Previously~
Vincent looked downward-
"Let's visit my family should we?"
He jumped, descending into the market with pure grace.
THUD!
Vincent landed softly while somersaulting. The crowd gasped.
"It's him!" a woman selling apples shrieked.
People gathered near Vincent.
—-----------------------------------------------
"Little boy! How are you?" the baker called out as he stepped forward, his burly hands landing on Vincent's shoulder with a friendly pat.
"Fine, thanks to you… Mr. Breadburn," Vincent replied with a smile.
"Haha…" The baker let out a soft chuckle.
Next, the apple lady approached, a woven basket full of red, ripe apples cradled in her arms.
"Here, a humble gift from me," she said, offering him the basket.
"Mrs. Alp…" He paused, looking at her kindly. "I'll eat them after training."
She ruffled his hair with motherly affection.
"Yes, growing children should eat fruits."
More villagers came forward:
— A bearded merchant handed him a small leather journal.
— A skinny man in a loose tunic gave him a casket of fresh grapes.
— A middle-aged seamstress gently offered a clean, embroidered handkerchief, sewn by her own hand.
Vincent accepted each gift with a warm smile. His humble demeanor softened even the hardest hearts in the crowd.
CLACK! CLACK!
A carriage rolled to a halt in front of him. Two riders followed, mounted on sturdy horses. One wore polished knight's armor; the other was cloaked in a long robe that masked his figure.
The knight descended first. Broad-shouldered and muscular, he removed his helmet, revealing brown skin and a buzz cut glistening with sweat. A smile tugged at his lips.
"Little Duskrane!" He wrapped an arm around Vincent's shoulders. "Didn't know you were here."
Vincent smiled.
"Sir Kalem… I thought you were still stationed at the borders?"
Kalem chuckled softly.
"Just arrived this morning."
"Kalem!"
The robed man's voice cut through the air — sharp, commanding.
Sir Kalem immediately straightened. His friendly expression faded into formality. The robed man approached, his boots echoing sharply against the stone.
He pushed back his hood. Crimson hair spilled out, and his red eyes, sharp and intense, settled on Vincent with a faint smile.
"We greet Young Master Vincent Duskrane!" the men declared in unison, bowing slightly.
Vincent crossed his arms, a small sigh escaping him.
"Please, raise yourselves, uncles. How would it look if the Wolves of Tigranclaw and the Knight-Captain of the Duchy bowed to a child?"
Kalem arched an eyebrow.
"Child?"
"A little child doesn't split the sky in two."
he pointed upward.
The clouds above had parted, a single line cleaving through their stormy form. Sunrays pierced the gap like fractured glass, casting golden light over the land. The sky looked divine — as though some higher force had drawn a blade through it.
Nodding slightly, Vincent asked, "How did you know I had arrived?"
The man with crimson hair stepped forward, his gaze lifting to the sky.
"It's the Month of Frostborn. There shouldn't be any sunlight — especially not here in Tigranclaw, where storms rage for half the year."
He pointed at Vincent.
"And only one person makes an entrance by splitting the sky."
Vincent chuckled.
"You know me too well, Uncle Theodore."
Kalem grinned.
"How about we ditch the carriage and run straight to the training grounds?"
Theodore let out a sharp sigh.
"Ouch!" Kalem yelped as Theodore tugged his ear.
"Mind your manners, Kalem," Theodore said firmly.
Rubbing his reddened ear, Kalem muttered,
"Yes, sir…"
Vincent smiled to himself and stepped into the carriage. The soft rhythm of hooves brushing against stone echoed through the air as the carriage began its journey toward the palace.
Inside Felgris Palace-
A man barked orders at the servants, urgency lacing his voice. Sweat clung to his brow, darkening the trim black beard on his face. He wore a black shirt, half-unbuttoned and hastily thrown on over loose track pants — clear signs he'd just come from training.
"Adjust the flowers there."
"Switch them out for hibiscus."
"Don't place the drinks here."
"Raise the banner — just a bit higher."
"Add some pineapples. He likes them."
The man sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. The moment he sensed Vincent's return, he'd thrown himself into the preparations — every detail had to be perfect.
CREAK!
The door groaned open. A young boy with slicked-back black hair and sharp emerald eyes stepped into the room. Just behind him came a slightly shorter boy, crimson-haired with striking red eyes. Both were neatly dressed, their posture straight.
"Where are the twins?" the man asked, his voice still half-distracted.
"Mother's still dressing them," the black-haired boy replied calmly.
BANG!
The doors burst open. Kalem and Theodore entered — Vincent walking between them.
"Hello uncle Edward!" Vincent waved at the man.
"How are you, nephew?" Edward replied, a smile tugging his lips.
