After his conversation with Zavrok, Varadon left the mansion and stepped into a luxurious car. Settling in, he instructed the driver to head toward the Elvian Empire.
As the car rolled forward, Varadon's gaze drifted out of the window, though his mind was far away. Thoughts of his missing grandson consumed him. It had been over a month since Zhavrik vanished, and not a trace had been found. Even his cellphone remained switched off, as though he had disappeared into thin air.
Did those cultists take him? Varadon's fists clenched. But how could they possibly abduct Zhavrik without being noticed? Could they have struck when both Zavrok and I were away? No… even if that was the case, how did they bypass Aelira and Lystriel?
Another possibility crossed his mind, one that soured his mood even further. What if it wasn't the cultists? What if some other organization took him? Could word of Zhavrik's bloodline awakening have leaked out? But who would dare spread such news? The elders? No… unlikely. They are even more cautious than us. They understand how dangerous this is.
A low growl escaped his throat. Something isn't adding up. Either someone within the family betrayed us… or a powerful force far stronger than we imagined has moved against us. Could it be the dragons?
The thought lingered only a moment before his expression hardened. Whoever it is—if something happens to my grandson, I will burn this world to ash. I'll hunt every single suspect down and make them pay.
As his vow echoed in his heart, the car came to a sudden halt, jerking him from his dark thoughts. Varadon's sharp eyes flicked forward. A man in a crisp military uniform stood in the middle of the road, blocking their path. The soldier approached the car and knocked firmly on the window.
The driver lowered it, revealing Varadon inside. The knight captain, tasked with monitoring the border, glanced inside—only to freeze in terror.
"Lo… Lord Va–Varadon," he stammered, nearly losing his footing. Beads of sweat formed instantly on his brow. "Please forgive my rudeness. I was not aware it was you in the carriage. I was ordered to inspect all vehicles passing this route. May I ask… what brings your lordship here?"
His head remained bowed low, not daring to meet Varadon's piercing gaze.
"I am going to the Elvian Empire," Varadon replied calmly, his tone carrying unshakable authority. "I will meet their emperor."
The captain had already guessed as much—this road led directly toward the Elvian border. Yet he asked anyway, for he knew of the emperor's recent decree: no Thalorein was to be allowed entry. The Elvian domain was unstable, its internal chaos tempting vultures from all sides. The emperor sought to exploit the turmoil for his gain, and the Thaloreins—long-standing allies of the elves—were an inconvenient obstacle. Thus, the ban.
But how could he enforce such an order on this man? Even if the emperor himself were standing here, the captain doubted Varadon would yield.
After weighing his nonexistent options, the knight dropped into a respectful bow. "Lord Varadon, I will open the gate at once. Please give me a moment."
He ran ahead, signaling for the heavy gates to be unbarred.
As the car passed through, the captain collapsed onto the ground, exhaling shakily.
"Damn… just standing near him made my knees give out. I thought I'd die right there." He rubbed his face, trying to calm himself. "Now… I must report this to the general. Hopefully, he'll understand my situation."
He straightened his uniform and hurried toward the watch post where his superior awaited.
---
Inside the fortified post, the duke of Valois Dukedom, Cedric Valois, was calmly reviewing reports. A man in his prime, with neatly trimmed hair and a meticulously groomed appearance, Cedric exuded refinement—and danger.
The door opened. "General, I have a matter to report," the captain said, saluting nervously.
"Enter," Cedric's cool voice permitted.
The knight captain stepped forward, standing stiffly two meters away from the desk. "My lord, we have a problem. Lord Varadon Thalorein has just crossed the border into the Elvian Empire."
Cedric's head snapped up. His sharp eyes locked onto the guard, a surge of killing intent filling the room.
"What did you just say? That old man went into the Elvian domain? And you did not stop him?" His voice cracked like thunder. "Do you not recall His Majesty's order? No Thalorein is to cross! Give me one reason why I shouldn't have you executed this instant!"
The knight captain fell to his knees, trembling as the weight of Cedric's aura crushed him. "Lord, please forgive me! I am merely a lowly captain. Had it been any other member of the Thaloreins, I would have stopped them with my life. But this was Lord Varadon himself—I could not possibly oppose him. Please understand my position!"
Cedric's piercing gaze lingered, but eventually he exhaled, withdrawing his killing intent.
"Very well. I understand. Even so, you disobeyed the emperor's command. Your punishment will be ten days of confinement—bread and water once a day. Take him away."
Relieved beyond words, the captain bowed repeatedly as another guard escorted him to the prison. For such a grave offense, this was lenient.
Cedric, however, was already deep in thought. So, Varadon entered openly. Normally, that old fox would simply fly over the border, masking his presence completely. Why walk through the gate like this? He knew of the decree. He wanted to make a statement… to the emperor himself.
His lips curved into a bitter smile. These damned Thaloreins. Always troublesome. Now I'll have to report this, and the emperor will rage. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage. Yes… Zarvok will owe me compensation for the trouble his father caused.
Excitement glimmered in his eyes as he reached for a crystal communication orb. Minutes later, he had relayed the incident to the emperor.
To his surprise, the emperor was calm. Almost… expectant.
"Hmph. Did he anticipate this move?" Cedric muttered, placing the orb away. "Well, this isn't the first time the Thaloreins have defied him. It won't be the last. Let them fight. I'll stand back and profit from the chaos."
He chuckled darkly. Hehehe… Zarvok, be ready. This time, I'll bleed your coffers dry.
Still smiling, Cedric leaned back in his chair.
---
Meanwhile, Varadon's car had long passed the borders. At a certain point, he ordered the driver to stop. Stepping out, he rose into the air and began flying swiftly toward the Elvian domain's inner regions.
Upon reaching the heart of the Elvian capital, Varadon descended directly into the imperial mansion, bypassing every guard and barrier as though they didn't exist. None dared obstruct him.
He landed gracefully within the palace and folded his hands behind his back, his aura calm yet suffocating.
There, he waited patiently—for the emperor to appear.