New Beginnings

As the sun's rays pierced through the curtains, Alaric stirred from his slumber, the familiar routine of his daily life calling him. Rising from his bed with a sense of purpose, he prepared himself for the day ahead. The events of the military operation had yet to fade into memory, but the demands of his usual schedule did not care.

Joining the Duke for their customary training session, Alaric focused his mind and body on the exercises at hand. Each movement was deliberate, honing his combat skills and physical prowess under the guidance of his mentor and his father. With each strike and parry, he felt a sense of growth and improvement. The real-life experience of using a blade in battle instead of his fists was largely to commend 

As the training session concluded, Alaric shifted his focus to his personal pursuits. With the Duke's guidance still fresh in his mind, he delved into the intricacies of his cosmic energy training. The theoretical knowledge he had acquired now took on a practical dimension as he sought to apply it in his training regimen.

One aspect of his training that commanded his attention was his ability, the Shroud of Shadows, granted to him by his Principality. Through diligent practice, Alaric sought to refine his understanding of how cosmic energy intertwined with his soul essence, manifesting the effects of his ability. With his unique eyes granting him insight into the cosmic forces at play, he found the process to be surprisingly intuitive, yet endlessly complex.

In addition to mastering his ability, Alaric recognized the need to improve his utilization of cosmic energy itself. Reflecting on the battles with Edith and Decrov, he acknowledged the shortcomings of his previous efforts. His control over cosmic energy had been rudimentary at best, resulting in inefficiencies and missed opportunities and several more close calls.

Determined to rectify these shortcomings, Alaric dedicated himself to intensive training sessions focused on harnessing and manipulating cosmic energy. With each passing hour, he delved deeper into the mysteries of this potent force, striving to unlock its full potential. Whether channelling it to enhance his elemental abilities or augmenting his body he sought to become a more formidable force on the battlefield.

As the days passed following the conclusion of the military operation, Alaric found himself settling into his routine once again. With Eldmund already back in the capital for school, Alaric focused on familiarizing himself with the workings of the Duchy. The impending gala in the capital meant they would soon join Eldmund in the capital so he would see his brother soon.

During his escapades within the Duchy's inner workings, one aspect that stood out to Alaric was the efficiency of the Duchy's administrative staff. Despite the quiet demeanour of the administration building, it was evident that important work was being accomplished behind the scenes. Alaric recognized the significance of these individuals in ensuring the smooth operation of the Duchy's affairs.

Having requested to be involved in administration following the military campaign, Alaric aimed to gain valuable experience before enrolling at the academy in the capital. Although paperwork wasn't his preferred domain, he understood the importance of broadening his skills beyond the battlefield. It was a transition from being solely a soldier, like his previous life, to having a role in governance, a responsibility he took seriously.

Guiding him through the intricacies of administrative tasks was Elena, his older sister. She provided valuable insights and practical advice on managing the affairs of the Duchy. Alaric appreciated her guidance, realizing the complexity of governance and the dedication required from those who handled administrative duties.

Together, they delved into the daily operations of the Duchy, with him learning how decisions were made, resources allocated, and challenges addressed. Alaric gained a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the non-combatants who played crucial roles in maintaining the stability and prosperity of Astrevia's eastern territory.

Each day presented new challenges and opportunities for learning, further reinforcing his commitment to contributing positively to the Duchy's welfare, and with each passing day, Alaric's confidence in his administrative abilities grew, aided by Elena's patient guidance and the support of the Duchy's staff.

As they prepared for the gala in the capital, Alaric felt a sense of fulfilment knowing that he was playing a meaningful role in shaping the future of his home and by extension Astrevia.

What happened following their successful military operation was indeed a turning point for both Alaric and Eldmund. The Duke, impressed by their valour and strategic prowess, rewarded them generously. Both brothers were granted access to the family treasury, a privilege that carried significant weight in their noble lineage. 

With the opportunity to select a heritage from the treasury, Alaric wasted no time in choosing his prized possession: Retribution. The longsword, with its chromatic blade, golden guard, and black handle, exuded an aura of power and justice reminiscent of legendary blades wielded by paladins and holy knights from the tales of his past world. Holding Retribution in his hands had instilled a sense of purpose and determination inside of him, which he attributed to the nature of the blade and not so much himself. It was as if the sword itself was a symbol of his commitment to justice and righteousness in this new realm.

Meanwhile, Eldmund opted for a familiar-type heritage, though the specifics remained a mystery until they could reunite in the capital. The brothers shared a mutual excitement for the new opportunities these heritages would bring, eager to explore their potential in the battles to come.

The spoils of their raids during the military operation were substantial, surpassing even their initial estimates. The recovered currency, assets, and weaponry amounted to a staggering 250,000,000 Celestial Crowns, for context the windfall exceeded the Duchy's entire military budget of 50,000,000 Celestial Crowns. Despite the impressive haul, Alaric knew that there were still hidden reserves to uncover, tucked away in remote accounts and secret caches. The task of retrieving these remaining assets would require patience and persistence, but Alaric was undeterred, knowing that each recovered resource strengthened their hold on the Duchy and secured its future.

Emboldened by their success, Alaric approached the Duke with a proposal for further investment. He requested funds to establish essential facilities that would fill the void left by their eradication of the underworld's influence. The Duke, recognizing the importance of such initiatives, granted Alaric a budget of 25,000,000 Celestial Crowns for the project. While Alaric understood that he would not have sole ownership over these endeavours, he welcomed the opportunity to serve the Duchy and contribute to its prosperity. It in turn meant his own prosperity after all.