Bloodline: Sovereign's Awakening - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The Tainted Heirs: Whispers of The Exiled

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow over the sprawling campus of the Union Academy and the bustling streets of Kabunlawan.

Here, the air was thick with the mingling scents of exotic spices, freshly baked pastries, and the subtle undertone of the earth carried by the evening breeze as the distant rivers rustled.

The marketplace was alive with activity, vendors calling out to passersby, and the vibrant colors of various stalls creating a tapestry of commerce and culture.

From the structured halls of the Sandigsal’s Union Academy and the commercial vibrancy of Kabunlawan, we arrive at the town of Luntian, in the heart of the Davaara, a city district of Durandaya.

A cultural hub village and an affluent district nestle a Level 3 settlement. Unlike the regimented atmosphere of the Academy or the bustling commerce of Kabunlawan, Luntian exudes an eclectic charm, harmoniously blending tradition and opulence.

The town’s architecture is a testament to this fusion: ornate wooden carvings depicting ancient myths adorn the facades of buildings, while gilded accents reflect the prosperity of its inhabitants.

Cobblestone streets wind through the town, lined with lanterns that cast a soft, golden glow as twilight descends.

The gentle murmur of flowing water from intricately designed fountains adds a serene undertone to the ambient sounds of evening chatter and distant melodies.

In Luntian, a unique blend of fragrances imbues the air: the earthy aroma of burning incense from a nearby temple intertwines with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine from well-tended gardens.

Artisans display their crafts in open-air galleries, where the wealthy and the cultured converge to appreciate and acquire masterpieces that tell tales of both heritage and innovation.

The town square serves as a gathering place, where cultural performances unfold under the starlit sky, and the community comes together to celebrate their shared identity.

Luntian’s ambiance is a delicate balance of reverence for the past and enthusiasm for the future, creating an environment that is both inspiring and comforting—a stark yet harmonious contrast to the environments of the Union Academy and Kabunlawan.

Within the elegant confines of his perfumery, Leon meticulously arranged crystal bottles filled with aromatic elixirs. The soft chime of the entrance bell announced a group of low-ranking nobles, their attire opulent yet understated, a testament to their status.

“Good evening, my lords and ladies,” Leon greeted, his voice smooth and welcoming. “How may I assist you today?”

A noblewoman, her fingers adorned with delicate rings, picked up a vial, inhaling its fragrance. “Exquisite,” she murmured. “This would be perfect for the upcoming gala.”

As Leon assisted them, their conversation inadvertently caught his attention.

“Have you heard the latest?” one nobleman whispered, leaning closer to his companion.

“About the Tala family?” the other replied, a note of intrigue in his voice.

“Indeed. Word is they’re sponsoring someone of common birth. Quite the scandal, considering their lineage.”

Leon’s hand paused momentarily as he wrapped the purchased perfume, his heart pounding.

The Tala family? Sponsoring a commoner? Could they be referring to Amon?

“I heard it’s the child of one of the exiled heirs,” the noblewoman added, her tone hushed but eager.

“You mean Lady Iskayna’s great-grandchildren?”

“Precisely. Imagine the audacity.”

Leon forced a smile as he handed over the elegantly wrapped perfume. “Thank you for your patronage. I hope you enjoy the fragrance.”

As the nobles departed, their whispers lingered in the air, leaving Leon grappling with a surge of anxiety.

The implications were clear, and the pain of his past exile resurfaced, though he took some solace because their true identities remained hidden.

Across the marketplace, Dasig stood amidst luxurious fabrics and garments, his keen eye ensuring he displayed every piece perfectly. A group of nobles entered, their laughter filling the space as they perused the collection.

“Welcome,” Dasig greeted, bowing slightly. “May I assist you in finding something special today?”

A nobleman ran his hand over a velvet cloak. “Remarkable craftsmanship. Truly.”

As Dasig assisted them, his ears caught snippets of their conversation.

“The Tala family is causing quite a stir,” one noble remarked, his voice low.

“Sponsoring a commoner, I’ve heard,” another replied.

“Not just any commoner,” the first continued. Rumor has it that it is the offspring of those exiled heirs. Lady Iskayna’s blood.”

Dasig’s grip tightened on the fabric he was holding, his mind racing. Nena… Could they be speaking of her?

“Imagine tainted bloodlines mixing with noble heritage. It’s unthinkable.”

Dasig maintained his composure as he assisted the nobles, but inside, a storm of emotions brewed. The past he had tried to leave behind was resurfacing, and the fear for his daughter’s future loomed large.

As the evening deepened, Leon and Dasig, both burdened by the weight of the rumors, found their paths converging near a fountain adorned with intricate carvings.

“Dasig,” Leon called out, his voice tinged with urgency.

“Leon,” Dasig responded, his expression mirroring the concern in Leon’s eyes.

“We need to talk,” Leon said, glancing around to ensure their privacy.

Dasig nodded. “I heard it too. The rumors… They’re about our children, aren’t they? ”

Leon sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It appears so. The mention of exiled heirs… It can’t be a coincidence.”

“We’ve kept our past hidden for so long,” Dasig murmured, the pain evident in his voice.

“And yet,” Leon replied and did not continue to mutter his words, as both of them already understood the situation.

They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the marketplace fading into the background as they grappled with the implications of the rumors.

“We need to protect them,” Dasig said finally, his voice firm.

“Agreed,” Leon replied. “But first, we need to uncover the truth behind these rumors.”

Together, they turned towards the path ahead, their steps heavy with the weight of uncertainty, yet resolute in their shared purpose. The night air was cool against their skin, a stark contrast to the turmoil within their hearts.

As the evening deepened, the shadows of their past loomed large, but their determination to safeguard their children’s future burned brighter, guiding them through the encroaching darkness.

