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Chapter 299: You really....

The tea had been brought to the small side parlor, a space more intimate than the grand dining hall. The low table was set with fine porcelain cups, steam curling lazily upward from freshly poured tea. Nadoka had excused herself shortly after breakfast, leaving only the Marquis, Valeria, and Lucavion to carry on the conversation—or what was left of it after the morning's tension.

The Marquis sat back in his chair, his hands wrapped around his teacup, his posture more relaxed than it had been earlier. Still, his sharp gaze flicked between Lucavion and Valeria, his mind clearly working through the implications of the discussion.

Lucavion, as unbothered as ever, lounged in his seat, his teacup balanced lightly between his fingers. His smirk had softened into something more thoughtful, though the glint in his eyes suggested his mind was far from idle. Valeria sat stiffly, her cup untouched as her hands rested on her knees. Her face betrayed little, but her posture was rigid—her mind, too, was far from at ease.

The Marquis broke the silence first, his tone measured. "You've given me much to consider, Lucavion," he said, setting his cup down with deliberate precision. "Your proposal is… bold, to say the least. It has the potential to reshape the dynamics of this region, and perhaps even the Empire itself."

Lucavion inclined his head slightly, the faintest trace of amusement playing at the corners of his lips. "I only suggest what the situation demands, Marquis. Nothing more, nothing less."

The Marquis's eyes narrowed slightly. "And yet, the consequences of such an action could ripple far beyond what you've outlined. It's not only the Cloud Heavens Sect that would be affected, but every noble, every faction with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Even with evidence, such an act would undoubtedly provoke retaliation."

Lucavion sipped his tea, unhurried. "True," he conceded, setting the cup down with a quiet clink. "But retaliation, Marquis, is a response—a reaction to strength. And strength," he added, his voice lowering slightly, "is what the Olarion name represents. Isn't it, Valeria?"

Valeria stiffened, her gaze snapping to him. "The Olarion name stands for justice and honor," she replied sharply. "Not reckless destruction."

Lucavion chuckled softly, leaning back with an air of nonchalance. "Of course, of course. Justice and honor—noble ideals indeed. But ideals don't mean much without the strength to uphold them. That's what I'm suggesting, Valeria. A chance to bring the Olarion legacy to the forefront, to make it a name that commands respect, not just in the central politics of the Empire but across its borders."

The Marquis watched their exchange in silence, his expression unreadable. He tapped a finger lightly against the edge of his cup, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. His original proposal to Valeria had been calculated—a way to bring the Olarion family into his sphere of influence. Their connections to the central nobility, while diminished, were still valuable. Their history as knights, protectors of the Empire, carried a weight that few could match.

But Lucavion's audacious plan had changed the game. If the Olarions were to spearhead this crusade against the Cloud Heavens Sect, they wouldn't be a family he could control. They would be partners—equals. And while that shift in dynamic complicated his plans, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The Olarions' history could be wielded as a powerful symbol, uniting people under a banner of righteousness.

The Marquis finally spoke, his tone careful. "Lucavion, you suggest a path that would place the Olarions at the forefront of this crusade. But tell me—what role do you see for me in this grand scheme of yours?"

Lucavion's smirk widened slightly, his expression almost playful as he leaned forward, setting his teacup down gently on its saucer. "A grand scheme?" he echoed, shaking his head with a soft chuckle. "No, Marquis, it's nothing so elaborate. It's just a change in the wind—that's all."

His gaze sharpened slightly as he continued, his tone light but carrying an undeniable weight. "And truth be told, I think you're far more qualified to answer that question than I am. After all, I don't do anything, Marquis. I simply observe and present opportunities. What you choose to do with them… that's entirely up to you."

Lucavion spread his hands in a gesture of casual surrender, leaning back into his chair with an air of finality. "You have the evidence you need. Everything else? Well, it's your decision."

The Marquis's sharp gaze lingered on Lucavion for a long moment, studying him as though searching for any trace of hidden intent. But Lucavion's expression remained unflinchingly calm, his smirk unbothered, his posture relaxed.

Finally, the Marquis exhaled quietly, the faintest hint of resignation in the gesture. He realized he wouldn't extract anything further from the young man. Lucavion had said his piece and had no intention of offering more than he already had.

"I see," the Marquis said, his voice steady but tinged with something akin to amusement. "You're a difficult man to pin down, Lucavion."

Lucavion's smirk deepened, though he said nothing, merely inclining his head in acknowledgment.

