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Chapter 3: Family Feast

The Vanthar Manor was alive with the warmth of the magical fires that lined the halls. The hallways filled with the aroma of a sumptuous feast waiting to be eaten.

Lassim's heart swelled with anticipation as he hurried down the grand staircase from the library to the dining hall. His steps echoing through the opulent halls adorned with tapestries which depicted the great feats his father and mother had accomplished; a feature that showed his noble lineage from a strong heritage merited through battle.

Entering the dining hall, Lassim was greeted by the sight of his parents seated at the head of the table, bathed in the soft glow of magical candlelight. 

"Lassim, come join us," Everard beckoned, his voice resonating loudly, yet softened by the warmth of familial love.

Taking his place at the table, Lassim felt a surge of joy at the comforting presence of his family.

His father, Everard Vanthar, was known as the Iron Marquis for his unwavering resolve and battle acumen. He sat tall and stoic, his gaze piercing yet filled with a hint of paternal pride as he watched his son sit down.

The record dictated that he received his title as the Iron Marquis for one of his greatest feats against the Dragal, roughly about 3,000 years ago. It was a story that had become a legend the bards sung about from time to time. It was sung as such:

~~~~~~~

In the heart of the crimson battlefield,

Amidst the chaos and carnage,

Wrought by those Dragal scum,

The great, the mighty, Everard Vanthar,

He stood like a colossus,

Those bastards slain!

His great bastard sword gleaming,

With the fiery fury of a thousand suns!

He was the IRON MARQUIS!!!

~~~~~~~

The tales said his father's element of fire filled his weapon with power so immense that it burned so bright that the nearby kingdoms has witnessed the glare.

It was said the air crackled with the intensity of heat as he faced down a monstrous horde of 4,000 abyssal demons lead by a Dragal Lieutenant as he held the western warfront's supply line by himself. It was a surprise attack that happened while he was on the way to his new posting. His resolve unwavering in the face of overwhelming odds lead to them naming him akin to a shield that stood in the face of the danger. Unmoving and heavy but fiery like a freshly smelted bar of iron.

The stories told that with each swing of his blade, Everard carved a path of destruction through the ranks of the enemy with movements like a raging inferno. He was wild with blazing fury as he was a beacon of safety for the human supply line amidst the blood-soaked earth.

The Dragal demons' abyssal legion that included towering behemoths with skin as hard as stone, fell to ash before his sword. He held steadfast and protected the line before reinforcements could come.

As the battle had raged on, Everard's valor and tenacity became legendary as he held the line and annihilated nearly 2/3rds of the legion by himself until the reinforcements arrived.

This feat inspired awe and admiration amongst his comrades and everyone who heard this tale. The feat of holding the line like an iron shield against the demons earned him his wealth and title when the current Aurora king so proclaimed. Thus he was henceforth the "Iron Marquis".

After recalling the tale briefly, Lassim had sat down at the dining table which was laden with a feast fit for royalty. There was roasted venison from night deer, savory pies filled with sun fish, and an array of scrumptious vegetables adorned the table, their enticing aromas tantalizing his senses.

As they began to eat their fill, conversation flowed effortlessly, filling the air with laughter and affection. Lassim listened intently as his father regaled him with tales of valor and duty, instilling in him the importance of upholding the honor of the Vanthar name.

"You are the future of our house, Lassim," Everard declared, interrupting his meal briefly. With his voice brimming with pride he continued, "Tomorrow marks the beginning of your journey as a spirit warrior. We will travel to Golden Lotus River City early in the morning. Me, your uncle Gryphon and you will all travel together. At all times, remember your training and your duty to our family and legacy."

Lassim nodded solemnly, and put his father's words to memory. Though Everard's expectations weighed heavily upon him, he found solace in the unwavering support of his family.

"Egelina, my dear, would you care to pass the bread?" Everard requested, his tone filled with the affection he held for his wife.

"Of course, my love," Egelina replied, her smile radiant as she reached for the bread basket. Turning to Lassim, she spoke with gentle reassurance, "The spirit awakening is a momentous day, my son. Your spirit awakening ceremony is a time of celebration and joy. We are proud of the young man you have become and stand by you. This will be the beginning of a new chapter in your life. No matter what elemental spirit you obtain, even if it's not Fire or Nature, we will love you the same as before. Just do your best. We love you."

Lassim's heart swelled with gratitude for his mother's support. Her words filled him with a sense of joy, easing his anxiety for what was to come.

As they continued their meal, the conversation turned to lighter topics, with Everard regaling them with tales of his own youth at the academy and Egelina sharing fond memories of family gatherings on her side of the family from years past.

The Rohese family is renowned for their mastery of the nature elemental spirits. They boasted a long line of formidable warriors whose strength lies not in their martial prowess, but in their ability to harness the power of the nature and the land itself by mastering healing and creation. Their bond with the nature elemental spirits served as a varied career path for many of the Rohese clan. 

It is not only in the medic tents or hospitals on the battlefield that the Rohese family's influence is felt.

As masters of the Nature element, they are revered for their ability to shape and nurture the world around them. From their hands, they are capable of crafting wonders. From towering citadels to sprawling gardens, their creations stand as testaments to their boundless imagination.

Egelina Rohese Vanthar, Lassim's mother, is herself an Nature elemental warrior that focused mainly on using the power of her elemental weapon, a vine whip, for creating these beautiful estates that held the Rohese family prestigious emblem; a status symbol.

A Rohese family estate could cost families hundreds of thousands or even millions of high-grade elemental source stones. Their beauty known far and wide across the continent. 

The hours passed in a blur of laughter and storytelling, the familial ties strong as ever.

As dessert was served—a decadent chocolate cake buns adorned with sugared violet raspberries—Lassim felt his anxiety being replaced with excitement for tomorrow. 

