The keys turned smoothly in the lock, mechanisms enhanced with magic that would recognize Raze's touch and prevent unauthorized entry. The door swung open on perfectly balanced hinges, revealing an entrance hall that made even Anastasia's noble manor seem modest by comparison.

"By the Goddess," Kael breathed, his analytical mind immediately cataloging architectural features and magical enhancements visible throughout the space. "This isn't just a residence, it's a masterwork of design and cultivation integration."

The entrance hall soared two stories overhead, supported by columns carved from white marble that seemed to glow with internal radiance. A grand staircase curved upward to the second floor, its bannister inlaid with precious metals that formed patterns suggesting both artistic beauty and functional enchantment.

Magical lighting illuminated everything without visible source, the radiance adjusting automatically to maintain perfect visibility regardless of time or weather conditions outside. The floors were polished stone that reflected light like still water, so clean that Raze could see his own surprised expression looking back at him.

"I've visited noble estates throughout my life," Anastasia said quietly, her experience giving weight to the assessment. "This rivals properties owned by families who've accumulated wealth and status across generations. The king has honored you extraordinarily, Raze."

They moved deeper into the house, each room revealing new wonders. The main sitting area was furnished with comfort that transcended simple luxury—sofas and chairs positioned to facilitate conversation while maintaining elegant aesthetics, tables crafted from woods that Kael identified as being extremely rare and valued for their natural mana conductivity.

"These aren't just decorative," the alchemist explained, running his hand along a table's surface. "The wood itself enhances cultivation for anyone who spends extended time near it. Sitting here for an evening would be equivalent to an hour of focused meditation."

The dining room could seat twenty comfortably, the table long enough to host formal dinners while maintaining intimate atmosphere through clever spatial design. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, their enchantments ensuring light that was bright without being harsh.

Oziel examined the walls with professional interest, noting defensive enchantments woven throughout the structure. "This place is a fortress disguised as a residence. The barriers I'm sensing would require Master rank power to breach, and even then the attempt would trigger alarms that would summon royal guards within minutes."

"Makes sense given your new position," Aslan observed, his silver eyes tracking patterns invisible to normal perception. "You're betrothed to the princess now—your security is directly tied to the royal family's safety."

They climbed the grand staircase to explore the upper floors, finding bedrooms that were suites in their own right. Each had a private bathing room with facilities that rivaled what they'd experienced in the castle itself, sleeping areas with beds large enough for three people, and sitting areas for private contemplation or small gatherings.

Raze's master bedroom occupied an entire corner of the second floor, windows offering views of both the gardens and Castle Town beyond. The bed was absurdly large, the bathing facilities included a pool-sized tub that could be filled with magically heated water at any time, and a private study connected directly to the bedroom for late-night work.

"This is ridiculous," Raze said, staring at accommodations that seemed designed for royalty rather than a newly elevated Count. "I've gone from sleeping in a village inn to owning what's essentially a palace."

"You've earned it," Mariabel said, though her voice carried something complicated beneath the supportive words. Her golden eyes tracked across the opulent bedroom with expression mixing pride in his achievement and something else she was clearly suppressing.

The third floor was dedicated to cultivation and training—dedicated meditation chambers with enhanced ambient mana, a small library already stocked with texts on various techniques, and access to a rooftop terrace that offered panoramic views of Castle Town.

They descended back to the ground floor and explored the areas dedicated to service and entertainment. A kitchen that could support preparing meals for dozens of people, storage rooms already stocked with supplies, a conservatory filled with plants that Kael immediately recognized as having alchemical applications.

"The king didn't just give you a house," the alchemist said with something approaching awe. "He gave you a fully functional estate with everything needed to operate independently while maintaining status appropriate to your title."

They discovered the servants' quarters in a wing designed to provide staff with comfortable accommodations while maintaining appropriate separation from the main house. The rooms were empty currently, but clearly designed to house a significant number of people.

"You'll need to hire staff," Anastasia observed practically. "A property this size requires dedicated people to maintain it properly—housekeepers, cooks, groundskeepers at minimum. More if you intend to entertain or conduct official business here."

