บท 17: Chapter 16 (Extended): The Ties That Bind

The assembly hall's grandeur and the weight of the noble gathering pressed heavily on Valerius Alden's mind, yet beneath the formal exchanges, a more personal truth simmered—one that added an unseen layer to the political machinations around him. Among the imposing figures gathered today, Duchess Mirella Valen, the protector of the northern gate and one of the most powerful mages in the Empire, was more than just another noble; she was his aunt, the sister of his mother.

As the youngest Duke of Valenor, Valerius owed much of his survival to Mirella. In the years following the untimely death of his parents, many rival nobles had schemed to strip him of his title, seeing an opportunity in his youth and inexperience. The coveted gate under his family's control made him a target, but it was Mirella's influence and power that had shielded him from their grasping hands.

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After the formal meeting ended, Valerius found himself seated in one of the palace's more secluded chambers. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the walls. He was alone with Mirella now, the atmosphere a stark contrast to the stiff politics of the gathering earlier.

"You spoke well today, Valerius," Mirella said, her voice as smooth as ever, yet carrying an edge of sternness. "But you still have much to learn about this world."

Valerius met her gaze. Unlike the other nobles, he didn't need to mask his emotions here. "I know. But I can't afford to show weakness."

Mirella's sharp, green eyes softened for a moment, a rare flicker of familial warmth breaking through her otherwise impenetrable demeanor. She was a striking figure, with jet-black hair that cascaded down her back, her presence radiating power. The Duchess of the northern gate had long been a force to reckon with, both feared and respected by the other nobles. But to him, she was more than that—she was his last living connection to his mother.

"Your position as Duke is not merely a title, Valerius. It's a battlefield," Mirella continued, her gaze turning distant as if remembering the countless times she had fought in the shadows to protect him. "Your youth and inexperience make you vulnerable. There are many who still wish to see you fall, who covet the gate your family controls."

He remained silent, allowing her words to sink in. He had been too young to fully understand at the time, but he knew now that Mirella had played a significant role in ensuring his rise to Duke after his parents' deaths. Nobles had conspired to strip him of his title, believing him too weak to hold onto it, but Mirella's influence had kept those threats at bay.

"When you were younger," Mirella continued, "there were many who sought to tear you down, to take the gate that belongs to your house. You were just a child, and they would have devoured you if given the chance. I stood between them and you—just as I did today."

Her words stung, not because of her tone, but because of the reality they represented. Valerius knew that without her protection, he wouldn't be sitting here as Duke. But her protection wasn't out of mere familial obligation; it was a political calculation too. Their family's gate was one of the most strategically valuable, located in a region where powerful beasts of Rank 5 and Rank 6 frequently emerged. Whoever controlled it had immense influence, and Mirella had no intention of letting it slip into the hands of enemies.

"I owe you a great deal," Valerius said quietly, his gaze lowering in acknowledgment. "Without you, I wouldn't even be here."

Mirella gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "You owe me nothing, Valerius. I protected you for your mother's sake... and because you are a Valen. Our family cannot afford to lose its standing."

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As they talked, Valerius reflected on the power structure that surrounded them. Each noble family in the Empire owned gates, but their strength varied depending on the location and rank of the beasts that emerged from these gates. His gate, along with Mirella's, was among the most profitable due to the dangerous yet highly profitable creatures that appeared.

The gates were more than just a means of defense; they were an entire economy unto themselves. The cores harvested from beasts were critical for powering the Empire's magical artifacts, their meat was consumed to enhance a person's physical prowess, and their hides were used to craft powerful armor. Rank 5 and 6 beasts, in particular, were immensely valuable. Their cores could be sold for fortunes, and their rare materials could enhance even the most seasoned mages.

Duchess Mirella Valen's northern gate was infamous for the Rank 6 beasts that appeared there. Her reputation as one of the most powerful mages was not just a product of her lineage but her constant battles with these creatures. It was said that she had personally hunted down and killed dozens of these monstrous beasts, each victory further solidifying her status.

Valerius's gate, while not quite as dangerous as hers, also presented significant value. The beasts from his gate ranged from Rank 3 to Rank 5, providing a steady flow of resources to his estate. He had always known this in the game, exploiting the gate's position to bolster his strength, but now, in this world, he realized that the stakes were even higher. If his gate fell into the hands of a rival family, it could spell the end of his reign as Duke.

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As the night wore on, Mirella's tone softened, and for a moment, Valerius saw the woman behind the mask of the powerful duchess—the aunt who had cared for him in his most vulnerable years.

"Do you remember your mother, Valerius?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper. "She was just like you—determined, strong-willed, but always mindful of the dangers that surrounded her."

Valerius swallowed hard, memories of his mother flashing through his mind. "I remember bits and pieces. Her voice, her smile... but it's all so distant."

Mirella's eyes shimmered, though she quickly regained her composure. "She would have been proud of you. But remember this—being Duke is not about power alone. It's about surviving long enough to wield it."

Valerius nodded, absorbing her words. He had inherited not just the title of Duke, but the legacy of a family that had always been embroiled in the Empire's dangerous politics. His game knowledge would help him navigate this world, but it was his connection to Mirella and her protection that had allowed him to hold onto his position for as long as he had.

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As they prepared to leave the palace, Valerius found himself thinking of the other Dukes. While he was the youngest, the others were veterans of political intrigue and war, each with their own domains and gates to protect. They had spent years mastering their roles, while Valerius was still adjusting to the dangers of his new life.

There was Duke Bartholomew, whose gate was known for producing Rank 4 beasts, valuable for their strength but not nearly as dangerous as Mirella's or Valerius's. He had amassed a fortune by selling beast cores to the imperial army.

Duke Lucius Fenwick, with his vast network of spies, controlled a gate that was less valuable in terms of resources but crucial for its strategic position near the Empire's border. His power lay in his ability to gather information and forge alliances, making him a formidable force despite the lesser rank of his gate.

And then there was Duke Orion Drake, who took a more direct approach. His gate produced some of the most dangerous creatures in the Empire, and he took pride in leading his men into battle to subdue them. He was known for his unmatched combat prowess, earning him the title of the "Iron Duke."

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As Valerius and Mirella stepped into the cool night air, the young duke felt a newfound sense of determination. He had survived this long because of her protection, but now, he needed to prove that he could stand on his own. The political landscape of the Empire was treacherous, but with his game knowledge, his growing power, and Mirella by his side, he believed he could navigate it.

The gates were both a blessing and a curse, but Valerius knew they would be the key to his rise. And as long as Mirella remained his ally, he could hold onto his title... and perhaps even climb higher.

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