Regaleon: The Forgotten Knight

Chapter 133: Castle Valehart

The carriage came to a gradual halt within the inner courtyard of Castle Valehart.

The rhythmic clatter of iron-rimmed wheels against polished stone faded into silence as the four Frostmane steeds snorted softly, their breath drifting like wisps of white mist despite the warmth of the afternoon.

Almost immediately, one of the waiting knights stepped forward.

With practiced precision born from years of service, he grasped the ornate brass handle and pulled the carriage door open before lowering himself into a respectful bow.

"My Lord."

Goldric descended first.

His polished boots landed upon the crimson carpet that had already been laid across the courtyard. Straightening his robes with effortless composure, he briefly surveyed the surroundings before stepping aside.

A heartbeat later, Maverick followed.

The instant both feet touched the ground, his golden eyes instinctively wandered across the estate as a slow breath escaped him.

It had been almost ten years... Ten years since he had last stood within these walls.

Many memories had long since faded into vague fragments, while others had become so distorted by time that he could scarcely distinguish reality from childhood imagination.

Yet seeing Castle Valehart again, he realized something. His younger self had remembered far less than the estate truly deserved.

Even now, standing before it once again, the overwhelming grandeur stole his breath.

Compared to the rugged stone fortress overlooking the Frozen North, Castle Valehart was not merely larger.

It existed on an entirely different scale.

The fortress before him resembled less a noble residence and more an independent city enclosed behind colossal defensive walls.

Towering ramparts of pale marble stretched endlessly in every direction, their immaculate surfaces gleaming beneath the afternoon sun. Golden runic inscriptions had been carved into portions of the walls centuries ago, causing faint streams of Aether to shimmer across the stone like flowing rivers of light.

Beyond the walls rose countless magnificent buildings: elegant halls, private courtyards, training arenas, libraries, and administrative towers.

Every structure possessed its own unique architectural beauty, yet together they blended seamlessly into one breathtaking masterpiece.

Broad avenues paved with flawless white stone branched throughout the estate like arteries, each lined with towering silver-leaf trees whose branches swayed gently beneath the afternoon breeze.

Crystal-clear fountains occupied nearly every major intersection.

Water arched gracefully into the air before cascading into intricately sculpted basins depicting legendary heroes of House Valehart.

The melodic sound of flowing water intertwined with birdsong drifting from nearby gardens, creating an atmosphere that felt almost tranquil despite the immense military presence surrounding the estate.

Exotic flowers bloomed everywhere; scarlet lilies, golden irises, azure moonbells and some species Maverick could no longer recognize filled carefully cultivated gardens whose fragrances blended harmoniously into the air.

Farther away, towering statues overlooked the grounds, each depicting one of House Valehart’s greatest ancestors.

Some wielded colossal swords, others held spears while several simply bore shields.

Every sculpture radiated such lifelike craftsmanship that they almost appeared ready to descend from their pedestals and continue their eternal march.

Above everything else, golden banners fluttered proudly... Hundreds of them.

Each carried the unmistakable crest of House Valehart; a proud Knight standing upon a pterafrey. It was a symbol of heroism and valiance.

The banners danced beneath the afternoon wind like living flames, proclaiming centuries of military glory and noble supremacy.

Everywhere Maverick looked, knights moved with disciplined efficiency. Some patrolled the walls while others trained within distant courtyards.

Servants crossed the marble pathways carrying books, polished armour, trays of refreshments, and stacks of official documents.

Not a single movement appeared wasted as every person seemed to understand their duty without needing instruction.

It resembled the workings of an impossibly intricate machine...

Everything radiated wealth, history, nfluence, and more importantly... Power.

For a fleeting moment, Maverick simply stood there, silently observing and remembering...

Eventually, his gaze slowly shifted forward toward a welcoming procession that had already assembled several paces away.

Two perfectly aligned rows of House Valehart Knights stood at unwavering attention.

Each knight wore immaculate golden Armour engraved with countless intricate runes. Their crimson cloaks fluttered softly behind them while polished Spears rested vertically beside their shoulders.

Every posture was identical, every expression was disciplined and every movement was synchronized.