The Marquis leaned forward slightly, his steepled fingers resting against his lips as he regarded Lucavion with an unwavering gaze. "But I still wonder," he said, his tone quiet but probing. "What do you gain from all of this? What's your stake in this grand opportunity you've presented?"

Lucavion met the Marquis's gaze without hesitation, his smirk softening into something more deliberate. He set his teacup down gently, the porcelain clinking faintly against the saucer, and leaned back in his chair. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the question linger in the air as though savoring it.

"What do I gain?" he repeated, his voice calm but carrying a subtle weight. His sharp eyes flicked briefly to Valeria before returning to the Marquis. "Two things."

He raised one finger, his expression hardening slightly. "First, I eradicate a bunch of parasites—leeches feeding off this world, preying on the innocent. Their existence is a stain, one I'd be quite happy to see wiped clean."

Then he raised a second finger, his smirk returning with a faint glint of mischief. "Second, I make a connection with a future noble. And not just any noble, but one who stands to become a symbol of justice and strength—a force to be reckoned with in the Empire."

He shrugged lightly, spreading his hands in a gesture of mock simplicity. "Really, is there anything else I need?"

The Marquis watched him carefully, his expression unreadable as the weight of Lucavion's words settled over the room. Finally, he shook his head slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"This kid…" the Marquis thought to himself, his sharp gaze lingering on Lucavion. He's shrewd. Far shrewder than his age or demeanor would suggest.

The Marquis was a man of principle, bound by a code that had been passed down through generations of his family. They had risen to the rank of Marquis not through deceit or treachery, but by honoring every deal they made and cultivating a reputation for reliability and fairness. Even on the border, where chaos often reigned, this unwavering commitment to integrity had earned his family respect and influence.

And now, as he regarded this audacious young man, the Marquis couldn't help but acknowledge the truth. If he succeeded in this endeavor—if he managed to uproot the Cloud Heavens Sect and emerge stronger for it—it would be thanks to Lucavion.

The evidence, the boldness to antagonize such a powerful organization, the willingness to push the boundaries of conventional wisdom… it had all opened the Marquis's eyes.

"Not going to lie," the Marquis murmured, more to himself than anyone else, "you've certainly given me much to think about, Lucavion."

Lucavion's smirk deepened, and he inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "That's all I aim to do, Marquis. Present the opportunity. The rest is up to you."

The Marquis exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting to Valeria, who had been silent, her expression thoughtful but tense. He could see the storm of thoughts playing out behind her eyes, the weight of her family's legacy pressing against the uncertainty of the path before her.

For the Marquis, the decision was not yet final—but the path ahead was becoming clearer. And Lucavion, for all his audacity and recklessness, was undeniably the one who had illuminated it.

The Marquis exhaled quietly, letting the tension of the earlier conversation dissipate. He lifted his teacup, taking a small sip before setting it down again with deliberate precision. His gaze shifted between Lucavion and Valeria, the weight of the previous discussion replaced with a more measured tone.

"Well," he began, his voice calm but purposeful, "now that this matter is concluded, it's time we spoke of more practical matters—rewards and ceremonies."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his smirk softening into something more curious. "Rewards and ceremonies?" he echoed, tilting his head slightly. "Do tell, Marquis. I'm all ears."

The Marquis chuckled softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "As you know, the tournament is not just a competition of skill—it's a spectacle, a celebration that brings the people together. Traditionally, the winners are awarded their prizes in the grand tournament hall, a setting befitting their achievements. It's a formal affair, steeped in tradition, with the entire city watching as the victors are honored."

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he regarded Lucavion. "Following the awards, the festival begins—a time of feasting, revelry, and joy. It's as much for the people as it is for the participants, a way to mark the end of the tournament and celebrate the strength and spirit of Andelheim."

Lucavion listened quietly, his smirk faint but present. There was a glimmer of thoughtfulness in his eyes, though he said nothing.

The Marquis's expression shifted slightly, his smile gaining a wry edge. "However," he continued, his gaze sharpening, "you, Lucavion, are a little… different."

Lucavion's smirk widened, and he leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair. "Different, am I?" he drawled, his tone laced with amusement. "I take it you're about to explain why."

The Marquis's faint smile lingered, though his tone grew more serious as he leaned forward slightly, steepling his fingers once more. "Let's not make things too long… Lucavion, now that you've already become a target for the Cloud Heavens Sect, showing your face at the ceremony would be dangerous. They won't hesitate to act, even in a public space like the tournament hall."

