[POV: Arthur]
That evening, the training yard of Valoria's palace was bathed in the golden
light of sunset. My blade cut through the air in steady patterns, every
movement firm and controlled. My breath remained calm, my body far stronger
than three years ago—war and reform had stripped away the doubts that once
clung to me.
From a distance, a long whistle sounded. I turned toward the west, where the
new rails stretched from the capital. It was not just a trial signal—it was the
sign that something we had dreamed of was finally ready to move.
Marcel approached, his black robe embroidered with gold along the sleeves.
"Your Majesty," he said quietly, "today is not only your twentieth birthday.
The guests are already waiting in the hall. Valoria's first railway is ready to
take us to Caelora."
I nodded. The blue rune of the Oculus on my wrist glowed as I
activated it, displaying my current status.
Status – Arthur Valoria
Age: 20
Attributes
STR: 88
AGI: 102
VIT: 95
INT: 131
QEN: 124
CHA: 112
Skills
Qi Techniques: Qi Sense (Advance), Body Reinforcement (Mastery), Internal
Disruption (Refined)
Qi Sword: Moon Splitter (Lv.3), Light Step, Needle Point, River's Guard
Elemental Magic: Dragon Burst, Gale Cutter, Permafrost Thorn, Aegis Barrier
Unique: Heavenly Valoria Technique (Advance), Overdrive (Stabilized), Dual
Blade Dance
Engineering: Mana Conduction, Mana Rail System
I dismissed the screen with a faint smile. The power I once used just to
survive, I now directed to building the foundation of my kingdom. After
washing, I donned a black cloak with golden trim and headed for the hall.
[POV: Elara]
The palace hall of Valoria sparkled beneath the light of crystal chandeliers.
The air was filled with voices—diplomats murmuring about trade, merchants
weighing the price of grain, nobles exchanging pleasantries. I stood among the
Riverbend delegation, my gown the soft blue of the river where I was raised. It
was all splendid… and ordinary.
Then the doorkeeper's voice rang out, breaking the noise:
"His Majesty Arthur enters the hall!"
For a moment, silence fell. The great doors swung open, and he appeared.
I held my breath. He was tall, shoulders broad, a black and gold cloak
flowing with his measured stride. There was a strange calm in his movements—as
if the very air bowed in respect.
As he passed through the line of guests, a subtle fragrance brushed my
senses. Not the flower oils I often wore, but something softer, dignified.
Perfume? Even fragrance had become a vessel of innovation—I was impressed.
Arthur ascended the podium and looked out at us. His voice rang clear, firm,
yet warm.
"Thank you to all the honored guests who have gathered for my twentieth
birthday. Tonight, however, the celebration will not be held here, but in the
city of Caelora."
My eyes widened. Caelora was three hours away by horseback, and the sun was
already sinking. How could the festival possibly begin at seven?
A faint smile curved his lips.
"Tonight, Valoria will unveil a new way of travel. An innovation born from the
hands of blacksmiths and young craftsmen. A way that will carry us swiftly,
safely, and comfortably. Please, follow me."
He stepped down from the podium. Curiosity pulled me along with the crowd as
we left the hall.
Carriages bore us to a great building not far from the palace. Its roof
arched high, banners fluttered, and the cheers of the people filled the air.
I descended and froze.
At the center of the tracks stood a gleaming length of iron. Six carriages
in a row, runes of light coursing along their sides. Not a wagon, not
horses—something entirely new.
Arthur invited us aboard. The moment I stepped into the carriage, wonder
seized me.
The floor gleamed with polish, the walls carved with subtle runes that
glowed faintly. Plush seats lined either side of the aisle, upholstered in deep
blue cloth that warmed the skin. When I sat, the cushion seemed to embrace me.
Overhead, crystal lamps shone with gentle light; the air remained cool thanks
to a weave of wind and ice runes. It felt like sitting in a palace salon, not a
vehicle.
I turned to the wide window. Outside, crowds pressed close, waving, their
faces painted with hope.
A deep voice echoed through the carriage, amplified by resonant runes:
"Welcome aboard the Valoria Railway. This is the kingdom's first train, and
this carriage is the highest class for His Majesty and honored guests.
Cushioned seats for comfort, enlarged windows for the view, air kept cool by
wind and ice runes.
This train is not drawn by horses but by a mana crystal heart in the front.
The energy flows through rails forged with conductor stone—like water coursing
through a channel. That current spins the runes in the wheels, moving them like
a watermill driven by a river. By opening or closing the flow, the driver can
speed or slow the train. If diverted to holding runes, the wheels brake. With
this, the journey to Caelora that usually takes three hours on horseback will
be completed in less than one."
I glanced around. Nobles patted their seats, some whispering in disbelief. A
small smile touched my lips. If Riverbend had such marvels, harvests could
reach the market before spoiling, merchants could travel and return in a day.
Valoria was opening the door to the future—I shivered at the thought.
A gentle vibration ran through my fingertips as the wheels turned. Doors
closed, runes along the walls glowed blue, and the train glided from the
station. No jolting, only smooth movement, like a boat gliding a calm current.
At times, a clear trumpet note rang from resonance runes to signal the way
ahead. I breathed deeply. This was no mere journey. This was civilization
reborn.
Lantern lights blossomed ahead as the rails carried us to a radiant city.
Festival music floated from the central square—Caelora awaited.
[POV: Arthur]
The roar of the crowd exploded as the train came to a stop. Lanterns hung along
every street, small fireworks painted the night sky. I descended calmly,
saluted the people, and began the celebration of my birthday in Caelora's
square.
Well-wishes poured in without pause. Nobles, diplomats, merchants—all shook
my hand, spoke their blessings and hopes. I answered with smiles and nods,
holding composure in the whirl of festivity.
Two shadows never left my side. Ren and Reyna stood to my right and left,
their sharp eyes following every approach, every hand, ensuring no danger
slipped close. Their presence allowed me to breathe easier amidst the throng.
I turned to greet the next guest—and froze.
Among the line, a young woman stepped forward with grace. Those eyes, that
smile… too much like Laras—my wife on Earth. My chest trembled, a soft blow
unsettling my breath.
Her turn came. She bowed lightly, her smile composed.
"Happy birthday, Your Majesty. My name is Elara Riverbend."
Her name rang clear. I returned her smile, but my heartbeat struck
faster—not from embarrassment, but from a sudden, undeniable pull.
Elara turned to leave the line. I should have turned to the next guest, yet
my eyes, unbidden, followed her steps. Now and then she glanced back; our gazes
met briefly, enough to leave a lingering echo I could not silence.
Amidst music and cheers, I stood still for a moment. My birthday night had
only just begun, yet I knew: that brief encounter would leave a mark that
stretched far beyond the evening.