In fact, it was almost impossible to detect even the slightest flaw among their formation...

Also, beyond this honour guard stood a gathering of House Valehart’s highest authorities, the Elders and other dignified personnels.

At the forefront stood a broad-shouldered man clothed in regal black robes embroidered with flowing golden patterns resembling climbing vines.

His shoulder-length golden hair had begun showing faint streaks of silver around the temples, yet rather than diminishing his appearance, it lent him an even greater sense of dignity.

His face bore few wrinkles, only enough to reveal the countless responsibilities he had carried throughout the decades.

Sharp golden eyes rested calmly upon Goldric and Maverick and within those eyes existed both authority and warmth.

An almost imperceptible pressure naturally radiated from him, not one born from deliberate intimidation, but from years spent standing at the summit of one of the greatest noble houses in the kingdom and also from his status as a high Rank Etheryean.

One glance alone from him inspired both respect and fear. This was the Patriarch of House Valehart... Valdric Valehart.

Standing gracefully beside him was an elegant woman whose sapphire-blue gown flowed around her like gentle water.

Age had refined rather than diminished her beauty.

Her features possessed an almost ethereal elegance, while gentle green eyes regarded everyone with quiet intelligence.

Every movement she made carried effortless grace befitting the Lady of House Valehart.

She was the matriarch of the House... Seraphina Valehart.

Standing slightly behind Valdric’s left shoulder was another familiar figure.

It was a young man, roughly Maverick’s age.

He wore an exquisitely tailored white noble robe embroidered with intricate golden patterns.

His shoulder-length golden hair shifted gently beneath the breeze while confident golden eyes observed Maverick without blinking.

There was confidence, pride and competitiveness that blended naturally within his gaze. His posture was flawless while every inch of him embodied the dignity expected of the heir to House Valehart.

Maverick recognized him instantly. Cedric Valehart... His cousin. And perhaps, the greatest rival his generation would ever produce...

For only a brief instant, the cousins’ eyes met. Neither smiled nor frowned. Yet within that single exchange, countless unspoken thoughts silently passed between them...

Maverick eventually looked away.

Truthfully, he still found this entire reception rather excessive. A welcoming procession gathered simply because he and his father had returned.

It hardly seemed necessary. Then again, his father had sent a letter ahead only yesterday before they resumed their journey toward Valor. So perhaps, this was just a way for the House to present a united front or something...

Without another word, Maverick quietly followed behind Goldric as father and son walked across the crimson carpet.

Each measured step echoed faintly against the polished marble as the distance between both parties gradually closed.

Finally, the two parties stood face to face. For a brief moment, silence settled over the courtyard. Then, Valdric smiled...

The stern authority surrounding him softened almost instantly as he stepped forward with an open confidence.

"Welcome home, Goldric."

Goldric’s usually reserved expression also relaxed ever so slightly.

"It’s good to be back, Brother."

Rather than embracing, the two men clasped each other’s forearms firmly.

The gesture was simple. Yet among the warriors of House Valehart, it carried far greater meaning than a hug ever could.

Valdric laughed quietly.

"You’ve been away too long that I was beginning to think the Frozen North had stolen you away from us."

Goldric smiled faintly. "Well, the Frozen North has a habit of making months feel like years."

"And yet..." Valdric replied with amusement. "You still look exactly as stubborn as when you left."

"I could say the same about you."

The Patriarch chuckled.

"I’ll take that as a compliment."

For a few moments, the two brothers exchanged lighthearted remarks. The pleasantry was simple and natural.

Yet beneath every smile and beneath every cordial exchange, something subtler lingered...

Behind Valdric, several House Elders exchanged nearly imperceptible glances...

No words were spoken but none were needed. This is because years of political experience allowed entire conversations to unfold through nothing more than brief looks.

Eventually, their attention shifted toward Maverick...

One after another, their eyes carefully studied him. Assessing him. Judging him. Measuring the young man who had spent nearly a decade away from House Valehart.

Maverick noticed every single gaze. Yet, he never once returned them. Instead, he stood quietly behind his father, patiently waiting for the two brothers to finish exchanging their pleasantries...