When Arvin dismounted and removed his war helmet, Alrain realized something. The Arvin standing before him was not the Arvin who left ten months ago.
His face was gaunter, his blue eyes now looked darker, as if he had seen hell and decided to stay there. The cold aura emanating from his body was so thick that the surrounding air felt frozen. No smile, no warm greeting.
"Take care of this horse!" Arvin said briefly, handing the reins to another servant without looking at Alrain.
The stark difference made Alrain's heart sink. However, he didn't give up. He followed Arvin's steps toward the main hall, trying to match his pace.
"My Lord..." Alrain called out, emboldening himself, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer. "May I ask one thing?"
Arvin stopped walking but didn't turn around. "Speak!"
"The news about the collapse of the three kingdoms... is it true that you did it? What was your reason for attacking them until they were utterly destroyed like that?"
Arvin turned his head slightly. His gaze was empty, yet sharp like a scalpel.
"I just taught them a lesson." he answered flatly, without emotion, as if discussing the weather. "They thought they were smart. Those three kingdoms secretly formed an alliance, amassed troops at the border, and planned to gang up on my territory to seize a gold mine there."
Arvin snorted coldly. "They touched what's mine. So, I took everything from them. The lives of their kings along with all their descendants, their palaces, their cities, and their pride. Simple."
After uttering those horrifying sentences in a casual tone, Arvin walked again, climbing the stairs to his room. He left Alrain frozen at the foot of the stairs without another word.
Alrain could only stand silently watching his master's back slowly moving away from him, disappearing behind the darkness of the second-floor corridor. That back looked so sturdy, yet also so lonely.
My Lord... Alrain thought painfully. You are getting further away. The higher you fly, the harder it is for me to reach you. Do I really have no chance, however small, to be a place for you to lean on?
Alrain walked groggily to the living room, then threw his body onto the sofa. He stared at the high ceiling with a vacant gaze.
"My chest hurts..." he whispered, clutching the fabric of his shirt over his chest.
That unrequited love tortured him more and more each day. However, when he recalled Arvin's tired face, Alrain smiled bitterly. But, this is my own choice. No one forced me. Even though you are so cold, often harsh, and consider me nothing more than a subordinate... at least, I can be happy because I am allowed to always be near you.
Alrain turned and looked at the window on his right. I hope someday, I don't know when, you will open a small crack in the door of your heart for me. And when that time comes, I will be ready to be yours forever, My Lord.
Alrain's melancholic daydream didn't last long.
Slam!
The main door of the mansion was kicked open roughly. The sound of commotion from outside instantly burst in.
Alrain jumped from the sofa, his hands reflexively preparing to enter combat mode.
A soldier in full armor, with his helmet on but face covered in sweat, ran staggering into the living room. He looked around for his master in panic.
"F-Forgive me for disturbing the peace of this mansion!" the soldier exclaimed, gasping for breath, as if he had just run from a ghost. "Where is His Grace the Duke?! Sir Alrain, it's an emergency!"
The noise drew Arvin out. He appeared on the second-floor balcony, having changed into clean clothes but still carrying his sword.
"What's with the noise?" Arvin asked, his voice calm but booming throughout the room.
The soldier immediately knelt until his knees hit the hard floor.
"Report, My Lord! To the west of the city... spies report massive movement! There are so many troops moving here! The flags are varied... it's a coalition force from the remnants of the destroyed kingdoms and their allies!"
Alrain's face tensed. Revenge. They came for revenge.
However, Duke Arvin remained calm. There was not a trace of fear on his face. Instead, he smiled faintly, a devilish smile welcoming his prey.
"Good! They are delivering their own lives to my doorstep." Arvin said. He jumped down from the second-floor balcony, landing smoothly on the floor below.
"Prepare the troops!" Arvin ordered firmly. "Sound the alarm. We will welcome those uninvited guests and destroy anyone who intends to set their dirty feet in the Vedegra territory!"
"Yes, it will be done, My Lord!"
The soldier ran out to pass on the order.
"Alrain, follow me!" Arvin said as he walked quickly toward the door.
"Yes, My Lord!"
They walked out of the mansion area toward the main city road. However, as soon as they stepped out of the mansion gate, Alrain's steps halted. His eyes widened, his mouth slightly open in awe.
The scene on the streets of Vanzhas City was not one of panic. No one was running to pack their belongings. There were no cries of fear. Instead, the streets were filled with a sea of people holding weapons.
Everyone, more precisely all the residents of Vanzhas City, had come out of their homes. Men, women, old, young, they were all ready in combat mode.
Seeing their master come out, thousands of people cheered, their voices shaking the ground.
Arvin was stunned for a moment. He frowned, staring at his people in confusion.
"Why are you all still here?" Duke Arvin shouted, his voice loud overcoming the noise. He walked toward the west gate, parting the sea of people. "Why haven't you evacuated?! The enemies coming number in the thousands! This isn't a brawl, it's war!"
A middle-aged man stepped forward. He held a woodcutting axe tightly.
"We are not going anywhere! We will continue to follow you, My Lord!" he shouted loudly.
"Yes, he's right!" chimed in a woman, holding a bow. "You have always protected us. You gave us food when we were starving, gave us homes when we were evicted, and considered us your family since long ago."
Other voices began to emerge, answering each other into a wave of loyalty that thrilled the heart.
"The Vedegra family never abandons its people! So we as the people of this city will never abandon its leader!"
"It is only fitting that we fight by your side until the end!"
"We are ready to die for the Vedegra Territory! For Lord Arvin Vedegra!"
Hearing those shouts, Arvin fell silent. His cold mask cracked. His eyes swept over the faces of his people, faces full of determination, without fear.
Alrain, standing beside Arvin, felt his chest tighten with emotion. He looked at Arvin and saw something rare. The corner of his master's eye trembled slightly.
Is this the true power of the Vedegra family? Alrain thought in admiration. I never thought that the true power of the Vedegra family turned out not to be magic nor swords, but the hearts of its people.
Arvin took a deep breath, then drew his sword and pointed it at the sky.
"Alright!" Arvin shouted, his voice booming with spirit, burning the blood of everyone who heard him. "If that is your wish! Let us show the world what happens if they dare to disturb the Vedegra!"
"WOOOOOOHHHHH!"
The war cry echoed into the sky, ready to welcome the coming storm.