Lucavion's smirk faltered slightly, his expression turning more thoughtful. He gave a small nod, his demeanor shifting as he straightened in his seat. "Indeed, Marquis," he said, his voice calm but carrying a weight of understanding. "If you hadn't made this offer, I was already planning to do the same. The Sect is many things, but subtlety isn't always their strong suit. A public appearance would be asking for trouble."

He paused, his gaze steady as he met the Marquis's eyes. "Please, if possible, I'd like to receive my reward quietly, without any unnecessary attention. Then, I'll leave Andelheim as discreetly as I arrived. The fewer people who notice my departure, the better."

To that, Valeria somehow felt a pang of something.

'Ah….'

The time for departure was coming, after all…..

Chapter 300: Rewards

The parlor fell into a contemplative silence after Lucavion's request, the weight of his words lingering in the air. The Marquis sat back, his expression neutral but thoughtful. Valeria remained still, her hands now clasped tightly around her knees. Despite her outward calm, her thoughts churned, a storm of conflicting emotions breaking through the surface.

She had grown used to Lucavion's presence over their time together in Andelheim—the strange mix of irreverence and sharp insight that defined him. But now, the mention of his departure struck her like an unexpected blow.

'So it's coming to an end...' she thought, her mind grappling with the reality. She hadn't let herself consider it before. They were always so busy—sparring, bickering, navigating the complexities of the tournament, and the undercurrents of Andelheim's political schemes. Lucavion had been there for all of it, a steady, irritating, and strangely comforting presence.

'I didn't even notice how much of my days revolved around him.' The thought gave her pause, her hands tightening slightly. 'When did it become so... normal? To have him there? To rely on him?'

Her gaze shifted to Lucavion. He lounged in his chair with his usual nonchalance, his smirk still in place, but his eyes were sharp, observant. He was probably already aware of her turmoil, though he hadn't said a word. It was just like him—to push her into this position and leave her to figure it out alone.

'We're not the same,' she reminded herself, the thought carrying a bitter edge. 'He's not bound by duty or legacy. He moves where he wants, does what he pleases, while I...' She frowned slightly. 'I have my responsibilities, my family's name to uphold.'

Yet, the idea of returning to the life she had known before—one without him—felt strangely hollow. The weight of her family's expectations loomed large, as always, but now it was compounded by the sudden void his absence would leave.

'Maybe it's better this way,' she thought, trying to quell the ache in her chest. 'We were always meant to go our separate paths. He was never part of the plan, after all.'

But despite her rationalization, the words rang hollow in her mind. She looked down at the cup of tea before her, untouched and cooling, the delicate porcelain a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt within.

For the first time in a long while, she felt uncertain.

On the other side, the Marquis nodded slowly, his sharp gaze softening with understanding. "Very well, Lucavion. I'll honor your request. Your reward will be delivered privately, and arrangements will be made for a discreet departure. If anyone asks, you'll simply be preparing for your next journey."

Lucavion inclined his head though it was tempered with a quiet sincerity. "Thank you, Marquis. I appreciate the consideration."

Valeria, sitting silently beside them, felt a strange pang deep in her chest. Her fingers twitched slightly against her lap, but she kept her composure, her expression as disciplined as ever.

The Marquis broke the momentary silence, his tone shifting to something more practical. "Now then, let's discuss the rewards for the tournament. Traditionally, there are several categories of prizes: gold, artifacts, and occasionally unique items tailored to the winner's needs."

He reached for his teacup, taking a small sip before continuing. "However, This tournament was a little… different, Lucavion. Since it was a rather youngster-focused tournament, we needed to find something fitting to present the people with something equally unique."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? You've got my attention, Marquis. What might that be?"

The Marquis smiled faintly, a glimmer of pride flickering in his eyes. "Your reward includes gold, of course—five thousand crowns to be precise. But more importantly, it includes something far rarer."

He paused, letting the moment build before continuing. "The Eternal Skyroot Herb."

The Marquis leaned forward, his tone gaining gravity. "The Eternal Skyroot Herb is one of the rarest herbs in the world. It is said to grow only in the highest peaks of the Skyshadow Mountains, where mana converges and crystallizes into its purest form. This herb, when properly absorbed, can significantly enhance one's cultivation, elevating their mana reserves and refining their control. It is not an item to be squandered—it is a treasure that many would risk everything to possess."

