1)
The Duke gently helped the Duchess into her seat before settling beside her, both waiting in silence for the rest of the family to arrive. He glanced over at her, concern etched across his face. After a brief pause, he leaned in and asked softly,
"How's the pain? Are you comfortable? Or are you feeling any kind of discomfort?"
The Duchess, always quick to soothe his worries, gave him a reassuring smile.
"Don't concern yourself too much with me, my lord. I never realized I had such a worrywart for a husband." She chuckled lightly at her own remark, but her humor didn't ease the furrow in the Duke's brow. He was frustrated that his worry seemed to be dismissed so casually.
"I'm not that worried," the Duke retorted, a touch of irritation in his voice. "I know you wouldn't leave me in this lifetime. Do you think I'm so easy to abandon?"
The Duchess chuckled again, her laughter soft but genuine. "Oh no, my lord," she said, her tone playful,
"I would never dream of leaving such a loving and newly anxious husband."
Whenever the Duchess called him "my lord" in this playful manner, the Duke knew she was teasing him. And though his concern for her was real, he decided to play along for her sake, pretending to ease his worries. The Duchess's gentle humor was a small comfort in the face of her illness, and for now, that was enough to make him feel like she was still safe in his arms.
The dining hall buzzed with lively conversation, laughter echoing off the high ceilings. At the heart of it all was Duke Eugene, engaged in playful banter with his wife. His father, Duncan Anirudh, entered the room with his usual air of quiet authority, surveying the scene with a subtle but knowing glance. He caught sight of his son's flirtatious remarks and, with a barely perceptible sigh, gave Eugene a side-eye before moving to his seat at the head of the table, preferring to ignore the display.
As Duncan sat down, the servants swiftly moved through the room, laying out the evening meal in front of people. Plates were filled with fine dishes, the scent of roasted meats and spiced vegetables wafting through the air. Once the food was served, the majority of the servants discreetly exited the hall, leaving only two behind to tend to any further requests.
The room settled into a rhythm, the warmth of family and the clink of silverware filling the space. Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, Duncan remained silent, his gaze occasionally drifting toward his son and daughter-in-law, a mixture of pride and quiet contemplation in his eyes.
"So, how is my daughter-in-law doing?" Duncan Anirudh asked, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he leaned forward slightly. "I've heard your illness is worsening. Have the doctors not found a remedy yet? And what of the heir to this duchy? Can you still deliver him safely and healthily?"
His words hung in the air, cold and calculated. The tension in the room thickened instantly. Before anyone could respond, Duke Eugene slammed his fist on the table, the impact rattling the silverware. His face flushed with anger, he shot his father a fierce glare.
"Father, are you out of your mind?" Eugene's voice was sharp, brimming with frustration. "She is sick, and all you care about is a child who hasn't even set foot in this world yet?"
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, the servants exchanging uneasy glances while the Duchess, though weakened, placed a gentle hand on her husband's arm, trying to calm him. But Eugene's eyes remained locked on his father, the tension between them palpable.
"I am not being insensitive here, if that's what you're implying," Duncan replied, his tone calm but firm as he met his son's fiery gaze. "I care for Kaira just as much as you do. But you must understand, I spent my entire life building this duchy. I've sacrificed everything to see it flourish, and I want to ensure it has a successor—someone who will carry on its legacy for centuries to come."
Lord Duncan's voice softened slightly, but the underlying steel in his words remained. His eyes, though worn by time, held a fierce determination. "I only want to see what I've built live on. That is why I ask."
"At what cost, Father?" Duke Eugene spat, his voice rising with frustration. "I can't let her die. I will save her—no matter what it takes or what I have to do."
Without waiting for a response, Eugene stormed out of the dining hall, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. The tension in the room was palpable, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Lord Duncan sighed deeply, rubbing his temples as he turned to face the Duchess, who remained seated, her expression a mixture of concern and exhaustion.
"I don't want you to die either, Kaira," Duncan said, his tone softened now, carrying the weight of a father's worry. "But your health keeps declining, and it's... it's concerning. Not just for you, but for the future of this duchy as well. I'm sorry if I come across as a cold or uncaring father-in-law. I just want to see this legacy continue, and for you and the heir to be safe."
Lord Duncan's words lingered in the air as he gave the Duchess one last somber look. Then, with another weary sigh, he left the dining hall too, leaving the room draped in silence, save for the quiet flicker of the candles on the table.
Throughout the heated exchange, the Duchess remained silent. Her quietness wasn't born out of fear or a reluctance to speak up; rather, she chose to stay out of the argument to avoid escalating an already tense situation. The last thing she wanted was to add fuel to the fire, knowing that such conflicts could spiral beyond control and cause even more strife.
