The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family - Chapter 253

Chapter 253: Journey to the Estate

Dawn painted streaks of crimson and gold across the eastern horizon as Éclair’s ceremonial convoy departed the capital. Six carriages bearing the imperial insignia moved in perfect formation, escorted by mounted honor guards whose armor gleamed in early light. From his position in the second carriage, Alex observed the procession with detached assessment, noting the precise arrangement that conveyed both military discipline and diplomatic significance.

Captain Yenova sat opposite him, her formal attire immaculate. Four senior officers occupied the remaining carriages, their presence establishing appropriate representation for the armed group that had elevated Alex to his current status. The procession represented careful political calculation—substantial enough to convey respect without excessive ostentation that might suggest inappropriate ambition.

“Standard travel time places our arrival at mid-afternoon,” Yenova observed, breaking the silence that had lasted since their departure. “The Patriarch has arranged formal reception before evening protocols begin.”

Alex nodded, his enhanced perception monitoring their surroundings with greater precision than those around him could possibly achieve. The road ahead wound through carefully maintained imperial territory, periodically marked with watchtowers that monitored movement toward the Lionhart Estate.

“I’ve reviewed the ceremonial protocols,” he replied. “The demonstration with Senior Commander Varek appears straightforward.”

“Yes.” Yenova studied him with measured assessment. “Though I recommend caution regarding its execution.”

The statement caught Alex’s attention, its careful phrasing suggesting meaning beyond simple tactical advice. “How so, Captain?”

Yenova considered her response with obvious deliberation. “The demonstration occurs before assembled dignitaries from across the continent. Many possess specialized perceptive capabilities—skills honed through decades of political survival.”

Alex understood immediately. “You suggest moderation in technique.”

“I suggest awareness of observation beyond what might be immediately apparent,” Yenova clarified. “What seems impressive to ordinary witnesses might appear… unusual to those with particular sensitivity.”

The warning carried unmistakable meaning. During his advancement through Éclair’s ranks, Alex had carefully calibrated his displays—revealing enough enhancement to justify progression without demonstrating capabilities beyond conceptual credibility. The recognition ball would place him before witnesses with potentially greater perceptive ability, observers capable of detecting inconsistencies between apparent capability and actual enhancement.

“I appreciate your guidance,” Alex replied, masking complex calculations beneath. “The demonstration will represent appropriate capability without unnecessary elaboration.”

Yenova nodded, something resembling relief briefly visible. “The Patriarch has arranged particular seating for observers with specialized sensitivity. Their observations will inform diplomatic adjustments in coming months.”

This additional information carried significant implications. The “specialized sensitivity” referenced obviously included those capable of perceiving unique energy signatures—practitioners whose training allowed detection of enhancements beyond conventional parameters. Their strategic placement suggested Roman anticipated unusual emanations during the ceremony, positioning those equipped to evaluate such manifestations where they could observe without drawing attention to their purpose.

~The Ice Monarch calculates multiple dimensions simultaneously,~ Pride observed within their shared consciousness. ~His preparations extend beyond ceremonial considerations to active intelligence gathering.~

Alex absorbed this assessment while maintaining outward focus on Yenova’s briefing regarding arrival protocols. The captain elaborated on ceremonial procession, formal presentation to assembled dignitaries, appropriate acknowledgments required for various territorial representatives. Throughout this procedural discussion, Alex detected undertones suggesting anxiety beyond typical ceremonial concern—subtle indications that Yenova perceived complications extending beyond normal diplomatic considerations.

“Has something changed since our last communication?” he inquired during a brief pause in her explanation.

Yenova hesitated, professional assessment battling familial concern behind her composed features. “Additional delegations have confirmed attendance beyond initial projections.”

“Which territories?” Alex asked, immediately recognizing diplomatic significance beyond mere attendance figures.

“All Seven Monarchies will be represented,” Yenova replied, the implications obvious to anyone with political awareness. “Including personal attendance by the Beast Emperor rather than delegated representative.”

This development carried particular significance given the recently established bloodline connection between Elisabeth and the enigmatic ruler. The Beast Emperor’s direct attendance elevated ceremonial proceedings from imperial acknowledgment to continental event—recognition ball transformed into diplomatic gathering where multiple sovereign powers would assess not merely Alex’s achievement but the Lionhart family’s evolving position within larger political framework.

“The Seven Monarchs Council rarely assembles outside formal summit,” Alex noted. “Even representation by delegated proxies suggests unusual coordination.”

