Chapter 8
A week had passed since the news first broke across the duchy. Tomorrow, King Arveth Neltan would officially bestow the Count title upon Damnern Solv in a grand ceremony at the royal palace. The weight of that honor hung in the air like morning mist, both exciting and slightly overwhelming for the entire family.
In the soft glow of dawn, as the sun began to peek over the eastern horizon and paint the sky in hues of gold and rose, a gentle breeze carried the scent of dew-kissed flowers through the open windows of the Solv manor. The household was already buzzing with quiet activity.
Damnern stood tall in the main hall, adjusting the formal military coat that bore the insignia of the Kingdom of Neltan. His silver hair was neatly combed back, and his usual relaxed demeanor had been replaced by the composed, authoritative presence of a warrior who had earned the title of The Fifth Strongest warrior. Elina, ever graceful, was helping him straighten his collar, her gentle green eyes filled with quiet pride.
"Must you look so serious even at home?" Elina teased softly, her fingers brushing against his chest.
Damnern's stern expression softened instantly as he looked at his wife. "Only because I know you like it when I do," he replied with a rare, playful smirk.
"hold still, my lady Elyra," Sasha, now twenty-one, said gently, her fingers deftly braiding the young girl's blonde hair into an elegant yet practical style suitable for travel. "You look like a little princess already. The capital won't know what hit them."
Elyra shyly looked at herself in the polished silver mirror.
"Tankyu, Sasa…" she mumbled softly.
"You're just too adorable, Young Lady…" Sasha's voice cracked at the end. She hugged Elyra before she could finish speaking.
Rina, twenty-two years old, who was helping Eldern adjust his small formal coat, chuckled from across the room. "Young Master keeps fidgeting. If he doesn't stop, I'll tie his sleeves together!"
"Elyra, look! I look like a little knight!" Eldern declared proudly, puffing out his chest.
Elyra, sitting obediently while Sasha worked on her hair, glanced at her brother. A small, genuine smile tugged at her lips despite the complicated emotions swirling inside her. "Eden... lookth cool," she said in her childish voice, though inwardly Ryudien's mind was far more analytical.
"The last time I went outside like this was two years ago… in my previous life,", Elyra thought silently, her blue eyes similar to Damnern distant. Back then, I was sneaking through shadows, completing missions for Noxes. "Now I'm being paraded as the daughter of the man who killed me."
The irony still tasted bitter on her tongue.
The morning wind swept through the palace courtyard as ten royal guards stood in a disciplined line, armor glinting under the sunlight. Among them, Rayyan Bartos—known as the Polearm Deity and hailed as The Fourth Strongest Warrior—stepped forward slightly, then bowed deeply with unwavering respect.
Rayyan Bartos: "Lord Damnern… it is an honor to once again escort you on your journey today. We have ensured the route is completely secure, with no disturbances."
Damnern did not respond immediately. He stared straight ahead, as if Rayyan's presence were nothing more than part of the scenery. When he finally spoke, his voice was flat and cold.
Damnern: "That is your duty. Not something worthy of praise."
Rayyan did not flinch. Instead, he straightened his posture even more, fist placed over his chest in a pledge of loyalty.
Rayyan Bartos: "I understand, Lord Damnern. Still, allow me to assure you—if even the smallest threat appears, I will be the first to stand before you. That is my oath as a Royal Blade."
Damnern glanced at him briefly, his eyes sharp but devoid of warmth.
Damnern: "An oath means nothing if all it produces are words."
A few of the guards stiffened at the remark, clearly shocked to see the fourth strongest warrior being spoken to as though he were beneath him. Rayyan, however, remained composed. His tone softened, carrying steady reverence.
Rayyan Bartos: "Then let my actions speak, not my words. I do not ask for your trust… only the chance to continue proving myself."
Damnern turned away again, focusing on the path ahead.
Damnern: "We leave. Don't slow me down with empty talk."
Rayyan bowed once more.
Rayyan Bartos: "As you command, Lord Damnern. We will ensure your steps are never hindered."
From the side, Elyra didn't even glance at him. As if in that moment, there was only one thing in the world worth her attention—and Rayyan Bartos was not it.
The grand carriage, adorned with the Solv family crest and royal banners, waited patiently. Damnern helped Elina up first, then lifted Eldern and Elyra inside with effortless strength. As he settled beside them, the carriage door closed with a soft click.
The procession began to move. The wooden wheels rolled smoothly over the stone-paved streets of Willowess City, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of horses' hooves and the clinking of the guards' armor.
As they passed through the main streets, a massive crowd had already gathered. Citizens lined both sides of the road, waving handkerchiefs and cheering enthusiastically.
"Lord Damnern! Congratulations!"
"Long live the new Count of Willowess!"
"May the Solv family bring prosperity to our lands!"
Eldern's eyes widened with pure excitement. He pressed his face against the carriage window, waving both hands vigorously. "Papa! Look at all the people! They're cheering for you!"
Damnern waved back at the crowd with a calm, dignified smile, his presence radiating quiet authority. Elyra, sitting on Elina's lap, watched the scene unfold. In her previous life as Ryudien, she had only known fear, hatred, and indifference from others. Being the center of such warmth and admiration was completely foreign.
Unconsciously, her tiny hand rose, and she began waving shyly at the crowd.
The reaction was immediate.
"Kyaaa! The young lady is waving!"
"How adorable! Look at those blue eyes!"
"She looks just like Lady Elina!"
The cheers grew even louder, many now clearly directed toward the small blonde girl. Damnern's chest puffed out with visible pride. He glanced at Elyra, his eyes practically sparkling. "My daughter is stealing the show," he murmured, voice filled with fatherly affection.
Elyra felt her cheeks grow warm. Why does he look so proud? It's not like I'm doing this for you, she thought, though a strange flutter in her chest betrayed her. For someone who had spent her previous life being invisible and disposable, this attention felt... oddly pleasant.
A few minutes later, the procession finally passed through the gates of Willowess City. The sound of hooves echoed against the stone road, marking the beginning of a new era.
An hour later, the group reached a quiet forest. Elyra and Eldern fell into a deep sleep, their bodies still exhausted after the energetic welcome and cheering earlier. Elina and Damnern looked upon them with warmth, hearts softened by the sight of their peaceful rest.
Elina glanced at Damnern and gestured for him to remain quiet. They simply smiled at each other. However, Damnern could not resist and ended up hugging them both with overflowing warmth. Seeing this, Elina joined in the embrace.
As evening descended and night approached, the last rays of sunlight lit Elyra's face, waking her from her nap. After the long journey, they finally arrived at the gates of Valcreat.
"Wow…" Elyra gasped, captivated by the beautiful evening scenery — something that had seemed ordinary in her previous life. They were welcomed by royal guards standing along the streets, keeping the citizens of Valcreat from crossing.
End of Chapter 8