"The king mentioned he'd send appropriate staff," Raze recalled. "I assume they'll arrive once I've had time to settle in."

They moved outside to explore the grounds, discovering training areas that included both open spaces for combat practice and specialized zones for cultivation techniques. A small stable capable of housing a dozen horses sat empty but ready for use. Gardens stretched in multiple directions, their maintenance clearly requiring professional attention to achieve the current pristine state.

"I could live here my entire life and not fully appreciate everything this place offers," Raze said, standing in the center of the main garden while trying to process the scale of what he'd been granted.

"Then it's fortunate you're planning to live here for a very long time," Oziel said with slight smile. "As crown prince eventually, this will be where you maintain your household until moving into the castle itself after ascending to the throne."

The weight of that future pressed down on Raze momentarily—the political realities he'd accepted in exchange for Sophie's protection extending far beyond simple marriage into actual governance of the entire kingdom eventually.

But that was a concern for future him. Present him needed to focus on more immediate matters.

They spent the evening exploring further, discovering hidden features and clever design elements throughout the property. A wine cellar stocked with vintages that made Anastasia's eyes widen in appreciation. A small armory containing practice weapons and training equipment. Even a modest greenhouse where temperature and humidity could be controlled through enchantments.

"Whoever prepared this place for you clearly received instructions to ensure you'd want for nothing," Kael observed. "Everything from basic necessities to luxury amenities has been provided."

They gathered in the main sitting room as evening deepened toward night, exhaustion from the day's events finally catching up with all of them. The trial, the ceremony, the shocking proposal and acceptance—it had been perhaps the most eventful day of any of their lives.

"I still can't believe you asked for the princess's hand," Aslan said, his silver eyes reflecting amusement. "Of all the things you could have requested, you went straight for the most audacious option possible."

"It made sense strategically," Raze replied, not quite meeting anyone's eyes as he repeated the justification he'd been telling himself.

"Strategic," Mariabel said quietly, her tone carrying edge that made several people glance at her with knowing expressions. "Of course. Very strategic to marry the most beautiful woman in the kingdom."

"It's not about—" Raze began, then stopped as he noticed the looks passing between his companions. "What?"

"Nothing," Kael said quickly, though his slight smile suggested otherwise. "Nothing at all."

They eventually retired to their respective rooms, each claiming one of the luxurious suites for the night. Raze lay in his absurdly large bed, staring at the ceiling while his mind refused to settle despite his body's exhaustion.

Everything had changed. Everything. And tomorrow would bring new challenges as reality of his engagement began manifesting through ceremony planning and public recognition.

But for now, he could rest in the knowledge that Sophie would be safe. That whatever else happened, his primary goal had been achieved.

Sleep claimed him eventually, pulling him into dreams that mixed future possibilities with present uncertainties in ways that left him more confused than rested.

---

Morning arrived with gentle sunlight streaming through windows positioned to capture dawn's first rays. Raze woke to discover servants had arrived during the night—a note on his bedside table explained that King Harold had dispatched appropriate staff as promised, and they'd taken the liberty of preparing breakfast.

He descended to find the dining room set with a meal that rivaled anything the castle itself had offered. His companions were already gathering, drawn by aromas that promised exceptional food.

"The king doesn't do anything by half measures," Oziel observed, studying the servants who moved with professional efficiency. "These aren't just trained staff, several of them are cultivators whose specializations support household management."

A middle-aged woman who'd introduced herself as the head housekeeper approached Raze with respectful bow. "Count Dragonheart, His Majesty has instructed that today is meant for rest and acclimatization to your new circumstances. Princess Fedora has requested permission to visit this afternoon and show you around Castle Town, if you're amenable."

Raze nodded, his stomach doing something complicated at the mention of his betrothed. "That would be... yes, that would be acceptable."

They ate breakfast while discussing plans for the day, the conversation lighter than it had been in weeks. No missions to plan, no enemies to track, no corruption to expose—just time to exist without immediate crisis demanding their attention.

