Regaleon: The Forgotten Knight

Goldric’s expression assumed a grave countenance as he spoke deliberately.

"Back to your intuitive deductions and observational inferences..."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle.

"You do realize that there is no concrete evidence whatsoever to support your claims, don’t you?"

His golden eyes remained fixed on Maverick.

"I mean, you wouldn’t seriously expect anyone to believe that the Matriarch of House Valehart orchestrated the premeditated ambush of her own brother-in-law and his son, would you?"

Maverick remained silent for several moments. Eventually, he looked at his father before releasing a contemplative sigh.

"I suppose not. However, as I’ve already said, I’m almost certain that she had a hand in it."

As he spoke, his golden eyes locked firmly onto Goldric’s, his voice carrying an unwavering conviction.

"Tell me that you also didn’t arrive at the same conclusion. In fact, if I were to make an educated guess, you’ve probably harboured such misgivings long before we ever arrived at Castle Valehart, haven’t you?"

Goldric merely tilted his head slightly.

Several seconds drifted by in complete silence; yet he neither confirmed nor denied Maverick’s deduction.

Instead, he slowly turned his gaze toward the towering window, quietly observing the silver moon suspended high above the sleeping capital.

Only after several protracted moments did he finally look back at his son.

"None of that matters now."

His expression remained completely impassive as he continued.

"Let’s assume, for a moment, that you actually voiced these observations before someone else."

He leaned forward slightly before asking.

"What makes you so certain that your intuition wasn’t merely influenced by the prejudice you’ve long held toward House Valehart?"

Maverick regarded his father with a steadfast expression before answering without hesitation.

"Because it seems you share the very same suspicions."

Goldric released a humourless chuckle before shaking his head.

"Maverick, don’t be so naïve. You see, the two of us understand that the Shadow Shard ambush was almost certainly facilitated by someone with knowledge of our movements. That much is difficult to deny. However..."

He leaned back slowly as he continued.

"If you look beyond our personal assumptions, you’ll realize that this matter is far more consequential, and far more perilous than you’re making it out to be."

His voice gradually grew firmer.

"Do you have any idea what it would mean to publicly accuse the Matriarch of House Valehart?"

He asked but he did not wait for an answer as he continued speaking.

"Suggesting that Seraphina bore complicity and culpability in an attempt to assassinate her own brother-in-law... Is something utterly preposterous."

Silence followed those words.

Goldric’s expression softened slightly.

"I’m not telling you to abandon your suspicions. Far from it. Instead, I’m merely advising you to exercise extreme caution regarding what you say within these walls."

His golden eyes became especially solemn.

"There are ears everywhere. And trust, as you know, is a luxury neither of us can presently afford. So focus on what you’re supposed to do and leave this matter to me. I’ll find a way to uncover the truth."

His gaze settled firmly upon Maverick.

"Do you understand?"

Maverick looked back at his father with a resolute expression before nodding solemnly.

"I understand, Father."

Hearing that, a faint smile finally appeared upon Goldric’s face.

"Good. That’s my son."

Maverick returned the smile. Then after releasing another quiet sigh, he leaned backward, supporting himself with both hands resting against the edge of the bed.

"So, when are you planning to meet the First Prince?"

The abrupt change in subject caused Goldric to lean back into the high-backed chair. The finely crafted furniture creaked almost imperceptibly beneath his weight as the plush velvet cushioning moulded comfortably against his back.

Raising a hand, he slowly rubbed his temples before answering. "I don’t believe I’ll be meeting him anytime soon."

Maverick frowned. "And why is that? I thought the entire reason you returned to House Valehart was because of the First Prince. So why postpone meeting him?"

Goldric slowly shook his head.

"I’m not postponing anything. If anything, I’m just as eager to secure an audience with him. However, I also have to remain level-headed. Because the First Prince isn’t the only reason I returned to Valor as there are other matters that require my attention."

He looked directly at Maverick. "And one of them concerns you."

"Me?" Maverick asked, raising an eyebrow. "In what way?"

Goldric tapped his fingers lightly against the carved armrest before replying.

"Actually, I returned to set in motion your Chivalric Rites. You’ve already awakened and before long, you’ll be eighteen. So I’d say it’s about time you undertook your First Chivalry."

"You mean, the Chivalry of the First Quarry?"

Maverick let out an amused scoff before shaking his head.

"I honestly don’t think that’s necessary. I’ve been hunting beasts for as long as I can remember. So I hardly think I need some ceremonial rite to teach me how."

Goldric’s brows immediately furrowed.

"It’s not merely about the hunt, Maverick. The Chivalries are traditions passed down through countless generations of House Valehart. They represent far more than simply killing a beast; they symbolize responsibility, recognition, and the beginning of your journey as a knight acknowledged by both the House and the kingdom."

He spoke with unmistakable firmness.

"Furthermore, it is also through the Chivalries that you’ll be formally introduced to the noble society of House Valehart. So I suggest you treat the matter with the utmost gravity."

"If you say so." Maverick replied, his voice carrying equal measures of resignation, reluctance, and acquiescence.

After a brief pause, he asked.

"You mentioned there were several reasons for returning to Valor. You’ve already told me two. Are there others I should know about?"

Goldric looked steadily at his son before replying in a firm cadence.

"There are. But they’re nothing you need concern yourself with right now."

His eyes drifted toward the moonlit sky beyond the window as he spoke further.

"Moreover, it’s getting late. I think it’s about time you retired for the night."

Maverick immediately understood that the conversation had reached its conclusion. Therefore, qithout further ado, he rose from the bed before offering his father a respectful bow.

"Good night, Father."

Goldric inclined his head.

"Good night."

Without another word, Maverick turned toward the door, opened it quietly, and disappeared into the corridor beyond.

The chamber gradually fell silent once again with Goldric remaining seated where he was.

His golden eyes rested upon the silver moon hanging serenely beyond the window, countless inscrutable emotions swirling within their depths.

For a very long time, he simply remained there in absolute stillness; as though he were attempting to discern a future that remained frustratingly beyond his grasp...