CHAPTER TWO: THE DUCAL FAMILY

Year XX74.

"Dad, Chris, wait up!" Little Emerald yelled, sprinting towards her father and older brother by the carriage. The two turned, spotting the bright, angelic figure of their younger sister rushing their way.

Grand Duke Walter: a tall man with broad shoulders and muscular arms that can be seen through his fitted royal uniform attire. His neatly groomed beard framed a strong jawline and complimented his blonde short hair, accentuating his authoritative yet kind countenance. Walter's piercing green eyes held a depth of experience, and lines etched on his forehead spoke of the responsibilities he bore. His only son Christopher, at fifteen, displayed the first signs of transitioning into a young man. Chris's lean frame hinted at a budding strength, with a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes, his tousled brown hair fell casually over his forehead. Chris wore a white long-sleeve shirt paired with a tweed vest neatly tucked into brown trousers, perfectly capturing his teenage spirit.

"Did you inform her about today?" Grand Duke Walter anxiously asked his son, Chris.

"Nope," Chris responded with a chuckle. "Hmm..." Duke Walter started to fidget. "Young Lady Emerald is as energetic as ever," Butler Werneck remarked cheekily, offering a faint smile. Werneck's neatly trimmed silver hair framed a face adorned with sharp features and piercing eyes. His impeccable attire, a suit with a white shirt and a black bow tie perfectly pressed, reflected his commitment to excellence in every aspect of his role as the Duke's most trusted servant.

"Dad...Dad... ugh," ten-year-old Emerald tumbled to the ground. "Emerald!" the Duke exclaimed, rushing to pick up his daughter. "Waaaahhh!" Emerald burst into tears.

Emerald, the youngest child of the ducal family, embodied innocence and energy. Her curly blonde locks framed a cherubic face, adorned with sparkling green eyes that held curiosity and mischief. At ten years old, Emerald's petite form exuded a certain charm, and her rosy cheeks accentuated her youthful vitality. She wore a petite dress decorated with colorful ruffles and bows, reflecting her lively personality and carefree nature.

"Good Lord!" Duchess Kristen rushed out of the greenhouse with a few maids to check the commotion.

Duchess Kristen, the Duke's wife, possessed elegancy with flowing chestnut hair that fell gracefully to her shoulders. Her warm brown eyes held both kindness and authority. She wore a regal gown with a pretty bow underneath that accentuated her graceful figure, and her gentle smile added a touch of warmth to her regal demeanor.

"Emerald, how many times have I told you not to run in the yard? Be a good girl and come with me to the greenhouse," the Duchess sternly told Emerald.

"No, I don't want to. I want to go with Dad and Chris," Emerald disregarded the Duchess's instructions while sniffing away her tears. "Goodness, Emerald..." The Duchess was fed up with her little one's naughtiness. She walked up to Emerald and the Duke, wearing a frown.

"Kristen..." Duke Walter softly called his wife's name while lifting Emerald in his arms. "I'll take Emerald with me today. I think it'll be best to bring my little ruckus to Linder. Countess Betty is visiting you today, right?" The Duke smiled charmingly at his wife.

"Ugh... all right, but make sure you don't cause trouble for Father and your brother, Emerald." Little Emerald nodded and turned to hug her father. "Haahaa..." Duke Walter burst into laughter. "Hmm... don't make me the villainess, Walter. Okay then, I'll go get things ready for the Countess's arrival," Duchess Kristen said, turning back toward the estate.

"Let's hit the road, shall we?" the Duke said, carrying his daughter in his arms. He strolled toward his son who stood by the carriage, observing the dramatic display by his sister from a distance. "Is our junior not grown enough to stop throwing tantrums?" Chris teased his younger sister with a smirk.

"Humph... Can you put me down, Father?" Emerald requested with a pouty face.

"Oh... okay," the Duke obliged, setting his daughter down, and Emerald swiftly marched inside the carriage. Duke Walter wore a confused expression as his daughter, who had been crying a minute ago, seemed to have a sudden mood swing.

"We'll be back shortly, Werneck," the Duke bid farewell.

"Yes, my lord. I'll take care of the estate while awaiting your return," Butler Werneck bowed respectfully.

The Duke and his son jumped into the carriage, with Duke Walter sitting beside his daughter Emerald, and his son Chris sitting across from them.

