Free Web NovelChapter 30: Chapter 30: The Duchess’s Promise
Chapter 30: The Duchess’s Promise
The morning sunlight poured through the tall windows of the Darkmoor Estate, painting golden streaks across the polished black marble corridors.
Inside his chamber, Andras slowly rose from his bed.
The knock on the door had already pulled him from sleep, and Evelyne’s voice still lingered in his ears.
After straightening his clothes, he crossed the room and opened the door.
Standing outside was Evelyne.
The Duchess of Darkmoor wore a dark sapphire dress embroidered with silver patterns that shimmered beneath the morning light. Her long blonde hair flowed gracefully behind her shoulders, and her calm blue eyes held a rare warmth whenever they rested upon her son.
Andras offered a faint smile.
"Good morning, Mother."
Evelyne returned the smile immediately.
"Good morning, Son."
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Evelyne folded her arms lightly and said,
"I came to fulfill the promise we made in the dining hall."
One of her eyebrows rose slightly.
"I finally have enough free time today."
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"So, are you coming with me?"
Andras chuckled.
"Of course."
Then he glanced down at himself.
"Though I would prefer not to tour the duchy looking like I just climbed out of bed."
Evelyne laughed softly.
"A reasonable concern."
"I’ll prepare as well."
"Meet me outside my chambers once you’re ready."
Andras nodded.
"I won’t keep you waiting long."
With that, Evelyne turned and disappeared down the corridor.
After watching her leave, Andras closed the door and headed toward the bathroom.
Warm water cascaded over him as he bathed.
Several minutes later, he emerged refreshed and dressed himself.
Or rather—
He would have.
The moment he stepped out of the bathroom, he found Lyra already waiting inside the room.
The maid stood beside the wardrobe with a complete set of clothing prepared.
A dark noble coat.
Black trousers.
Polished boots.
Silver-trimmed gloves.
Everything had already been arranged.
"You work quickly."
Lyra lowered her head modestly.
"I knew you would be accompanying the Duchess today, Young Master."
Andras merely nodded.
Together, they prepared his attire.
Once finished, he stood before the mirror.
The reflection staring back at him looked every bit the heir of House Darkmoor.
White hair.
Sharp violet eyes.
An aristocratic face devoid of unnecessary emotion.
The dark clothing only emphasized the contrast.
Not bad.
After adjusting his cuffs, he left the room.
---
A few minutes later, Andras arrived outside Evelyne’s chambers.
He raised a hand and knocked.
"Mother, are you ready?"
From the other side came her voice.
"Almost."
"Wait a few minutes."
Andras leaned casually against the nearby wall.
Several servants passed through the corridor and immediately lowered their heads respectfully.
None dared interrupt him.
A few minutes later, the door finally opened.
Andras straightened slightly.
Then he paused.
Evelyne stepped outside.
For a brief moment, even he found himself staring.
The Duchess looked stunning.
Her sapphire dress had been replaced by a more practical traveling outfit of dark blue and silver, tailored perfectly to her figure. Elegant jewelry adorned her neck and wrists, while a silver cloak rested lightly over her shoulders.
She carried herself with the effortless grace of someone born to stand above others.
Powerful.
Beautiful.
Untouchable.
A faint smile appeared on Andras’s lips.
"Mother."
"You look gorgeous today."
Evelyne’s eyes softened slightly.
"And you look quite handsome yourself."
Then she tilted her head.
"Although, if I remember correctly, I looked beautiful yesterday as well."
Andras laughed.
"I don’t think you need my opinion."
"Oh?"
"You already know exactly how beautiful you are."
His smile widened slightly.
"I doubt expensive jewelry or noble clothing makes much difference."
"You would still stand out even wearing commoner clothes."
For a moment, Evelyne seemed genuinely pleased.
Then she shook her head with amusement.
"Your tongue has become far too smooth recently."
"And yet you never complain."
"True."
Mother and son shared a brief laugh.
Then Evelyne gestured toward the estate entrance.
"Come."
"Our tour awaits."
---
The main gates of the Darkmoor Estate stood open.
A luxurious black carriage waited outside.
Dozens of mounted guards surrounded it, each wearing the crest of House Darkmoor upon their armor.
The moment Evelyne appeared, every knight bowed.
"Duchess."
The carriage door was opened immediately.
Evelyne entered first.
Andras followed beside her.
Moments later, the carriage began moving.
The estate gradually disappeared behind them as they traveled toward the heart of the duchy’s territory.
Andras glanced through the window.
"So where are we going first?"
Evelyne looked outside as well.
"The capital city."
"Our seat of power."
"The heart of House Darkmoor."
Andras raised an eyebrow.
Evelyne smiled.
"Nightfall."
The name suited the duchy perfectly.
Dark.
Elegant.
Slightly ominous.
"Nightfall City."
"The largest city in the northern territories."
Evelyne’s voice carried a trace of pride.
"Everything important within the duchy passes through it."
"Trade."
"Military operations."
"Magical research."
"It is the foundation upon which House Darkmoor stands."
Andras nodded thoughtfully.
Interesting.
Eventually, the massive black walls of Nightfall City appeared in the distance.
Towering watchtowers overlooked the surrounding roads while banners bearing the Darkmoor crest fluttered proudly in the wind.
The gates opened immediately upon recognizing the Duchess’s carriage.
The moment they entered the city, life unfolded before Andras’s eyes.
Merchants shouted from colorful stalls.
Children ran through crowded streets.
Blacksmiths hammered steel beneath open workshops.
Carriages rolled along stone roads lined with elegant buildings.
The city was alive.
Far more alive than the isolated estate.
As the carriage moved through the main avenue, commoners quickly noticed the Darkmoor insignia.
People immediately stepped aside.
Many bowed deeply.
Others lowered their heads respectfully.
Some even knelt.
Andras observed everything from behind the carriage window.
No fear.
No resentment.
At least not openly.
Most seemed genuinely respectful.
Interesting.
Back on Earth, ruling families rarely inspired such reactions.
But this world was different.
Power was visible here.
Real.
Tangible.
The safety of these people depended directly upon the strength of House Darkmoor.
The carriage continued through the bustling streets.
Andras watched silently while Evelyne occasionally pointed out important landmarks.
Guild halls.
Military headquarters.
Magical academies.
Merchant districts.