Despite her own deep desire to live and see her family flourish, she was also deeply committed to preserving the harmony within her household. Her love for her family was profound, and she hoped that by remaining calm and composed, she could prevent the situation from deteriorating further. She understood that her presence and intervention might only serve to intensify the conflict, adding to her own distress.
As the Duke and lord Duncan departed, leaving the room in their wake, the Duchess sat quietly, her heart heavy with the burden of her illness and the strife that had unfolded. She wished more than anything for peace and stability, for her family's sake and her own.
The Duchess, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and hope, whispered softly to the unborn child within her. "I hope that even before you are born, you can bring resolution to the turmoil that surrounds us. I wish for you to arrive with a healthy birth and a loving spirit, for things as they are now... they are not good."
Her voice wavered slightly as she continued, "In all honesty, I don't want to die just yet. I want to see you grow, to share in your joys and sorrows. The thought of leaving before you have the chance to experience the world pains me deeply. But the reality of my condition makes it seem unlikely that I'll be here to see that day. Still, I wish for you to be born and raised with all the love and affection this world can offer."
With a final, wistful glance around the dining hall, the Duchess rose with the assistance of a servant. Her steps were slow and measured as she made her way towards her room, each movement reflecting the weight of her sorrow and the lingering hope she held for her child's future.
2)
As the Duchess reached her room, the Duke approached her with a pained expression. "Kaira, I'm sorry for what happened tonight. I didn't mean to add to your distress."
She offered a tired but gentle smile, brushing off his apology. "Eugene, don't worry about it. These things were bound to happen. Let's not dwell on it."
With a nod, she entered her room, closing the door softly behind her. The Duke stood in the corridor for a moment, reflecting on the evening's events and the uncertain future that lay ahead.
Later, as the Duke lay in his bed, his mind was consumed with worry. He turned over the possibilities of how he could bring some happiness to his ailing wife. The passage of time and the stubbornness of her illness weighed heavily on him, leaving him restless and uneasy.
His thoughts wandered through various ideas and plans, each one seeming inadequate against the gravity of the situation. Despite his best efforts, the sense of helplessness lingered. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and with a sigh, the Duke drifted off to sleep, his concerns still fresh in his mind.
The next morning dawned with the sun rising gently from the east, birds chirping in harmonious song, and the busy street of the Bleakstone Duchy coming to life. Duke Eugene Anirudh was roused from sleep by the soft promptings of the servants. As he became aware of the new day, he quickly prepared himself and made his way to the dining hall.
The tension from the previous evening had dissipated, and a sense of calm now enveloped the room. The Duchess and lord Duncan waited patiently at the breakfast table, their demeanor suggesting a return to normalcy. As Eugene entered, they greeted him with subdued warmth, ready to start the day afresh.
The Duke silently pulled back his chair and took his seat at the table, still feeling a flicker of anger from the previous night's confrontation with his father. He chose not to address his father, focusing instead on the Duchess.
"Good morning, my love," he said, his voice softer now as he noticed the Duchess's serene smile. "You seem particularly happy today. May I ask what's brought this cheer?"
He hoped for some uplifting news to start the day, and her smile gave him a glimmer of hope that perhaps something positive had happened.
"Oh, you won't believe it," the Duchess said with a radiant smile. "Our young lord kicked inside my womb for the first time today."
The Duke's face lit up with pure joy. He almost leapt from his chair in excitement but managed to contain himself. With a tender gesture, he placed his hand gently on the Duchess's stomach, hoping to feel the movement.
"Why isn't the little one kicking now?" he asked, a mixture of eagerness and concern in his voice.
Hearing the Duke's playful remark, the Duchess's face lit up with a broad smile. "Maybe he wants to surprise his father with a sudden kick," she said, her eyes sparkling with warmth. Just then, as if in response, the baby kicked with a gentle force. The Duke's excitement was almost palpable.
"Oh, look at our child teasing us even before they're born," he said, unable to contain his joy. "This moment means the world to me." He placed his hand tenderly on the Duchess's belly, rubbing it gently, and leaned in to press a soft kiss on her forehead.
Lord Duncan, observing the tender scene from a distance, cleared his throat to regain their attention. "Ahem," he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft.
"It seems I may have gone a bit overboard yesterday. I want to apologize if my words made it seem like I valued my grandchild's birth over Kaira's health. That was never my intention. I only wanted to see my grandchild's face and ensure the future of our duchy. I let my desperation cloud my judgment and for that, I am truly sorry. If you can find it in your hearts to forgive me, I would be deeply grateful."
