Two months had passed since the unsettling incident in the mountains, leaving the Gremory Dukedom to bask in the warmth of spring’s arrival. Vibrant flowers, in hues ranging from the palest pinks to the deepest reds, dotted the landscape, painting a vivid tapestry against the backdrop of lush greenery. The fields, meticulously tended by diligent farmers, were heavy with crops ready for harvest, their bountiful yields a testament to the land's fertility and the farmers' hard work. This year, the Dukedom's harvest promised to be particularly abundant, much to the delight of its residents, whose faces glowed with contentment and pride.

  "Bunty, how is your health holding up?" a voice called out, slicing through the tranquil morning air.

  Moali, a quaint village nestled in the outer territories of the Gremory Dukedom, was home to a modest population of a few hundred residents. These villagers, primarily farmers, led simple lives, deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature. Bunty was one such farmer, living a life of quiet fulfillment with his wife and two young children. The village, surrounded by fields of golden wheat swaying gently in the breeze, seemed to embody the very essence of pastoral serenity.

  "It's good, Durg. I was just heading to the fields. How about you?" Bunty replied, his voice carrying a note of cheerfulness.

  "I'm good as well. You seem to be in an unusually good mood today." Durg observed, his curiosity piqued.

  "Isn't it the same with everyone in the village? The yield this year has been exceptional, and Duke Izark’s policies have greatly benefited us commoners. We are truly fortunate to have such a benevolent Duke." Bunty responded with a broad smile, his eyes reflecting genuine gratitude.

  "You're right, Bunty. We’re expecting greater profits this year, and we won't have to deal with those unscrupulous merchants anymore." Durg agreed, his voice tinged with optimism.

  The sight of the standing crops, tall and healthy, brought a sense of joy and satisfaction to the villagers, much like a dog wagging its tail in sheer delight. The new policy regarding the handling of crops had indeed been a life changing for them. In a territory where most residents were engaged in farming or related trades, these changes were monumental.

  Now, instead of relying on the exploitative practices of merchant guilds, the farmers could sell their produce directly to the Gremory family. The construction of local warehouses by the Gremory family meant that they no longer had to endure long, arduous journeys to sell their goods. This proximity not only saved time but also ensured they received fair compensation for their hard work.

  The Dukedom was flourishing. Public satisfaction was at an all-time high, and the profits generated from the sale of various crops to other territories were being judiciously reinvested. Infrastructure was being improved at a remarkable pace: new roads were being paved, sturdy houses built, and better sewage systems installed in the towns and cities. The territory was experiencing an unprecedented era of development and prosperity.

  ---

  Vermilion City was alive with festive fervor. The air buzzed with excitement as residents cleaned, painted, and decorated their houses, preparing for the upcoming celebrations. The city’s streets were lined with stalls selling an array of firecrackers, delectable snacks, and colorful carnival games. Laughter and chatter filled the air as children eagerly explored the carnival rides set up in open spaces, their faces lit with joy and wonder.

  In the northeastern section of the city, near the imposing palace, a new edifice had risen: a grand Colosseum. The structure, majestic and awe-inspiring, stood in an area that had long been untouched, its construction marking a new chapter in the city’s history. This Colosseum had been built in anticipation of the Empire meeting, an annual event of great significance in the Zinovia Empire.

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  The Empire meeting, a gathering of the Empire’s most prominent nobles, was an occasion where future affairs of the Zinovia Empire were discussed and decided. This time, the Emperor had chosen the Gremory Dukedom as the host, an honor that brought immense prestige. The event was not just a political assembly but also a grand festival. Young masters from noble families, mercenaries, guild experts, and lone warriors flocked to the Colosseum to showcase their prowess, each hoping to earn recognition and secure favorable alliances.

  Despite the grandeur of the Empire meeting, it overshadowed another important event: Zain's coming-of-age ceremony. Duke Izark, though aware of the strategic benefits of hosting the meeting, felt a pang of disappointment. He had hoped to celebrate his son’s milestone without it being eclipsed by a larger event. Nevertheless, the opportunity to promote their wine on a grand scale was undeniable, and Zain himself seemed unbothered, even relieved by the diversion.