"I should return to my son," Anastasia said eventually. "Thomas will be confused about everything that's happened, and I need to ensure he understands the changes to our circumstances."

"Alex departed early this morning," Oziel mentioned. "He left a note saying the Goddess was calling him elsewhere, that his presence was needed in another region. Given everything that happened, he probably felt awkward remaining after... well, after whatever that thing was that wore your face."

The reminder of that blank period sent a chill through Raze, the missing time still refusing to clarify no matter how hard he pushed at the memories. But dwelling on it wouldn't help, and his companions clearly weren't ready to discuss what they'd witnessed in detail.

The morning passed in comfortable relaxation, each of them exploring the estate further or simply enjoying the luxury of having nothing urgent demanding their attention.

Afternoon arrived with a knock at the front door, servants admitting Princess Fedora with appropriate ceremony despite the informal nature of her visit. She wore a dress that was elegant without being ostentatious, clearly designed for walking rather than formal court appearance.

Her cinnamon brown hair was styled simply, falling past her shoulders in waves that caught the afternoon light. Her blue eyes were bright with anticipation, though a slight blush colored her cheeks when she saw Raze descending the stairs to greet her.

"Count Dragonheart," she said formally, then smiled. "Or should I practice calling you Raze now that we're betrothed? The formality seems unnecessary given our circumstances."

"Raze is fine," he replied, very aware of his companions watching the interaction with varying degrees of interest.

"I thought I could show you around Castle Town," Fedora said. "You've been granted residence here but haven't had opportunity to explore properly. The district has much to offer, and people will want to meet the man who's betrothed to their princess."

They set out together, Raze's companions joining them despite this clearly being intended as time for the betrothed couple to grow comfortable with each other. If Fedora was annoyed by the group dynamic rather than private outing, she hid it well.

Castle Town revealed itself as they walked, each street offering new wonders that made the capital's finest areas seem provincial by comparison. The architecture here wasn't just elegant, it was optimized through centuries of magical enhancement and expert design.

Buildings rose three or four stories, their white stone gleaming under afternoon sun. Gardens bloomed everywhere despite the season, maintained through cultivation techniques that kept plants perpetually healthy. Streets were wide and immaculately clean, swept by magic that prevented debris from accumulating.

"This district houses approximately five hundred noble families," Fedora explained as they walked. "Each has proven themselves through service to the crown across multiple generations. Living here is both privilege and responsibility—residents are expected to maintain standards that reflect positively on the kingdom."

She pointed out various landmarks as they passed. "That's the residence of Duke Marlowe, whose family has advised the throne for three centuries. The building across from it belongs to Marquess Weighton, Master rank cultivator who commands the royal military's eastern forces."

They passed a plaza where nobles gathered for informal socializing, the space centered around a fountain that defied gravity by sending water upward in spiraling patterns before letting it cascade back down. Several people recognized Fedora immediately, bowing respectfully as she passed.

More notably, they recognized Raze as well—word had clearly spread about the engagement, and nobles were studying him with curiosity that ranged from friendly interest to calculating assessment of his worthiness.

"Count Dragonheart," one elderly nobleman called out, approaching with a welcoming smile. "Baron Westfield. I wanted to offer congratulations on your engagement to our princess. Your service to the kingdom has been exemplary."

Similar interactions occurred repeatedly as they continued through Castle Town, nobles introducing themselves and expressing support for the betrothal. The acceptance seemed genuine rather than merely political, suggesting his actions during the investigation had earned real respect rather than just formal acknowledgment.

Fedora walked close beside him throughout, her hand occasionally brushing against his in ways that seemed deliberately casual. She was clearly performing for their audience, establishing through body language that she was comfortable with and attracted to her betrothed.

But there were moments when the performance seemed to slip into something more genuine—when she laughed at something he said and her eyes crinkled with real amusement, when she pointed out something interesting and leaned close enough that he could smell whatever subtle perfume she wore.

Mariabel walked on Raze's other side, and as Fedora's touches became more frequent, the red-haired girl began finding her own excuses for contact.

