Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 211: Magic Spells

Chapter 211: Magic Spells

Although it had been accurately predicted, the declaration of war on Geraldion by Lafad struck the kingdom like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky.

The reaction to this news was swift and immediate.

The first to express interest in the conflict was, unsurprisingly, Anathaen. Their stated reason was the urge to "regulate" and "stabilize" the impending conflict, but in truth, they simply bolstered King Euris’s forces by sending their armies.

As the sole empire on the continent, Anathaen’s involvement could be perceived as the Emperor’s attempt to maintain political control. However, it was widely understood that their true agenda was to extend their influence over more territory.

Simultaneously, both Davoor and the North, under Duke Valentine’s banner, declared their alliance with Lafad. Utar, as promised by Prince Leif, remained officially uninvolved.

The Central Continent found itself divided. Some kingdoms chose to remain neutral, while others, fearing the growing power of Anathaen, sided with Lafad.

Political tension became palpable, shattering the fragile illusion of peace that every kingdom had hoped to maintain.

***

As planned, news of Duchess Aideen Valentine possessing the heart of the snow dragon reached the royal family, catching the attention of none other than Prince Valon.

Despite Utar’s official stance of neutrality, which King Zelon was reluctant to abandon, King Euris’s paranoia continued to escalate. Fearing an unexpected attack from Utar, he ordered the second prince to lead his army to the North. Valon, eager to seize both Aideen and her prized possession, readily agreed to carry out the command.

However, there was still one unforeseen development. Following the declaration of war, the Crown Prince vanished without a trace and was subsequently declared a national traitor.

The news of the future obedient ruler abandoning his people shocked every single soul in the kingdom.

***

"All divisions are ready, Your Grace," King Yuraon announced as he entered the duke’s study, tossing his leather gloves onto the couch. His large, cold hand wiped beads of sweat from his forehead. "They are just waiting for your command."

As planned, Tillian and Stanis were to lead the Raven Knights, the Black Flame Guild, and the army of Davoor to join the forces arriving from Lafad. It had been decided that the soldiers would approach the battlefield through the border with Lafad, allowing Valon’s army an unobstructed path to the North.

Despite some of their men still being stationed around the castle alongside the young king, Duke Valentine loathed the idea of leaving Aideen alone.

"I can’t help but feel restless," he confessed, turning to his wife. "I want to trust your judgment, but you have to understand where I’m coming from. I can only feel at ease when I know you are safe."

The princess gently stroked his cheek with the back of her hand, offering him a warm smile.

"I know. I won’t be alone here; both His Majesty and Taru will be with me, as well as the men you’re leaving behind. Our plan will work. I promise you, we won’t get hurt."

"Your words are like magic, Aideen. Every sentence you utter casts a spell on me."

Tillian scoffed softly and kissed his wife’s palm. In moments like these, he craved the subtle acts of intimacy the most—small, almost imperceptible gestures that were yet profoundly affectionate. These fleeting moments would sustain him, no matter where he was.

Now was the time to engrave her touch into his very soul before duty called him away again.

"Your Grace, we are all ready to depart," Sir Stanis announced as he entered the study, nodding respectfully at his lord.

"Thank you," the duke replied, nodding back. He sighed deeply, locking eyes with the princess. "I must go now. Time will not forgive my hesitation."

Aideen nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. It all still seemed unreal, as if her husband was not leaving for war but merely going on his usual patrol and would return by midnight.

Her heart still refused to accept the frightening truth.

With a loving kiss and a tight embrace, she pressed her chin on top of his strong shoulder and whispered, "I hope you are right, Tillian. I hope my magic will stay with you until you come back. I hope my spells will protect you even from afar."

Shutting her eyes tightly to suppress the persistent tears, she added, "Please come back. You have to come back to me."

Tillian stretched his lips into a light smile and planted a final kiss on his wife’s head.

"I will. I promise I will."

The duke had to leave immediately, or else his legs would take root in his very study.

As he started walking toward the door, under the bitter glances of those who had to stay behind, a sudden noise made him pause in his tracks.

"Wa!"

Taru flapped his wings and leaped off the leather couch, running in a comical manner toward Tillian as his tiny feet struggled to coordinate with the occasional movements of his wings. The man arched his brows in bewilderment—Taru had never approached him of his own accord before.

"Taru?" The duke crouched before the dragon to meet him at eye level.

"Wa!"

With a snowflake glowing in various shades of blue on his forehead, the little creature used his teeth to remove his red scarf and presented it to Tillian, attempting to place it forcefully into his hands.

Tillian chuckled. "Are you trying to bless me with this keepsake, just like your mother?"

Taru flapped his wings with enthusiasm and nudged the scarf again, insisting that Tillian take it. The duke examined the red scarf for a moment, then released a long sigh and gently wrapped it back around the dragon’s neck, leaving Taru looking puzzled.

"Thank you, Taru. I appreciate this gesture, but... I want you to keep it. This was left by our dear friend, and I believe it was meant for you."

Patting the dragon on the head, Tillian added, "If you still want to give it to me when I return, then I’ll accept it. Deal?"

Understanding him completely, Taru nodded and flashed his teeth in what seemed like an attempt at a smile.

"Until next time then. Until I return."