Chapter 60
Return to the Royal Capital
The evening sun painted the sky above Valencrest Duchy in soft shades of gold and crimson, like a gentle painter brushing warm colors across the clouds. The tall stone towers of the grand ducal castle glowed warmly under the fading light, as if the very stones themselves were whispering a quiet farewell to the departing prince. Bright banners of the duchy fluttered gently in the cool wind like friendly flags waving hello, their emerald crests shining softly like fresh leaves touched by sunset.
Inside the duke's cozy study, the warm scent of fresh tea and aged parchment filled the air. The comforting smell mixed with the faint aroma of wood smoke from the crackling fireplace, creating an atmosphere that felt peaceful, safe, and familiar. It was the kind of room where wise decisions were made and family bonds quietly strengthened.
Duke Armand sat behind his large wooden desk, his sharp yet kind eyes studying Alex carefully. The old duke's silver hair caught the golden light pouring through the window, making him appear almost like a wise king from ancient legends written in dusty storybooks.
"So…" the duke finally spoke, folding his hands together thoughtfully as he leaned forward slightly. "You are saying you traveled all the way to the elven forest, solved their deep troubles, and made the entire kingdom your allies?"
Alex nodded calmly, his golden eyes steady and bright with quiet confidence.
"Yes. That is exactly what happened, Grandfather. The forest is safe now, and the elves have opened their hearts to us."
The old duke stared at him for a long, silent moment. The room felt still except for the gentle crackling of the fire.
Then a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"…Hmm."
He leaned back slowly in his tall chair, the wood creaking softly like an old friend settling in after a long day.
"Well… if you say so, my boy."
His eyes sparkled with quiet amazement and pride.
"I have learned not to doubt the light that seems to follow you wherever you go."
A gentle chuckle escaped him.
"Well then," he continued, his voice warm and full of fatherly pride, "what are your next plans? The empire is watching… and so am I."
Alex crossed his arms and thought for a moment, feeling the quiet strength of the Apostle's divine gift humming gently inside his chest like a calm heartbeat of light.
"I think it is time for me to return to the royal capital."
"There are things I must do there—important things that cannot wait."
The duke nodded slowly, his eyes soft with understanding.
"…Hmm."
"Well, if that is your wish, I will not stop you."
"The road ahead is long, but the light within you will guide the way."
He stood up from his chair and walked around the desk before placing a strong, loving hand on Alex's shoulder.
"Go safely, my boy."
"And remember—Valencrest will always stand behind you."
---
The next morning the castle courtyard buzzed with lively activity.
Servants in neat green uniforms hurried around preparing the royal carriage, polishing its polished wooden sides until they shone like morning dew resting on emerald leaves. The brass decorations glittered under the bright sunlight, reflecting tiny golden sparkles across the stone courtyard.
Knights stood in disciplined formation like silent guardians of steel, their armor catching the rising sun and glowing softly like emerald mirrors.
Birds sang cheerful songs from the nearby trees, their melodies echoing gently through the courtyard as if wishing the travelers a safe and joyful journey.
Leon stood beside Alex, adjusting the small sword at his waist with a proud little grin that he tried unsuccessfully to hide.
Luna sat quietly inside the carriage, her glowing spirit manual resting safely in her lap like a precious treasure gifted by the forest itself.
Max crouched beside one of the wheels, checking the carriage one last time before giving a firm nod of approval.
Everything was ready.
Alex turned back toward the duke, who waited patiently on the wide stone steps with a warm and proud smile.
"Thank you for everything, Grandfather," Alex said sincerely. "Your kindness and trust mean more than words can say."
The duke chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"You are far too troublesome for a child your age."
Then his voice softened with quiet pride.
"…But you did well."
"Very well."
"Make us all proud in the capital."
Alex smiled back warmly, feeling a gentle warmth bloom in his heart.
He stepped into the carriage, the door closing behind him with a soft, solid click.
As the tall iron gates slowly opened like welcoming arms, the carriage rolled forward onto the long winding road that led back toward the imperial capital.
The horses trotted with steady confidence, their hooves tapping rhythmically against the stone road.
Beyond the gates, the wide world unfolded in endless waves of green fields and golden sunlight.
