In the heart of the Ashford Imperial Capital, at the tall gate of the mansion adorned with intricate golden designs of dragons and runes, two carriages entered, drawn by excellent Bloodmane horses, leaving behind the entourage of Knight guards.
After entering the mansion, Ian and Lyra stepped out of the first carriage.
"It's been a long time since I came here," Ian said, looking at the large crest of the Storme family in front of him.
The Imperial Capital of the Ashford Empire was the center of control for this vast landmass. It was extremely large, far bigger than any city Ian had seen on Earth.
Similarly, besides the royals, the four dukes of the empire had estates aligned with the directions of their respective duchies.
The Storme family's duchy was in the east, so their allocated residence was also on the east side of the capital.
"Tch! It's only been a month," Lyra said, annoyed at his pretense of being a rare visitor.
"Haha! Isn't that a long time?"
Ian laughed and followed Lyra leisurely as if it were his home.
According to his previous behavior, it could be considered a long time since he visited this mansion.
"Oh? That's true," Lyra smiled, remembering that it was indeed a long time for him.
"Enough about that. Where's Sylvia? That brat seems to have disappeared," he asked, intrigued by her absence.
Hearing Ian ask about Sylvia, Lyra tilted her head slightly and smiled imperceptibly.
"Sylvia was angry at Father and went to our mother's house," she said.
"Oh? Why?"
Ian didn't notice her expression and asked curiously.
"Father asked her to marry the son of Duke Thorncrest. It seems she caught his eye during the Third Prince's banquet," Lyra replied with a sly smile and continued,
"I think they fit each other."
"What? That burly guy?"
Ian remembered the tall, stoic figure he had seen receiving a decree alongside him.
He then looked at Lyra's smiling face and understood her thoughts.
Although she appeared simple on the surface, she must have known her sister's feelings for him.
And since the incident at the banquet, she likely understood his intentions as well.
No wonder she was smiling with that ambiguous expression.
'Cough... Uhum...' Ian coughed to mask his embarrassment and asked,
"Has Uncle finalized the marriage?"
He had to ask since Sylvia had a fiery temper and could act recklessly if pushed too far.
Moreover, as there was no mention of Sylvia in the Arcane Passage, he wasn't aware of this event or why her destiny was of heroine.
"Hehe... No, it's just talk for now. It will take time," Lyra laughed, covering her mouth as she answered.
Ian rolled his eyes.
"Why are you laughing? She's your sister, and you know her behavior. If she's pressured, she could go berserk, you know."
He continued, looking at her seriously.
"As her sister, you should understand her feelings. Try to empathize with her."
He acted as though Sylvia's feelings were one-sided, distancing himself from the matter.
Lyra, irritated by his innocent demeanor, slapped his back.
"Tch. Don't act like that in front of me. Don't I know you?"
She then turned around and walked in the opposite direction from him.
"Anyway, Father is in his study room. You can go talk to him about your problems. I have things to do, so don't look for me," she said and left, leaving Ian standing alone in the hall.
"This girl," Ian muttered, shaking his head.
He understood her thoughts. After all, who would want to share their loved one with others?
'But it seemed she wasn't resisting much.'
He realized that after forming an intimate connection with him, Lyra's demeanor had subtly changed.
Previously, she would blush and feel ashamed at every little thing, but now she was freely discussing her sister's marriage and even managed to slyly tease him.
'Interesting!'
Ian smiled and put those thoughts aside for now as he had important things to do.
He then navigated the hall toward the study room, knowing every corner from his childhood visits. There was no need for help from the maids.
'Knock! Knock!'
"Enter!"
A slightly aged, commanding voice came from within the room.
After knocking twice and receiving permission, Ian straightened his posture and entered the room, finding Duke Alex busy with paperwork at his desk.
"Oh? What brings you here?"
Duke Alex smiled, setting his paperwork aside and gesturing for Ian to sit. He seemed to be in a good mood.
Ian bowed, stepped forward, and gracefully sat opposite him.
"I was returning with Lyra from the Imperial Academy and heard you were at the mansion, so I came to meet you," Ian replied, pouring himself a cup of tea from the teapot.
Duke Alex watched him making tea in interest and then asked,
"So, what's the matter? Do you need help with the expedition?"
He asked as if he knew he wouldn't come otherwise.
Ian sipped the tea calmly but grimaced at its bitter taste, awkwardly placing the cup down.
Seeing the mischief in Duke Alex's eyes, Ian coughed in embarrassment.
"Haha, I do need something from my father-in-law. I hope you can assist me."
Brushing aside the awkward moment, Ian got straight to the point.
After all, he didn't want to linger with the old man as he still had to claim his rewards and strengthen himself.
"Oh? What do you want?"
Duke Alex asked, his mood lifting after hearing Ian call him father-in-law.
"I need Stormchasers—one thousand of them—by tomorrow," Ian asked seriously.
Stormchasers, like Bloodmanes, were a special breed of horse. While Bloodmanes symbolized status and were ideal for travel, Stormchasers were warhorses, ideal companions for knights.
They were also a specialty of the Storme family.
To complete his expedition and other tasks quickly, he needed fast mounts. Since he planned to head north earlier than anticipated, the Stormchasers would be essential.
"Okay, I'll have them sent to you tomorrow morning," Duke Alex agreed without hesitation.
It might be hard for others, but it wasn't a significant request for him.