"Never better!" Vincent replied- "Ohh, also uncle Alexander told me to remind you that you owe him a hundred year old whiskey."
Edward closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose instead, too exhausted to even facepalm properly.
"That bastard…"
"Vayren!" The black-haired boy ran toward Vincent, wrapping his arms around him.
"Raphaeldor!" Vincent grinned, ruffling the boy's hair.
He looked up and motioned toward the crimson-haired boy.
"Theobald, how are you doing?"
Theobald nodded shyly. "Good, Vayren."
Vincent smiled. "Sigmund wanted your muffin recipe."
Theobald's eyes lit up. "Please give me a moment!" He turned and dashed toward the kitchen.
Vincent looked back down at Raphaeldor.
"Also, Leon wants to duel you again."
Raphael snorted. "Hah! He's still two losses down. Time for a third."
Vincent chuckled, amused.
CREAK!
The doors opened to reveal a woman with short, snow-white hair that brushed her shoulders. She wore a flowing white gown — unadorned by jewelry, yet graceful and beautiful on her.
In each hand, she held a little girl — no older than three. Both had white hair like their mother and deep black eyes that mirrored their father.
"Vaywen!" the twin with short hair squealed and rushed toward Vincent.
SLIP!
Her little feet lost grip on the polished marble floor. Silence hung in the air—
Then—
WAAH!
The girl burst into tears, her cry echoing off the stone walls. Vincent rushed forward and scooped her into his arms.
"Now, now… why are you crying, Evangeline?" he asked softly, wiping her tears with gentle fingers. "Do you not like Vayren coming here?"
Evangeline turned her head to the side, sniffling — a glistening strand of snot trailing from her small nose.
"It huwts…" Evangeline pouted, her lips trembling cutely.
Without hesitation, Vincent gently wiped her nose, then casually cleaned his hand on his plain white shirt.
"Here, Vayren." Raphael offered a tissue, a little too late.
"Thanks," Vincent said, flashing him a warm smile.
"Delphine! What happened?" he asked, feeling a soft tug at his shirt.
Delphine, the long-haired twin, looked up at him with wide black eyes.
"Up," she said innocently, raising her arms.
"Delphine, that's not proper manners," Amelia chided gently.
"It's okay, auntie," Vincent replied, crouching to pick her up with one arm.
"How about a ride?" he grinned.
"Yes!" Evangeline nodded eagerly.
"On whom?" Vincent raised an eyebrow.
"Pinkwy," Delphine whispered shyly.
"Pinkwy!" Evangeline echoed, much louder.
CLACK! CLACK!
Vincent turned toward the doors.
"Wait, cupcake," Amelia called, "why don't you eat something first?"
"I'll be quick. Just a short ride," Vincent said, pushing the large doors open with a light kick.
A faint white glow pulsed on the sparring platform — a magic square etched with ancient runes. Glyphs shimmered and danced in the air as a shape began to form.
ROAR!
The sound echoed through the halls.
A dragon burst into existence, its scales a gleaming rose quartz that shimmered with soft hues of pink and gold. Its translucent wings glowed like floating petals in the wind. Despite its delicate appearance, the beast's piercing amethyst eyes radiated wisdom — and its obsidian claws hinted at raw power.
The dragon's gaze swept the area, then locked onto Vincent.
"I greet Master Vincent Duskrane," it spoke, voice regal yet kind.
Vincent smirked. With a flick of his fingers, two seats shimmered into existence on the dragon's back. He lifted the girls one by one, gently placing them on the seats and wrapping a dozen belts securely around them.
"Fly at medium height and prioritize their safety," Vincent instructed.
"As you command, Master," the dragon replied with a graceful bow.
"Pinky at your service, young lady Delphine and young lady Evangeline," she added cheerfully.
"Cupcake," Amelia said, frowning, "isn't that a bit dangerous?"
Edward glanced at her, then nodded toward Theodore.
Theodore stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Young Master Vincent, may I accompany the young ladies on their ride?"
Vincent nodded. "Any problem, Pinky?"
"Your wish is my command," the dragon replied, lowering her body so Theodore could mount.
WHOOSH!
With a powerful flap of its wings, the dragon shot into the sky.
"Now, let's return," Vincent said, turning back toward the buildings.
Amelia and Edward followed closely behind, while Raphael lingered for a moment, eyes fixed on the heavens.
A soft whisper escaped his lips,
"When will I get to meet Skyvolt…"
Inside~
Amelia pulled Vincent into a warm hug before letting him go.
"Cupcake, how are you? How is everyone at home?" she asked, her voice filled with gentle concern.
Vincent smiled.
"I'm fine, auntie. Grandpa and grandma are just the same."
He paused before adding, "Mother's a little worried… about my powers growing so fast."
Amelia returned his smile, then patted his head affectionately.
