I Built a Divine Zoo in Another World

Chapter 86: Morning at the Castle

Lukas woke before dawn had fully broken.

For a few seconds, he remained motionless beneath the soft blankets, observing the elegantly decorated ceiling of the guest room in Hark Castle. The dark wood of the ceiling was carved with patterns of leaves and vines, and a small crystal chandelier hung from the center, its crystals catching the first lights of morning.

The silence was different from that of the inn. More refined.

No creaking from guests walking through the corridors. No street vendors shouting outside. Only the distant crackling of torches in the hallways, the low sound of flames consuming oil, and the occasional muffled footsteps of servants beginning their daily duties.

He blinked slowly. Then he remembered the previous night. The party. The tournament.

Judite proudly displayed the small silver medal she had received for second place, the disc gleaming beneath the candlelight, the dark blue ribbon still fastened around her neck.

The banquet. The endless conversations among the nobles, polite laughter, exchanged compliments, and information being negotiated in hushed tones.

And... the shadow. Lukas frowned slightly.

Shortly before falling asleep, already lying in the bed of the room he shared with Judite, he had felt the strange sensation that something was watching him.

When he had looked toward the window, he had seen only a dark silhouette disappearing quickly outside.

At the time, he had assumed it was a nocturnal bird. Or perhaps merely exhaustion, his eyes playing tricks on an overworked mind.

But now... the memory returned vividly.

He pushed aside the blankets and got out of bed.

The wooden floor was cold beneath his bare feet. The linen sheets, wrinkled from sleep, formed a small mound at the center of the mattress.

Clavor was still asleep.

His father remained lying on his side, his arms crossed over his chest, his breathing slow and steady. His sword rested against the wall beside the bed, within arm’s reach even in sleep.

It seemed impossible to imagine that man capable of defeating monsters and crossing battlefields. In bed, with his face relaxed and his hair disheveled by the pillow, he looked like nothing more than a tired father.

Aurora slept beside Judite, one protective arm draped over her daughter. The two breathed in unison, mother and daughter united even in sleep.

Judite was wrapped in the blankets like a cocoon, only the top of her head visible. The silver medal still hung around her neck, she had refused to remove it before going to sleep.

Lukas dressed in simple clothes. A light blue tunic made of soft linen and comfortable trousers of thick cotton. He fastened leather sandals around his ankles.

When he quietly opened the bedroom door, he found the corridor nearly empty.

Through the castle’s great arched windows, the first golden rays of sunlight were beginning to appear on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

He walked in silence.

Hark Castle seemed different in the morning. More peaceful. Less imposing.

The enormous tapestries hanging from the walls depicted scenes of war, knights fighting beasts, armies marching across bridges, and castles under siege. Royal hunts, nobles on horseback pursuing wolves and boars. And ancient noble ceremonies, coronations, weddings, and alliances being sealed.

Decorative suits of armor stood within alcoves along the corridors. Some were simple, polished iron without ornamentation. Others were elaborate, gilded, adorned with crimson plumes atop their helmets and family crests painted across their breastplates.

The windows allowed the gentle light of dawn to enter.

Lukas approached one of them. Outside, activity had already begun.

Carriages lined up before the castle’s main entrance, a procession of vehicles in different sizes and colors, each bearing its own crest painted upon the doors.

Servants carried luggage and chests, stacking them efficiently within the carriages.

Knights mounted their horses, adjusting saddles and harnesses, checking the swords hanging at their waists.

Nobles bid each other farewell with practiced courtesy, handshakes, bows, and formal smiles that failed to conceal their fatigue.

Most of them would depart that very morning.

Clavor had mentioned something similar during the celebration. Nobles rarely possessed free time. They governed territories. Commanded soldiers. Attended political meetings.

Even an important celebration such as Lady Elara’s birthday was merely a brief pause amid their responsibilities.

Lukas watched as a carriage adorned with the Volkar crest, the great tree surrounded by stars, slowly descended the road carved into the Great Rock.

Soon afterward, others followed the same path.

"The castle is going to become emptier."

The thought was strangely pleasant.

He had enjoyed the party. But so many people... so many formalities... It had been exhausting.

Lukas stepped away from the window. Then he remembered the shadow once more.

If there truly had been something outside during the night... it had probably been near this side of the castle.

His violet eyes gleamed faintly. Curiosity prevailed.

He began walking through the corridors.

It did not take long before he found a maid arranging flowers inside a vase, red roses, white lilies, and the small blue flowers Lukas had already seen everywhere. She wore the dark blue uniform of House Hark, her white apron immaculate.

"Excuse me."

The woman immediately turned toward him and gave a small curtsy.

"Young Master Dmond."

Lukas pointed politely.

"Is there an inner garden near this wing?"

The maid smiled.

"Yes. Down those stairs and across the western gallery. It is one of Lady Elara’s favorite places."

"Thank you."

Lukas followed the indicated direction.

The western gallery was spacious, a wide corridor with a vaulted ceiling and polished stone walls. Enormous stained-glass windows decorated the walls, depicting eagles soaring above mountains, the symbol of House Hark.

The marble floor reflected the morning light in silvery patterns.

At the end of the corridor, large wooden doors stood open.

And beyond them... a garden.

Lukas stopped for a few seconds. It was beautiful. Far more beautiful than he had imagined.

Carefully pruned trees provided shade over pathways of white stone, their branches forming arches overhead as though they were living sculptures.

Flowering shrubs displayed shades of blue, red, and gold, petals glistening beneath the sunlight.

Small fountains spread the soothing sound of flowing water, a gentle, constant rhythm.

Butterflies danced among the flowers, their colorful wings shimmering like tiny jewels.

The air carried the sweet fragrance of roses, a familiar, comforting scent.

Lukas began walking slowly. His eyes examined everything around him. There was no sign of anything unusual.

"Perhaps it truly had been nothing more than imagination."