As the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the tranquil city of Vermillion, the quiet streets slowly stirred to life. The early morning air was crisp and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and freshly turned earth. Birds chirped merrily, their songs mingling with the distant sounds of the awakening city. Soon, the streets of Vermillion were bustling with activity, a symphony of life echoing through the air.

  Shopkeepers, clad in their work aprons, unlocked their doors and set out their wares with a sense of purpose. They dusted off counters, arranged goods in enticing displays, and greeted the first customers of the day with hearty smiles. City guards, clad in gleaming armor, conducted their morning parade with precision, their boots thudding rhythmically against the cobblestones. The festive mood was already palpable, a shared excitement that rippled through the city like a wave.

  Today marked the arrival of guests from all over the Empire. Nobles in luxurious carriages, warriors on horseback, and merchants with their colorful caravans would be streaming into the city, bringing with them the promise of great business for the local residents. Inns were being booked to capacity, their signs boasting 'No Vacancy' while restaurants and bars were already packed with patrons enjoying hearty breakfasts and spirited conversations. The streets were heavily crowded, bustling with a kaleidoscope of people and activities. Only a few main thoroughfares were kept clear, reserved for the more notable guests who demanded a touch of grandeur in their arrival.

  At the heart of the city, the magnificent Ravion Palace stood as a beacon of opulence and splendor. This architectural marvel, was undergoing a breathtaking transformation in preparation for a momentous event. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation as artisans, decorators, and skilled craftsmen gathered to adorn the palace with their artistic creations.

  As the decorators put the finishing touches on the grand hall, the palace was transformed into a breathtaking scene of unparalleled beauty and magnificence. The palace's regal charm was amplified, and the decorations served as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision of those involved. Every corner of the hall exuded elegance and sophistication, a fitting backdrop for the grandeur of the upcoming celebrations.

  ---

  At the southern border of the Gremory Dukedom, a grand procession marked the arrival of the caravans belonging to Duke Marcus and Duke Solomon. Both Dukes hailed from the southeastern region of the Empire, and they had decided to travel together, their mutual respect and camaraderie evident in the coordinated journey.

  The caravan comprised over two thousand people, including guards, servants, and maids, a small army moving in unison. With over three hundred carriages, it featured two grand stagecoaches, each the size of four regular carriages combined. These magnificent vehicles were pulled by a special breed of bulls, over seven feet tall, their sleek black coats gleaming in the sun, their red eyes and long, curved horns giving them an imposing presence.

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  Inside the grand stagecoach, space was further enlarged using space magic, providing a befitting traveling accommodation for the Dukes. The luxurious interior was filled with opulent furnishings, plush seats, and every amenity one could desire. It was a rolling palace, a testament to the wealth and power of its occupants.

  The Dukes were currently seated on thrones facing each other, examining an old parchment laid out on the table between them. The parchment, worn with age, was filled with intricate symbols and maps, its edges frayed from frequent use.

  "What do you think will happen at the Empire's meeting, Duke Marcus?" Duke Solomon asked, glancing out the window at the rolling green fields that stretched out as far as the eye could see.

  "It's been thirty years since the last Empire's meeting." Duke Marcus replied thoughtfully, his brow furrowed. "Back then, a new law passed by the Emperor prohibited the Nine Dukes from engaging in conflicts with each other on the Miraz plane. It also banned large-scale wars within the Empire's territory."

  "Similar policies were implemented in the Holy-Moon Alliance and Dranes Empire." Solomon noted, his tone contemplative. "This time, I don't know what to expect. Also, it's happening in the Gremory Dukedom. Last time, I met Duke Salius during a planar war. It was unfortunate he died. Now, his son Izark Gremory holds the title of Duke."

  "Despite being the youngest Duke in the Empire, he is quite powerful." Marcus added, his voice tinged with respect. "Recently, I heard about new reforms he's implemented in his territory. At first, I thought he was just a musclehead, but he is indeed capable."

  This was Duke Solomon's first Empire meeting. It had been just twenty years since he succeeded his father, and the weight of his title still felt new to him.

  "The Gremory household's territory has always been the best land for agriculture among all the Duchies." Solomon observed, his eyes taking in the golden fields swaying gently in the breeze.

  "Why does His Majesty want to travel by carriage when he could just teleport to Vermillion City?" Solomon wondered aloud, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

  "Duke Solomon, you know how he is. He just wants a break from the Empire's affairs, that's all." Marcus replied with a knowing smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

  "I also want to see Izark's child. He has three other children, so why is this one so special that the Emperor is coming over for the coming-of-age ceremony?" Solomon mused, his curiosity piqued.

  The caravan continued on its way towards Vermillion City, the rhythmic clatter of hooves and wheels creating a soothing cadence. All the Dukes of the Empire were traveling by caravan. The Emperor had decided to travel through the Gremory Dukedom by caravan, so it would be disrespectful for them to use the teleportation portal to reach Vermillion City directly. Instead, they teleported to the outskirts of the Gremory Dukedom and traveled by caravan from there onwards.

  As the Dukes' caravan passed through the Dukedom, they were met with the happy faces of the residents, the well-maintained crop fields, the smooth, paved roads, and other facilities that spoke of prosperity and good governance. The Gremory Dukedom had been the lowest-ranked among the nine Duchies, but seeing it in such a blissful state was unimaginable for the Dukes. It had once been considered just a vast farmland, but the recent changes brought about by Izark had transformed it significantly.

  There were good paved roads that made travel smooth and easy, large warehouses that stored surplus crops and goods, bustling markets filled with merchants and shoppers, and craftsman workshops that hummed with activity. The smiles on people's faces, their contentment and prosperity, were a testament to a well-managed and thriving territory.

  As they approached Vermillion City, the grandeur of the city became more apparent. The towering walls, the imposing gates, and the bustling streets were a sight to behold. The Dukes' caravans were greeted with great fanfare, a testament to the significance of their arrival.

  Inside the city, preparations for the grand event continued at a feverish pace. The air was thick with excitement, the promise of celebration palpable. It was a time of unity, of coming together to celebrate milestones and forge stronger bonds within the Empire.

  In the heart of the city, at the Ravion Palace, the final touches were being added to the grand hall. The palace, a beacon of opulence, was ready to welcome its distinguished guests. The scene was set for an unforgettable celebration, one that would be remembered for years to come.