---
Inside the carriage Alex leaned back quietly against the soft cushions.
It has been quite a journey.
It had been two whole months since he left the royal city.
But in those two short months…
He had changed the fate of the empire.
He had cleared the dangerous Ancient Cave.
He had become the Apostle of the Goddess.
He had saved the future hero Leon from a cruel fate.
He had exposed the hidden Eclipse Covenant.
He had traveled deep into the magical Elven Forest.
And he had awakened the sleeping queen beneath the sacred World Tree.
And now…
The elves were his allies.
Alex looked out the carriage window as the long road stretched ahead beneath the glowing golden sky.
Tall trees waved their branches gently like old friends saying goodbye.
Wildflowers bloomed beside the road in bright colors that danced playfully in the warm breeze.
I have accomplished so much in just two months.
Far more than the original story ever allowed.
A faint, confident smile appeared on his face.
Now I finally have the upper hand.
And it is time to show everyone…
who is really in control of this story.
He stretched slightly, feeling the warm power of his dragon blood and holy light mixing inside him like two ancient forces working together in perfect harmony.
Let's go back…
And see my family again.
The thought filled him with quiet happiness as the carriage rolled onward, carrying him toward the next chapter of his destiny.
---
Several peaceful days later, the massive white walls of the Imperial Capital appeared on the distant horizon.
They rose tall and proud beneath the bright sunlight like a shining beacon of civilization surrounded by the endless lands of the empire.
The royal carriage rolled through the enormous gates, and the bustling streets of the capital welcomed them with lively noise and movement.
Merchants shouted cheerfully from colorful market stalls.
Children ran through the streets laughing.
Citizens stepped aside quickly when they noticed the royal crest shining upon the carriage door.
Some waved respectfully.
Others whispered in excitement.
Children pointed eagerly while shopkeepers paused their work to watch the returning prince pass by.
Soon the carriage arrived before the towering palace gates.
The massive golden doors opened slowly like giant arms ready to welcome their prince home.
Max stepped forward and opened the carriage door before bowing respectfully.
"Your Highness."
"We have arrived home."
Alex stepped out of the carriage.
And froze for just a moment.
Standing at the palace entrance were two familiar and beloved figures.
His mother.
The Empress.
Graceful and kind in her flowing gown that shimmered softly like moonlight on silk.
And beside her stood his younger sister, her bright eyes sparkling with joy.
The moment she saw him—
She ran forward with a joyful cry.
"Big brother!"
She threw her arms around him in a tight loving hug, squeezing him as if she never wanted to let go again.
"You have been through so much!"
"You even risked your life to save everyone!"
"I missed you so much!"
Alex blinked in surprised amusement as he gently hugged her back.
"…Huh?"
"How did you know all that?"
Before he could finish speaking, a royal messenger dressed in fine ceremonial robes hurried toward them and bowed deeply.
"Your Highness!"
"His Majesty the Emperor has summoned you to the royal court immediately."
"The nobles are waiting."
Alex sighed softly, though his smile remained warm.
This damn noble court…
They will not even let me breathe for a moment.
"Well," he muttered quietly with a small chuckle.
"Let's get this over with."
---
Moments later the enormous doors of the Imperial Court opened with a deep, grand echo that rolled through the palace like distant thunder. The sound seemed to awaken the very walls of the ancient chamber, whose marble stones had witnessed the rise and fall of countless kings and heroes.
The royal announcer stepped forward, his voice ringing clear and powerful across the vast chamber like a ceremonial bell.
"Second Prince—Alex von Voldigord—is entering!"
The nobles inside the magnificent hall immediately turned their heads. Their fine robes rustled softly like leaves stirred by a passing breeze, and jeweled ornaments glittered under the high ceiling where crystal chandeliers floated gently with faint enchantments.
Alex walked forward calmly across the long red carpet that stretched like a river of royal crimson toward the throne.
The carpet felt soft as velvet beneath his boots.
Tall marble pillars rose along both sides of the chamber like ancient guardians watching over the empire's fate. Golden sunlight streamed down through the towering stained-glass windows high above, painting the hall in brilliant patterns of light and color that shimmered like quiet magic.
At the far end of the court sat the Emperor upon the magnificent golden throne.
