Chapter 4: A Meeting with Royalty
The following day found Ragnos clad in his homeland's formal attire—an intricate ensemble of black, red, and gold cloth and leather. His knee-high boots gleamed with a mirror-like polish, complementing black silk-like pants trimmed with red and gold. A matching deep crimson shirt bore a crest over his heart, while a leather coat, embroidered with the same crest on the back, flowed down to his ankles. To say he looked regal and imposing was an understatement. His hair was neatly combed, and the subtle scent of lavender clung to him. Louise's cheeks flushed as she took in his appearance, struggling to suppress her reaction.
"Well, Louise, are you ready to go?" Ragnos's voice was calm but carried an undertone of amusement. Louise could only nod as she followed him out to the open balcony.
Her breath caught as her eyes fell upon Ivyrth, Ragnos's massive black dragon. The creature's intricate, glowing armor shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and a two-person saddle with a large chest strapped to its back awaited them.
"W-what's in the chest?" Louise stammered.
Ragnos chuckled. "That? Just some gold, a few astral diamonds, and a sword of my own crafting. A gift for the princess."
Louise blinked in shock. "Why would a noble work as a blacksmith? Isn't it… filthy?"
Ragnos smirked as he helped her onto the saddle. "Learning to craft and repair my own weapons and armor has saved my life more times than you've drawn breath."
Once they were both securely seated, he gave a simple command. "Hold on tight." Moments later, they were soaring through the skies, Ivyrth's massive wings cutting through the air faster than any wind dragon Louise had ever encountered. The capital came into view within minutes, and they landed in the square outside the castle gates. The awe-struck guards and townspeople could only gape as Ragnos dismounted, lifting the chest with ease.
Inside the castle, a guard announced their arrival: "Announcing Lady Louise Françoise le Blanc de La Vallère of Tristain and Lord Ragnos Highvalor of Daggerford, Highlord of the Order of the Astral Shield and Duke of the Kingdom of Fjordsvain."
Louise knelt before her childhood friend, Princess Henrietta, while Ragnos bowed gracefully.
"Princess, it is a pleasure to meet you on such short notice. I trust you are well?" he said with a charming smile.
Henrietta returned his smile warmly. "Greetings, Duke Ragnos Highvalor. Welcome to Tristain."
At Ragnos's gesture, the chest was brought forward and opened. The room collectively gasped as the treasures inside glittered in the sunlight. Ragnos lifted a masterfully crafted sword, its blade shimmering with a blue aura.
"A gift from my vault," he explained. "A blade of my own making, enhanced with enchantments that amplify wind and water magics, and to a lesser degree, healing spells. The astral diamond embedded in the guard powers its abilities."
Henrietta accepted the gift with a gracious smile, but before she could respond, Ragnos's expression darkened.
"Come out," he commanded, his voice like steel. "I sensed you the moment you entered."
A short man stepped out from behind a pillar, bowing mockingly. "Fair princess, Reconquista sends their regards." He lunged forward, blade flashing in the light. Ragnos fey stepped into his path, taking the strike directly to his abdomen. A collective gasp filled the room as blood splattered the floor.
"You know," Ragnos said, pulling the blade free with a grim chuckle, "I really should remember to wear my armor." The wound closed almost instantly. "Now, surrender."
The assassin's eyes widened in terror. "What are you? No one survives a poisoned blade like that!"
Ragnos's smirk turned feral. "You compare me to the men you've bested, not the ones who've bested you. Cease this foolishness."
The assassin tried to strike again but was met with Ragnos's blade. The paladin's weapon danced through the air with blinding speed, forcing the attacker to retreat.
Agnes stepped in, her sword a blur as she parried a dagger aimed at the princess. "Not on my watch," she growled, driving the assassin back further.
Working in tandem, Ragnos and Agnes pressed their advantage. Ivyrth's deep, rumbling growl filled the room, freezing the assassin in place for a split second. It was all the opening Ragnos needed. Fey stepping behind the attacker, he delivered a crushing blow that sent him sprawling.
The assassin scrambled to his feet, flinging daggers at both Ragnos and Agnes. The weapons glanced harmlessly off Ragnos's enchanted coat, while Agnes deflected hers with practiced ease.
"Enough of this," Ragnos said, his voice like thunder. Light flared from his blade, blinding the assassin. When it faded, the would-be killer lay on the ground, his body wracked with painful spasms.
Agnes stepped forward, binding the assassin while Ragnos sheathed his sword. "Shall we get back to business, Princess?" he asked with a wry smile, ignoring the bloodstains on his coat.
Henrietta could only nod, her mind reeling from the display of power she had just witnessed.
*Later that day, an unknown location*
In a darkened chamber, the leader of Reconquista reviewed a report detailing the failure of their assassin. His hands trembled as he read of the foreign noble's resilience and unearthly abilities.
"A variable we cannot afford," he muttered, penning a missive to Viscount Wardes. "We must act swiftly."
*That night, Tristain Academy of Magic*
Ragnos stood before a shimmering archway in his tower, placing a massive gem into its center. As the portal flared to life, he stepped through, greeted by his brother and several members of his order.
"Graahl, Shera, Ingrid, Brother Bruno," Ragnos greeted each in turn. "Care to help me establish a new chapter in this world?"
Their laughter filled the room as they saluted him.
"Now, Fenris," Ragnos said to his brother, "care to join me in negotiating a few treaties with this new world?"
Fenris smirked. "Fill me in tomorrow. For now, take Heinrick with you to help get things started."