Chapter 54: Echoes of Fate
The Everhart estate stood under the weight of the approaching storm—both literal and political.
Clouds gathered overhead, casting long shadows over the land. The scent of rain lingered in the air, but within the towering walls of the Everhart mansion, an entirely different storm was brewing.
Leonhardt sat before the grand oak desk in his private study. Maps, reports, and letters lay scattered before him, each detailing the empire's growing tensions with the Sun God's kingdom.
His crimson-red eyes, flecked with gold, swept over the documents with cold precision.
"A war is inevitable," he murmured.
Across from him, his father, Aldric Everhart, leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze assessing his son.
"It is." The Grand Duke's voice was deep, steady. "The emperor will try to delay it, but the gods have already chosen their sides. The war is merely waiting for an excuse to begin."
Leonhardt remained silent.
The empire—his empire—followed the God of War and Peace. The enemy kingdom, however, worshiped the Sun God, Ra. And because of that, a divine conflict was unavoidable.
But Leonhardt cared little for divine struggles.
There was only one thing that mattered.
Aetheria.
If this war would bring them closer—then let it come.
Aldric studied his son carefully before speaking again.
"The emperor has summoned us to the imperial palace. The nobles are growing restless."
Leonhardt's gaze didn't waver. "When do we leave?"
Aldric smirked. "Tomorrow."
Leonhardt nodded.
The imperial palace...
The heart of the empire.
Where rulers, schemers, and enemies awaited.
The Imperial Invitation
The next morning, the Everhart carriage departed for the imperial capital.
Leonhardt, dressed in a dark crimson uniform embroidered with the Everhart crest, sat across from his father in silence.
His thoughts drifted to the capital—the den of vipers, the stage of politics.
He had no interest in noble games, but he knew that every step in the palace was a battlefield.
If they wished to challenge him, he would break them.
The journey lasted several hours before the carriage passed through the towering gates of the imperial city. The streets were alive with merchants, knights, and nobles, but Leonhardt ignored the bustling noise.
His focus remained on the grand palace ahead.
A fortress of white marble and gold.
The seat of the emperor.
As they arrived at the palace entrance, a servant bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Grand Duke Everhart. His Majesty awaits you in the council chamber."
Aldric stepped forward, his presence commanding.
Leonhardt followed, his fiery red eyes cold and unreadable.
The imperial court had gathered.
And Leonhardt Valerian Everhart had arrived.
Aetheria's Vision
Far away, beneath the moonlit sky, Aetheria Nyx Lunaris Solis stood alone.
The temple's grand halls stretched around her, bathed in silver light.
But her thoughts were elsewhere.
Her violet eyes, shimmering like the night sky, were fixed on a vision.
A vision of him.
Leonhardt.
She could feel his presence growing closer.
The war would bring them together.
And when that moment arrived—nothing would keep them apart.
Aetheria's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Soon, my king."