Lucavion's expression turned thoughtful, his smirk replaced with a faint, calculating smile. "The Eternal Skyroot Herb," he murmured, his voice quieter now, as though tasting the words. "That's quite the prize, Marquis. And you're just… giving it away?"

The Marquis chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I came into possession of it by sheer luck. It was part of a shipment intercepted from raiders near the northern border of my territory. At the time, I didn't realize its value. But over the years, I've come to understand just how extraordinary it is."

He placed his hands on the table, his gaze steady as he met Lucavion's eyes. "A tournament of this caliber, attended by promising youths and aspiring awakened from across the region, deserves a reward of equal magnitude. And you, Lucavion, have more than earned it."

With a flick of his fingers, the Marquis signaled toward the doorway. A moment later, a servant stepped in, carrying a small, ornate artifact. The artifact was a rectangular box, crafted from polished blackwood and inlaid with intricate golden runes that shimmered faintly under the light. It emanated a subtle aura of mana, a quiet hum that hinted at the treasure within.

The servant approached the table and set the box down gently before stepping back, bowing before leaving the room.

The Marquis gestured toward the box. "This artifact serves as a preservation vessel for the Eternal Skyroot Herb. It keeps the herb in a state of suspended vitality, ensuring its potency remains untouched until it is ready to be used."

Valeria's eyes widened slightly, her disciplined composure faltering for just a moment as she studied the artifact. Even without opening the box, she could sense the latent power contained within.

Lucavion leaned forward slightly, his smirk deepening as he inspected the artifact. "Impressive," he said, his tone carrying a note of genuine appreciation. "You really didn't hold back with this tournament, did you, Marquis?"

"I did not of course."

Lucavion carefully took the box containing the Eternal Skyroot Herb, his fingers brushing over the intricate golden runes. The faint hum of mana emanating from the artifact sent a subtle warmth through his fingertips. With a flick of his wrist, he activated the enchantment on his spatial bracelet. The box shimmered momentarily before disappearing into the storage space, safely tucked away.

He leaned back in his chair, his smirk faint but thoughtful as he regarded the Marquis. The older man's smile lingered, calm and composed, but there was something in his eyes—an unspoken weight that Lucavion couldn't ignore.

"Marquis," Lucavion said lightly, tilting his head. "You're still smiling at me like there's more to this than you've said."

The Marquis chuckled softly, leaning forward slightly. "Sharp as always, Lucavion. There is indeed something more."

Lucavion's smile depened, though his gaze grew sharper. "Do enlighten me, Marquis. What else do I have the pleasure of learning today?"

The Marquis straightened in his seat, his smile faint but unwavering. "Just this morning," he began, his tone measured, "I received information that all the Cloud Heavens Sect disciples and their Envoy have left Andelheim. They will not be attending the ceremony."

Valeria stiffened slightly at the news, her sharp eyes flicking to the Marquis with a hint of surprise. Lucavion, however, remained composed, as he nodded.

"And we both know," the Marquis continued, his gaze locking onto Lucavion, "why that is."

Lucavion let out a quiet chuckle, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Of course," he said smoothly. "I might have made their stay… uncomfortable."

The Marquis's smile widened faintly, though it carried a glimmer of something colder. "Uncomfortable is an understatement. Whatever you said, whatever you did, it was enough to send them running before the festivities even began. And because of that…"

He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "The reward that would have naturally gone to Lira Vaelan, their chosen champion, now belongs to you as well."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. "Oh?"

The Marquis nodded, his tone calm but firm. "It was decided beforehand that the top four contestants would receive specific rewards. Lira Vaelan, representing the Cloud Heavens Sect, was expected to claim one of those positions. But with her withdrawal, the reward meant for her defaults to you."

Valeria's gaze flicked between the two men, her disciplined composure faltering slightly as she processed the revelation. "And what reward would that be?" she asked, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity.

The Marquis gestured to the servant waiting just outside the room.

The servant stepped forward, carefully holding an artifact draped in a deep, velvety black fabric. As he approached, the item seemed to shimmer faintly in the light, as though it were alive with its own subtle energy. With a practiced motion, he unfolded the fabric to reveal a cloak—sleek, elegant and imbued with a faint, iridescent glow that shifted between shades of deep blue and silver as it caught the light.

The Marquis gestured toward the cloak, his voice carrying a note of pride. "This is the Veil of Dusk."

Chapter 301: Rewards (2)

"This is the Veil of Dusk."

The Marquis spoke, his voice carrying a quiet authority as he gestured toward the shimmering cloak.

Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk softening as his eyes flicked over the artifact. The faint iridescent glow seemed to dance across the fabric, its subtle shifts in color hinting at the power imbued within it.

"The cloak's primary enchantments," the Marquis continued, "are designed to enhance the wearer's agility and fortify their mana-enhanced defenses. When fighting, it strengthens the body's mana augmentation, allowing for greater resilience. Essentially, the wearer's defense grows stronger as long as they can sustain their mana, covering themselves in its protective aura."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening slightly. "Not bad," he remarked, his tone light but thoughtful. "But something tells me that's not what makes this cloak special."

The Marquis nodded, his faint smile gaining an edge of satisfaction. "You're correct, Lucavion. Such defensive capabilities are not uncommon among high-quality artifacts. What sets the Veil of Dusk apart lies in its more… subtle attributes."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering as though sharing a secret. "This cloak was enchanted by one of the finest mages of the Tower. Its unique property is the ability to lower the wearer's presence—not invisibility, but a dampening of the attention they draw. It makes them harder to notice at first glance, especially in wilderness environments."

Lucavion's eyes gleamed with interest. "Harder to notice?"

The Marquis inclined his head. "Exactly. It's not a perfect cloak of concealment—you can still be seen if someone is actively looking for you. But it increases the chance of remaining hidden from the first gaze, which can be the difference between life and death in certain situations."

Valeria, her disciplined demeanor faltering for a moment, leaned slightly forward. "And against monsters?" she asked, her voice steady but curious.

The Marquis turned his sharp gaze toward her, his smile faint but confident. "The cloak is particularly effective against monsters in the wilderness. One of its enchantments masks the wearer's scent, rendering them far less noticeable to creatures that rely on their sense of smell to detect prey. Combined with its ability to dampen presence, it makes traversing dangerous regions significantly safer."

Lucavion leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly brushing over the cloak's edge. His smirk had softened into something more thoughtful, though his eyes retained their spark of amusement. "A cloak that makes you harder to see, harder to smell, and harder to hit," he mused. "You weren't kidding, Marquis—this is quite the prize."

The Marquis allowed himself a faint smile, his sharp gaze lingering on Lucavion. "It is a rare artifact, and one that requires skill and mana control to use effectively. In the right hands, however, it is an invaluable tool. And I suspect," he added, his tone carrying a hint of challenge, "that it will serve you well."

Lucavion chuckled softly, carefully folding the cloak and tucking it into his spatial bracelet. "You're not wrong, Marquis. This will come in handy—especially if I plan on walking into places where the Cloud Heavens Sect doesn't want me."

The Marquis's smile tightened slightly, a flicker of cold amusement in his eyes. "Let's hope it keeps you a step ahead of them, Lucavion. Or, at the very least, makes them second-guess their next move."

The Marquis's sharp gaze remained fixed on him, and for a moment, the room was quiet save for the faint hum of mana still lingering from the artifact's presence.

"Of course," the Marquis said after a moment, his tone shifting slightly, "the Veil of Dusk is not the only reward you'll be receiving. There's also the gold—five thousand crowns for first place, and an additional two thousand for taking what would have been the third-place reward."

A generous sum," he remarked lightly. "I'll have to find something extravagant to spend it on."

The Marquis chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'm sure you will. But even that is not the end of it."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his interest clearly piqued. "Oh? There's more?"

The Marquis leaned forward slightly, his expression softening but his tone gaining gravity. "While the rewards I've mentioned so far are those provided by the tournament itself, I've decided to add something of my own. Consider it a token of my appreciation—for your efforts, your… contributions, and your unique approach to the situation at hand."

Valeria glanced at the Marquis, her eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity, though she said nothing.

Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk softening into something more thoughtful. "A personal gift, Marquis? Now you've really got my attention."

The Marquis allowed himself a faint smile, standing and gesturing for Lucavion to follow. "Come," he said simply, his tone calm but carrying an air of anticipation. "I anticipated you would wish to depart soon, so I took the liberty of preparing something for you ahead of time."

Lucavion rose from his seat with a fluid motion, his curiosity piqued as the Marquis gestured for him and Valeria to follow. Valeria hesitated for a moment, her expression unreadable, before standing as well. Together, they trailed the Marquis through the hallways of the grand mansion, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors.

Lucavion took the opportunity to let his eyes wander, the luxurious decor catching his attention. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting battles and legends, while the soft glow of enchanted sconces lit the space with an almost ethereal ambiance. He noted the balance between opulence and practicality—a hallmark of someone who appreciated beauty without indulging in excess.