  "My Lord, the guests will start arriving next week." a servant reported, bowing respectfully.

  "Are all the preparations complete?" Izark inquired, his voice calm but commanding.

  "Yes, my Lord. Everything is ready. This Empire meeting will be just as grand as the previous ones, if not grander. Our guests will have no reason to complain." the servant assured, confidence lacing his words.

  "Good. Make sure everything runs smoothly. How is Zain doing?" Izark asked, his tone softening at the mention of his son.

  "The young master has been training diligently with Draig and Lilith. Miss Raina reports that they are making great strides and she enjoys mentoring them." the servant replied.

  "And the young master has increased the wine production again. We now have over 50,000 bottles in stock. The profits are expected to be substantial. The trade with the dwarves is also flourishing. The weapons they’ve sent are of excellent quality." the servant continued, his report comprehensive.

  "Recently, the gnomes discovered an iron deposit in the mountains. There should be an abundance of resources for making weapons. Since the weapons are crafted in the dwarven kingdom, our enemies remain unaware of this development." the servant concluded.

  Izark’s face lit up with satisfaction. Following Zain’s strategic trip, a steady supply of food and grains had been established for the dwarves and gnomes, securing an alliance that benefited both parties. In gratitude, the gnomes and dwarves collaborated to supply the Gremory family with superior weapons. The gnomes mined iron and other essential minerals, while the dwarves, renowned for their craftsmanship, forged these into high-quality weapons.

  This partnership had significantly bolstered the Gremory family's armory. The soldiers, now equipped with superior weapons and armor, were more formidable than ever. Even outdated or damaged weapons were sent back to the dwarves for recycling, ensuring nothing went to waste.

  The Gremory family's power and influence were growing. Izark’s control over his territory was firm, and the family had become largely self-sufficient, their basic needs for food and weapons met without reliance on external sources.

  ---

  In one of the palace's serene inner courtyards, near Zain’s quarters, he sat cross-legged beneath an ancient oak tree, its broad leaves providing a cool shade. Zain was deeply engrossed in his meditation, practicing the arduous Blood-Soul Aria technique. This intense meditative practice demanded all his focus and left him utterly exhausted after just an hour, necessitating a full day of rest to recover his strength.

  In the vast expanse of his sea of consciousness, his golden soul shimmered, encircled by swirling clouds of red and purple energy. These clouds represented the forces of Destruction and Chaos, energies that were both powerful and perilous. Tiny wormholes had formed, through which luminous astral rays filtered, adding to the complexity of his task. Zain had to meticulously guide these astral energies to nourish his soul, a process fraught with danger. A single misstep could result in the chaotic energies colliding, potentially causing severe harm to both his body and soul.

  Drenched in sweat, Zain concentrated intently. Within his consciousness, an astral ray moved slowly but steadily through the turbulent clouds, merging with his soul. As it did, his soul pulsed with renewed vigor, absorbing the energy and making the surrounding clouds denser and more formidable.

  'Sigh' Zain exhaled deeply, his eyes fluttering open. He had finally ascended to the status of a Grade 3 Acolyte.

  'Haaa... Now I am at Grade 3 of the Acolyte Realm. The extra training has paid off.' he mused, a sense of accomplishment washing over him.

  Zain’s unique meditation technique, while more challenging than others, offered substantial rewards. Each advancement brought with it a significant increase in power, far surpassing the gains made by others at similar levels.

  As he prepared to rise and head for a much-needed bath, a loud, irate scream pierced the air.

  "Draig! Come here right now!"

  He turned to see Lilith chasing Draig down the corridor, their playful bickering a familiar scene.

  'They're at it again.' Zain thought with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Despite the rigorous training and the weight of responsibilities, moments like these, filled with camaraderie and light-heartedness, brought a comforting sense of normalcy to his life.