Chapter 443 Thornvale [1]

The Duke’s office was just as Michael remembered.

The shelves were lined with scrolls and tomes, the walls bearing emblems of the Evermoon family.

However, this time, unlike last time, a large map of the kingdom hung behind the Duke’s desk, marked with dozens of flags and notes.

Michael sat comfortably across from Duke Evermoon, who leaned forward slightly, a thin sheaf of parchment in hand.

"So," the Duke began, his voice calm but clear, "Thornvale."

He placed the parchment on the table between them and tapped its edge. "Your new territory."

Michael offered a nod, saying nothing yet. Lyra stood quietly behind him, her face hidden in the shadows of her hood. Neither man acknowledged her presence beyond a glance. The Duke didn’t care enough to ask, and Michael wasn’t planning to explain.

The Duke leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "The Everlong Forest borders much of Thornvale’s northern boundary. It’s rich in both danger and... opportunities."

He glanced down at the parchment again and tapped a section near the bottom. "You’ll find eight noble houses within Thornvale. Five barons, two landed knights, and one viscount under your jurisdiction."

Michael’s brows rose slightly. "Another viscount?"

"Former," the Duke clarified. "Your predecessor died two years ago during a failed expedition into the Everlong Forest. His seat remained unclaimed until now. The other nobles have held on, barely, but they’ll be expecting direction."

"I assume they’re loyal?" Michael asked.

The Duke shrugged. "Loyal enough to their own interests. A few might test you."

Michael said nothing, but kept this in mind.

"You’ll be under Count Hallan," the Duke continued. "He oversees the entire Thornvale region and reports to me directly. He won’t interfere with your day-to-day, but if you start making waves, you’ll hear from him."

"Understood," Michael replied simply.

The Duke pulled out another sheet, this one bearing Thornvale’s seal. "This has everything else you’ll need: local taxes, terrain maps, defensive positions, and trade routes."

Michael took it without ceremony, sliding it into his robe.

"You’ll also receive a small escort unit—thirty soldiers, enough to establish presence but not enough to draw attention. The real defense will come from what

you

bring."

Michael nodded. "I have my own arrangements."

The Duke eyed him for a moment, as if wanting to ask more—but didn’t.

Instead, he said, "There’s one more thing."

He gestured at the map behind him, pointing to a cluster of red markers surrounding Thornvale’s borders. "Monster activity in the Everlong Forest has increased."

Michael’s eyes narrowed. "How bad is it?"

"Manageable—for now. But if it gets worse, Thornvale will be the first to bleed. Be prepared."

"Yes."

The Duke’s gaze lingered on the map for a moment longer before shifting back to Michael. "Now, let’s talk about the people."

Michael’s posture straightened slightly.

"The population of Thornvale is just under twenty thousand.."

"It’s a small town—barely qualifies as one, really—but it’s where your manor is located."

Michael showed no outward reaction.

Duke reached for another parchment and slid it toward Michael. It was a list of names—village heads, guild representatives, merchant licenses, and noble families.

"These are the people you’ll need to work with. The people waiting for you there already have this but it’s better you have your own idea too."

Michael scanned the list briefly before pocketing it. "Thank you."

The Duke gave a short nod, then turned to one of the drawers beneath his desk.

"I almost forgot," he said, voice more casual now. "Lucien left this with me before he departed. Said it was the final version."

He pulled out a rolled-up sketch wrapped in a thin leather tie and handed it over to Michael.

Michael took it carefully and began unrolling the parchment.

His breath hitched.

There it was—his symbol.

Lucien’s final design.

A black cauldron sat at the center, stylized and sharp-edged, resting atop a faint green base that hinted at flames—though it was subtle enough not to be overt. To the left and right of the cauldron stood two wolves, their bodies sleek and poised, not snarling but alert. They faced forward like guardians, their eyes sharp and intelligent. The entire crest was edged in green and black, with a minimalist aesthetic.

Just the cauldron. And the wolves.

Michael stared at it for a long time.

It was... perfect.

The cauldron represented his talent.

The wolves?

Lucky and Prince.

His first companions. His first soldiers.

Well, the actual number was three—but the last wolf...

Michael didn’t like to think about it. A part of him still believed he was to blame for that wolf’s current state.

But at the same time, he knew it wasn’t entirely his fault either.

Love, after all, could only be divided so many times.

Even among the same type of undead, his favorites had never exceeded two.

The Duke tilted his head, watching Michael. "You like it?"

Michael nodded once. "I do."

"It’s clean," the Duke said, studying it over his shoulder. "Not flashy. Not desperate to impress. But... distinct."

Michael rolled it back up and placed it inside his coat. "It’ll do."

The Duke chuckled softly. "You and your modesty. Very well. We’ll register it with the kingdom today, then have the emblem embroidered on the appropriate documents. You’ll need it on all formal seals going forward. It’s the face of your house now."

Michael inclined his head. "Understood."

"You know," the Duke said as he sat back down, "Lucien’s been designing symbols for over a decade. Said this was one of the easiest commissions he ever did."

Michael looked mildly amused. "Really."

"Said you didn’t change a thing after the next day he visited you with more design models. Gave him some direction, then left him to work. That kind of trust—it’s rare."

Michael didn’t answer.

Because it wasn’t trust.

He just didn’t know jack about designs to actively be involved in the process.

His needs were also simple too.

And maybe just a little faith that Lucien would do it right.

But even he didn’t expect

this

level of right.

Michael stood.

So did the Duke.

The Duke gave a short nod and added, "Since you’ll be leaving tomorrow..."

Michael paused mid-step, turning slightly as the Duke continued.

"...you should pay Arianne a visit."

Michael raised a brow.

The Duke’s expression was calm but deliberate. "You’ll still be coming back here from time to time, I’m sure. But it might not be soon. And even if it is, it won’t be the same. You’ll be a lord, busy with land, duties, and whatever else you plan to stir up out there."

Michael said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

The Duke smiled faintly. "It won’t kill you to say goodbye. Or at least something close to it."

Michael gave a slight nod. "I’ll see her before I leave."

"Good." The Duke sat back down, reaching for a quill. "You can go now. I’ll handle the rest."