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Chapter 20: “When Silence Met Gold”

Rikuya and His Soldiers

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The sun broke through the clouds as the capital’s gates opened wide.

For the first time in three years, Northern war banners crossed the southern walls—tattered, weather-worn, but held high by bloodied hands that had survived what most couldn’t.

Behind them rode the soldiers of the north.

> Their armor dented.

Their cloaks faded.

Their faces hollow—but proud.

They had not returned to feast.

They had returned home.

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People lined the stone streets, pressed against barricades as drums echoed through the city.

Children perched on walls, throwing petals.

Old women wept softly.

Merchants paused their trade, bowing low as the column passed.

> “That’s him,” a whisper ran through the crowd.

“That’s General Rikuya.”

He rode at the front—tall, unmoved, a shadow wrapped in command.

His gaze swept the crowds without expression.

Behind him, Serika rode in ceremonial armor, sword at her side, eyes sharp, posture proud.

Beside her, Kael smiled softly as he caught the flowers tossed toward them.

But most eyes were fixed on Rikuya.

> A bastard son once.

A nameless fighter.

Now—their protector.

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The capital bowed as he passed.

And for a brief moment, he didn’t feel like a weapon.

He felt like a man… they remembered.

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At the palace gates, the soldiers dismounted.

Their boots struck marble.

They formed ranks.

The nobles waiting in silken robes stared, unsure whether to treat them as heroes or anomalies.

But the king’s ministers gave the signal:

> “Enter.”

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The massive golden doors of the throne hall opened.

And in perfect formation, the soldiers of the North marched into the heart of the Empire.

> Dust, blood, and ash beneath the polish.

Silence heavier than any crown.

At the far end of the hall, raised high upon a platform of obsidian and ivory, sat the King.

Robed in crimson. Crown heavy on his brow.

Eyes already narrowed at the man leading the procession.

And before him…

Rikuya stopped.

> Not as a son.

Not as a prince.

Not even as a general.

> But as himself.

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And the hall held its breath.

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