The towering gilded doors of the Emperor’s private study swung open without a sound.
Elarion stepped inside, the weight of the morning’s confrontation still heavy on his shoulders.
The room was vast and opulent — dark purple banners embroidered with the Vossarian crest hung from the walls, enchanted lanterns cast a cold golden light across marble floors, and behind a massive obsidian desk sat Emperor Kraven Vossarian.
The ruler of Grandora looked every bit the sovereign: tall, broad-shouldered, silver-streaked purple hair tied back neatly, and violet eyes that held neither warmth nor mercy.
He did not rise.
He simply set down the scroll he had been reading and regarded Elarion with a measured gaze.
Elarion bowed stiffly.
“Your Majesty.”
“Speak,” the Emperor said, voice calm and commanding.
“You requested an audience yesterday. I assume this concerns the two new slaves my nephew acquired.”
Elarion straightened, fists clenched at his sides.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I ask that you remove the slave seals from Baron William and Lady Nadia Vossfield. They are innocent. They do not deserve this fate.”
Emperor Kraven leaned back in his high-backed throne, fingers steepled.
“No.”
The single word landed like a hammer.
Elarion’s jaw tightened.
“Your Majesty—”
“If you truly wish to save them,” the Emperor continued coldly, cutting him off, “then prove they are not associated with demons. Bring me evidence. Clear their names under imperial law. Until then, the seals remain.”
Elarion’s chest rose and fell with barely restrained frustration.
“Then I will take my party and investigate the lake myself. I will find the truth.”
The Emperor studied him for a long moment, then gave a single, slow nod.
“Very well. You may go.”
Elarion turned to leave, relief flickering briefly in his eyes — until the thought of leaving Aurora alone in the palace with Kael struck him like a blade.
He stopped mid-step and turned back.
“Your Majesty… I request that Aurora accompany me on this journey.”
To his surprise, the Emperor did not refuse immediately.
Instead, a faint, calculating smile touched his lips.
“Granted.”
Elarion blinked, stunned.
Before he could even feel relief, the Emperor continued.
“But Kael will accompany you as well.”
The words hit Elarion like ice water.
He stood frozen, golden hair catching the lantern light, fists trembling at his sides.
The Emperor’s violet eyes gleamed with quiet amusement, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.
“Kael?” Elarion’s voice came out hoarse.
“Why…?”
“Because he is family,” the Emperor replied smoothly.
“And because the purification ritual must continue without delay. You will all travel together. That is my final word.”
Elarion’s mind reeled.
The thought of Aurora, Kael, and himself on the same journey — days, possibly weeks — sent a fresh wave of jealousy and dread crashing through him.
He bowed once more, stiff and mechanical.
“As you command, Your Majesty.”
As he turned and left the study, Elarion’s steps felt heavier than when he had entered.
Behind him, the Emperor’s soft chuckle echoed faintly down the corridor.
***
By midday, two grand carriages rolled out from the imperial palace gates and began their journey through the bustling streets of the capital, Crown.
The sight immediately drew the eyes of countless citizens who stopped to stare and whisper.
Their pure white coats shimmered under the sunlight, manes flickering with soft golden light, and every powerful hoofstep left faint trails of divine mana on the cobblestones.
It was a carriage that radiated hope and authority.
A short distance behind followed the royal carriage — larger, far more luxurious, adorned with deep purple and gold banners bearing the Vossarian crest.
It was drawn by four sleek Imperial Shadowmanes: elegant yet ominous beasts with glossy purple-black coats and piercing violet eyes that glowed faintly with inner power.
Their steps were aristocratic and precise, announcing the royal family’s presence to every onlooker.
Inside the hero’s carriage sat Elarion, Charlotte, Morgana, and Aurora.
Astrid held the reins at the front, her posture straight and vigilant as she guided the Lumina Stallions through the crowded avenues.
Elarion remained mostly silent, staring out the window with a heavy expression.
The knowledge that Kael was riding just behind them — sharing a carriage with William and Nadia — sat like a stone in his stomach.
Aurora sat across from him, hands clasped tightly in her lap, doing her best to ignore the situation.
Charlotte broke the heavy silence first.
“Elarion.”
He turned toward her.
“Yes, Master?”
“I sent a letter to the Silverveil Enclave — the magical elf empire — regarding the curse mechanics. I didn’t specify your name or the goddess’s exact decree, but the details should be enough for them to understand. If there is any possible solution, they will send a reply soon. Until then, keep your head straight.”
Elarion’s eyes lit with a flicker of hope.
“Master… is it true? They might actually help?”
Charlotte nodded.
“There is a chance.”
Morgana leaned forward, her crimson eyes steady.
“Elarion, I know how proud your personality is, but don’t fall for others’ taunting. Just because someone touched your woman physically doesn’t mean their hearts crave them too. If someone truly loves you, no matter what happens, they will choose you above anyone else.”
Elarion nodded slowly and reached out, clutching Aurora’s hand.
