Free Web NovelChapter 46: Chapter 46: A Walk Through Darkmoor
Chapter 46: A Walk Through Darkmoor
For a long moment...
Both Evelyne and Seraphina simply stared at Andras.
Noticing their expressions, Andras raised an eyebrow before letting out a quiet chuckle.
" Seraphina Valebright," he said with an amused smile, "I believe you’re reading far too deeply into this."
Seraphina blinked.
"It isn’t as though I named the heroine after you."
He shook his head lightly.
"It’s merely a coincidence."
"I’ve always liked the name Seraphina."
"It’s a beautiful name."
"Its meaning—ardent, fiery, and angelic—felt perfectly suited to the heroine, so I chose it."
A faint smile lingered on his lips.
"If it truly makes you uncomfortable, though, I can always change the heroine’s name."
Silence filled the tea room once more.
A faint blush slowly crept across Seraphina’s fair cheeks.
So...
It really was only a coincidence.
And here I was...
Thinking he had named the heroine after me...
How embarrassing.
For perhaps the first time in years, the elegant young noblewoman inwardly rebuked herself.
How conceited of me.
Taking a quiet breath, she regained her composure and smiled gracefully.
"No."
"You don’t need to change it."
"It’s your story."
"You should use whichever name you believe suits your heroine best."
Andras simply nodded.
"I’m glad."
Evelyne’s gaze moved between the two before a gentle smile appeared on her face.
The awkward misunderstanding had vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared.
After another comfortable silence settled over the room, Andras spoke again.
"Since this is your first visit to Darkmoor Duchy..."
"Would you like me to show you around the estate?"
Seraphina’s sapphire eyes brightened.
"I’d like that."
"Thank you."
Before they could continue, Evelyne gracefully rose from her chair.
"I’m afraid I must leave you both."
"There are still several matters awaiting my attention."
She looked at her son with a playful smile.
"Andras."
"Make sure you give Seraphina a proper tour."
"I expect you to be a good host."
Andras inclined his head.
"Of course, Mother."
With one last warm smile, Evelyne departed, leaving the two alone.
The corridors of Darkmoor Manor were bathed in warm morning light.
Towering crystal windows stretched from floor to ceiling, allowing golden sunlight to spill across polished marble floors that reflected the light like calm water.
Portraits of previous Dukes of House Darkmoor lined the walls.
Each painting radiated quiet dignity.
Massive crystal chandeliers hung from intricately carved ceilings, while rows of ancient suits of armor stood like silent sentinels guarding the manor’s history.
As Andras and Seraphina walked side by side, servants respectfully stepped aside.
"Good morning, Young Master."
"Good morning, Lady Seraphina."
Every greeting was accompanied by a flawless bow.
Seraphina returned each with a gentle nod.
Yet something gradually caught her attention.
Although every servant treated Andras with absolute respect...
There was another emotion hidden beneath it.
Fear.
Still...
None of the servants appeared resentful.
Their movements remained orderly.
Their expressions sincere.
It was... unusual.
She quietly stored the observation away.
Their first destination was the manor gardens.
Stone pathways wound through vibrant flowerbeds blooming with white lilies, blue roses, crimson camellias, and golden chrysanthemums.
Elegant fountains filled the air with the soothing sound of flowing water, while butterflies drifted lazily among the blossoms.
"It’s beautiful," Seraphina said softly.
"I didn’t expect the Darkmoor gardens to be maintained so meticulously."
Andras looked across the sea of flowers.
"My mother personally designed most of it."
"She believes even soldiers deserve to return to something peaceful after the battlefield."
Seraphina smiled.
"She has excellent taste."
Soon they reached the training grounds.
The sharp clang of steel striking steel echoed through the air.
Dozens of soldiers trained beneath the watchful eyes of veteran instructors.
Some practiced swordsmanship.
Others exchanged spear techniques.
Entire squads drilled battlefield formations with flawless discipline.
The moment Andras stepped onto the grounds...
Training slowed.
Many soldiers instinctively straightened.
Several lowered their weapons.
Others subconsciously swallowed.
Only a few days earlier...