Leon and Dasig returned to their respective homes in Kabunlawan, the weight of the day’s revelations pressing heavily upon them.

Leon entered his home, the familiar scent of lavender and chamomile greeting him. Marya, his wife, sat by the window, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of a nearby lantern.

“Leon,” she said, looking up with a gentle smile. “You’re home later than usual.”

He approached her, taking her hands in his. “Marya, we need to talk. It’s about Amon.”

Her smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. “What is it? Is he alright?”

Leon sighed, the lines on his face deepening. “I overheard some nobles today speaking of the Tala family sponsoring someone of common birth. They mentioned exiled heirs… It might be about our son.”

Marya’s grip tightened on his hands. “But we’ve kept our past hidden so well. How could this have surfaced?”

“I don’t know,” Leon replied, his voice heavy. “But I need to visit Grandmother Iskayna. Perhaps she can shed some light on this. I might be away for a day or two.”

Marya nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Be careful, Leon. Bring back answers.”

Meanwhile, Dasig entered his abode, the aroma of freshly cooked stew filling the air. Tasi, his wife, was setting the table, her movements graceful and practiced.

“Dasig,” she greeted, her eyes lighting up. “Just in time for dinner.”

He forced a smile, pulling her into an embrace. “Tasi, there’s something we need to discuss. It’s about Nena.”

She pulled back, searching his face. “What is it? Has something happened?”

Dasig took a deep breath. “I heard rumors today about the Tala family sponsoring someone from a common background. They spoke of exiled heirs… It could be about our daughter.”

Tasi’s face paled. “But we’ve been so careful hiding Nena’s ancestry. How could this be?”

“I’m not sure,” Dasig replied, his voice strained. “I need to return to the estate to seek answers. I may be gone for a while.”

Tasi nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and determination. “Go, Dasig. Find out the truth.”

As dawn’s first light painted the horizon, Leon and Dasig prepared to depart from Kabunlawan, each having shared the troubling rumors with their wives the previous evening.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew-kissed earth as the two men approached the town’s edge.

Awaiting them was a mercenary, a towering figure clad in worn leather armor, his presence exuding an air of rugged experience.

“Mornin’,” the mercenary greeted, his voice gravelly from years of shouting commands. “Name’s Garruk. I’ll be your escort to Pagadianara.”

Leon offered a polite nod. “Thank you, Garruk. We appreciate your assistance.”

Dasig glanced at the mercenary’s imposing broadsword strapped across his back. “Is the route perilous?”

Garruk chuckled, a sound reminiscent of rocks grinding together. “The roads are mostly safe, but it’s the unexpected you hire me for.”

With their modest luggage secured, they boarded the carriage—a sleek vehicle that hovered just above the ground, powered by a fusion of magic and technology. Plush, self-adjusting seats adorned the interior, and soft, luminescent orbs gently illuminated it.

As the carriage glided away from Kabunlawan, Leon and Dasig settled into an uneasy silence. The familiar sights of their hometown—bustling markets, children playing in the streets, the distant hum of arcane machinery—slowly faded into the background.

The path ahead led them through a mosaic of landscapes.

Fields of luminescent flora stretched out, their bioluminescence shimmering in the morning light.

Occasionally, they passed beneath colossal arches of intertwined trees, their leaves whispering ancient secrets.

Inside the carriage, the weight of the rumors pressed heavily upon them. Leon stared out of the window, watching the scenery blur past, his mind racing with concern for Amon. The possibility that their past transgressions were resurfacing gnawed at him.

Dasig, on the other hand, fidgeted with a pendant hanging from his neck—a keepsake from Nena’s childhood. The thought of his daughter being thrust into the harsh scrutiny of noble society filled him with dread.

Garruk, sensing the tension, attempted to lighten the mood. “First time to Pagadianara?”

Leon managed a faint smile. “It’s been many years.”

“Ah, the city’s changed quite a bit,” Garruk remarked. “The fusion of magic and tech is a sight to behold: floating markets, skyward towers, and the Grand Arcane Reservoir—truly marvels of our age.”

After several hours, the dense forests gave way to the sprawling vistas of Pagadianara, nestled in the heart of Durandaya’s Southern Archipelago. The city, a peak Level 4 society, was a marvel of post-advanced modern and magical civilization.

Towering spires of crystalline structures reached toward the sky, their surfaces shimmering with embedded enchantments. Streets paved with luminescent stones guided travelers, while arcane-infused lampposts hovered above, casting a gentle ambient light.

As the carriage approached the grand gates of the Tala estate, both Leon and Dasig felt a surge of nostalgia. The gates, wrought from enchanted metals, stood as a testament to their family’s legacy. Intricate patterns danced across their surface, shifting and changing, telling tales of generations past.

Garruk brought the carriage to a halt and turned to them. “This is as far as I go. The estate’s wards don’t take kindly to outsiders.”

Leon extended a hand, offering a pouch of coins. “Thank you, Garruk. Your assistance has been invaluable.”

Garruk accepted the pouch with a nod. “Safe travels within.”

As they stepped out, the gates recognized their lineage, swinging open with a silent grace. Bioluminescent flora lining the path beyond cast a soft glow, illuminating their way.

The estate sprawled before them, a harmonious blend of nature and magic. Trees with shimmering leaves stood alongside modern structures, their surfaces alive with arcane symbols. Enchantments hummed in the air, and the distant sound of water features added a serene undertone.

As they walked deeper into the estate, memories of their childhood flooded back.

The sense of peace and protection that once comforted them now felt both welcoming and oppressive. The familiarity felt warm, yet past wounds made it bitter.

“It’s been a long time,” Dasig murmured, his voice echoing the complex emotions swirling within him.

“Too long,” Leon replied, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. “Let’s hope Grandmother has the answers we seek,”