Chapter 261: Alright, Let’s Get Going
Raegar was rushing around the Vaelthorne lands hunting any Devils he could find, thanks to using his Wind Aether. By the time he finished killing the fiends, he grew tired and began making his way back to the girls. While walking, he noticed Dawnfire soldiers and Hunters rushing down the Kingsway.
’’Looks like they’re getting it under control,’’ he muttered.
Following that, Raegar continued traveling until seeing his grandparents’ mansion in the distance, only for him to notice a blue blur, putting a smile on his face. He raised his arms and caught the Dark Fairy as she hugged him.
’’It’s good you didn’t stay away for too long, handsome,’’ she mumbled. ’’One of those death cults conspired with the Devils to invade the empire; they were working on it for months.’’
When Raegar heard this, his eyes widened in surprise as he replied. ’’So all these attacks were distractions for the cult to set up the portals?’’
Drusilla nodded before he continued. ’’And how do you know all this?’’
’’Dahlia passed us a letter informing me and the girls about what was happening.’’
Raegar was surprised, but soon enough, he noticed the other girls approaching from the newly built wall. Zahara was the first to greet him with a tight hug and a big smile. ’’Rae! Thank you for keeping your word,’’ she happily said.
Yuki, Selene, Dominique, and Alice appeared, enveloping him in warm embraces and kisses. They soon returned to the mansion, where Victoria, Elara, and Saki awaited them. His mother stepped forward, her expression grave. ’’Your father and grandfather were summoned south,’’ she said. ’’The demon attacks have grown fiercer there.’’
’’Should I go help?’’ he suggested.
Everyone shook their heads as Elara explained. ’’The empress wants you at the palace. A Carrier is coming to pick you and the girls up any minute now.’’
Raegar sighed in relief. ’’I’m glad, I’m tired of fighting for now and need a rest.’’
Following that, the girls dragged him toward the tent for something to eat before their transport arrived. He noticed the Imperial Guards still patrolling the wall, garden, and other parts of the mansion. Once inside, he slumped into a comfortable chair as Yuki went to make the tea and lunch.
After some time, Raegar and the girls were eating sandwiches that the catwoman had made. Each one was enjoying the food while he stuffed even more in his mouth, his stomach started rumbling, prompting Zahara to jump up, exclaiming. ’’I’ll make some southern ones, I’m sure you’ll love them!’’
The group’s excitement bubbled over, their laughter and chatter filling the air with joy. He couldn’t help but grin, his heart warmed by the scene unfolding around him. The tent, aglow with flickering lantern light. He felt at peace; his summer break had officially begun, a rare chance to unwind and spend time with his girls.
Yet, he became curious; they would be in the capital this time tomorrow, far from the familiar comforts of the Blackwood County. Raegar guessed Dahlia would send them to Drakenwood once the holiday ended. He let the questions slip away with a casual shrug as his stomach rumbled loudly, craving more than just a quick bite.
The group remainder at the table, their laughter filled the tent as they enjoyed their meal until every plate was cleared and bellies were full. Satisfied, Raegar rose, stretching his arms, then ambled over to the plush sofa. Following that, he dropped down and sank into its cushions, settling in with a relaxed grin.
Raegar succumbed to the blissful haze of a food coma, his body sinking deeper into the sofa. Drusilla appeared, a soft blanket draped over her arm. With a love-filled smile, she tucked it around him, her voice a soothing whisper. ’’Rest, my dear boy. You’ve earned it.’’
The Dark Fairy leaned in, pressing a delicate kiss to his forehead before gliding back to join the others. Hours slipped by as he slept, the world fading into a peaceful lull. The faint hum of the approaching Carrier stirred the air, and Zahara’s voice broke through his dreams. ’’Rae, come on,’’ she urged. ’’We need to board before the storm worsens.’’
Raegar blinked awake, the blanket still warm around him, and nodded. ’’Alright, let’s get going,’’ he muttered.
Following that, he stood up, letting out a yawn as the exhaustion was still there, thanks to using Fusion Overdrive. That’s when a stream of fresh Aether flowed into his body. Alice appeared beside him, a sweet smile on her face. ’’This should wake you up until we’re traveling.’’
’’Thanks, Alice,’’ he replied, shivering as he felt slightly refreshed.