"Oh, look at that shop!" Mariabel would exclaim, grabbing Raze's arm to point at something that caught her attention. Her grip would linger perhaps a moment longer than strictly necessary, her golden eyes tracking to see if Fedora noticed the territorial gesture.

"Raze, come see this," she'd call, reaching for his hand to pull him toward whatever had captured her interest. The contact was casual enough to seem innocent, but occurred with increasing frequency as the afternoon progressed.

The rest of their group noticed immediately, knowing looks passing between Kael, Oziel, and Aslan as they watched the dynamic developing.

"This is going to be entertaining," Oziel murmured to Aslan, his voice low enough that only enhanced hearing could catch it.

"Poor Raze has no idea," Aslan replied with equal quiet. "He's so focused on the strategic implications of the betrothal that he's completely missing Mariabel's obvious feelings."

"Should we say something?" Kael asked, joining their whispered conversation.

"Absolutely not," Oziel said firmly. "This is far more interesting if we let it develop naturally."

Anastasia had rejoined them after settling Thomas, and she watched the interactions with expression mixing amusement and slight concern. She'd seen enough noble courtship dynamics to recognize what was happening, though Mariabel's approach was considerably less subtle than aristocratic standards typically permitted.

They visited various establishments throughout Castle Town—a bookstore specializing in cultivation texts where Kael could have spent hours browsing, an equipment shop that sold weapons and armor of quality that made even Oziel's new royal blade seem modest, gardens maintained by Master rank cultivators whose plant manipulation techniques created living art.

Throughout it all, Fedora maintained position close to Raze while Mariabel found increasingly creative reasons to insert herself between them or claim his attention. The princess handled the competition with grace, never openly acknowledging the challenge while subtly reasserting her superior claim through references to their engagement and future together.

"When we're married, we should host gatherings here in the gardens," Fedora would say, the casual mention of their future relationship serving as reminder of legally binding commitment.

"Raze and I fought together for months," Mariabel would counter, emphasizing history and shared experience that predated the princess's involvement. "We've been through more combat situations than most cultivators face in years."

Raze remained oblivious to the undercurrents, treating both women with the same friendly courtesy he'd show any companion. When Fedora took his arm, he accepted it as part of maintaining their public image. When Mariabel grabbed his hand, he followed along assuming she genuinely wanted to show him something interesting.

"He's hopeless," Kael observed to Oziel during one particularly obvious exchange where both women had simultaneously reached for Raze from opposite sides.

"Completely," Oziel agreed. "But it's honestly impressive how thoroughly he can miss what's directly in front of him."

They stopped for refreshments at an establishment that catered to nobility, the café offering delicacies that were as much art as food. They sat at an outdoor table where they could watch Castle Town's afternoon activity while enjoying treats that Kael identified as containing minor alchemical enhancements.

"These will boost cultivation efficiency for several hours," he explained after analyzing the pastry he'd selected. "Nobility here doesn't just eat for pleasure, they optimize every meal for advancement."

The conversation was light, avoiding heavy topics in favor of enjoying the moment. They discussed impressions of Castle Town, compared it to the capital and smaller settlements they'd visited, made observations about nobles they'd encountered.

Fedora told stories about growing up in the castle, anecdotes about her father's attempts to balance being a king with being a parent, amusing incidents involving visiting dignitaries who hadn't understood Westia's customs.

Mariabel shared memories of her own training, describing the intensity of cultivation instruction she'd received and the challenges of mastering fire-based techniques. Her golden eyes would track to Raze frequently when telling these stories, checking to ensure he was paying attention to her experiences.

The afternoon stretched toward evening, golden light making Castle Town seem even more ethereal as sunset approached. They began walking back toward Raze's estate, the group's mood relaxed in ways it hadn't been since before Thornwick.

"Thank you for today," Fedora said as they approached Raze's property. "I know we're betrothed for strategic reasons, but I hope we can build genuine friendship as well. The political necessity doesn't have to prevent us from actually enjoying each other's company."