“Indeed.” Yenova’s tone carried subtle warning. “The official explanation references honoring established bloodline connections between territorial authorities.”

The diplomatic phrasing disguised obvious reality—the assembled monarchies sought firsthand assessment of developments within the Lionhart family following Klaus’s mysterious transformation. His awakening had apparently generated sufficient concern among continental powers to justify unprecedented coordination between traditionally competitive sovereigns.

“And Klaus?” Alex inquired, concealing genuine curiosity.

“Will attend as previously communicated.” Yenova’s response remained carefully precise. “The Patriarch has arranged appropriate accommodations for his condition.”

The conversation lapsed into silence following this exchange, both occupants absorbed in private calculations regarding implications of expanded attendance. Outside, the landscape gradually transitioned from cultivated farmland to managed forest as their procession approached the Lionhart Estate’s expansive territory. Watchtowers became increasingly frequent, their positioning creating interlocking zones of observation that eliminated blind spots along designated travel routes.

~The expanded attendance increases significance beyond initial projection,~ Pride noted with satisfaction radiating through their connection. ~Opportunity to establish appropriate impression before continental authorities rather than merely imperial witnesses.~

Alex nodded slightly, the gesture imperceptible to Yenova across the carriage. The recognition ball had evolved beyond ceremonial acknowledgment into diplomatic inflection point—assessment opportunity where territorial powers would evaluate both Alex’s controlled enhancement and Klaus’s mysterious transformation within single contextual framework.

The carriage passed through the first formal checkpoint marking official entry into Lionhart Estate territory. Guards verified documentation with practiced efficiency, their formal inspection masking enhanced security measures implemented since Klaus’s awakening. Alex’s enhanced perception detected additional observers positioned beyond visible checkpoints, specialized practitioners maintaining surveillance beyond conventional parameters.

~Security measures exceed standard protocols,~ Pride observed, attention expanding through their shared perception to evaluate defensive arrangements with greater precision. ~Multiple energy configurations implemented beyond physical barriers.~

The journey continued through increasingly elaborate security arrangements, each checkpoint representing progression through nested defensive perimeters surrounding the Lionhart Estate. By mid-afternoon, as Yenova had predicted, their procession approached the estate’s formal entrance—an imposing gateway where stone lions flanked ancient archway marking transition between external territory and imperial residence.

As their carriage passed beneath this ceremonial threshold, Alex detected an energy field beyond conventional perception—a subtle barrier that registered against his enhanced awareness like silk brushing skin.

~Detection field rather than obstruction,~ Pride determined after momentary analysis. ~Designed to register energy signatures beyond normal parameters without preventing passage.~

A logical precaution given circumstances—implementation allowing identification of enhanced entities while maintaining appearance of normal diplomatic protocols. Alex adjusted his internal energy circulation accordingly, maintaining the controlled suppression that had concealed his transformation since communion with Pride at Blackthorn Temple.

Inside the estate’s outer boundaries, formal reception awaited—honor guards arranged in perfect formation, administrative officials positioned according to hierarchical protocol, service personnel prepared to escort distinguished visitors to appropriate accommodations. The ceremonial welcome represented generations of refined imperial procedure, every element communicating precise diplomatic significance through carefully calculated presentation.

The Éclair contingent disembarked with practiced coordination, Captain Yenova leading their formation with appropriate authority while Alex maintained position one step behind and to her right—placement communicating both his elevated status and continued respect for established command structure. The remaining officers arranged themselves according to rank, creating visual representation of organizational hierarchy for observing officials.

Melo awaited their arrival, his white mask and formal position as the Patriarch’s enforcer communicating appropriate acknowledgment of visiting dignitaries. His golden eyes revealed nothing as he extended formal welcome.

“Welcome to the Lionhart Estate,” Melo greeted, his voice carrying perfect modulation despite the mask. “The Patriarch extends his personal acknowledgment of Éclair’s distinguished contingent.”

“The honor delegation appreciates the Patriarch’s recognition,” Yenova responded, matching formal protocol precisely. “We present Swordmaster Lionhart for ceremonial preparation as requested.”

Melo’s golden eyes shifted to Alex. “The Patriarch awaits Swordmaster Lionhart in the Imperial Chamber. If you would follow me, preparations for tomorrow’s ceremony require specialized coordination.”

Alex glanced toward Yenova, who nodded slightly—acknowledgment that delegation protocols had been satisfied, releasing him to estate authority. “Of course,” he replied, stepping forward as Yenova and the remaining officers were directed toward guest accommodations reserved for visiting dignitaries.