Veltharion was a continent located to the west of the Drakenhart Empire. Although smaller in size, it was widely known to possess greater resources and military strength. Thirty years ago, when Caelus Drakenhart was at the peak of his power, he attempted to conquer Veltharion. However, he was defeated and even lost a portion of his territory in that war.
The conflict left both empires severely damaged, forcing them to sign a peace treaty. Since then, neither side had interfered much in the other's affairs, maintaining only occasional diplomatic exchanges.
Arthur was reading about all of this in the royal library when suddenly an old, dust-covered book fell from the upper shelf and struck his head. It had been sitting there unnoticed for years, ignored among countless others, but now it caught his attention.
The book spoke of events from thousands of years ago.
A group of individuals had surpassed the limits of the mortal body through extreme training. They called themselves Transcendents. After dominating the world, they chose to isolate themselves in a once-barren southern continent known as Aetherion, about thrice as large as the Drakenhart empire.
It was located far south of the Drakenhart Empire, separated by a vast and dangerous ocean that remained largely unexplored.
After settling there, they disappeared from the known world and gradually became legends.
The reason for their isolation was simple. They had lost interest in ordinary humans.
Within Aetherion, they formed their own society, intermarrying and strengthening their bloodlines. They fought among themselves for territory, and the strongest ruled absolutely. Their hierarchy was based purely on strength, with no regard for anything else.
'The author of this book was a transcendent who left Aetherion, traveled across the southern ocean and reached this continent centuries ago… interesting. I'll read more about this later.'
Arthur placed the book back carefully. He had more urgent matters to deal with.
That night, the grand festival began.
Nobles and high-ranking knights from across the continent gathered in the royal garden. The entire area had been transformed into a spectacle of light and luxury. Lanterns illuminated every corner, and the scent of rich food filled the air.
Chefs prepared elaborate dishes, musicians performed elegant compositions, and nobles danced gracefully with their partners.
Even beyond the palace grounds, the streets were decorated. Commoners received free food and clothing as part of the celebration. Laughter, music, and celebration spread throughout the capital.
The festival marked the 30th anniversary of the empire's unification.
Before that, the continent had been divided into seven separate kingdoms. The Drakenhart family was once only one among them, and at one point had even declined significantly, becoming weaker than its former glory.
Then came Caelus Drakenhart.
An ambitious and ruthless man who rose to power, waged countless wars, and unified the entire continent under a single empire. His strength and brutality had struck fear into every enemy he faced.
Such an achievement was celebrated every year.
Yet the man who built all of it sat alone in his room.
Arthur approached him.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you going outside? Everyone wants to speak with you."
"Ah, Arthur… it's you. This year, I don't know why, but I don't feel like celebrating my own achievement."
"Why?"
"I just remembered the massacres I committed back then. Earlier, I didn't care… but now, perhaps age has made me weak." He let out a faint, bitter laugh. "Is it guilt? Maybe. Well… it doesn't matter. I'm dying."
"What?"
"You heard me. Perhaps my actions are finally catching up to me. A slow and painful death… that's what awaits me now."
He coughed, a trace of blood visible.
"Anyway, you're the future king. You should go and interact with the guests. Leave me alone for now… I'll come out later to give my speech."
"Alright."
Arthur left without asking further.
Outside, the atmosphere was lively, but Arthur's expression remained tense. Was it because of his father? No
People danced, laughed, and celebrated, unaware of the danger that might be lurking nearby.
'This is the perfect opportunity for them to attack.'
He was almost certain of it.
'What kind of trick will they use this time?'
After learning more spells, Arthur was confident in his ability to deal with the organization members, even if it meant enduring pain.
'This time, I won't fall into the same trap. As long as I don't blindly follow them like before, I won't get caught in another array… and I won't have to deal with that mana-suppressing device again.'
Even so, a lingering unease remained.
"We greet the crown prince."
Arthur turned around.
A pair of twins stood before him.
Red hair. Crimson eyes. Their appearance was striking, almost unreal in its symmetry. Their elegance and composure immediately set them apart from others.
"You must be the diplomats from Veltharion."
"It is an honor to be recognized by the crown prince. I am Elena, and this is Edward."
The woman spoke with a gentle smile, her long red hair flowing behind her.
"I hope you are enjoying your stay here."
"Of course. I am especially interested in you, your highness. Your achievements know no bounds," Edward replied smoothly.
'Shady ass diplomats trying to gain my favor.'
"That's good to hear. I hope you enjoy the festival as well."
Before the conversation could continue—
A pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.
"Please excuse us," the twins said, stepping away, though their eyes lingered on Arthur for a moment longer.
"Emily?"
"Hey Arthur! How have you been?"
"Good. What about you?"
"Same here. Let's dance."
Before he could respond, Emily grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the center of the gathering.
They began to dance.
Their movements quickly drew attention.
'Damn this woman…'
They moved in perfect rhythm, their steps refined and synchronized. The surrounding nobles watched in admiration, whispering among themselves.
Suddenly—
Arthur's gaze shifted.
A maid stood nearby, trembling, her expression filled with fear and guilt as she spoke to Seraphina.
Something was wrong.
"I need to go. Sorry."
"What? Already?"
Arthur stepped away and approached them.
"What happened?"
"C-Crown prince, I-I…"
"Speak clearly."
His voice turned sharp and commanding.
"Arthur… it seems Isolde has been kidnapped."
Seraphina spoke, her tone serious.
"What?!"