Regaleon: The Forgotten Knight

Chapter 106: The Inn’s New Guest

The afternoon sky above the Frozen North possessed a beauty that rivaled even its aurora-filled nights.

Unlike the golden heavens that stretched over Valor or the eternal crimson veil suffocating the Nether Lands, the northern sky was painted in soft shades of silver and pale gray.

Vast clouds drifted lazily across the heavens, parting only occasionally to allow gentle shafts of sunlight to cascade over the endless sea of snow below. Even then, much of that fragile light never reached the frozen earth, swallowed instead by the countless snowflakes and drifting curtains of hail that danced endlessly across the landscape.

The frigid wind never truly rested.

It swept across the plains in mournful howls, carrying with it swirling flurries that painted the world in perpetual white. Fortunately, today’s weather was nowhere near as unforgiving as the blizzard that had ravaged the region the previous night. Compared to that merciless tempest, the present snowfall felt almost peaceful.

Standing amidst the vast expanse of white was a grand three-storeyed inn; its sturdy walls of dark timber and polished stone rose proudly against the relentless winter, warm amber light spilling from its many windows like beacons amidst the snowstorm. Smoke curled lazily from several chimneys, promising warmth, food, and shelter to weary travelers.

Today, however, the inn welcomed another important guests...

A luxurious carriage rolled steadily through the falling snow before slowing to a graceful halt before its entrance.

Its body had been fashioned from polished frostwood, the pale timber gleaming softly beneath the muted afternoon light. Intricate silver engravings adorned every panel, forming elegant patterns of snowflakes, crescent moons, and intertwining vines.

Gleaming ironwood reinforcements protected each corner, while the carriage doors bore an exquisitely crafted sapphire crest depicting a snowflake embracing a crescent moon.

Heavy velvet curtains concealed the interior from curious eyes.

Even the wheels had been rimmed with enchanted steel, preventing ice from forming upon them despite the relentless cold.

The banner fluttering above the carriage proudly displayed the same sapphire emblem, dancing gracefully in the northern wind.

Four magnificent Frostmane steeds drew the carriage effortlessly through the snow and flanking it were twelve mounted knights.

As the carriage came to a stop, the knights slowed in perfect harmony, their discipline almost mechanical.

Each of them wore immaculate white plate armour polished until it shimmered like freshly fallen snow. Thick cloaks lined with silver-white fur flowed gently behind them, each embroidered with the same sapphire crest decorating the carriage. Elegant longswords rested at their waists, while long spears stood upright in practiced hands.

Their unwavering gazes swept across the surroundings with silent vigilance and it required only a single glance to realize they these were not ordinary guards. Instead, they were elite knights entrusted with protecting someone whose status permitted no mistakes.

Once the carriage settled completely, one of the knights immediately dismounted and with practiced precision, he approached the carriage before opening its door...

Four young women stepped out first; each appearing to be in her early twenties.

They wore matching navy-blue dresses beneath pristine white winter cloaks fastened neatly around their shoulders with silver clasps. Their attire balanced elegance with practicality, allowing graceful movement despite the biting cold. Their neatly tied hair and composed expressions reflected years of disciplined service.

Without exchanging a single word, they positioned themselves around the carriage.

Only after all of these did the final passenger emerge...

She appeared no older than eighteen.

Silken white hair cascaded gracefully down her back like freshly fallen snow, each delicate strand shimmering beneath the pale light. Beneath finely arched brows rested a pair of crystalline blue eyes as clear and tranquil as a frozen glacial lake.

Though youthful, her features possessed a quiet elegance that naturally commanded attention without demanding it.

She wore a flowing ivory dress embroidered with intricate silver threads that formed delicate snowflake patterns across the fabric. Draped over her shoulders rested a pale-blue winter cloak trimmed with immaculate white fur, while a soft shawl wrapped comfortably around her neck to shield her from the northern chill. Silver gloves adorned her slender hands, and polished white boots disappeared beneath the hem of her dress with every measured step.

The instant her boots touched the snow, every knight inclined his head respectfully but the young woman acknowledged neither the gesture nor the admiring gazes surrounding her.

Instead, she calmly raised her eyes toward the inn and without unnecessary haste, she walked forward with quiet elegance, her four attendants following closely behind.

The moment she crossed the threshold, a wave of comforting warmth embraced her and the cheerful chatter filling the inn gradually subsided.

Conversations lowered into whispers as countless patrons instinctively turned toward the newcomers.

Very few recognized the young woman’s identity. Yet judging from the luxurious carriage waiting outside and the elite knights stationed beyond the entrance, no one doubted that she belonged to a family of extraordinary influence.

A neatly dressed waiter hurried forward almost immediately before bowing deeply.

"Welcome, my Lady."

His tone was courteous yet respectful.

"It is an honor to receive you. How may our humble establishment serve you today?"

The young woman offered a faint, courteous smile. "My attendants and I require several rooms for the day."

The waiter nodded immediately.

"Certainly, my Lady. We still have several guest rooms available on the second floor. Would you prefer adjoining rooms for your attendants?"

"That would be most convenient."

"Very good." The waiter gestured respectfully. "I shall have them prepared immediately."

The young woman paused before adding. "However, we have traveled for quite some time. I would appreciate a warm meal before retiring to the room."

"Of course." The waiter’s smile widened as he spoke courteously.

"Our kitchen has only recently prepared today’s specialties. If my Lady would be so kind as to follow me, I’ll arrange both your accommodations and your meal immediately."

The young woman gave a slight nod and without another word, the waiter led the small entourage deeper into the inn. But rather than remaining on the bustling first floor, he guided them upstairs.

Their footsteps echoed softly against polished wooden stairs before they emerged into an elegant corridor illuminated by crystal lanterns. Expensive landscape paintings decorated the walls, while intricate carpets muffled every step they took.

As they passed one of the larger private dining halls, the young woman’s footsteps slowed almost imperceptibly.

Her crystalline blue eyes drifted through the open doorway.

Inside sat two young men opposite one another, their table overflowing with enough food to feed an entire family and the moment she saw them, a flicker of recognition flashed across her eyes.

A gentle smile curved across her lips and without hesitation, she changed her direction, walking toward the table...

When she finally stood before them, she offered a graceful nod before speaking.

"Young Lord Maverick..."

She greeted, causing a pair of golden eyes to shift to her person...