The throne itself was carved from sacred sunstone, glowing softly with ancient imperial runes that pulsed faintly with power. Behind it hung the grand banner of the Ether Empire, a magnificent dragon crest woven in threads of gold and silver.
The Emperor looked every bit the wise and powerful ruler of the empire.
Yet when he saw his son approach, a warm smile touched his face like sunlight breaking through clouds after rain.
"Welcome back, my child," the Emperor said gently, his voice deep and steady like a calm river flowing through mountains.
"It must have been a difficult journey… one full of both shadows and light."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with fatherly pride.
"We have received a letter from Duke Armand describing some of the brave things you accomplished."
"But…" his smile softened, "…we would like to hear everything from you. Straight from your own heart."
Alex nodded slightly, feeling a quiet sense of gratitude.
So Grandfather already gave me an advantage.
That makes this easier.
"Well then, Father…"
And Alex began recounting everything in a calm and steady voice that carried clearly across the silent court.
He spoke of discovering the hidden traitor elder within the duchy.
He told them about exposing the dangerous Eclipse Covenant, the secret cult moving in the shadows of the empire.
He revealed how that dark organization was secretly plotting to summon an ancient god long buried in forgotten myths.
The moment those words reached the ears of the nobles—
The court erupted.
Gasps echoed through the chamber like a sudden storm sweeping through the palace.
"What?!"
"An ancient god?!"
"That is impossible!"
Several nobles leaned toward one another, their faces pale with fear and disbelief. Others clutched their robes tightly as whispers spread through the hall like anxious wind.
But the Emperor slowly raised one hand.
Instantly—
Silence fell.
Absolute and respectful.
Even the drifting golden dust in the air seemed to pause.
Then the Emperor looked at Alex again, and deep pride shone in his eyes.
"You have done something worthy of a true prince of this empire."
"You protected your people."
"You uncovered a hidden enemy."
"You preserved the stability of the realm."
His voice grew warmer.
"You deserve a reward for your courage and wisdom."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp yet kind.
"So tell me, Alex…"
"What do you want?"
The nobles were visibly shocked.
Several of them clearly wanted to protest. Their mouths opened slightly, as if they were preparing to object.
But none dared speak.
After all—
Alex had just saved an entire duchy from a hidden conspiracy.
No one could challenge that achievement.
Alex stepped forward slightly.
A faint golden aura shimmered around him like soft starlight quietly glowing in the night.
"Father."
"I want two things."
The entire court became perfectly silent.
Every noble.
Every guard.
Every advisor.
All eyes were fixed on the young prince.
"First…" Alex said calmly, his voice clear and unwavering.
"I want the royal army to begin hunting down every member of the Eclipse Covenant."
"And I will lead that army myself."
Inside his mind Alex remained calm.
After all…
I have already eliminated two of their elders.
This is the perfect moment to strike them while they are weakened.
And there is also someone I must save…
A future hero who deserves a brighter path.
The Emperor listened carefully.
Then he slowly nodded.
His expression hardened with the resolve of a ruler protecting his empire.
"Very well."
"Those fools have crossed a line they should never have crossed."
"Summoning an ancient god…"
His voice grew colder.
"Even the Holy Capital will not tolerate such madness."
"I grant you authority to mobilize the royal army."
The nobles looked shocked once again.
But the Emperor raised his hand calmly.
The matter was settled.
"Approved."
Then his expression softened again as he looked at his son with curious interest.
"And your second request?"
Alex spoke calmly.
His voice remained steady and full of quiet purpose.
"I want you to grant me the Labyrinth City."
"Make me its lord."
The court exploded into whispers once more.
The reaction spread through the chamber like a sudden ripple across still water.
"Labyrinth City?!"
"Why there?"
"That place is dangerous!"
The Emperor slowly raised one eyebrow, leaning forward on his throne with clear interest.
"…Hmm."
He studied his son carefully, as if trying to read the deeper meaning behind the request.
"And why…"
"…do you want that city?"
The question hung in the air like a suspended blade.
The entire royal court held its breath.
Nobles.
Advisors.
Knights.
Scholars.
All eyes turned toward Alex.
Waiting.
Watching.
Listening.
Because whatever answer the prince gave next—
Could change the future of the empire itself.