Chapter 362: The Crown Prince’s Joy
The towering spires of the Astellia Kingdom’s royal palace gleamed in the early morning sunlight, their shadows stretching long over the capital city below. The palace itself was a marvel of architecture, its white stone walls etched with intricate carvings that depicted the kingdom’s storied past—battles fought, alliances forged, and the enduring reign of the royal family. Guards in polished armor patrolled the ramparts, their watchful eyes scanning the horizon as the bustling city carried on with its morning routine.
Inside the palace, the atmosphere was markedly different. The grand hallways were lined with lavish tapestries and marble statues, but today, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. Whispers echoed through the corridors as nobles and court officials spoke in hushed tones, discussing the latest rumors circulating within the kingdom. At the heart of it all was the Crown Prince, Erich Astellia, who had recently solidified his position as the most powerful figure in the royal court.
Erich sat in his private study, his sharp green eyes scanning the parchment in front of him with a predatory focus. His dark blonde hair fell loosely over his brow as his fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished wooden desk. The room was dimly lit by the morning light filtering in through the tall windows, casting shadows that danced across the richly decorated room. Erich was dressed in his royal garb, a deep crimson tunic embroidered with golden threads, his sword resting beside him, a silent reminder of his recent triumphs.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he read the contents of the letter in his hands. It was from none other than Lord Evocatore—no, Baron Evocatore now, as Erich had formally granted him the title after the latest turn of events. The victory against Lord Hektor and his son, Lucan, had reached the royal court, and the news of their downfall had spread like wildfire. Even now, no one knew the exact details of the battle between the wolf duke Ravindor and the Crown Prince, but everyone had heard about how Erich had crushed the noble faction that once posed a significant threat to his reign.
The letter, written in Lyan’s precise, measured hand, detailed the swift conquest of the three nobles’ lands, with Hektor’s territory now under his control. It was official confirmation that Lyan had not only fulfilled his duty but had also managed to do so without leaving any trace of his ’hidden tricks,’ as Erich liked to call them. The prince’s grin widened as he rose from his chair, holding the letter triumphantly.
"He did it!" Erich shouted, the thrill of victory clear in his voice. He paced the room with renewed energy, his boots thudding against the marble floor. "I’ve been waiting for this!"
As if summoned by his voice, the door to his study creaked open, revealing the tall, imposing figure of Vilgira Void, Erich’s personal guard. Void was a man of few words, his dark hair tied back and his face hardened from years of battle. He stepped inside, his sharp gaze immediately settling on Erich.
"Is that truly the best way, Your Highness?" Void asked, his voice low and calm. He folded his arms across his broad chest, his expression unreadable.
Before Erich could reply, the sound of armored boots echoed through the hallway, and soon after, Julius, the captain of the royal knights, entered the room with a confident stride. His armor clinked softly as he approached the prince, his eyes flicking between Erich and Void.