Introduction

The sun razed over the grand kingdom, bringing light to the tall stone and timber built buildings that filled the insides of the kingdom walls; they towered over the roads, as if to scrape the skies. Many of these tall buildings held office to many of the guilds of production, blacksmithing, alchemy, magic, and much, much more. There too, was even the grander, royal palace that stood sky-high with age but it did not wither with time.

It was further west of the palace, where the military was stationed at, along with the local mercenary/adventurer's guild; today in particular was bustling with activity as it was a special day for nobles and soldiers around the kingdom.

In this world of blades and magic, those born of this kingdom's nobility held the responsibility to become the kingdom's greatest swords and by proving one's self worth, they can covet great privilege and funding to further grow their talents. So naturally, the noble men and women all vied at each other in competition with outstanding achievements.

"Isn't that Duke Laevateinn?" One soldier spoke; striding down outside the military's courtyard was an older male. His hair was black with slivers of silver; a sign of age yet wisdom. He had baggy eyes but they peered far and wide and too was he well mannered. "Hey isn't that the marquess beside him?"

"The great archer or the one with the stagnated mana vessels?" Just next to the duke, there was a younger male. His hair jet black and long, tied back into a low ponytail, and a large metal hat with an oversized brim. His eyes were like a fox, sly and cunning; unlike his father. "Ugh, who does he think he is, carrying so many weapons? Even carrying a hammer like some barbarian." One of the noblemen spoke.

On his left hip were an array of weaponry. One rapier, simply designed with a slim handguard that enclosed the handle, a sheathed short sword dangling from the rapier's scabbard. The other sword on the same belt was a curved longsword; it had a small square handguard and an intricately cloth wrapped handle. It rested in a scabbard with the curved edge pointing upwards; a sword design similar to the ones from the eastern continents.

Hanging from his opposite hip was the aforementioned hammer, or more specifically a war hammer. It was shorter for one handed use but had the same bludgeoning end and piercing piked end.

"It's not like there's a point, the duke always accompanied him on the expeditions. Hiding behind his father like some coward." Another nobleman spoke as the others chuckled. Even with all of the sideways glances, whispers of degradation. The marquess continued to smile, smile as he may, the truth was that he wanted to show them what he was capable of and make them eat their words.

"Keep your calm Hizen." The duke then whispered to his son. Though the boy smiled, he could not hide his offset breathing nor his gritting teeth hidden under his smile from the perceptive duke. "Yes father."

Amongst the many armed noble men and women, guards men and warriors. There was one person who stood out, secluded away from them. She didn't participate in the gossip nor did her father who was standing in wait by her. "Duke Coeli, long time no see." Hizen's father grinned, holding his hand out to the man.

The duke of Coeli would stare at him, then at Hizen, then back at the duke before shaking his hand. "Planning to accompany the party again this month, duke Laevateinn?" The man then bluntly questioned. His eyes were sharp and calm. He had the kind of mannerisms that belonged to a shrewd businessman.

As the two dukes conversed, their heir and heiress would reacquaint. "Marquess Hizen, still wearing that oversized hat?" She spoke with a teasing tone, nothing of malice or ill will. She too smiled but unlike the marquess, her smile was from confidence, a bit of arrogance, and genuine kindness; something that he had a hard time getting used to seeing, even over the several years he's known her.

That air of confidence along with the skill to go with it, beauty that was soft yet light like her silver long hair, were all what gave her the nickname as the silver thorned rose of the Coeli Rosa house.

While he wasn't good at dealing with her kindness, her provocations were a simple matter. "Pfft, the lady wishes to see the face of a handsome man?" He'd respond; his voice calm but with a small jest of a mischievous joker.

Her eyes twitched with an annoyed twinge; to a point where it could even almost be heard. "You might have a pretty face but no lady would ever want to marry you with that sharp tongue of yours."

"Ah, says the one whom they name the silver thorned rose, beating every man who proposed marriage with a duel. Such a cruel way to go, with a broken heart and broken pride." He then shot back. Though instead of being more irritated, those words calmed her, she even took pride in the fact. "Well of course! You'll have to be twice as clever to beat me in a duel!"

"Those are some high standards, marchioness. It sounds like you are referring to me." Hizen grinned, catching the marchioness off guard but she simply laughed. "You're arrogant, I'm not talking about you but the-"

"The man in your letters? I almost forgot that the silver thorned rose of the Coeli-Rosa house was actually a hopeless romantic. It is about personality, not face or fame; or so she says."

It was this that truly ticked marchioness Echo off. "Why are you so-?" She was just about to tell him off but was suddenly cut off by a loud shout that came from a podium in the middle of the courtyard where all the nobles and soldiers were gathered around.

"AAH-ATTENTION!"

The voice boomed, loud enough to catch the attention of everyone in the courtyard. It was magic; by using one's stored internal mana and moving it to the lungs, then exerting mana outwards with the air, it can augment the air creating greater pressure and thus an amplification of the voice. It was simple but great for a war cry, or in this case, to catch the attention of hundreds of people.

He was a knight adorned in silver armor, parts of it were made of kevlar along with exotics metals enchanted with protective magic that protected the vitals. It was relatively light, effective, and held great utility; representing this era of technology and magic.

"Today, nobles and soldiers alike, we've gathered to represent your kingdom and your families. Our great kingdom prides itself on the magic sword for it is the sword that has defended our kingdom from threats wide and large. This expedition will be focused on eliminating the group of bandits at the north. They've been creating issues for the merchants traveling through and have been growing in size."

There was murmuring, especially since the bandits have been pillaging some of the caravans that belonged to a few of the businesses in the kingdom.

"The expedition route will be displayed in your tablets and the formation will go as listed. Coeli-Rosa, Stratos, Krake, Laevateinn, and Calib. All other houses and soldiers will be following behind. Dismissed!"

Once the briefing was finished, the representatives of each house along with their retainers began organizing into formations. There were also houses that didn't bring any retainers, either from the lack of resources or choice. Echo and Hizen were some of those few who walked alone. As she went to the front, she'd give a light wave to Hizen who'd then laugh and return with a tip of his oversized hat.

The march began with everyone leaving through the gates, lines of warriors from the kingdoms began piling onto the roads with Echo taking the lead.

"The duke of Laevatenin decides to finally let his weak son fend for himself in the expeditions." Amongst the group who were watching the party leave was duke Coeli-Rosa, as well for duke Laevateinn. "You know he's far from weak." The duke of Laevateinn would interject.

"-Is what others will be saying." Duke Coeli then added. "But, today will be the day that they see the marquess for his true abilities; an ability that can't be measured by normal standards."