled him with a sense of fulfilment, a comforting ritual that brought a smile to his face.

In the shade of a modest house, Emilia stood, cloaked in a flowing white hood that framed her delicate features. The fabric fluttered gently in the light breeze, but even so, it seemed an unusual choice for such a warm day. As Alex concluded his interactions with the children and waved them goodbye, his gaze shifted toward her. He approached with a mixture of concern and curiosity lighting up his expression.

"Emilia, aren't you hot wearing that hood in this heat?" he inquired, his voice tinged with genuine worry as he closed the distance between them.

Emilia lifted her gaze, and a soft, warm smile blossomed on her lips, though it barely masked the hint of sorrow that lingered in her violet eyes. "I'm fine, don't worry. I'm not wearing it because I'm cold," she replied, her voice carrying a trace of melancholy. "It's just that my appearance causes me more trouble than I would like to admit, so I wear it to hide myself." The weight of her words hung in the air, a reflection of the struggles she faced beneath her gentle demeanour.

Alex noticed her gaze drifting downward, the vibrant colours of the dirt path contrasting the pensive mood that had settled over her. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she felt a gentle pressure atop her hood. Looking up in surprise, she saw Alex's hand resting lightly on her head, an affectionate gesture meant to reassure her.

"I don't understand why people are so quick to label you as the Witch," he said earnestly, his gaze piercing and sincere as he stared into her enchanting purple eyes. "If they knew you like I do, they would realize that you are just a cute girl who is a little naive." His words carried an underlying conviction meant to uplift her spirit.

Emilia looked at him, her heart fluttering as tears threatened to spill from her eyes, a mix of gratitude and vulnerability shining through her initial shock. "Al..." she began to respond, but he interrupted the moment with a playful flick to her forehead, a gesture that broke the tension and lightened the atmosphere.

"Now, now. I do not want to see you sulking, Your Highness~" he teased, a lighthearted tone in his voice. With that, he turned and began walking toward the village gate, motioning for her to follow him.

As the two of them strolled under the grand arch of the gate, Alex could feel the familiar yet mystical barrier pass over him, a reminder of the village's intricate defences.

Their walk down the narrow, dirt road toward the mansion was enveloped in a comfortable silence, the sound of their footsteps crunching on the gravel the only interruption to the peaceful ambience. They shared an unspoken bond during this quiet time, a simple yet profound connection.

After a twenty-minute leisurely stroll, they finally reached the majestic gate of the mansion. The beautiful estate loomed ahead, its elegance contrasting with the rustic charm of the village. As Alex approached, his keen eyes noticed a carriage parked gracefully in front of the elegantly sculpted fountain. An aged man sat on the seat for the coachman, his posture commanding respect despite the lines and wrinkles of time etched upon his face. Even though the man was advanced in years, Alex could sense an undeniable aura of power surrounding him; it was the kind of presence that put the young warrior on alert, leaving him uncertain whether he would prevail in a confrontation.

"It seems we have guests," Alex remarked, glancing at Emilia as they made their way closer to the carriage.

"Oh, that's right! Roswaal did mention that an envoy would be arriving from the capitol in the coming days," Emilia replied thoughtfully, her expression shifting as she processed the situation before them. The anticipation of meeting new dignitaries was palpable in the air.