***

As the carriage journeyed through the countryside toward Linder, the heart of the Duchy, they were met with a lively scene. Tall buildings dotted the skyline, bustling with activity, while the air hummed with the sounds of pedestrians, mercenaries, and merchants. Entering the town, they passed the famous town square, where luxurious goods were on display and nobles found entertainment.

Continuing, the carriage made its way through the middle of the township, approaching the vibrant market filled with traders and crowds of people. "Look, Dad, it's the market!" exclaimed Emerald with excitement. The market held a special place in Emerald's heart, always a favorite destination. The Lumine family would sometimes disguise themselves and join the throngs of people at the market to revel in the night carnival festivities during holidays. It was a place where both citizens and visitors alike gathered to celebrate festivals and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

"Emy, stay seated. You'll end up hurting yourself," cautioned Duke Walter, eyeing his daughter's tendency to be clumsy. Despite the carriage being one of the finest, with its elegant design befitting royalty, safety remained a priority. As they passed through the bustling streets, Emerald's initial excitement waned.

"Huh... where are we headed?" Emerald asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Heh, you're tagging along without knowing where we're going? We're heading to the Barrack," Chris replied nonchalantly, causing Emerald's expression to sour.

"Chris, don't tease your sister," Duke Walter admonished his son, who sat across from his father and sister with a smirk, his legs crossed casually.

"Emy, see that hill over there? That's our destination," the Duke pointed to a hill a few miles away from the town, redirecting Emerald's attention.

As the carriage drew closer, they could see the hill looming in the distance from the window. Arriving at their destination, the carriage came to a stop, and the Duke and his two children disembarked. They found themselves atop the hill, surrounded only by bushes. Emerald nervously glanced around, reaching for the Duke's hand. Duke Walter turned to his anxious daughter, offering her a reassuring smile that eased her nerves. "All right, let's get going," he announced eagerly.

The trio, accompanied by one knight and a coachman left behind to guard the carriage, began walking along a narrow path leading into the bushes. As they ventured deeper, Emerald's fidgeting betrayed her growing tiredness. "We're almost there," the Duke reassured her. After a few more minutes of walking, they approached a large tomb nestled amidst the bushes.

"So this is the legendary Cedric the Light Sword's tomb?" Chris marveled as he gazed at the tomb's gate.

"This place is a tomb?" Emerald questioned, puzzled by their presence in front of a tomb. Nestled deep within the bushes, the tomb was concealed by overgrown weeds and grasses.

"Let's go inside," the Duke said, producing a key from his pocket and inserting it into the lock. With a creak, the gate swung open, and the three entered.

***

Inside the tomb, darkness enveloped them, illuminated only by torches mounted on the walls. Though small from the outside, the interior of the tomb revealed itself to be vast.

As they ventured deeper, they encountered another gate. "A second gate?" Emerald's curiosity was piqued.

This time, instead of a lock, a magical circle adorned the gate. "Listen carefully, Chris. Only a true lord of the people can open this gate. Only a few dukes have ever gained entry to this room," the Duke advised his son, the heir to his legacy. Placing his hand on the magic circle, a blue light emanated, and the gate began to open.

"Whoa," Chris and Emerald exclaimed in astonishment.

They stepped into a room ablaze with light. Relics, ancient artifacts, magical ornaments, and unique antiques adorned stone columns and were encased in glass boxes. It made sense to store such valuable items within a tomb rather than the estate. Each piece held immense value, capable of fetching vast sums of gold, which could raise suspicion if openly displayed.

"This is a sacred room that has been preserved for centuries. Some of these items have been safeguarded here longer than our kingdom has existed," Duke Walter explained to his children. "One day, Chris, it will be your responsibility to oversee this room," he assured his son.

As Duke Walter began to introduce and explain each item, Chris became engrossed, momentarily forgetting about Emerald, who wandered around the room. Suddenly, Emerald spotted a beautiful blue sword that caught her attention. The beautiful blue sword shimmered with a radiant glow, casting a captivating aura in its surroundings. Its hilt, adorned with beautiful designs, gleamed under the light as if imbued with magic itself. The blade, crafted with unparalleled precision, emitted a gentle azure glow, evoking the serene beauty of a summer sea.

"Dad! What's this? It looks stunning," she exclaimed.