The noble lords stood motionless, watching as the ethereal green flames that seemed capable of illuminating half the sky gradually dissipated along with the thick mist.
Skeletal horses stepped forward accompanied by ghostly green flames, leaving burning footprints wherever they passed. Though their steps were chaotic, strangely, the expected rhythmic sound of hoofbeats never came. They moved across the earth like a procession of spectres.
The two carriages carrying the Grand Duke and his entourage, also burning with ghost fire, silently vanished into the thick fog without a sound.
Augustus remained standing in place, watching the glowing green sparks of ash floating in the air with a smile. Looking at the departing convoy, he asked the surrounding nobles:
"What do you think of Princess Aurelianne?"
A noble respectfully replied:
"Your Majesty, though Princess Aurelianne is young, she remained composed and unintimidated before all of us. This truly speaks to the excellence of Imperial etiquette."
Another noble nodded and added:
"Most importantly, given her status, she could have been far less courteous."
If she were just an ordinary princess, that would be one thing. However, she was a princess of the Karensia Empire...
The Emperor was universally acknowledged as the warrior standing at the world's peak. Even after years of development, no warrior from the Kingdom had ever come close to Aubrey's level, let alone surpass him.
What level was Aubrey at? And what level were they?
Moreover, Aurelianne was Grand Duke Balo's granddaughter.
What level was Duke Balo at? And what level were they?
Not impressive enough?
Add Viktor to the equation - was that enough weight?
With the highest backing from two major nations, and even support from the Mage Council, Aurelianne could walk sideways anywhere she pleased.
Yet she still maintained a diplomatic attitude representing the Empire, remaining friendly and kind. Even when facing the Kingdom's lords, she remained extremely courteous.
This was not only precious but also easily earned their deep fondness for her.
Augustus nodded and turned to ask Count Laurien:
"Count Laurien, you received the Princess yesterday. What did you think of her?"
Laurien pondered briefly before answering:
"Princess Aurelianne is quite remarkable. I believe she must be a kind person."
Recalling how Aurelianne had comforted the maid, his eyes flashed with approval. A princess comforting a maid was truly a rare sight. This was also why he believed Aurelianne would surely help him with his request.
Hearing everyone's praise for the Princess, Augustus appeared very satisfied.
"I see. It seems this Princess not only possesses an impressive background and sufficient talent, but her character is also quite excellent."
He then turned to Hilda with slightly raised eyebrows and a serious expression:
"Hilda, your performance today was somewhat lacking. How could we ask our honored guest to fight?"
Knowing she had made a mistake, Hilda hung her head in shame.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I acted impulsively."
She closed her eyes, her heart twisted like a rope.
"I know, because that's exactly what you would say. At least now I know this Princess isn't just for show."
Augustus smiled and patted Hilda's shoulder, then continued speaking as if casually:
"Perhaps this Princess has not yet taken a consort?"
The ghostly convoy had disappeared at the end of the road as a gentle breeze blew. His words seemed to echo melodiously across the land.
The assembled noble lords nodded, wearing contemplative expressions. Only Hilda kept her head down, silent and dejected.
...
The bright moon cast silver radiance upon the earth. Green ghost fire intertwined with moonlight, dotting the night sky with strange, moving stars.
In the air, ghost fires blazed fiercely amid thick smoke. The undead horses wrapped in flames galloped swiftly through the deep forest.
These horses surrounded a convoy of carriages similarly lit with ghost fire, charging toward their destination. Strangely, despite the movement of hooves and wheels, no sound was produced.
The only sound was a distant bell tolling in the night sky, as if warning travelers of approaching spirits.
Where the convoy passed, traces gradually faded from the earth.
Soon, the convoy emerged from the dense forest to face an imposing city.
The flags here bore green insignias, with ghost fire similar to the carriages burning at their tips.
The emblem on those flags was the Balo family crest.
The knights urged their horses out of the tunnel, looking up, captivated by the magnificent flames.
The flames seemed to come alive, bowing slightly to everyone as they twisted their bodies.
The knights pulled their reins, slowly stopping their horses, while the carriages continued deeper into the city.
Along the way were tall, ancient buildings with ghost fire flowing through them.
Yet in such a huge city, there wasn't a single pedestrian.
The knights followed closely behind, gazing at this desolate city, feeling a sense of loneliness and emptiness.
Until the convoy drove into a vast manor.
Beyond the iron gates burning with green fireflies was a network of roads spreading in all directions.
The manor was like a maze, with gardens everywhere.
Only one wide road remained that allowed carriages to pass through.
This grand mansion was like a small castle, its surrounding walls entwined with ghost flames, like the clothing of a phantasmal castle.
Towering spires burned with clusters of ghost fire at their peaks, blooming like green flowers.
When everyone arrived at the courtyard, the skeletal horses bowed submissively.
The knights and demi-humans all dismounted.
The green flames burning on their bodies dissipated as soon as their feet touched the ground.
Twelve diplomatic ministers stood solemnly on the courtyard path, staring fearfully at the ghost flames with anxious hearts.
After all, this was their first time dealing with this Grand Duke of the Kanter Kingdom.
Who knew what peculiar temperament this Duke might have?
Could anyone living in such an eerie environment have a good temper?
The diplomatic ministers' gazes swept across the surrounding flower beds.
Despite the desolate environment, these flowers still stood tall and graceful, in full vibrant bloom.
Everyone entered the mansion, yet no servants came to receive them.
The cold wind brought a gloomy chill, and the courtyard was vast and empty, seeming utterly lonely.
Did this Duke live here alone?
At this moment, Duke Balo also alighted from his carriage, and Aurelianne followed Viktor's lead in dismounting.
The next second, Duke Balo struck the ground with his cane.
With a 'thud', the surrounding green smoke suddenly dispersed.
The undead carriages and horses turned to white bone powder, gradually dispersing in the air.
Everyone present stared dumbfounded at their surroundings.
The moment the green smoke completely cleared, the night sky became incredibly clear.
The bright moon shone more brilliantly, countless stars like white pearls embedded in the black curtain of sky, casting down peaceful radiance.
Light from the mansion's windows streamed out, flowing with warm luminescence.
The green ghost fires gradually returned to normal, making the roads clear and bright.
Suddenly, Aurelianne stood frozen, staring straight ahead.
Countless servants stood before them, arranged in two lines, bowing in unison.
"Finally, home at last."
Duke Balo said softly, then looked down at Aurelianne.
He saw an expression of surprise on her face.
"This is... amazing."
This was her first time experiencing such a scene, as if suddenly connected from one corner of the world to another.
Duke Balo turned his head again.
"The place we just passed through was the dwelling of the dead, which is why our carriages could freely traverse it.
"This is also the fastest way to return here besides teleportation magic."
"But upon entering the realm of the living, they must depart of their own accord."
Duke Balo was referring to the horses and carriages that had silently dissipated.
After the green mist disappeared, it meant everyone had returned to the realm of the living.
They naturally disappeared.
"The dead should not tread in the realm of the living, just as the living should not disturb the peace of the dead."
Hearing these words, Aurelianne felt dazed.
She thought of her mother.
She had heard that her mother, who died in childbirth, was buried here.
Aurelianne had come to the Kingdom, to her ancestral home she had never visited before.
A large part of her reason for coming was to visit the mother she had never met.
So Aurelianne asked:
"Grandfather, my mother... where is she buried?"
"I would like to visit her."
Hearing Aurelianne's words, Duke Balo didn't turn around.
Only a calm voice slowly responded:
"You will see her."
"But not now."
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