She smiled at him in quiet assurance, squeezing back gently.
That’s right, he thought.
I’m giving too much importance to Kael and losing myself in the process.
If not for this curse…
His gaze drifted across the women in the carriage.
Charlotte had been his teacher since he was fourteen — kind, dignified, and always composed, speaking little but meaning every word.
Morgana had joined him two years ago, initially indifferent and cold, but their shared battles had slowly healed her wounds.
She had become warmer, more open, her commanding presence now laced with genuine care.
And Astrid… his loyal royal knight captain was a complete clean freak, always maintaining perfect order in everything from her armor to her emotions.
He had never openly expressed his deeper feelings to any of them.
Part of him was afraid of how they would react.
Aurora noticed the simple silver bracelet on his wrist and tilted her head.
“Husband… what is that bracelet on your hand?”
Elarion glanced down and smiled faintly.
“The High Priestess made it according to the goddess’s decree. It reveals who truly holds my heart.”
Aurora’s eyes widened with curiosity.
“Show me how it works.”
Elarion hesitated for a moment, his fingers hovering uncertainly over the bracelet.
Taking a slow breath, he finally touched it.
A soft golden glow spread across the metal, and delicate runes shimmered to life.
Four faint silhouettes appeared above it — Aurora, Charlotte, Morgana, and Astrid — each pulsing with warm light.
For a brief second, all four names glowed steadily.
Then, at the very edge of the bracelet, a fifth silhouette flickered weakly… almost hesitantly.
Elarion’s breath caught in his throat.
His hand trembled slightly as he stared at that fragile, flickering light.
He didn’t dare speak her name out loud.
He didn’t even allow himself to think it clearly.
Aurora stared in quiet wonder, her fingers brushing the glowing runes.
Charlotte’s expression softened with surprise and something deeper.
Morgana’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile, though her eyes held a hint of vulnerability.
Astrid, from the driver’s seat, glanced back briefly, her cheeks coloring slightly before she quickly looked forward again.
In the royal carriage, William sat rigidly at the driver’s seat, guiding the four sleek Imperial Shadowmanes with a grim, pained expression.
The majestic beasts moved with aristocratic precision, their glossy purple-black coats shimmering and violet eyes glowing faintly with inner power.
Inside the opulent cabin, Kael lounged comfortably against the velvet cushions.
Dork fidgeted nervously opposite him, while Lady Nadia sat in stiff silence beside the prince, staring out the window with a cold, distant gaze.
Dork kept stealing greedy glances at Nadia’s figure, unable to hide his lust.
The noblewoman ignored him completely, her posture rigid and regal even in captivity.
Kael, however, looked perfectly at ease.
A subtle, satisfied smile played on his lips as the capital streets rolled past the window.
Inside his mind, Nora’s sultry voice echoed with clear amusement.
“That was a good move, darling. Forcing that swordsman to restrain the hero… He fell for your taunts so easily. But that elf and the vampire saw right through you.”
Kael’s smile didn’t waver.
He answered silently, I know.
They’ve both experienced far more of the world than I have.
But they have their own weaknesses — the hero.
They care for him deeply.
That’s the gateway I need.
He paused, then added, Any chance you’ve detected any useful physiques from those around us?
Nora’s laughter rang softly in his head.
“Listen carefully, darling. I’ll explain only once. We grade constitutions and bloodlines on an alphabet scale — F for the lowest mortal trash, all the way up to S for divine-tier perfection. That elf, Charlotte, has an A-grade constitution — actually higher than most elves, actually. The others have rather low constitutions, but their bloodlines are impressive. Especially your cousin Aurora and that vampire Morgana — both carry A-rank bloodlines.”
Kael’s fingers twitched slightly on the cushion.
Then why the hell do I have neither?
Nora’s tone turned teasing.
“Haha… I wonder the same thing. Are you really carrying the royal Vossarian bloodline at all?”
Kael’s smile darkened.
Who knows?
Maybe I’m just some whore’s son my so-called parents left in the empire’s hands before they died.
He cut the thought short and continued, So we need at least a C-grade constitution to acquire the physique you mentioned, right?
“Correct. The higher the grade we steal, the better it will be for you. But given your current situation, acquiring even a C-grade one will be a challenge in itself.”
Kael’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
What if we summon something like you advised before?
Couldn’t they help me?
“Well… to summon something truly useful, we’d need a sacrifice on that level. But if you’re still too weak, they’ll simply kill their summoner instead. It’s a double-edged sword.”
Kael leaned back, watching the passing scenery.
Then let’s acquire my own strength first.
This trip might actually help sow some discord in Elarion’s little party.
“That might be the best plan for now,” Nora purred, clearly pleased.
“Since your Void Core reaps corruption… the more you corrupt, the faster you ascend.”
Kael’s lips curved into a faint, predatory smile as the royal carriage continued its steady journey behind the hero’s carriage.
The long road ahead suddenly felt far more promising.