As the group stepped out into the warm sunlight, they were greeted by his mother and grandmother, their eyes sparkling with joy at the sight of him. Both women’s smiles were wide and genuine. Without hesitation, she wrapped him in a tight embrace, her arms wrapping securely around his shoulders as if to anchor him in her love.
’’Oh, Rae,’’ she murmured. ’’Thank you for everything you’ve done. You’ve made us so proud.’’
She pulled back slightly, her hands lingering on his shoulders as she gazed into his red eyes. ’’Now, go explore the palace, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Let yourself enjoy this moment; you’ve earned it.’’
His mother nodded in agreement, her face glowing with pride. ’’You may be one of the greatest Vaelthornes to live since the founder. The things you’ve done outshine the heroes of legends and the famous leaders.’’
Raegar’s lips curved into a warm smile at Victoria’s words. ’’Thanks, Mother. I do my best to help, but it can feel overwhelming at times.’’
’’And now your efforts have caught the eye of a woman most men could only dream of,’’ she replied with a knowing nod.
’’That was unexpected,’’ he chuckled. ’’Who would’ve thought the youngest Blackwood would be engaged to Dahlia Dawnfire?’’
Victoria’s laughter sparkled as she planted a kiss on Raegar’s forehead, her voice brimming with pride. "Now go show the capital who the mightiest mage is!"
’’Hell yeah, he will!’’ Griffin roared, vibrating with excitement. "He’s already outmatching me in a fight at seventeen! Can you even imagine what he’ll be like at twenty-one? A fucking monster! My grandson Raegar Blackwood, the Fusion King, Emperor of Dawnfire, and the family’s defender!’’
Grinning wildly, Griffin spun toward a group of men his age. ’’You see this, Vlad? My boy shines brighter than any star in the sky! And soon, we’ll all be family when he weds your granddaughter!’’
Disbelief rushed through Raegar, but it paled compared to the wide-eyed shock of Alice and Dominique. The vampire girl’s voice erupted with astonishment. ’’Grandfather Vlad! What in the heavens are you doing here?!’’
The grey-skinned duke stepped forward, a gleam in his piercing green eyes. ’’I’ve come to honor the hero who saved your elder sisters without hesitation,’’ he declared. ’’A blinding flash of blue light, and in mere seconds, over a hundred Tier Six Devils lay vanquished, their menace snuffed out like candles in a storm.’’
Vlad, the legendary Duke of the North, renowned for his unmatched battle prowess, extended a powerful hand toward Raegar. ’’Only one soul could wield such power. Raegar Blackwood, bane of Devils and terror to the empire’s foes. You’ve not only saved my granddaughters but brought happiness to my youngest, a smile brighter than I’ve ever witnessed. For that, I owe you my deepest gratitude.’’
In a heartbeat, Darius materialized in front of Raegar, seizing him by the collar with a grip like iron. But before he could react, a blur of steel cut through the air. Arthur, the Fusion Knight, appeared in a flash, his gleaming sword pressed against the man’s throat. ’’Step back, human,’’ Arthur growled. ’’Or you’ll learn why my lord is unmatched in power.’’
Raegar’s fingers twitched, ready to summon his twin daggers, but Darius’s demeanor shifted. A wild laugh burst from him, his green eyes sparkling with intrigue as he released him and stepped back. ’’So the legends are true!’’ he excitedly exclaimed. ’’The knights have returned, and their might is as formidable as the tales claim!’’
’’Huh? Who is this weirdo grandfather?’’ Raegar questioned Griffin.
That’s when a giggle echoed out as Alice appeared beside him, her blonde hair tied into a ponytail, and her green eyes sparkled, only for him to realize they were related somehow, but once she spoke, he laughed. ’’Grandfather, stop terrorizing him, please. I know you love the stories, but he’d be happy to talk about it.’’
Darius laughed and held out a hand. ’’Sorry about that, boy, I get overexcited when it comes to the empire’s legends. To see you become what you’re surprised me and got the better, I apologize, but enough of that, I’m Darius Sunfire, grandfather of this pretty lady next to you.’’
’’Oh, the old southern Duke,’’ Raegar remembered. ’’We’re already related by marriage thanks to Jasper and now Alice.’’
Griffin chuckled. ’’He beat you there, boy, but Jasper is much older than you,’’ he said.