Fenris was walking out of the Ducal mansion. As he reached the gate the guards bowed on seeing him again. After all, he was the Duke of the house Sunfire, the second strongest of the Sun clan...

It was said that he couldn't come out often because he would be engaged in his duties and training, so getting to look at him once alone was a big matter. Something one could brag about one's whole life. also, in recent years, merely anybody was able to see him because he was sick.

Guard 1: Hey! He's the heir- I meant the Duke Fenris Sunfire, right?

Guard 2: Yes, who would've thought he'd grow into such a fine man given how sick he used to be?

Guard 1: Right. By the way, I heard that he was friends with our young master when he was young.

Guard 2: Yes. They are still friends. Look, Young Master's is already sprinting to meet him.

The son of the Duke Varen Stormcaller, Vion Stormcaller was an old friend of Duke Fenris was something everybody said and knew.

Fenris POV: To think Duke Varen would call me here himself and even meet me personally instead of his butler, that's... suspicious. Does he know too much? He didn't really seem to though. Anyways, he'd let me know that I'll work along someone else but did not clearly tell me who, it seems he doesn't want to reveal who it is unless I happen to meet hi- her myself. Hmm... interesting. I didn't really think that the Duke would be so entertaining and along with that, to let me in the imperial palace itself, he must be quite desperate to find the heir. I must-

Vion: FENRIS!!! (He was panting.)

Fenris turned after here that acquainted voice that called from behind.

Fenris: Hello, Vion. Good day?

Vion: Why so cold? Are you gonna give me the cold shoulder now?

Fenris: Obviously, not Vion. You are my only childhood friend after all.

Vion: Hah! You were so unreachable that i thought I'd never be able to meet you again.

Fenris: But we met, right? So no need to concern yourself with such negative thoughts.

Vion: Anyways, are you heading back already?

Fenris: Yes, why?

Vion: See! Here I came running after hearing that you had arrived and here you can't even stay for a tea! And you call yourself my friend? Ah, c'mon.

Fenris: (He shrugged) You and your drama. Alright, let's go. 

Vion led the way to the Stormcaller's garden. There was a vast greenhouse there, named Emma Memorial as it was where the late Duchess Emma Stormcaller spent her most of the time. The greenhouse was surrounded by apple orchards from all sides. The path leading to the gate was parallelled by white rose bushes. The path made of twines itself, representing the Earth clan. Every bloom felt curated- beauty in balance.

Inside the greenhouse, bloomed the seasonal flowers as well as the off season flowers, maybe using the Earth magic. Soft blue light shimmered over the blossoms that opened only at twilight, and the air shimmered with a scent too sweet to name. Even the wind felt spellbound as it passed through.

Just at the heart of the greenhouse was the table. The herbal tea being prepared by the head maid just for them. They sat there, conversing after years... 

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Fenris bid goodbye to Vion at the gate. He entered his carriage shining brightly even in the dim sunlight as it was imbued with Aurona Surge to amplify its performance.

The heart of the empire of Ashreka, Virelle was bustling even after dark. All the commoners busy with own chores, their own life. The streets all lit with bright lights, again, using the powers of a kin of the Sun clan. 

Fenris mumbled, "They always forget how dependent they are. They never really cared about the matters relating to the clans, so stupid", while staring out through his carriage's window.