His apology was sincere, and his eyes reflected the depth of his regret. Eugene and Kaira exchanged a glance, the tension from the previous evening easing as they acknowledged lord Duncan's heartfelt words.
Hearing lord Duncan's apology, the Duchess Kaira offered a warm, reassuring smile. "It's fine," she said gently. "Though your words were harsh, I understand that you didn't mean any harm. I just hope that in the future, we can avoid such hurtful exchanges."
Lord Duncan nodded appreciatively, his expression softening with gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. He finished his meal in quiet contemplation, then stood up from the table.
With a final nod to the young couple, he signaled to the servants. "Please, let us leave the young couple to enjoy this moment together," he instructed. The servants, acknowledging his request, began to clear the table and leave the dining hall.
As lord Duncan exited with the remaining staff, the room was left in a peaceful quiet, allowing the young couple to savor their private moment of happiness and anticipation.
As the Duke and Duchess continued their quiet conversation in the dining hall, the door suddenly burst open with a resounding thud. A servant, breathless and wide-eyed, stepped into the room.
"My lord," the servant announced urgently, "a person has arrived claiming to have a cure for the Duchess's illness. They say they know a way to lift the curse of her disease."
The Duke and Duchess exchanged a look of surprise and cautious hope. The unexpected news brought a sudden shift in the atmosphere, filling the room with a renewed sense of anticipation and curiosity.
3) The Duke and Duchess sat together in the grand hall, their expressions still stern from the day's affairs. But the moment the butler stepped forward and delivered the news, their composure shattered. Joy burst forth unbidden—both rose to their feet, and without a second thought they embraced, the gesture as natural as breathing. Laughter slipped from their lips, unrestrained and genuine, as if years of tension had melted in an instant.
The commotion did not go unnoticed. Word of the news spread like wildfire through the estate, and soon, servants flooded the hall, clapping hands, cheering, and twirling in impromptu dances. The Duke and Duchess laughed with them, swept up in the merriment, their joy infectious.
In the midst of the celebration, the butler cleared his throat discreetly, the sound cutting through the revelry like a soft chime. With a subtle bow, he adjusted his monocle and added.
"My lord, please hurry he is waiting in the hallway," the butler urged with a slight bow. "The one who found the way."
The Duke rose slowly, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Who is this man? Are you certain he isn't someone... questionable?" His tone was sharp, wary of unknown figures, especially those bearing news of great importance.
The butler hesitated, shifting his weight before replying. "I cannot say with certainty, Your Grace. I was only told to bring you this message. But... he claims to be a high-ranking official of the kingdom, and what's more, a trusted subordinate of Queen Rána, the Moon Goddess herself."
At those words, the Duke stilled, his breath catching in his throat. For a moment, he stood in place, absorbing the weight of the revelation. The Moon Goddess rarely extended her influence into mortal affairs. If she had sent one of her own envoys here, it meant something of grave significance.
"An envoy from the Moon Goddess," the Duke murmured to himself, his hand running through his chin in thought. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him. A direct message from Rána could change the course of not only his Duchy but perhaps the entire realm.
Without further hesitation, he straightened his coat and gestured toward the butler. "We cannot keep him waiting. Lead the way."
The butler gave a quick nod and turned toward the door, his footsteps light against the polished floor. The Duke followed swiftly, his mind racing. What news did this envoy carry? An opportunity? A warning? Or perhaps both?
As they approached the court doors, the Duke's heart pounded not with fear, but with anticipation. Whatever the envoy had come to say, it would undoubtedly alter the path ahead.
4)
Eugene burst into the court, breathless and a bit shaken from his hurried journey. He had rushed as fast as his legs would carry him, urgency coursing through his veins. As he caught his breath, he noticed the envoy seated comfortably in one of the ornate chairs, a steaming cup of tea cradled in his hands.
Eugene blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by the presence of such a high-ranking figure. The weight of the envoy's title lingered in the air, and he felt the importance of this meeting settle upon him.
The envoy looked up, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Well, who do we have here? If it isn't the esteemed Eugene Anirudh himself!" His voice was smooth, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Kailashan Sen, one of the four Guardians of this kingdom. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
As soon as Eugene heard the title "Guardian," he gulped nervously. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Kailashan," he replied, striving to sound composed despite his racing heart. "Oh, welcome to my small Duchy, Sir Kailashan. How can I assist you? I heard you have a way to cure my wife."
His voice trembled slightly, the urgency of his words revealing his hope and desperation.
"Getting straight to the point, I see. It's not in my nature to waste time either," Kailashan said. He leaned forward slightly, the steam from his tea curling between them like a foggy winter morning. "Moon Goddess Rána sent me here with a way to cure your beloved—not with just any medicine."
