Chapter 174: Chapter 174 : A crestvale always pays his debts

Three more days passed.

The capital of Avaloria — Imperius City — after the disaster it had endured, had begun to recover slowly but steadily under the direct orders of King Edward.

Houses were being rebuilt, government facilities restored, and the once-broken streets reinforced even stronger than before.

The central government, directly under the royal family’s command, bore the brunt of responsibility for this restoration.

Meanwhile, far to the north in the territory ruled by the Crestvales, their grand estate in Gandiore stood tall.

The Crestvale Manor, second only to the royal palace itself, was now under stricter security than ever in light of the recent incidents.

Inside one of its many chambers, a young silver-haired figure lay upon a grand bed.

Dozens of intricate medical devices surrounded him, some humming softly, others beeping steadily in rhythm with his vitals.

Mana-infused tubes and crystalline monitors pulsed faintly as they tracked his condition.

A physician in formal robes was bent over him, adjusting the mana-flow regulator attached to his chest.

The boy’s face was pale, yet even in his fragile state, there was a faint aura around him that felt unnatural for someone his age.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

A man with neatly combed brown hair stepped inside, his very presence commanding the respect of every servant within the manor.

Beside him walked a graceful woman with flowing white hair and striking violet eyes.

Reynard von Crestvale — Duke of the Northern Territory, guardian of its borders, and Head of the Crestvale Family.

Serena von Crestvale — Duchess of the North and sister of the current king.

The doctor immediately stood up, his face paling as he bowed deeply.

“Y-Your Grace, My Lady…”

Serena’s gaze lingered on the boy in the bed for a moment before she turned to the physician.

“How is his condition?”

The doctor cleared his throat nervously.

“My Lady, he is stable… in fact, better than stable. His injuries are recovering far too quickly.

If anyone else had sustained wounds like these, they would have perished on the spot. To be honest, I must ask… is this boy truly sixteen years old? Just who is he?”

At that, Serena’s eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as ice.

“You are asking an awful lot of questions, doctor.”

Cold sweat immediately poured down the physician’s forehead. He bowed even lower, trembling.

“M-My apologies, My Lady! I spoke out of turn!”

Serena waved her hand dismissively.

“You may take your leave for now.”

The doctor nodded frantically, nearly tripping over himself as he gathered his belongings and hurried out of the room, pale and flustered.

For a moment, silence lingered. Then Reynard, standing tall beside his wife, finally spoke. His voice was deep, contemplative.

“Tell me, Reyna. Is this boy really the one who saved our son… and all the others, including Ethan?”

Serena turned her head slightly, her expression calm yet firm.

“What do you think? Do you believe I would lie to you?”

Reynard exhaled slowly, crossing his arms.

“I didn’t mean that. It’s just… hard to believe.

A boy, barely sixteen, fighting against an entire battalion of Expert-rank enemies — including two Masters and even a Grandmaster — and still surviving? Just who the hell is this kid?”

His eyes softened slightly as they fell on the unconscious youth.

“According to the intelligence we gathered, he comes from no noteworthy lineage.

His parents are unknown, as if they never existed. His only family… is his sister. And from what I’ve heard, even she lies on the verge of death.”

Serena’s expression grew heavier. She sighed, her tone serious.

“Yes… we’ve tried everything. But nothing seems to be working on her. Her condition worsens with each passing day.

Alden and his friends call every day, asking about her… and lying to them is becoming harder and harder.”

Reynard was silent for a long moment. His gaze hardened as he stared at the boy on the bed.

“A Crestvale always repays his debts. Do everything you can, Reyna. And… inform me the moment this kid wakes up.”

Serena’s lips curved slightly, a faint, amused smile tugging at them.

“Well, well… look at you. Showing a soft side.”

Reynard’s composure faltered. He looked away with a small cough.

“The boy saved our son. It’s the least we can do for him.”

Serena chuckled softly, her expression softening.

“Well… you’re right about that.”

Reynard’s eyes sharpened once more, his tone firm.

“Besides… if everything I’ve heard about him is true, then we must keep a close eye on him. Make sure he does not stray from the right path.”

Serena nodded gently.

“You’re right about that. But I think we already know. He fought against impossible odds… against enemies he had no chance of defeating, and yet he still stood — just to protect his friends and even complete strangers. That alone tells us he has a good heart.”

Reynard’s stern expression softened, and he gave a small nod of agreement.

Just then, the door opened once more.

A tall man in his fifties, with neatly styled hair and the refined bearing of a seasoned warrior and servant, stepped in. Elric — Serena’s personal butler.

He bowed respectfully.

“Forgive me for intruding, My Lord, My Lady. But I bring news.”

Both Reynard and Serena immediately tensed, their eyes sharpening.

“What is it?” Reynard asked. “Is it another attack?”

Elric quickly shook his head.

“No, My Lord. Nothing of the sort. It’s just… Lady Alicia has arrived at the manor. She asked to see both you and Lady Serena.”

At that, a wide smile appeared on Reynard’s usually stern face.

“So, the little troublemaker has returned, huh? Let’s see how she’s doing.”

He straightened his coat and asked,

“Where is she now?”

Elric replied respectfully,

“She is in the dining hall, My Lord. She said she was quite hungry after her journey.”

Reynard chuckled, his smile widening as he turned toward the door.

“Good. Then let’s not keep her waiting.”

With a warm gleam in his eyes, Reynard left the room, his steps purposeful as he headed toward the dining hall.

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A/N:

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