Breaking chains

As Darkness and Chris set foot in the Royal Capital, they were greeted by the bustling and vibrant city life. The capital was a hub of activity, filled with people from all walks of life, each with their own dreams and ambitions. For Darkness, it was a mix of familiarity and discomfort. She was used to this place, but she also knew the heavy burden of responsibility that awaited her here.

Darkness took a deep breath, trying to quell the anxious feeling in her chest. She had come to the capital to confront her past, to face the expectations and obligations that came with her noble status. Chris, ever perceptive, noticed the change in Darkness' demeanor and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You don't have to do this alone, you know," Chris said with a warm smile. "I'm here to support you, no matter what. Besides, you might need someone to keep you out of trouble in this big city."

Darkness chuckled softly, grateful for Chris' presence. "Thank you, Chris. It means a lot to me that you're here."

Darkness led the way through the bustling streets of the capital. As they walked, she couldn't help but be reminded of the life she had left behind—the grand halls of her family's mansion, the elegant parties she had attended, and the constant pressure to uphold her family's reputation.

But she also remembered the longing she had felt, the desire to break free from the constraints of her noble status and to experience life outside the confines of high society. That longing had led her to join Jack's party, and she had found a sense of freedom and camaraderie that she had never experienced before.

As they reached the heart of the capital, Darkness stopped in front of a grand mansion—the Dustiness Estate. It was a sight that brought back a flood of memories, both good and bad. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.

As Darkness stood in front of the gates of the Dustiness Estate, memories of her past came rushing back, bringing with them a mix of emotions. She recalled the countless times she had been reprimanded for not conforming to the expectations of a proper noble lady. Training and honing her combat skills were frowned upon, and she was often criticized for her unladylike pursuits.

The image of her father's disappointed expression haunted her, and she remembered the times he had urged her to embrace her responsibilities as a noblewoman—to attend social events, make advantageous connections, and uphold the family's reputation above all else.

But despite the pressure and expectations, Darkness couldn't suppress her yearning for a different life, one where she could be more than just a symbol of her family's status.

she couldn't help but feel conflicted. She knew that she had responsibilities to her family and her name, but at the same time, she didn't want to give up the life she had found with her friends. It was a constant struggle between her duty and her desires.

Chris noticed the turmoil in Darkness' eyes and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You don't have to face this alone, Darkness," she said softly. "I'm here for you, and so are your friends back in Axel. You're not defined by the expectations of others."

Darkness gave a small smile, grateful for Chris' support. "Thank you, Chris. You're right. I won't let the past control me. I will face my family and my responsibilities, but I won't forget who I am and the friends who have become like family to me."

Darkness knew what she had to do. If she wanted to help in the quickly approaching battle, she would have to show the king her value as the head of the Dustiness in the battlefield. She would lay everything on the line for when the others came here to join the war and together launch an assault. Now, the first step would be to show her father that she had no intention of following his orders any longer. She clenched her fist; her newfound pride wouldn't allow for that.

"Let's go," she said to Chris, her voice filled with determination.

A servant welcomed Darkness, the Lady of the house Dustiness, after she returned from her long travel. "Welcome back, my Lady. Your absence was deeply felt within these walls, and we are overjoyed to see you return safely. We have eagerly prepared for your arrival, ensuring that everything is in order to receive you as befits your esteemed presence." The butler bowed as the guards let Darkness in. Chris, who was following behind her, noted the quick response and quickly came to the conclusion that Darkness notified them that she would be arriving.

The butler, an aged man, smiled warmly at Darkness but couldn't quite hide his disdain when his eyes landed on Chris. "Your room has been meticulously cleaned and adorned with fresh flowers, awaiting your gracious presence. The fire in the drawing-room crackles warmly, and your favorite tea has been prepared, ready to soothe your weariness."

"Our humble abode is now alive with renewed vigor and delight, for your return brings light and warmth to our hearts. Please do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything else you require. It is an honor to serve you, my Lady, and we are grateful for your presence once again in our home."

Darkness smiled politely. "Thank you for your courteous welcome. I have indeed returned to see my father, whom I have been absent from for far too long. Please convey to him my desire to have a meeting at his earliest convenience. There are pressing matters that require our attention."

Darkness walked past the servant and continued speaking without turning around. "I trust you have been diligent in maintaining the household during my absence, and I expect that things have been managed with the utmost efficiency. I have returned with a purpose, not to act as a traditional Lady of the house, but to address matters that demand resolution. Kindly ensure my father is aware of my arrival and the need for our meeting. Time is of the essence, and I would appreciate a prompt arrangement." Chris followed behind Darkness, feeling extremely out of place and awkward.

"I shall retire to my chambers momentarily and expect to be informed of any developments regarding my request. Rest assured, my intention is not to burden you or any other servants further. Your responsibilities shall remain as they were, and I shall address any alterations as necessary. Your service is appreciated, and I shall rely on your professionalism in the days to come."

The guards and the maids looked at each other; they could tell something was about to happen. They didn't know whether it would be good or bad.

-----------------------

As Darkness made her way through the familiar halls of the Dustiness Estate, she couldn't ignore the nervous butterflies fluttering in her stomach. However, the determination burning within her overshadowed any fear or doubt. She had made up her mind, and she wouldn't back down.

Arriving at her father's study, Darkness took a deep breath to steady herself before knocking on the door. "Enter," a stern voice called from within.

With a firm resolve, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her father, the head of the Dustiness family, sat at his desk, engrossed in paperwork. He looked up, surprised to see his daughter there.