"Sister has every right to worry, cupcake. Your talent — as both a swordsman and a beast tamer — already surpasses anyone in history."
"Swordsman and beast tamer?"
Vincent almost chuckled. She doesn't even know half of it…
The corners of his lips curled into a devilish grin.
Amelia gently cupped his cheek.
"If something goes wrong because you lose control… it could leave a wound not just on your body, but on your heart too."
"Don't be upset if your mother says something harsh, okay?"
Vincent nodded.
"Yes, Auntie."
Edward leaned in, his voice curious.
"What about your father?"
"He's helping me train."
Amelia arched a brow.
"How?"
"Well…" Vincent scratched the back of his head.
"He spars with me… takes me out hunting and—"
"What?!"
Amelia's voice rose sharply, cutting him off. She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.
"How many times have I told him not to do that?" she muttered.
"I can completely understand why my sister is so worried."
"Vayren…" Raphael raised his hand meekly.
"When will I get Skyvolt?"
Vincent's expression straightened, as if he remembered something important. He looked at aunt Amelia.
"Aunt Sophie sends you her love.-" Amelia grinned- "Also, grandfather has decided that this year's hunt will be pushed forward to the Month of Zephyris."
Edward squinted, "Why?"
Vincent dwindled his thumb, "Because I have been admitted to the Eldrin Academy."
"E-Eldrin Academy…" Edward gasped.
'They both have the same reactions' Vincent smirked.
"Cupcake!" Amelia wrapped her around him- "Congratulations!"
She glanced at Raphael.
"Raphaeldor, you must become a good boy like brother Vinnie."
Raphael nodded, excitement in his eyes. "Yes mother!"
Edward slapped Vincent's back. "Nephew, you never fail to amaze me."
Amelia leaned in, "Cupcake, what gift do you want?"
Vincent looked at Amelia, with a warm smile. "Your happiness is enough for me."
Amelia clenched her heart. Her eyes watery. She squealed as she hugged Vincent, knocking the air out of him.
"My cupcake is all grown up."- she kissed his forehead- "What a well mannered boy my Vincent is."
Raphael walked up to Vincent, eyes full of admiration, "Vayren, you are so cool!"
Theobald stepped out of the kitchen. He handed Vincent a small box of tin.
"Vayren, a small gift from me." he shyly muttered.
Aroma of freshly baked muffins emanated from the box.
"I have written the recipe to Sig in a letter, please don't strain yourself."
Vincent ruffled the boy's hair. "Thank you, Theo!"
He felt a sharp gaze at the back of his head. Vincent turned to see Raphael glaring at him. His eyes screaming-
'ME TOO!'
Vincent walked up to him, patting his head.
"Ralph, you have been training hard. Good."
Raphael melted like candy. His wide smile doubled in size.
"Yes Vayren!" he nodded.
WHAM!
The dragon landed with a soft gust of wind, its wings folding like petals closing at dusk.
Shortly after, Theodore stepped through the gates, carrying the two sleepy girls in his arms — Evangeline nestled against his shoulder, while Delphine clutched the edge of his cloak with drowsy fingers.
Vincent walked up to them, his boots quiet against the stone. A soft smile played on his lips as he brushed a strand of hair from Delphine's cheek.
"Did you have fun?" he asked gently.
Delphine gave a tiny nod. "Pinkwy is very soft…"
Evangeline, half-asleep, murmured, "Vaywen… I want to ride again… soon…"
Vincent kissed both their foreheads and whispered, "Ok."
The girls blinked up at him with tired eyes, then slowly turned into Theodore's embrace, lulled by his steady breathing.
Theodore gave Vincent a respectful nod. "They adore you, young master. You have a way with them."
Vincent smiled, but there was a flicker of something bittersweet in his eyes.
"I wish I could stay longer," he said softly, "but I have duties back home."
"You carry much for someone so young," Theodore said, then paused. "But I believe in you. Your presence… it brings light wherever you go."
Vincent looked at him for a moment, then offered his hand.
"Take care of them. And Aunt Amelia, and Uncle Edward… and Raphael. He's still waiting for Skyvolt."
Theodore chuckled as he shook Vincent's hand.
"I'll keep them safe until your next visit."
Vincent turned, striding toward the dragon. The beast lowered its body instinctively, its massive form glinting like glass under the afternoon light. With a light leap, Vincent mounted Pinky's back.
He glanced over his shoulder one last time.
Theodore stood with the twins in his arms. Amelia and Edward had joined them, with Raphael and Theobald waving from behind, eyes still gleaming with hope.
Vincent raised a hand and shouted,
"Until next time!"
WHOOSH!
With a single beat of her radiant wings, Pinky soared into the sky, carrying Vincent back toward Duskrane County — and the uncertain future waiting for him.