Every one of them had witnessed Andras defeat—and ultimately kill—Captain Jack after the captain drew genuine killing intent against him.
The memory remained vivid.
One soldier stepped forward and bowed.
"Good morning, Young Master."
The others immediately followed.
"Good morning, Young Master!"
Andras acknowledged them with a calm nod.
Near the center of the grounds stood a familiar figure.
A tall woman with long black hair observed the training with folded arms.
Sharp crimson eyes.
Perfect posture.
An unmistakable aura of authority surrounded her.
General Selene Vaelthorn.
Sensing their approach, she turned.
A faint smile appeared.
"You’ve arrived, Andras."
Andras nodded.
"General."
He turned toward Seraphina.
" Seraphina."
"This is General Selene Vaelthorn, commander of Darkmoor’s military."
Seraphina offered a graceful bow.
"It’s an honor to meet you, General."
"The honor is mine."
Andras continued.
"And this is Seraphina Valebright..."
"My fiancée."
Selene studied the young noblewoman for a moment before smiling warmly.
"So the famous Lady Seraphina has finally visited Darkmoor."
"I’ve heard quite a bit about you."
Seraphina smiled politely.
"I hope only favorable things."
Selene chuckled.
"For the most part."
The atmosphere immediately became lighter.
She then looked back at Andras.
"I assume you won’t be joining today’s training?"
"Not today."
"I promised Seraphina a tour."
Selene nodded knowingly.
"Very well."
"But don’t neglect your training for too long."
Her crimson eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"The next time you have a free day..."
"We’ll spar."
A faint smile appeared on Andras’s face.
"I’ll look forward to it."
Leaving the training grounds behind, the rhythmic clash of weapons gradually faded into the distance.
The estate grew quieter once again.
A gentle breeze stirred the branches overhead.
For several minutes, neither of them spoke.
The silence felt surprisingly comfortable.
Eventually, Andras broke it.
"How long do you intend to stay in Darkmoor?"
"Three or four days."
"After that, I’ll return to Valebright."
She smiled faintly.
"We both have the Imperial Princess’s birthday banquet to attend."
Andras nodded.
"I received the invitation as well."
"I imagine every prominent noble family in the Empire will be present."
"They will."
"The younger generation especially."
She sighed with quiet amusement.
"It’ll be... lively."
"Lively?"
Andras raised an eyebrow.
"I would’ve chosen ’politically exhausting.’"
Seraphina laughed.
"A much more accurate description."
Their tour continued.
They passed the grand library.
Its towering shelves stretched toward the ceiling, containing thousands of ancient books gathered over generations.
"So many books..."
Seraphina whispered.
"The rumors understated this place."
"My grandfather valued knowledge more than treasures," Andras replied.
"He often said gold can be stolen."
"Knowledge cannot."
"A philosophy worthy of remembering."
They continued onward.
The eastern courtyard bustled quietly as servants carried out their daily work with practiced efficiency.
Everything felt orderly.
Peaceful.
Seraphina couldn’t help comparing it with the rumors she had heard.
The estate before her bore little resemblance to the chaotic household people described.
Their conversation gradually shifted toward lighter topics.
Books.
The Imperial Academy.
Northern winters.
Childhood memories neither remembered particularly well.
Without realizing it...
The distance between them slowly disappeared.
The conversation flowed naturally.
Almost effortlessly.
Eventually...
They reached the eastern wing of the manor.
Unlike the lively central halls, this section was noticeably quieter.
Few servants came here unless summoned.
Andras stopped before a pair of dark oak doors engraved with the ancient crest of House Darkmoor.
Silver runes traced elegant patterns across the frame.
The entrance reflected neither extravagance nor excessive luxury.
Instead...
It possessed quiet refinement.
He looked toward Seraphina.
"This is my room."
She studied the doors with quiet interest before smiling.
"It certainly suits you."
Andras reached for the handle.
"Would you like to see it?"
Seraphina met his gaze for a moment before giving a graceful nod.
"Why not?"
A faint smile appeared on Andras’s face.
He pushed open the heavy oak doors.
Together...
They stepped inside.