"Lalatina, my dear," he greeted her with a polite smile. "What brings you here? I thought you were occupied with your knightly pursuits and training with that peculiar party you've joined."

Darkness felt the weight of his disapproval, but she wouldn't let it deter her. She straightened her posture and met her father's gaze with determination. "Father, I've come to speak with you about my future," she began, her voice steady. "I have found a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my adventures with Jack and his party. I have realized that being a knight is my true calling, and I cannot turn away from that path."

Her father's expression hardened, and she could see the disappointment in his eyes. "Lalatina, you are the heir of the Dustiness family. It is your duty to uphold our name and reputation," he reminded her firmly.

"Father, I understand my responsibilities as the heir of the Dustiness family," Darkness began, her voice steady and resolute. "And I will uphold our name and reputation, but not in the way you envision."

Her father's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Lalatina?"

"I mean that I will become the head of the Dustiness family, not through an arranged marriage or by conforming to societal expectations, but by my own hands," she declared firmly. "I will prove my worth as a knight, as an adventurer, and as a leader. I will forge my own path, and I won't be bound by the traditions that have held our family back."

Her father's expression turned to one of disbelief and anger. "You dare speak of defying tradition and duty?" he exclaimed. "Do you have any idea what you are saying? This is not the way of our family, and it certainly isn't the way of nobility!"

Darkness held her ground, even as her heart trembled with the weight of her father's disapproval. "I know it won't be easy, and I know it will be met with resistance, but I can't ignore who I am and what I want anymore," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. "I want to be a knight, to fight for justice, to protect the innocent. I want to be more than just a figurehead in our family. I want to earn the respect and admiration of others through my own actions, not because of my status as a noblewoman."

Her father's face darkened with anger. "You are being foolish, Lalatina! You are throwing away your future, your duty, for some misguided fantasy of being a knight! Do you have any idea what this will do to our family's reputation?"

"I am willing to accept the consequences of my choices," Darkness replied with determination. "I will prove myself as a knight, and I will show the world that I am more than just a noblewoman. I will be a leader, not because of my title, but because of my strength and courage."

Her father seemed torn between anger and sadness. "I can't believe you would throw away everything for this foolish dream," he muttered.

"It's not a foolish dream," Darkness said firmly. "It's who I am, and I won't deny it any longer."

With those words, Darkness turned and walked away, leaving her father's study behind. The duke rushed outside, following her in anger. "Halt! Guards, I command you to detain my daughter! She shall not leave this premises without my explicit permission!"

One guard stepped forward. "Yes, Your Grace. As you command."

A second guard moved to block the exit and looked Darkness in the eyes. "No one is to pass without the Duke's approval."

Ignis Dustiness Ford walked towards his daughter. "Do not think you can leave so easily. You will not escape the responsibilities and obligations that come with your status as my daughter and a member of this noble family. Stop being so stubborn and accept your place in high society." Although it seemed like he was smiling kindly, Darkness, who was accustomed to him after all these years, could feel the chains creeping into her spirit, slowly chipping away at her resolve.

Darkness gritted her teeth; she wouldn't let this stop her! Having already slain dragons, what were the words of... her father? With trembling hands, she reached for her sword, pulling it out in a swift motion and impaling it on the ground, her hands still gripping it, causing the floor to crack under the heavy impact. The two guards trembled, overwhelmed by the presence she leaked out with the mere action of placing a hand on her sword's hilt.

Darkness stood tall, her presence commanding and intimidating as she loomed over the guards who tried to detain her. The guards, feeling the overwhelming pressure, trembled and fell to their knees, unable to withstand the aura of the powerful knight before them.

"Stand down," Darkness commanded in a stern voice. "I have no intention of causing any harm, but I will not be restrained against my will."

Her father, witnessing the scene, was taken aback by the display of strength and authority his daughter exhibited. He had never seen her like this before, and it both frightened and astonished him.

"Lalatina, please, reconsider," he pleaded, his voice tinged with concern. "You don't have to throw everything away for this path."

Darkness remained resolute, her gaze unwavering. "I have made my decision, Father. I will follow my own path and prove myself as a knight. I understand that it may be difficult for you to accept, but I hope that one day you will see that this is the right choice for me."

her father's face contorted with anger and disappointment. He refused to accept her decision and saw her newfound resolve as nothing more than defiance.

"Lalatina, you are making a grave mistake!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the halls of their grand mansion. "You are throwing away your duty as the head of the Dustiness family! How dare you abandon your responsibilities for such foolish dreams!"

Darkness turned to face her father, her expression firm and unwavering. "Father, I cannot live my life in chains," she replied calmly. "I have spent too long trying to fit into a mold that was never meant for me. I want to be a knight and fight for what I believe in, not just be a puppet for the family's prestige."

Her father's face turned red with rage. "You are a disgrace to this family! You have shamed us all with your reckless actions and stubbornness. I will not stand for this!"

Ignoring his father's harsh words, Darkness continued on her path, walking away from the mansion and the life she once knew. As she left, she could hear her father's angry words echoing behind her, but she refused to let them deter her.

"You did what you had to do," Chris said softly. "Sometimes, following our hearts means going against the expectations of others. I'm here for you, Darkness, no matter what."

Darkness smiled weakly at her. Now that this was done, it was time to seek an audience with the King and prove herself. She wouldn't usually do something like this, perhaps Jack's oddly naive yet decisive and mature way of doing things affected her a lot more than she thought.