Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 23: The Arrival of the Guest.

The Arrival of the Guest.

The heavy iron gates of the Vale estate creaked open, revealing a grand convoy of carriages flanked by armoured guards on horseback. The morning sun glinted off their polished Armor as they swiftly dismounted in unison, their boots thudding against the stone pavement. The rhythmic clatter of hooves, the rustling of banners in the crisp wind, and the sheer presence of the convoy sent a ripple of anticipation through the gathered household.

One by one, the carriage doors swung open, revealing young men clad in regal garments—except for the central carriage, whose door remained firmly shut.

From the first carriage, a striking young man stepped out. His black Armor gleamed under the daylight, each polished plate reflecting his disciplined aura. His sharp, angular features, cold black eyes, and jet-black hair made him a mirror image of Viscount Theo Vale. Confidence radiated from him; an unmistakable sense of superiority woven into his every movement.

Edric Vale—the first son of Viscount Theo and Lady Sera—had returned.

Stepping aside, another figure emerged from the same carriage. He was slightly shorter but no less imposing, his piercing blue eyes a stark contrast to his raven-black hair. Dressed in an identical black Armor, a sword strapped securely at his waist, he moved with effortless arrogance, the kind that only came from years of privilege and unquestioned dominance.

Arin Vale—the second son—had arrived as well.

Behind them, more students from the prestigious Valeria Imperial Academy disembarked. Their appearances were diverse—some with silver hair, others golden, a few with deep brown or raven-black locks. Their eyes ranged from sharp blues to rich hazels, yet they all shared one thing: an air of refined discipline, a mark of their elite upbringing.

As the gathered nobles watched, Edric and Arin strode forward, their footsteps measured and deliberate. They stopped before their father, bowing in unison.

"Father," they greeted, voices crisp and formal.

Viscount Theo Vale regarded them with a neutral expression, nodding in acknowledgment but offering no warmth.

Turning next to their mothers, they bowed slightly. "Mother Sera. Mother Celia."

Lady Sera smiled; her violet eyes gleaming with pride as she nodded at her sons. "Good to see you both, my children."

Lady Celia, though not their birth mother, returned the gesture with grace. "Welcome back," she said softly, her voice polite but distant.

Finally, Edric and Arin turned to Orion.

A polite smile curved their lips—thin, practiced, utterly devoid of sincerity. Yet their eyes held something else. Amusement. Mockery. A silent reminder of past humiliations.

Orion met their gazes with a calm, unreadable expression. He inclined his head slightly, but his nod lacked warmth—it was not respect, but a quiet, unspoken defiance.

Elara, ever the courteous one, also offered a small nod. Her expression remained neutral, but Orion could feel the tension in her stance. He knew how much she despised these brothers—how much they had tormented her in the past, despite sharing the same blood.

Ignoring the unspoken hostility, Edric and Arin proceeded toward the unopened carriage at the centre of the convoy. With a fluid motion, Edric stepped forward and pulled open the door.

A single, delicate foot, clad in a sleek leather boot, stepped onto the carriage's footrest. The air seemed to still as a breathtakingly young woman gracefully descended.

Her long, golden hair cascaded down her back, shimmering under the morning sunlight like liquid gold. Her vivid emerald-green eyes gleamed with intelligence and quiet confidence, their depths holding a sense of mystery. Her skin was flawless and fair, carrying a natural glow that added to her striking beauty.

She wore a sleek, form-fitting Armor of silver and deep green, tailored perfectly to her figure. The breastplate accentuated her toned yet feminine physique, its intricate engravings reflecting the craftsmanship of a master smith. Her long, fitted sleeves bore delicate silver filigree, enhancing her regal appearance. Draped over her shoulders was a dark green cape, embroidered with golden accents, signifying her status. A slender yet deadly rapier hung at her hip, its hilt adorned with a glimmering emerald gemstone.

As she stepped onto the stone pavement, her gaze swept across the gathered nobles with quiet calculation. She carried herself like a queen—not through arrogance, but through sheer presence.

Edric and Arin gave her a subtle nod with bright smiles, which she returned without hesitation. Then, she turned and strode gracefully toward Viscount Theo, Lady Sera, and Lady Celia.

Stopping before them, she placed a hand over her chest and gave a respectful bow. Her voice was smooth, refined, and carried an air of quiet authority.

"Greetings, Lord Viscount. Greetings, Lady Sera, Lady Celia."

Raising her head, she introduced herself with unwavering confidence.

"My name is Lysandra Voss, daughter of the former principal of Voss Imperial Academy and niece of the current principal. I hold the title of 'Daughter of the academy' and serve as an official representative of Voss Imperial Academy."

Orion's breath caught for a brief moment.

"The Daughter of the academy?" he thought, his mind racing.

Orion's breath caught for a brief moment. "Daughter of academy" he thinks a daughter of academy is very honourable title and with this title she single Handly represent whole Voss Imperial Academy magic and sword... One of the top five academies in all of Eldora.

His mind whirled as he processed her identity. In Eldora, academies were ruled by noble families, their leadership passed down through generations. Yet Lysandra Voss, despite coming from an academic lineage rather than nobility, held enough influence to single-handedly represent one of the continent's most prestigious institutions.

A single woman, carrying the authority of an entire academy...

His gaze flickered over to her once more. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was something more—an aura of power, of control. She wasn't just an exceptional student; she was someone who demanded attention simply by existing.

Quickly masking his surprise, Orion kept his expression neutral. So, this is the special guest.

Viscount Theo nodded approvingly. "Miss Voss, welcome to the Vale estate. It is an honour to host the representative of Valeria Imperial Academy. How fares your uncle?"

Lysandra offered a poised smile. "He is well, Lord Viscount. He sends his regards and gratitude for your hospitality."

The Viscount gave a curt nod before speaking in a measured tone. "Please, make yourself at home. You are an honoured guest here."

Then he turned slightly, addressing everyone. "A banquet will be held this evening in honour of our guests. You are all invited."

With that, he turned to Edric and Arin said "Come with me, I want to talk." And both Edric and Arin nodding in acknowledgment and start to walk behind Lord Viscount.

With a final nod toward Lady Sera, the Lord Viscount turned and strode away, with Edric and Arin, his golden robes flowing behind him. He had already fulfilled his duty of greeting them—his focus was always elsewhere.

Orion watched his father walk away, feeling the usual sense of detachment. This is my father—formal, composed, indifferent as ever.

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Shaking off his thoughts, he turned his gaze back to Lysandra.

She was not only beautiful but exuded an aura of strength and mystery. There was something captivating about her—something different.

He didn't know why, but deep in his gut, he had a feeling...

This woman's arrival would bring turmoil into his life.