Sovereign of the Ashes

Old John’s choked sobs caused a memory from the most profound recesses of Sein’s mind to resurface, transporting him to a younger version of himself, toiling in a courtyard for his training.

If he had not been taken to Gloomhaven, he might have become an exceptional knight.

Without a doubt, Old John was a skilled soldier.

Without his guidance, Sein could have starved to death on his way to Mystralora City or succumbed to bullying from fellow initiates during his early days as a fresh initiate.

Sein’s remarkable constitution and strength played a pivotal role in establishing his presence at the Black Magic Academy during the initial two years before he mastered any magic spells.

Even as the dynamics shifted with Leena offering protection later, it did not change the fact that Old John had been one of his saviors, even if his initiative to teach Sein basic breathing techniques and combat skills came from the earl’s directive.

The vivid images from Sein’s memories dissipated as he stepped out of the carriage, helping the old man to his feet.

As Sein was about to inquire about recent events, Old John leaned in and whispered, “Young Master Sein, news of your arrival in Grantt City has caused quite a stir. I believe some people in the castle have heard about it by now.”

“Informants throughout the city have likely relayed your presence, though it might take some time for the earl to return to the castle. Please remain cautious during this period, especially regarding those who are on the countess’ side...” Old John urged.

They were still a distance away from the castle. The conversation between Sein and Old John in front of the carriage went unnoticed amid the trees and plants outside the castle walls.

Frowning at Old John’s warning, Sein asked, “You mean my mother?”

“Lady Catherine, your mother, succumbed to depression the year after your abduction. After her passing, Earl Grantt married Lady Thea, the daughter of a marquis from Zephyr Kingdom,” Old John clarified.

Sein was frozen by the revelation.

His expectations had been high, and the reality struck hard.

Old John’s words froze him like a cryo magic spell, freezing not only his body but also his mind.

Sein had no recollection of his father, Earl Grantt. Scouring through his memories, he found no trace of moments spent with the man.

Perhaps, Sein reasoned, he was too young at that time, as he was merely six when he was abducted to Gloomhaven.

Anything prior to that age seemed a distant haze, with only faint fragments of memory lingering.

Among those fragments, the most vivid one was a moment shared with his mother, though the details of her face eluded him.

Only her long silver hair, sapphire eyes, and a penchant for white dresses were etched in his mind.

Sein remembered his mother used to sing a nursery rhyme to him while he swayed on a swing in the garden.

The melody had long faded from his memory, along with its lyrics.

All that was left was a warm feeling in Sein’s heart—providing solace amidst the trials he faced in the Black Magic Academy.

“Young Master?”

“Young Master?”

The voice of Old John pulled Sein back from his melancholy, and despite his resilience honed in the harsh Sand World, silent tears streamed down his face.

Was it grief for his mother’s passing, or the beautiful dream nestled deep within his memories that had been shattered?

At this moment, Sein yearned for the company of Leena.

He was eager to share the burdens weighing on his heart—of Morsidor, his mother’s passing, and the solitary struggle endured in the Sand World for over two years.

Alas, Leena was not by his side, and Sein had no idea where to find her.

He could only look forward to the day he would become a full-fledged mage and embark on a journey to the Western Archipelago to search for her, and possibly Faye too.

Regaining composure, Sein used a Cleanse spell to clean his tear-stained cheeks, surprising Old John with the sudden surge of magic fluctuation.

It was only then did Old John realize that Young Master Sein was a mage.

It made him wonder what he had gone through over the years.

The castle’s massive presence became apparent as Sein approached.

Viewed from afar, its sheer size left an awe-inspiring impression, yet, drawing closer, he realized its enormity exceeded his initial perception.

Within the castle, certain individuals were indeed already aware of the commotion in the East District of Grantt City.

As Sein’s carriage passed through the moat bridge toward the castle, a crowd emerged to “welcome” Sein, but an unusual tension filled the air.

“What the hell, Regnar?! We have an important guest in the carriage! I’ve already informed the earl. He will be returning soon from Skurvayne City!” Old John’s stern voice quickly thinned the crowd that had gathered in front of the castle.

The man named Regnar seemed to be the leader of the crowd. Like Old John, he was also a senior squire. Not only that, he appeared to be younger than Old John.

Due to their age difference, he was superior to Old John in terms of strength and combat power, explaining why Earl Grantt entrusted him with the protection of the castle.

Old John’s stern reprimands, peppered with the mention of the earl, caused hesitation to flicker across Regnar’s face.

Seizing this momentary indecision, Old John deftly cleared a path through the obstructing crowd, guiding Sein’s carriage into the castle grounds.

The majority of onlookers yielded to Old John’s authoritative demeanor and the Earl’s influence, refraining from any attempts to intervene or obstruct Sein’s entry.

However, a resilient faction persisted—the loyal followers of the current countess.

A knight in red armor, with the strength of a senior squire, took charge, leading more than a dozen comrades to confront Old John.

They blocked his path, unsheathing their long swords.

“What’s this? Youngsters from the Zephyr Kingdom, daring to challenge me within the earl’s castle?! I’ll have you know that when I fought alongside Earl Grantt in the Battle of Nessir Basin, all of you were still sucking on your mommy’s tits!” Old John’s eyes widened, fueled by anger.

The red-armored knight confronting him hailed from the Zephyr Kingdom. He was a senior squire the countess had brought from her homeland.

Old John’s cutting remarks caused the face of the red-armored knight to flush with a mix of embarrassment and anger, perhaps exacerbated by the repeated mention of “Zephyr Kingdom”.

Despite the tension, neither Regnar nor the other guards from the earl’s castle intervened on behalf of the knight in red armor.

The red-armored knight and his entourage stood as the sole opposition before Sein’s progress—comprising one senior, three intermediate, and several junior squires.