The scent of salt drifted through the air as waves shimmered under the golden light of the sun. Massive ships stood anchored along the harbor, their towering masts cutting into the sky. The rhythmic crash of waves mixed with the hum of mana-powered machinery and the chatter of merchants negotiating deals.
This was Virell Coast.
The Empire's greatest trade hub.
And… the true hometown of Arelia and Eren.
Vicky paused at the city gates and took a slow breath.
"So this is… Virell Coast."
A grand archway towered above them, carved from polished silver stone with golden letters engraved across it. Beyond the entrance stretched wide streets lined with tall buildings. Mechanical lifts moved along the sides of structures, while mana-driven cranes carried heavy cargo toward the docks.
Aarna's eyes sparkled.
"Wooow!" she spun slightly as she looked around. "Master! Look at this place! The buildings are huge! And those machines… are they moving on their own?!"
Kael smirked. "Here, it's not just swords and magic. Intelligence runs the city."
Eren smiled faintly. "Virell Coast has always been famous for mana-engineering and innovation."
Arelia remained quiet, but her eyes softened.
"Home…" she whispered.
Vicky glanced at her. In that moment, he understood.
This wasn't just a city.
It was their past.
Their roots.
• Royal Cloth Atelier
As they reached the city center, Aarna suddenly stopped.
In front of them stood an elegant showroom with crystal-clear glass panels and golden chandeliers glowing inside. Written above the entrance:
"Royal Cloth Atelier – Elegance Beyond Bloodlines."
Without hesitation, Aarna grabbed Vicky's hand.
"Master! Let's go! You're trying new clothes today!"
"What? There's no need—"
"There is!" she insisted seriously. "You're practically a hero of the Empire. You can't keep wearing simple clothes."
Kael chuckled. "Now this, I want to see."
Eren pushed open the door.
Inside, the interior was breathtaking. White marble floors reflected the warm chandelier light. Perfectly tailored outfits hung on golden racks.
A well-groomed shopkeeper approached immediately.
"Welcome to Royal Cloth Atelier. How may I assist—"
"Show us your best clothes," Aarna said confidently. "For my master."
The shopkeeper studied Vicky from head to toe.
Silver hair.
Deep crimson eyes.
An aura that commanded attention without effort.
"Of course," he said respectfully. "Please, this way."
• The Transformation
Soon, Vicky was guided into a fitting room.
Outside, Aarna waited impatiently.
"Hurry up…"
Kael teased, "Are you planning a wedding or something?"
"Be quiet!" Aarna snapped, slightly flustered.
Inside, Vicky changed.
The outfit was striking.
A long black royal coat embroidered with intricate silver patterns ran down the sleeves like coiling dragons. The collar carried a subtle crimson lining. Beneath it, a perfectly tailored dark grey silk vest fit seamlessly against him. Black leather gloves. Polished knee-high boots.
When he stepped out—
The showroom fell silent.
Aarna froze.
The silver strands of his hair brushed lightly against his shoulders. His crimson eyes looked even more intense against the dark tones of his attire. The silver embroidery shimmered faintly under the chandelier light. His posture—already commanding—now felt regal.
He looked less like a traveler…
And more like a sovereign born from a forgotten bloodline.
Kael broke the silence. "If he walks around like this, half the city's girls are going to faint."
Eren gave a low whistle. "Impressive."
Arelia simply watched quietly, pride flickering in her gaze.
Aarna stepped closer.
"Master…" her voice softened. "This one. It's perfect."
Vicky looked slightly uncomfortable. "It looks expensive…"
Aarna turned to the shopkeeper. "How much?"
The price was… extremely high.
Kael immediately reacted. "That much?!"
Before Vicky could speak—
Arelia calmly placed her mana-card on the counter.
"Pack it."
Everyone stared at her.
Aarna blinked. "Again…"
Vicky sighed lightly. "As far as I remember… we've never paid for anything ourselves."
Luka muttered, "She always does."
Arelia's expression remained calm. "I can afford it. So why shouldn't I?"
There was no arrogance in her voice.
Just quiet certainty.
• Attention on the Streets
The moment they stepped back onto the bustling street, attention shifted toward them.
More precisely—
Toward Vicky.
"Look at him…"
"He's so handsome…"
"Silver hair… red eyes… is he from a noble family?"
Two girls approached boldly.
"Excuse me," one asked shyly, "are you new here?"
Vicky tried to respond politely. "Yes, we just—"
Aarna suddenly stepped in front of him.
"Please step back."
The girls blinked. "Huh?"
"He's my master," Aarna declared with adorable possessiveness. "So keep your distance."
The girls awkwardly retreated.
Kael burst into laughter. "Yours?"
Aarna's face turned red. "I mean—our group's!"
Vicky couldn't help suppressing a faint smile.
But it was true.
People kept turning to stare.
His presence drew attention naturally.
• The Grand Estate
As they moved into a more elite district, the buildings grew larger and more luxurious. Private guards stood outside marble mansions.
Then they stopped.
Before them stood a massive estate.
Golden gates. Marble pillars. A central fountain shaped like silver fish spraying crystal-clear water. The mansion rose three stories high, balconies curved elegantly outward, blue-tinted crystal windows gleaming in the sunlight.
Aarna whispered, "It's… huge…"
Kael smirked. "Seems like people here are extremely rich."
Then he added jokingly, "Hope they earn their money properly and don't just rob others."
Eren lightly kicked his foot.
"Watch your words."
Kael raised a brow. "What? I can't joke in front of you?"
At that moment—
The gates opened.
An elegant middle-aged man and a graceful woman stepped out.
The moment their eyes fell on Eren and Arelia—
Emotion overwhelmed them.
"Eren!"
"Arelia!"
They rushed forward and embraced them tightly.
"My children… you're finally home…"
Arelia's composed expression cracked for a second as she hugged her mother.
Eren's voice softened. "Father…"
Servants rushed out behind them.
"Young Master!"
"Young Miss!"
"Welcome back!"
Kael froze.
"Young… Master?"
He slowly looked from the mansion to Eren. Then to Arelia.
His mind finally connected the pieces.
"Wait… this house…"
Eren gave a small awkward smile.
"It belongs to our family."
Aarna's jaw dropped.
"You mean… you're…?"
Arelia spoke calmly, "Our family is one of the leading members of the Virell Coast Trade Council."
Silence followed.
Kael stared at Vicky. "You've been traveling with nobility this whole time?"
Vicky shrugged lightly. "Seems like it."
Their parents' attention shifted to Vicky.
"And this is?"
Eren answered firmly, "Our leader."
Arelia added, "And our friend."
The gentleman observed Vicky carefully.
"Silver hair… crimson eyes…" he murmured thoughtfully. "Interesting."
The lady smiled warmly. "If you stand beside our children, then you are welcome here."
Vicky bowed his head slightly. "Thank you."
•A New Beginning
As servants prepared the grand dining hall, Kael muttered under his breath,
"I can't believe I've been traveling with people from a mansion like this…"
Luka chuckled. "Your judgment needs work."
Golden chandeliers illuminated the long dining table.
Outside, the sea shimmered under the fading light.
From the balcony, Arelia looked toward the distant horizon.
Vicky joined her.
"Are you happy to be back?"
She smiled faintly.
"Yes… but not at peace."
"Why?"
"Because the storm that's coming… will begin here."
Far beyond the sea, dark clouds slowly gathered.
Virell Coast shone brightly.
But somewhere in the shadows—
Something had begun to move.
To Be Continued…