Morning in Valor unfolded beneath a sky of brilliant blue.

Golden sunlight poured across the capital like liquid gold, illuminating towering spires, marble avenues, and countless elegant estates that stretched throughout the heart of the kingdom.

The city had already awakened.

Tower bells rang from lofty heights, their deep chimes rolling across districts both wealthy and poor alike, announcing the beginning of another day.

Merchants lined the streets with colorful stalls, calling out to potential customers while displaying goods that were imported from distant corners of Aetherium.

Carriages rattled along broad avenues paved with polished stone. Servants hurried between estates carrying documents and parcels while nobles dressed in extravagant attire strolled through the city with practiced dignity.

Unlike the unforgiving lands of the Crimson Forest, Valor embodied prosperity as everything within the capital reflected influence, wealth, and authority.

At the center of one of the city’s grandest avenues, a luxurious cartige moved steadily through the bustling street...

Its body had been crafted from dark wood reinforced with silversteel fittings. Intricate carvings decorated every visible surface, while embedded gemstones gleamed subtly beneath the morning sunlight.

Upon the carriage door rested a crest known throughout the kingdom. It was a Knight sitting proudly upon a Pterafrey...

Four pristine white horses pulled the carriage forward while four mounted knights rode alongside it. Their polished golden armour reflected the sunlight brilliantly, causing every pedestrians to instinctively avert their gazes.

Eventually, the carriage slowed before coming to a graceful halt. The accompanying knights dismounted immediately before one of them stepped forward to open the carriage door...

A moment later, a young man emerged; it was Cedric Valehart.

The young noble descended onto the marble pavement with effortless elegance before adjusting the sleeve of his attire.

As always, his appearance was immaculate. Golden hair flowed neatly to his shoulders without a single strand appearing out of place.

His features were refined and handsome, possessing the sort of natural nobility that could not be taught through etiquette classes alone.

He wore a fitted golden tunic woven from Sunsilk, a rare material harvested from a rare breed of silkworms raised within the eastern provinces. Beneath the sunlight, the fabric shimmered faintly like liquid gold.

Silver embroidery traced intricate patterns along the cuffs and collar, and over the tunic, a long ivory overcoat lined with fur rested smoothly. The garment draped naturally across his shoulders, balancing luxury with dignity.

Every piece of clothing he wore likely cost more than what most families earned in several years.

Cedric stood silently for a moment as his golden gaze settled upon the establishment before him.

The building rose three stories high into the sky. White marble columns framed its entrance while enormous crystal windows reflected the morning sunlight...

Decorative balconies adorned the upper levels, each liked with flowering plants that were carefully maintained throughout the year.

Above the entrance rested an elegant sign which read; The Gilded Crown.

This place is one of the most prestigious establishments in all of Valor. The restaurant catered almost exclusively to nobles, wealthy merchants, influential officials and visiting dignitaries.

Within its walls; fortunes changed hands, political alliances were forged, trade agreements were negotiated, and rumours capable of shaking entire noble houses often begin their journey here.

And like many of its patrons, Cedric had not come merely to dine. Instead, he had come to discuss something far more important.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and the four knights followed closely behind him...

The moment he crossed the threshold of the building, the atmosphere inside shifted as; conversations abruptly ceased, forks paused midway toward mouths, goblets halted in midair, and nearly every gaze within the establishment turned toward the entrance.

Recognition spread almost immediately, after all, there were very few people within Valoria who wouldn’t recognize Cedric Valehart; a young man blessed with wealth, status, and high tier Soul Essences.

Cedric paid little heed to the attention directed at him as such reactions had become commonplace long ago.

He had barely taken several steps forward when a figure hurried toward him. This was the owner of Gilded Crown.

The man was short and slightly round, with a polished head that gleamed beneath the crystal chandeliers overhead. He wore an expensive burgundy coat embroidered with gold thread while several jeweled rings decorated his fingers.

A fawning smile spread across his lips but before he could approach any further, one of the knights stepped forward and held out a palm.

The proprietor stopped immediately, but his smile never left his face as he bowed respectfully.

"Young Lord Cedric. Welcome to my humble establishment." His voice carried both reverence and caution as he spoke.

Cedric’s expression remained cool as a pair of golden eyes settled upon the man’s fat frame for a brief moment before he uttered calmly.

"I believe a private room was prepared before my arrival."

The bald man straightened immediately.

"Of course, Young Lord. Everything has been arranged exactly as requested. If you would follow me..."

Without another word, Cedric proceeded deeper into the establishment as the proprietor led the way while the four knights followed behind.

Unlike the lower floors, the uppermost level of the restaurant was reserved exclusively for individuals whose status placed them above ordinary nobility.

The atmosphere here was noticeably quiet...

Elegant corridors stretched ahead beneath ceilings painted with scenes depicting the ancient legends of Valoria.

Crystal lamps mounted along the walls bathed everything in warm golden light. Expensive sculptures occupied decorative alcoves while thick carpets woven from imported silk muffled every footsteps...

Eventually, the proprietor stopped before a pair of ornate dark wood doors decorated with silver engravings. Two attendants bowed once before opening the doors for them...

Beyond the threshold lay a spacious private chamber. A circular table crafted from polished wood occupied the center of the room with several high-backed chairs surrounding it.

A broad window overlooked a large section of the capital, offering a breathtaking view of Valor’s rooftops and distant towers.

Crystal decorations rested atop a side cabinet while fresh flowers arranged within silver cases added a subtle fragrance to the air.

The baldheaded man stepped aside before gesturing. "Young Lord... Please."

Cedric nodded once before entering...

"I shall have the kitchen prepare some of our finest delicacies immediately. Please allow us a few moments."

Without waiting for a reply, the fat man bowed before withdrawing quickly leaving behind the young noble in silence.

For a while, Cedric remained seated alone...

Then eventually, a maidservant entered carrying a silver tray. Upon it rested an expensive bottle of wine alongside a crystal goblet.

After pouring the drink, the servant bowed professionally before departing.

Cedric lifted the goblet and took a small sip, then his gaze drifted toward the city beyond the window as his thoughts moved...

Today wasn’t really about the food as he had come to meet with one of the most influential individuals within the kingdom.

Following his mother’s advice, he had approached the Third Princess a day ago, and after several exchanged of correspondence, they had finally agreed upon a private meeting within the Gilded Crown. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Cedric swirled the liquid within his glass as countless possibilities crossed his mind. Then suddenly, the door opened.

The sound immediately pulled him from his thoughts as he turned toward the entrance and froze for the briefest of moments.

A young woman stepped into the private chamber. She appeared no older than eighteen years old, yet there was a poise about her that made her seem far older than her face suggested.

A gown of deep sapphire silk flower around her figure, with silver embroidery tracing intricate patterns along the sleeves and hem, resembling intertwining vines.

A fitted bodice accentuated her slender frame while a short mantle of white fur rested elegantly across her shoulder.

Her hair was a cascade of platinum-blonde strands that fell to the middle of her back like liquid silver. Beneath the warm glow of the crystal lamps, each strand seemed to shimmer faintly...

Her eyes were perhaps the most striking feature of all. They were a clear sapphire blue; not the bright blue of the summer skies, but the deep blue found within the heart of the ocean.

Her features possesses a refined elegance that spoke of generations of noble blood. High cheekbones framed a face that was both graceful and commanding, while naturally carved lips carried the hint of a smile that never fully revealed her thoughts.

This was Princess Aeloria Valerion. The Third Princess of Valoria...