The noble lords stood where they were, staring without blinking as the ghostly green flames that seemed capable of igniting half the sky and the dense mist gradually dissipated.
The skeletal horses stepped forward along with the eerie green fire, leaving behind flaming hoofprints wherever they passed.
Although their steps were chaotic, strangely, no overlapping sound of hooves could be heard, as if a ghostly procession swept across the land.
The two carriages carrying the Grand Duke and his entourage, also burning with ghostly flames, silently vanished into the thick fog and disappeared.
August also stood where he was, gazing at the floating green sparks in the air as they turned to ash, a smile on his face.
Watching the departing convoy, he spoke to the surrounding nobles, "What do you think of this Princess Aurelian?"
A noble beside him respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, although Princess Aurelian is young, she remained calm and composed in front of so many of us, without showing any fear."
"It can only be said that the Empire's etiquette is indeed well taught."
Another noble nodded and took over, "The most important thing is her status. She could have been less polite."
If she were just an ordinary princess, that would be one thing.
But her identity is that of a princess of the Calencia Empire…
The emperor of the Empire is widely recognized as a warrior standing at the pinnacle of the world.
Even after so many years of development, no warrior in the kingdom has ever come close to Aubrey's level.
Let alone surpass him.
What level is Aubrey? What level are they?
Not to mention Aurelian is also the granddaughter of Grand Duke Barlow.
What level is Grand Duke Barlow, and what level are they?
What, still not impressive enough?
Add Viktor, now is that impressive enough?
With the highest-level backgrounds from two great nations, and even the support of the Mage Council, Aurelian could walk sideways in any country.
Yet she still carries herself with the attitude of conducting diplomacy for the Empire, treating others kindly and politely.
Even when facing them, these kingdom lords, she still behaved very courteously.
It is both rare and makes it very easy for them to feel a strong sense of goodwill toward her.
August nodded, then turned to Laurien beside him and asked, "Count Laurien, you were the one who received the princess yesterday. What do you think of her?"
Laurien pondered for a moment, then answered, "Princess Aurelian is very good. I think she should be a kind person."
Mentioning how Aurelian comforted the maid, a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes.
A princess going to comfort a maid is truly a rare thing.
That is also why he believes Aurelian will definitely help him request that matter.
Hearing everyone's praise for the princess, August looked very satisfied.
"I see."
"It seems this princess not only has an astonishing background and sufficient talent."
"Her character is also very excellent."
At this moment, he looked at Hilda beside him, raising an eyebrow slightly, with a hint of seriousness.
"Hilda, today, your performance was a bit poor."
"How can we let a distinguished guest go into battle?"
Hilda also knew she had made a mistake. She lowered her head, full of shame.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I couldn't help myself."
She closed her eyes, her heart twisted into knots.
"I know, because I knew you would say that."
"At least it let me know that this princess is not just a decorative vase."
August smiled and patted Hilda's shoulder. Then, as if casually, he continued, "Perhaps, this princess does not yet have a partner?"
The ghostly convoy had already disappeared at the end of the road, and a gentle breeze blew.
His words drifted with the wind, echoing across the land.
All the noble lords nodded, wearing thoughtful expressions.
Only Hilda kept her head lowered, saying nothing, her expression dim.
———
The bright moon cast a silver-white glow over the land.
The green ghostly flames intertwined with the moonlight, decorating the night sky like strange drifting stars.
Midair, ghostly flames burned fiercely. Along with thick smoke, the flame-wrapped undead horses sped forward, weaving through the deep forest.
These horses surrounded a convoy of carriages that were also ignited with ghostly fire, charging toward a designated direction.
Strangely, despite the movement of hooves and wheels, there was no sound at all.
The only sound was the distant ringing of bells in the night, as if warning passersby of approaching spirits.
Wherever the convoy passed, fading traces were left on the ground.
Before long, the convoy exited the dense forest, and before them stood a magnificent city.
The flags here bore green symbols, and at the tips of the banners, ghostly flames similar to those on the carriages seemed to burn.
The emblem on those flags was the crest of the Barlow family.
This city was enormous, like a silent city of the night, surrounded by a faint green atmosphere. Occasionally, dark shadows could be seen in the windows.
The entire castle appeared both quiet and mysterious under the moonlight, especially the ghostly flames around the towers, making it even more eerie.
With a faint green glow, the massive city gates slowly opened.
Under the cover of thick fog, the convoy quickly drove in, as if entering a dark tunnel.