'The Marquis certainly has taste,' he mused, his smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. 'First his wife….And this place…..'

Though he would never mention this loud, as even he valued his head…..

As they stepped through a pair of ornate glass doors, Lucavion was greeted by the sight of the Marquis' private garden. The space unfolded before him like a living masterpiece, each detail meticulously crafted. Vibrant flowers bloomed in precise arrangements, their colors complementing one another in a harmony of hues. Sculpted hedges lined the pathways, some carved into shapes of mythical creatures, others into abstract designs that seemed to flow with the breeze.

A fountain stood at the garden's center, its crystal-clear water cascading over a marble sculpture of a knight with a raised sword. The gentle sound of the water mingled with the chirping of birds, creating an atmosphere that was both serene and alive with energy.

Lucavion slowed his steps, his sharp eyes taking in the scene. "Impressive," he murmured, his voice low but carrying a note of genuine appreciation. "You've got quite the artistic touch, Marquis."

The Marquis glanced back at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I've always believed that one's surroundings should reflect a sense of order and purpose," he said. "A garden, much like a territory, must be tended to with care."

Lucavion inclined his head slightly, his smirk softening. "It shows."

Valeria, walking beside him, cast a quick glance at the garden before returning her focus to the path ahead. Her disciplined demeanor remained intact, though Lucavion noticed the faintest flicker of approval in her eyes as she took in the surroundings.

The trio continued along the stone pathway, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot blending with the garden's natural symphony. At the far edge of the garden, a grand stable came into view. The building was constructed of dark wood and stone, its design blending seamlessly with the estate's overall aesthetic. Even from a distance, the faint sounds of horses could be heard—neighing, the occasional shuffle of hooves against straw.

The Marquis led them to the stable doors, which were flanked by two attendants who bowed deeply before stepping aside to let them enter. Inside, the stable was immaculate, the scent of hay and leather mingling with the faint hum of enchantments that kept the space well-ventilated and clean.

Rows of horses stood in spacious stalls, their coats gleaming under the soft glow of enchanted lanterns. Each animal was a masterpiece in its own right—sleek, powerful, and exuding a natural grace. Their eyes shone with intelligence, and their muscles rippled beneath their glossy coats as they shifted and pawed at the ground.

Lucavion's eyes swept over the horses, his smirk returning as he took in the sight. "Now this," he said, his tone carrying a note of admiration, "is impressive. You've got a collection here that would make anyone jealous."

The Marquis chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over the stable with quiet pride.

And then his gaze lingered on Lucavion, his faint smile carrying a hint of pride and mischief. "I see you're impressed," he said, his voice steady. "But what you might not know is that the Ventor Estate has a long-standing tradition—and a rather special business involving horses."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? That's news to me," he remarked, his tone casual but laced with genuine intrigue.

The Marquis chuckled softly, turning his attention to one of the stalls where a particularly regal horse stood, its coat gleaming like polished bronze. "It's not something we advertise widely. For generations, the Ventor family has cultivated a legacy with these creatures. My ancestors believed that strength and grace in a horse mirrored the ideals of a true knight."

He gestured toward the horses as he continued, his tone gaining a note of reverence. "We own a piece of land far to the east—Verdant Cradle. It's a fertile region where mana naturally saturates the soil, fostering the growth of the Everreach Grass. This grass is unique, imbued with mana that fortifies the constitution of the horses that graze on it."

"Everreach Grass," Lucavion murmured, the name rolling off his tongue as he filed it away for later. His smirk deepened. "I suppose that explains why your horses look like they could charge straight through a war and come out unscathed."

The Marquis inclined his head slightly. "Precisely. The horses bred and raised on that land are known as Ventorian Chargers. They are prized not only for their strength and speed but for their resilience. Few in the kingdom, or even beyond, can boast mounts of this caliber."

Valeria, who had remained silent for most of the conversation, glanced at the Marquis. "I've heard the name Ventorian Chargers before," she admitted. "But I didn't know they originated here."

The Marquis smiled faintly at her words. "We take great care to maintain their mystique. Ventorian Chargers are not sold to just anyone—they must earn the privilege of riding such a creature. It ensures the legacy remains untarnished."

Lucavion's smirk widened a faint glint of amusement in his eyes. "Exclusive and impressive. I should have guessed."

CREAK!

As they continued through the stable, a sudden commotion broke the serene atmosphere.

"Ah….She is here…."