With a final toast to tomorrow's journey to be safe, Lassim bid his father and mother goodnight as he hurried to retire to his chamber.


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
JPNovelFan JPNovelFan

We've learned why he's called the Iron Marquis! And a bit about the MC's mother. Please vote for me if you think it's going well?

Chapter 4: Setting Off

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Iron Marquis Manor as Lassim, his father, and the guard captain Gryphon were preparing to depart for Golden River Lotus City.

Standing before the imposing gates of the Vanthar estate, Lassim couldn't help but admire the grandeur of his home. He tried burning the image into his mind as it would be the last time he'd see it for the next few years. After the ceremony, he would immediately be leaving for the academy he gets accept into. The studies and academic plans at any of the academies won't allow him to return so easily.

The Vanthar Manor's glory stood tall like the Iron Marquis. Its towering spires and fortified walls exuded an air of strength and invincibility. The estate itself sprawled across many acres of land. The inner areas were encased in the protective walls. Inside, the main estate building was surrounded by pristine gardens and winding pathways that led to hidden alcoves and secluded ponds throughout. There were marble statues of Vanthar warriors adorned the pathways, their stoic presence gazing out with an aura of vigilance and enchanted magic.

In addition to the statues, nestled in the corner of the estate's courtyard, a small shrine to Ribus, the god of flame, stood with humble reverence. It was a modest statute that contrasted the grandeur of the surrounding buildings. Crafted from weathered stone, the shrine depicted a lifelike image of Ribus in a moment of fierce determination. The sculpted features carved out a fiery visage that was symbolic of the god's temper and strength.

At its base, a magical flame danced in an eternal tribute to the fiery deity. It's flickering wisps of flame radiated a warm glow of protection and slight ferocity. Its' sacred aura embracing the entire shrine to Ribus.

As Lassim and his father emerged from the main entrance, their carriage awaited them. The estate's maid staff had carefully parked it in the manor's expansive training field. The field was usually only reserved for the knights and soldiers who served the Iron Marquis. This morning the field was not bustling with the typical morning activity where the employees guard warriors would being honing their skills by sparring with one another. Instead, it was silent and solemn as they wished to send off their young master and the lord with honor.

The carriage itself was drawn by a pair of majestic night deer. Night deer are majestic creatures native to the dense forests and wooded areas of Nexaria. Standing tall and proud, they possess slender and graceful bodies adorned with shimmering coats of midnight black. The blackness is interspersed with patches of deep indigo and silver. Their fur is thick and lustrous, providing insulation against the cool night air and gives them an air of ethereal beauty to all who look at them.

In Nexarian folklore, night deer are often associated with mystery and enchantment, their presence believed to herald good fortune and blessings upon those who encounter them. A blessing the trio of the Vanthar lord, guard Captain Gryphon and the young master Lassim would be hoping for on their travel. This, coupled with their exceptional forest navigational swiftness, make them perfect mounts for carriages in and out of Swallowtail Mountain City. 

The carriage itself was adorned with the Vanthar family crest—a magnificent two-handed bastard sword crossed with a blazing sun, its rays reaching outwards like fiery tendrils—gleamed in the morning light. Its polished wood and gilded trimmings reflecting the majesty of its occupants.

"Gryphon, ensure everything is prepared for our journey," Everard commanded, his voice carrying through the training ground's field.

The guard captain, Gryphon Vanthar, nodded in acknowledgment. He had his hand resting firmly on the hilt of his sword as he checked the Night deer's bindings once more before hopping onto the driver's coach position.

Lassim's uncle Gryphon was a stalwart figure with weathered features. He had a thick black beard and piercing eyes that carried a hint of wild fury. That fury was an easy sign that he carried a fire elemental spirit, and that he had trained in the sword techniques of his younger brother, the Iron Marquis. His strength and power was great, but experienced warriors with a strong spirit sense would be able to see that he was noticeably a few levels below that of the Marquis. 

With everyone inside and ready to set off, Gryphon gave a gentle nudge of the reins. The night deer began to pull the carriage forward with their powerful hooves clacking against the cobblestone path as they set off on their journey.

As they passed through the gates of the Vanthar Manor, Lassim stole a final glance at the sprawling estate. He felt a pang of nostalgia and slight sadness tugging at his heartstrings.

They followed the road to Golden River Lotus City, where the ceremony would take place. It began by leading them through the rustic and bustling streets of Swallowtail Mountain City. Nestled at the foot of the verdant mountain, the medieval town bustled with activity as merchants hawked their wares and townsfolk went about their daily routines.

 

The architecture of Swallowtail Mountain City was a blend of rustic charm with timber-framed buildings and cobblestone streets. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, displaying the heraldry of the Iron Marquis' sun fire sword crest in front of the different shops and guilds that called the city home. The banners were a marker stating they were under the protection of the Marquis and a warning against any thieves that would test their luck against them. 

As they passed through the bustling streets, Lassim couldn't help but feel a bit sad about leaving his home finally for the first time. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the scent of exotic spices, and the loving old grannies that would treat him when he was exploring.

Despite his thoughts, he was filled with anticipation. Counteracting his slightly sour feelings a send of joy was hanging over Swallowtail Mountain City. There was excitement in the eyes of all for the young master's spirit awakening as they saw the carriage pass. Many well-wishers were waving goodbye to the young master as they all knew he was on his way towards his spirit awakening ceremony.

For Lassim, he waved back to everyone he could and eventually bid farewell the town. He was prepared to embark on a new chapter of his life.

As the carriage continued on its journey, leaving Swallowtail Mountain City behind, it entering the forest's pathways. Silence overtook the carriage as Lassim hung his head outside the window carriage while pondering what Golden River Lotus City would be like.


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