The Ancient Imperial Calendar, Year 1820
The Five Lands are separated from each other by seas.
Even crossing the sea between just two lands with the latest technology ships takes twenty-four hours.
It had already taken months for Ricardo and his entourage just to travel from Ashterah, the center of the Eastern Lands, to the ports in the Western region.
After departing from the port and arriving at the ports in the eastern region of the Central Lands, they would follow the coastline to the northern sea.
The Turvig House, the ruling house of the Northern Lands, waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on the Kislavein House, would even consider tearing up the peace treaty if a Kislavein ship entered their territorial waters.
Therefore, they planned to safely reach the Western Lands by following the coastline under the supervision of the Costin House, the ruler of the Central Lands.
Traveling by ship to the Western Lands would take one to two weeks. On the other hand, Meiran, who was pregnant, would not be able to endure this journey, so they decided to wait for the birth.
Months later, Meiran's labor pains began.
The servants acted quickly and calmly, taking Meiran to the delivery room.
After a while, Meiran gave birth to a girl for the second time.
Ricardo named his daughter Iona.
After Iona's birth, Ricardo and his group set out on a several-week journey by ship toward the Western Lands.
A few weeks later, Frulel Port, Western Lands.
Ricardo and his group were welcomed by Frulel Port Lord, Hadrada Eulel IV.
The Eulel House had ruled Frulel Port for ten full generations and had served as the headquarters during the attacks on the Central Lands.
Hadrada Eulel IV knelt before Ricardo, offering his respect and greetings.
Ricardo signaled with his hand for Hadrada to rise. The two met eye to eye for the first time.
"The stories told about you are not exaggerated tales, Heir."
"I'm curious about what kind of things you've heard about me, Lord Hadrada."
"They say you are tall, broad-shouldered, with short hair and a short beard, with a mustache. Whether a woman or a man, anyone who sees you would turn for a second look because of your handsome appearance. On the other hand, your appearance greatly resembles your father, House Lord Orsman IV, in his youth."
"Did you know my father when he was young, Lord Hadrada?"
"We aren't very close. I fought for him in the previous generation's Heirs' War at the Blood Academy, though it can't be said I had much influence. However, he is a great man, rewarding even someone like me, who was not very useful and didn't stand out, after ascending the throne."
What Ricardo heard about his father made him both proud and caused him to question his decision slightly.
"Ah well, I've thought about this enough. This House, the Kislavein House, is a house where the weak are crushed and the powerful rise by trampling the weak underfoot. That man did nothing for me in the name of fatherhood. While his children were being killed, he turned a blind eye. There's no need to hesitate to kill a man like that. Besides, there's no turning back after this point."
After resting in Frulel Port for a few days, Ricardo and his companions set out on the road toward Kislavein Central, Kislathor.
During the journey, Ricardo visited many cities and houses, meeting many new faces, but he couldn't see the person he most desired to see.
They entered Kislathor amid the enthusiastic welcome of the people. At the city entrance, Ricardo was met by his Master, Eduardo Kislavein.
"It's been a long time, Master."
"It's been a long time, Heir. You've grown even stronger since I last saw you. As a Master, I couldn't be prouder."
Beside Eduardo was Ricardo's childhood friend, Marco Kislavein.
"You've changed a lot since we last met, Marco."
"So have you, Heir."
"I heard you married Alia and have a son named Mathew."
Marco answered joyfully.
"Yes, Heir. I have a very adorable and healthy son."
"Good, good. Perhaps your son will become my son-in-law in the future."
Marco and his father Eduardo were practically speechless at these words, not knowing what to say.
"This is a great honor for me, for us, Heir. But we are just descendants of the bloodline. Your daughter should marry a Lord."
"Hahaha, you are my closest friend. Would I become in-laws with a stranger rather than you? Besides, who knows, maybe one day you will become a Lord yourself."
Marco understood the message in Ricardo's words. Ricardo was planning to grant Marco the title of Lord.
"It would be a great honor and privilege, Heir."
"Alright, let's go now. I have an important matter to discuss with the House Lord."
Eduardo and Marco stepped aside, making way for Ricardo.
A while later, when they arrived in front of the palace, Ricardo dismounted his horse, greeted the palace crowd who had come to welcome him, and headed straight toward the throne room.
When he arrived in front of the throne room, he took a deep breath and reviewed what he was about to do and the events that would unfold.
"Alright, let's go," he thought, then gave an order to the guards beside him.
"Open the doors."
As the guards opened the massive doors of the throne room, they shouted to announce Ricardo's arrival.
"THE HEIR OF THE KISLAVEIN HOUSE!"