Eugene's heart quickened at the mention of the Goddess, hope rekindling within him. "Then what is it?" he asked, eager yet anxious.
Kailashan continued, "Her Majesty wishes to reward you for your dedication and hard work as one of the most industrious Dukes in this kingdom. However," he added, his tone shifting to one of gravity, "you must be prepared to face some challenges to achieve it. This task will test your resolve and commitment, but the reward could be the salvation of your wife."
Eugene nodded, determination replacing his earlier trepidation. "I'll do whatever it takes," he said, his voice firm. "What must I do?"
It was impossible not to feel nervous in front of one of the four Guardians. As their title suggested, they were the finest warriors in the kingdom, tasked with maintaining peace and order. Sir Kailashan and his beloved Raven, specifically, was responsible for the eastern matters of Farsulan.
But this raised a perplexing question for the Duke. His Duchy was situated in the western part of the kingdom, making Kailashan's presence here somewhat puzzling. Why would an envoy from the East come all this way? A sense of confusion mixed with unease settled in Eugene's mind as he contemplated the implications.
"Don't think too much, Eugene," Kailashan said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "This isn't too difficult of a task. Just come with me to the East. After all, you've finally found a way to save your wife. Wouldn't you like to seize this opportunity?"
Eugene mulled over the envoy's words, weighing the gravity of the decision. After a moment, he nodded resolutely. "Yes, I will come with you to the East. When do we leave, and to which Duchy?"
Kailashan smirked, his expression a mix of confidence and mischief. "We'll be heading to Eldergrove. You know, most of the medicinal herbs used throughout the kingdom are produced and traded from there."
Eugene listened intently, curiosity piqued.
Kailashan continued, "But there's a catch. Apparently, a dungeon has formed in Eldergrove, and Goddess Rána wants it cleared as soon as possible. It's a high-ranking dungeon, classified as Solara Quartz, which is the seventh rank in terms of danger."
"Solara Quartz?" Eugene's eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and anxiety creeping into his voice. "That's a really high-ranking dungeon... Just the two of us? Are you certain we can handle something that dangerous?" He shook his head. "For anything above Lunaris—the sixth rank—you usually need a raiding party of at least seven experienced fighters. It's just the two of us. What makes you think we'll get through it?"
Eugene's mind raced with thoughts of the dangers that awaited. He knew such a dungeon would be filled with formidable creatures and perilous traps, a risk not easily undertaken.
Kailashan gave a reassuring smile. "You're a Solara Crystal-level warrior yourself, aren't you? And as for me, I'm a seasoned fighter ranked at Draconium quartz the second-highest level. So, it should be fine, Eugene. We're more than capable."
His calm confidence did little to quell Eugene's unease, but it was clear that Kailashan had faith in their combined strength.
Eugene hesitated, uncertainty clouding his thoughts. Could they really handle such a high-ranking dungeon with just the two of them? He wasn't sure what to expect or what he should do.
"I was wondering... would it be wise to bring some of my soldiers? Or perhaps we should consider hiring high-ranking adventurers to join us?" he asked, his tone hopeful yet cautious.
Kailashan sighed, a trace of impatience flickering across his face. "If you're that worried, then fine hire some adventurers who've survived high-ranking dungeons before," he said, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But don't take too long. We leave at first light tomorrow."
He rose smoothly, dusting off his coat with a casual air that made Eugene feel even more anxious. "I'll be back as soon as sun hits the ground. Don't keep me waiting," he added, casting a final look over his shoulder at his Raven "Use my Raven to contact me when needed". With that, Kailashan strode out, his confident footsteps echoing in the quiet room, leaving Eugene with the responsibility of the preparations ahead.
Sometimes, it felt like a dream a strange..... a strange dream, almost surreal twist of fate. I had been consumed by confusion and despair, struggling for months to find a cure for my wife's illness. I had searched far and wide, exhausted every remedy and healer, but nothing had changed. Kaira's condition remained, casting a shadow over every moment. Now, after all this time, the Goddess Rána herself steps in with an offer to save her? It's almost unbelievable.
Why now? Why this sudden show of generosity? Is it truly the heavens answering my prayers, or is it some hidden test, or even a trap, meant to catch me off guard? I can't shake the suspicion, yet my heart holds on to the hope that maybe, just maybe, this is the miracle I've been waiting for.
But in the end, none of that matters. Even if it's a trap, even if it's a test, I'll take it on without hesitation if it saves Kaira. For her, I'd walk into the tartarus with my eyes closed and arms open.
CHAPTER-2 [ENDS]