Strongest Kingdom: My Op Kingdom Got Transported Along With Me
Chapter 234 - 236: Ashedge Clan Leader, Velkain

The man finally moves.

His arms close around her—firm, protective, steady as stone. He holds her tightly, one hand gently pressing the back of her head.

"You did more than I ever asked of you," he says softly. His voice, unlike his appearance, is quiet. Warm. "You've brought honor to our name. You've brought hope to your mother. And you've made me proud… beyond words."

Velira sobs, shoulders shaking.

Gresren and Solven dismount in silence, watching the scene with softened expressions.

Karnessa looks down, her grip on the reins tightening slightly—something unreadable flickering behind her eyes.

Alix watches as well, quiet and still.

The man lifts his head, looking past his daughter.

His gaze finds Alix.

He studies Alix for a long moment.

Then, with calm steps, he releases Velira gently and walks down the few remaining stairs until he stands before him—eye to eye.

"You must be Alix," the man says, voice rich with weight and age. "I've heard your name more than a hundred times since word reached us. But seeing you now… I understand."

He pauses, eyes narrowing slightly—not with suspicion, but with appraisal. "I can feel it… there's something extraordinary about you. Not just strength. Something deeper."

Alix meets his gaze without flinching. "And you must be Velira's father."

A faint smile touches the man's lips. "Velkain Ashedge. Clan leader. And a very grateful father."

He turns slightly, motioning to the open doors behind him. "Come inside, all of you. We've prepared a feast. The entire estate will celebrate tonight. For Velira's return… and for the one who made it possible."

He looks to Alix again.

"You especially, Alix. You're our honored guest now."

Velira wipes the last of her tears, still sniffling but smiling. "Come on," she says quietly to Alix. "You've earned it."

The grand doors of the Ashedge estate swing open with a deep, resonant creak, revealing a hall bathed in warm golden light.

Inside, the scent of roasted meats, fresh herbs, and sweet fruits fills the air. Long banquet tables stretch across the stone floor, covered with platters piled high—smoked boar, seared riverfish, glazed rootcakes, mountain grapes, golden rolls dripping with butter. A band of minstrels plays near the far wall, their stringed instruments weaving cheerful melodies over the soft hum of celebration.

Servants move like clockwork through the room, pouring wine, lighting candles, and offering trays to the guests as the heroes enter.

The hall erupts in cheers again when Velira steps inside. People raise their cups and toast her name.

But Alix barely glances at the crowd. His eyes scan the room once.

Karnessa pauses just inside the doorway, her eyes wide.

She stares at the tables, at the mountains of food—more than she's ever seen in one place. Roasted vegetables glisten with oil. Baskets of fresh bread steam under embroidered cloths. Silver trays of fruit and desserts gleam beneath the chandelier light.

She doesn't move.

Alix steps beside her, his voice quiet. "Go on."

She doesn't answer. Her fingers clutch each other tightly in front of her.

"I know that look," he says.

Alix tilts his head, then simply adds, "Eat all you want, Karnessa. No one's going to stop you."

Her lips part slightly, but the words don't come. Slowly, cautiously, she steps forward. She takes a small roll from a basket—then another. Then she moves on to the sliced meat, picking just a few pieces, glancing around like someone might yell at her.

No one does.

Alix watches her for a moment longer, then walks toward a quieter corner of the hall and leans against a pillar, arms folded.

Velira finds him not long after—slipping away from a small crowd of well-wishers with a faint sigh and a half-drunk goblet in hand. Her steps are quick but quiet, and when she reaches him, she leans against the opposite side of the pillar with a tired smile.

"Why are you hiding over here?" she asks, tilting her head.

Alix's eyes flick to her, then return to the revelry. "Loud and crowded places aren't really my thing."

Velira chuckles softly. "Same." She takes a slow sip of her drink. "I'm so tired of talking to people. Smiling, nodding, saying the same three lines over and over. 'Yes, we made it to fifth.' 'Yes, we got the fruit.' 'No, I didn't lose a limb.'"

Alix huffs lightly through his nose. "Sounds exhausting."

"It is." She lets her head rest briefly against the stone. "Honestly, I just wanted to sit down with a bowl of soup and sleep for a week."

A moment of silence settles between them—calm, comfortable.

Then Velira speaks again, quieter this time. "My mom… she said she wants to thank you personally. Tomorrow, after she's stable enough to see visitors."

Alix nods. "It's fine. I don't mind."

Velira turns her eyes toward him. "She really means it. You saved her life, Alix. If we were even a day late, the healers said…" Her voice trails off.

"I know."

She takes a breath, then offers him a small, grateful smile. "Also… your reward. My father. He'll talk to you tomorrow. Ask what you want."

Alix raises a brow slightly. "And if I say I don't want anything?"

Velira shrugs. "Then he'll still give you something anyway. That's how he is."

Alix leans back a little, thoughtful.

"I'll think about it."

Velira smirks. "You should. It's not every day you get offered a reward by one of the strongest clans in the continent."

He gives a faint nod, and for a few seconds, they just stand there—away from the clamor and music, sharing a brief moment of quiet in the heart of celebration.

The next morning, light pours gently through the tall windows of the guest chamber. The silk curtains shift with the breeze, rustling softly. Alix opens his eyes.

He's alone.

The silence is noticeable. No breathing beside him, no presence in the room—Karnessa has been given her own quarters.

He sits up slowly, the sheets cool against his skin. For a moment, he just breathes.

Then he stands and walks barefoot toward the balcony.

Beyond the carved archway, Ironvale stretches out beneath him—sunlight gilding rooftops, smoke curling from chimneys, guards marching along rune-lined walls. It's peaceful.

But Alix's expression is unreadable.

His eyes scan the horizon, past the outer walls, toward the distant mountains—and beyond them, the unseen territories.

His army is moving.

Fortresses are falling. He doesn't need to give direct orders; the system moves with purpose, with logic. With inevitability.

He exhales through his nose.

The Ashedge Clan has treated him well. Generously. With honor.

But if they stand in the way?

He doesn't finish the thought. He doesn't need to.

If they block his conquest, then like everything else… they'll burn.

Suddenly, a soft knock breaks the stillness.

Tap-tap.

Alix turns his head slightly. "Come in."

The door opens partway, and a young maid peeks through. She bows quickly.

"Good morning, Sir Alix. The clan leader is requesting your presence. He's waiting in his working chamber."

Alix nods once. "Understood."

The maid bows again, then gently closes the door.

Alix makes his way through the quiet halls of the estate, the morning sunlight streaming through tall arched windows. The stone underfoot is warm from the early sun, and the servants bow as he passes, whispering his name behind cupped hands. No one stops him.

When he reaches the east wing, two guards stationed outside a tall wooden door step aside wordlessly. One of them opens it for him.

Inside is a wide chamber—less formal than a throne room, but still commanding in its presence. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with thick tomes and old scrolls.

Weapons of different eras are displayed behind enchanted glass. At the center, a wide desk of darkwood sits beside a massive window overlooking a garden pond.

Velkain is already there.

He stands beside the open window, a simple mug in hand, dressed not in ceremonial garb but in a black sleeveless tunic and bracers—his scars and gray-threaded muscles fully visible in the morning light.

He turns when he hears the door close behind Alix.

Velkain gestures casually toward one of the chairs by the desk.

"Sit down, Alix."

Alix steps forward and lowers himself into the seat without a word.

Velkain sets his mug down, then rests both hands on the edge of the desk. His eyes settle on Alix with that same quiet, weighty gaze from the night before.

"So," he begins, "tell me. What do you want? As long as it's within the ability of my Ashedge Clan… I'll see it done."