The green flames stood out vividly in the darkness. Though somewhat eerie, they brought a trace of light to the blackness.
At this moment, Grand Duke Barlow spoke, "We've arrived."
As his words fell, the entire city seemed to be infused with life, awakening vitality from deep within the earth.
Ghostly green flames surged up from underground, surrounding the territory.
The previously dim street lamps lit up one by one, as if a massive wave swept across the land.
At the end of the streetlights stood enormous castle towers. Flames expanded again at the top of each tower, like clusters of fire swaying their massive forms.
The knights guided their horses out of the tunnel. Looking up, they were drawn to the grand flames.
The flames seemed alive, twisting their forms toward everyone and bowing slightly.
The knights pulled on the reins and gradually stopped their horses, while the carriages continued deeper into the city.
Along the way, tall and ancient buildings lined both sides, with ghostly fire flowing within them.
Yet in such a vast city, there wasn't a single passerby.
The knights followed behind, looking at this desolate city, feeling a sense of loneliness and emptiness.
Until the convoy drove into a vast estate.
The residence was extremely spacious. Behind iron gates burning with green glow lay roads extending in all directions.
The estate resembled a maze, filled with gardens.
The entire courtyard had only one wide path that allowed the carriages to pass through.
This grand residence was like a small castle, its surrounding walls wrapped in ghostly flames, like the outer garment of a dreamlike fortress.
At the tops of the towering towers, clusters of ghostly fire burned, blooming like green flowers.
When everyone arrived in the courtyard, the skeletal horses obediently lowered their bodies.
The knights and demi-humans all dismounted.
The ghostly green flames burning on their bodies also dissipated the moment their feet touched the ground.
The twelve diplomatic ministers stood solemnly on the courtyard road, staring at the ghostly flames with unease and fear.
After all, this was their first time dealing with the Grand Duke of the Kante Kingdom.
Who knows how strange his temperament might be.
But someone who lives in such an eerie environment, how good could his temper be?
The diplomats' gazes swept over the surrounding flower beds.
Despite the bleak surroundings, the flowers still stood tall and graceful, blooming in vibrant colors.
The group walked into the residence, yet not a single servant came to greet them.
The cold wind carried a gloomy chill. The courtyard felt empty, as if filled with solitude.
'Could it be that the Grand Duke lived here alone?'
At this moment, Grand Duke Barlow also got off the carriage. Aurelian followed Viktor's steps and got down as well.
In the next second, Grand Duke Barlow struck the ground with his cane.
With a "thud," the surrounding green mist suddenly dispersed.
The undead carriages and horses turned into white bone powder, gradually scattering into the air.
Everyone present stood frozen, staring at the surroundings.
The moment the green mist completely disappeared, the night sky became incredibly clear.
The bright moon shone even more brilliantly, and countless stars were embedded like white pearls in the black sky, casting a peaceful glow.
Lights from inside the residence shone through the windows, warm and gentle.
The green ghostly flames also gradually returned to normal, and the roads became bright and clear.
Suddenly, Aurelian stood frozen in place, staring straight ahead.
Countless servants stood before them, lined up on both sides, bowing in unison.
"Finally, home."
Grand Duke Barlow said calmly, then lowered his head slightly to glance at Aurelian.
He saw the look of surprise on her face.
"This is… too amazing."
It was the first time in her life she had experienced something like this, as if she had suddenly been connected from one corner of the world to another.
So, Grand Duke Barlow turned his head back again.
"The place we just passed through is the dwelling of the dead. That's why our carriage could move freely there."
"This is also, aside from teleportation magic, the fastest way to return here."
"But once we arrive in the domain of the living, they must leave on their own."
Grand Duke Barlow was referring to the horses and carriages that had quietly dissipated.
Once the green mist disappeared, it meant everyone had returned to the domain of the living.
They would naturally vanish.
"The dead should not step into the territory of the living. Likewise, the living should not disturb the peace of the dead."
Hearing this, Aurelian felt a bit dazed.
She thought of her mother.
She had heard that her mother, who died from complications during childbirth, was buried here.
Aurelian came to the kingdom, to this ancestral home she had never set foot in before.
A large part of the reason was to visit the mother she had never met.
So Aurelian asked, "Grandfather, my mother… where is she buried?"
"I would like to go see her."
Grand Duke Barlow listened to Aurelian's words without turning back.
Only a calm voice slowly sounded, "You will see her."
"But not now."
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
[email protected]/XenosX
🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