[Beavercastle Ice Field, Volskova Kingdom]
Volskova is a mesmerizing kingdom with breathtaking natural beauty. Located in the midst of the Beavercastle Ice Field, the city is surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests. The rivers flowing through the city provide fertile life and offer stunning views.
Artur and Rini gazed out of the horse-drawn carriage window as they traveled along the cobblestone streets. The shining lanterns at night created a romantic and magical atmosphere. The buildings in Volskova reflected elegant and classical architecture, with touches of wealth and grandeur. Tall towers adorned the skyline, enhancing the city's panorama and providing magnificent views.
The gently falling snow added to the beauty of the scene before their eyes. Since the carriage passed through the gates of Volskova, Rini and Artur had stopped teasing each other. Both of them were captivated by the breathtaking scenery outside the carriage window.
The weather in Volskova offers interesting variations throughout the year, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere for its residents and visitors. Each season has its own charm, providing different weather experiences.
In the summer, Volskova is blessed with bright sunshine and expansive blue skies. The warm and comfortable temperatures create the perfect time to explore the surrounding natural beauty. Colorful flowers bloom in parks and along the streets, creating a fresh and alluring atmosphere.
Autumn in Volskova is marked by the mesmerizing change of foliage colors. Fallen leaves decorate the streets and parks with captivating shades of red, yellow, and orange. Gentle breezes add a romantic touch, complementing the beautiful ambiance.
When winter arrives, Volskova is covered in a stunning layer of snow. The cold temperatures create a magical atmosphere, with snow-covered rooftops and trees shimmering in the twinkling lights.
The spring season brings fresh life back to Volskova. Flowers bloom abundantly, and the trees begin to regain their greenery. The warm and sunny weather provides an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature by strolling through the parks or relaxing in open-air cafes.
The people of Volskova are known for their warmth and hospitality. The city's inhabitants live in harmony with nature and take pride in maintaining the beauty of their surroundings. Nevertheless, throughout the entire human alliance, no one dares to underestimate the mages of Volskova.
The mages of Volskova possess an awe-inspiring power that commands respect and instills fear in their allies and adversaries alike. Their mastery of magic is renowned throughout the human alliance, and they are regarded as some of the most formidable spellcasters in the land.
Despite the continuous snowfall in winter, the markets of Volskova remain lively gathering places for locals and tourists alike, where they can indulge in delicious food, exquisite handicrafts, and various cultural entertainment.
When Artur was a child, the Morris family lived in poverty. Gilbert, who worked as a gatekeeper, did not have enough money to meet their family's needs. At that time, Anna was already five years old, while Artur was only one.
There were times when Gilbert would go without eating for several days. All the food would be saved for Anna, who was still a young child, and for Cila, who was nursing.
To keep their children warm during the winter, Cila sewed curtains, mattress covers, and layered clothing. However, the winter clothes Artur and Anna wore always made their friends envious due to the unique and beautiful stitching.
Artur realized where Cila's exquisite handicrafts came from. They were reminiscent of Cila's memories from her hometown, Volskova.
The horse-drawn carriage stopped in front of a seven-meter-high iron gate. Besides the iron gate was a guard post occupied by a tall, bald-headed man with a thick beard. He appeared accustomed to the bone-chilling Volskova winter.
Artur opened the carriage window and handed a folded letter to the guard at the post. The guard carefully examined the authenticity of the letter, checking Zilya's handwriting and her signature at the end. The guard nodded and returned the letter to Artur.
The iron gate opened automatically, perhaps having a similar mechanism to the one in the military academy. Despite the antiquated appearance of the House of Valya gate, they were still the ex-mana ruling family.
As the carriage passed through the gate, Artur and Rini were greeted with the sight of a vast and beautiful garden, where meticulously arranged landscapes showcased extraordinary beauty. Among them were magnificently carved statues, enhancing the charm of the garden.
