Julian frowned as he asked, “Why is such a powerful mage like you acting as a beginner.”
Raphael hesitated for a moment before he explained all the things to Julian.
After hearing Raphael’s explanation, Julian’s gaze softened slightly, though his stance remained firm.
“So, Raphael,” he began, his tone both curious and discerning, “you have no allegiance, no family ties, and you’re a Sovereign Realm wanderer looking to join a noble family in the midst of war?”
Raphael nodded, his expression conflicted. “Yes, my lord. I’ve been wandering alone, using my strength to survive but without a true purpose or place. I came here to fight, hoping my skills could earn me a place within a family”
He paused, glancing at his shattered spear. “I hid my abilities because I didn’t want to attract attention before proving myself. Power like mine means little to families like yours unless it’s backed by loyalty.”
Julian considered his words, recognizing a familiar resolve in Raphael’s gaze. “The Easvil family doesn’t take loyalty lightly,” Julian replied, voice steely but measured. “But if you’re truly here to fight and protect our kingdom, perhaps you’ll find that belonging you seek.”
Raphael’s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope, and he bowed deeply. “Thank you, my lord.”
Julian regarded Raphael with a faint smile. “Come, follow me,” he commanded.
“From this day forward, you will serve as my personal knight and heed only my command.”
Raphael’s eyes widened in shock, realizing the gravity of Julian’s offer. He quickly dropped to one knee, bowing his head deeply.
“Thank you, my lord. I swear my loyalty to you alone,” he said, voice filled with excitement and gratitude. Serving the future duke as his sole personal knight was an honor that not many would get in their lifetime.
Julian nodded approvingly. “Stand up, Raphael. You have much to learn, and the battles ahead will be fierce. But serve well, and you may find what you’ve been searching for.”
Julian then gestured for him to leave. As Raphael left the training grounds. “Hey, System,” he called out.
The system’s familiar voice replied, “Host, did you sense it as well?”
Julian nodded, a hint of intrigue flashing across his face. “Yes. Raphael has an unusually strong affinity with lightning. It was faint, but I could feel it during our exchange.”
“Indeed,” the system confirmed. “His natural connection to lightning could be refined into a formidable strength, especially under your guidance.”
Julian’s mind raced with possibilities. With Raphael’s untapped potential, especially in an element so close to his own powers, there could be even greater synergy in battles to come.
“Let’s keep a close watch on him,” Julian decided. “He may just become an invaluable asset.”
At dawn, the entire Easvil army assembled with an army five thousand strong. Their armor were shining under the early morning light. The soldiers stood in disciplined rows, each man and woman ready to serve and protect the duchy.
At the front of the army, stood Augustus, Alden, Julian, and other important members of the Easvil family, each wearing expressions of resolve and pride.
Julian’s gaze swept over the soldiers as he caught the determined faces of those who would fight alongside him. By his side, Augustus stood tall giving off his powerful aura.
Alden stood resolute, the weight of his duty as Duke clear in his eyes. This was not just a march to war, it was a demonstration of the Easvil family’s unwavering commitment to their people and the kingdom.
The atmosphere was tense as they all waited for the time they march off to defend their kingdom hand their home.
Raphael stood beside Julian trying to absorb the gravity of the situation. War was what he always wanted to participate in but now that he stood infront of such powerful mass of people, he could not help himself from trembling.
Suddenly, Augustus’s voice boomed across the field which was clear and commanding. “Soldiers of the Easvil state, straighten up!”
In perfect unison, the entire army changed their posture, each soldier standing straighter, chins raised with pride and focus. The silence that followed Augustus’s order was intense, amplifying the weight of the mission ahead.
Augustus’s gaze swept across the lines, his expression filled with pride and the authority of a seasoned leader. The soldiers stood silently as they awaited his next words, knowing the importance of the moment and the family they served.
“We are at war with the Kingdom of Apollo,” he declared.
“The plague has ravaged their lands, stripping them of food, hope, and life itself. They stand on the brink, with nothing left but desperation, and in that desperation, they’ve waged war against us. This is their final attempt to survive.”
The soldiers’ faces remained stoic as they absorbed the weight of Augustus’s words. The Easvil army knew that facing Apollo’s forces would mean confronting an army with nothing to lose.
“They may be weakened, but desperation can lead to strength,” Augustus continued.
“So, soldiers of the Easvil family,” Augustus’s voice thundered, filled with pride and command, “I expect each of you to fight a brave battle against these enemies. Make our family proud with your strength and valor. I, Grand Duke Augustus, stand with you all, let us crush our enemies and rise tall as victors!”
The army erupted in a fierce roar. The sound echoing across the fields. Shields clanged, voices rose, and the raw energy of thousands united sent a shiver through the air.
Julian stood by his grandfather’s side, feeling a rush of awe and pride. Goosebumps filled his skin, and he finally grasped the full weight of true authority and the power that came from leading with both strength and unwavering loyalty.
In that moment, he felt the true meaning of being a Grand Duke. It was not just the symbol of power and authority but also of respect and loyalty.
Alden chuckled, turning to Julian with a knowing smile.
“See, Julian? This is what true power is,” he said with his voice filled with pride and understanding.
“It’s not about titles or ranks, being a king or queen, an archmage or a Grand mage. Nor is it about the privileges of nobility or the struggles of commoners. True power lies in earning the trust of your people, a trust so deep that they’re willing to lay down their lives by your side.”
Julian absorbed his father’s words, the depth of their meaning settling within him. This wasn’t about dominance or control rather it was about a bond that was forged through loyalty, respect, and shared purpose. Watching the soldiers’ fierce loyalty, Julian began to understand what it truly meant to be a leader, one who inspires unwavering devotion and loyalty not just obedience and submission.