"I'd like that," Raze replied honestly. "Everything's happened so quickly that I haven't fully processed what our engagement means beyond the immediate protections it provides. Actually getting to know you as a person rather than just political ally seems important."

Fedora smiled, and this time the expression carried nothing calculated or performed. Just genuine pleasure at his response.

"I should return to the castle before Father sends guards to retrieve me," she said. "But I'll visit again soon. We have engagement ceremony plans to discuss, and Mother is very enthusiastic about ensuring everything is perfect."

She hesitated briefly, then rose on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek—the same gesture from the previous night, but somehow feeling less performative this time.

"Until tomorrow, Raze," she said, then turned and departed before her blush could become too obvious.

Mariabel watched her leave with expression that was difficult to read, her golden eyes tracking the princess until she'd disappeared around a corner. Then she turned to Raze, seeming about to say something before apparently thinking better of it.

"I'm going to practice my techniques in the training area," she announced instead. "Anyone want to join me?"

Several members of the group made excuses, clearly recognizing she wanted space rather than company. Eventually it was just Mariabel, Raze, and Oziel—the swordsman having decided that observing training would be more interesting than whatever else the evening offered.

They were halfway through a practice bout when commotion erupted at the estate's entrance.

Raze turned toward the sound, his enhanced perception catching raised voices and the clatter of carriage wheels on stone. He moved toward the front of the property, his companions following as they tried to identify what was happening.

A royal carriage had pulled up to the gate, its door already open. Guards stood at attention flanking the entrance, their presence suggesting this was official crown business rather than casual visit.

Then a small figure emerged from the carriage, and Raze's heart stopped.

Sophie.

His sister stood there in a dress that was far finer than anything she'd owned in the village, her white hair brushed and styled with care that suggested royal servants had prepared her for this presentation. But her blue eyes—eyes that matched his own—were wide with confusion and slight fear as she looked around at unfamiliar surroundings.

She was still ten years old, having grown since he'd last seen her though still small for her age. The illness had left her thinner than she should be despite the cure, her frame showing she was still recovering from months of being bedridden.

Then she saw him.

"Raze!" Sophie's voice broke as she recognized her brother, fear transforming into pure relief. She ran toward him with speed that belied her recent recovery, nearly tripping over the fancy dress in her urgency.

Raze closed the distance and caught her as she threw herself at him, his arms wrapping around her small frame with desperate relief. She was here, she was safe, she was in Castle Town under royal protection where the threats Fedora had foreseen couldn't reach her.

"You're okay," Sophie said, her voice muffled against his chest. "The guards said you were here but I was scared something had happened, that you'd gotten hurt fighting bad people like Mother said happened sometimes."

"I'm fine," Raze assured her, his throat tight with emotion he hadn't expected to feel so intensely. "Everything's fine. You're safe now, Sophie. You're safe and nothing's going to hurt you."

She pulled back enough to look up at him, tears streaming down her face though she was smiling. "The King's people came and said I had to come to the castle, that you'd arranged protection for me. They said you did something really important and now we get to live here in this fancy place."

"That's right," Raze confirmed, kneeling so he could meet her eyes at the same level. "You're going to stay with me here, where the royal family can make sure you're protected. No one can hurt you here, Sophie. I made sure of it."

She hugged him again, this time with bone-crushing intensity that suggested just how scared she'd been during the journey to Castle Town. Being taken by royal guards despite their courtesy would have been terrifying for a child who'd spent most of her life in a small village.

Behind them, Raze's companions watched the reunion with varying expressions. Mariabel's eyes were bright with tears she was trying to hide, clearly moved by the obvious love between siblings. Kael looked satisfied, as if confirming data he'd suspected. Oziel simply smiled, recognition of mission accomplished showing in his features.

And Anastasia watched with expression mixing happiness for their reunion and something more complicated as she thought about her own son and the dangers they'd all faced.

Sophie was here. Safe. Protected by the full weight of the royal family's authority.

Everything Raze had done, every risk he'd taken, every compromise he'd accepted—all of it had been for this moment.

His sister was safe.

And nothing else mattered.

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