The expanse of the garden seemed endless, yet Artur could still make out the luxurious houses at the edge of his vision. Those were the residences of the House of Valya. They all resided in this place, and only a select few were outside Volskova.
Before long, they caught sight of the main house of the House of Valya.
Exquisite architecture stood majestically in the midst of vast land, resembling an impressive palace. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, towering trees, and colorful blooming flowers, this house became the epitome of elegance and luxury in Volskova.
With its captivating architecture, the house showcased an elegant classical style with modern elements. Its facade was crafted from beautifully carved natural stone, exuding a sense of solidity and timelessness. Large stained-glass windows reflected sunlight into the rooms, creating a warm and enchanting ambiance.
The main entrance, adorned with intricately carved details, welcomed guests with unparalleled grandeur. The servants emerged to greet Artur's arrival. They stood in neat lines, dressed in medieval-style servant attire, complete with lace-trimmed skirts, presenting a seductive yet well-groomed appearance.
Artur opened the carriage door and stepped out first. Rini followed and stood by his side. Familiarly, Artur held Rini's hand before she could say anything, and the servants in front of them lowered their heads.
"Welcome to the House of Valya," they said in unison.
Uncertain of how to respond, Artur glanced at Rini, who was more experienced in socializing with nobility. Rini remained silent, expressionless, but the raised chin indicated her elevated position, too high to respond to the greetings of the servants.
Although Artur was not accustomed to such customs, he tried to imitate her behavior. He remained silent, just like the servants, understanding that it was appropriate to do so.
"Young Master, we have been awaiting your arrival. My name is Flora, and I will be serving as the maid to Young Master and Young Lady during your stay here. Please follow me into the main house," said a young maid named Flora.
Artur nodded, but Rini didn't even acknowledge Flora. She was still captivated by the beautiful flower garden surrounding them. As a noble herself, hadn't Rini seen flowers before? Artur planned to ask her about this later when they were alone.
As they stepped inside the house, a sprawling marble floor adorned the wide main corridor, reflecting light and exuding a sense of luxury. Artur felt a reluctance in his heart to tread upon this exquisite floor with his dirty shoes, but he made a concerted effort to maintain his composure.
He didn't want to embarrass his fiancée, who had accompanied him, and his mother, who had provided him with this opportunity. He needed to make the House of Valya accept him as a member of their family so that he could marry Rini without any complications.
Artur tried to conceal his awkwardness by looking around. However, what he saw only made him more nervous.
Inside, spacious and luxurious rooms opened up with high ceilings. The walls were adorned with valuable artworks and sculptures, narrating tales of glory and beauty. Carefully selected luxurious furniture and high-quality accessories added the perfect touch of opulence.
Classically styled furniture with modern accents provided comfort and elegance. In these rooms, important meetings took place, lavish celebrations were held, and beautiful parties filled the space with laughter and joy. The grand salon, with its magnificent fireplace, served as the gathering place for the House of Valya family.
As they passed through the family room, Artur glanced sideways and saw the expansive backyard, where luxury met natural beauty. The shimmering swimming pool with its clear water invited for a swim and relaxation around it. Play areas for children and a beautiful garden with various plant species provided space to unwind and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
At night, the house is illuminated with dazzling lights. The beauty and grandeur of the house radiated perfectly, creating a breathtaking sight for anyone who beheld it.
After entering this palace known as the main house, Artur began to understand the meaning of power, wealth, and beauty. The main house of the House of Valya symbolized power, wealth, and beauty in Volskova. It reflected the grandeur of this family, serving as a place where tradition and pride continued to thrive, carving an eternal story in the city's history.
Soon, they arrived at a garden with beautiful chairs arranged, overlooking a fish pond with a statue of the Volskova deity in the center. Sitting there was the person they had come to meet.
She turned towards Artur and Rini, then gazed deeply into Artur's eyes before saying, "Are you not going to greet your aunt?"
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