(A couple days later, somewhere above the skies of Valdrak Empire, inside a flying carriage, Duke Drew Dawnriver’s POV)
Over the last two and a half years, Drew Dawnriver had received regular progress reports from both the Hypnotist and the Imperial Anatomist regarding the progress of turning Riven into a worthy pawn for House Dawnriver.
And although both men filled their letters with glowing praise for the young man, describing him as disciplined, intelligent, obedient, and frighteningly gifted, it was only now that Drew finally had the opportunity to verify those claims with his own eyes.
"The vultures are beginning to sense the demise of my blood," Drew muttered, as he gazed through the open side of his flying carriage towards the endless landscape drifting beneath him.
"I can see it in their eyes... the greed, the ambition, and the certainty that House Dawnriver will soon be left without its rightful masters..."
His fingers slowly curled around the armrest until the polished wood creaked beneath the pressure.
"But I won’t allow it to happen," Drew continued, as his jaw gradually tightened while a dangerous glint surfaced within his eyes.
"In a rather amusing way, they are merely digging their own graves."
A cold smile slowly spread across his face.
"Lately, not a single branch family has delayed paying their annual tribute.
Not a single patriarch has dared ignore my summons.
Whenever the entire eastern province gathers, every one of them behaves with perfect courtesy, speaks with perfect respect, and smiles far more than they ever did before."
He paused for a brief moment before letting out a quiet scoff.
"They believe they no longer have any reason to fear me."
The smile lingering upon his lips gradually disappeared.
"But they’re wrong."
Silence once again filled the flying carriage.
Three majestic Aether Beasts, the flying Pegasus, flew in perfect formation ahead of it, their broad white wings flapping in synchronisation, as they pulled the luxurious carriage high above the forests, rivers, mountains, and countless villages stretching across the eastern province of the Valdrak Empire.
The journey to Stoneville would take an ordinary man several weeks to cover by foot.
And yet, for the Duke, it was only a matter of flying for a few hours, as his chariot rider, and his Aether Beasts were capable of making the journey in one single trip.
"I certainly hope that the boy lives up to the hype that his mentors have created around him.
Because, if not, I would truly have to turn to increasingly desperate options."
He muttered, as he genuinely hoped that making this long trip to meet Riven would not prove to be a waste.
—-------------
(Meanwhile, inside the Laboratory)
From the moment news arrived that Duke Drew Dawnriver would be visiting the laboratory that very day, the atmosphere throughout the entire facility changed almost overnight.
Every corridor was scrubbed until it gleamed.
Every piece of equipment was meticulously arranged.
Every servant, assistant, and researcher conducted themselves with flawless discipline, as though even the smallest mistake might offend the Duke.
"I can’t believe I finally get to meet Duke Dawnriver in person!
This is the greatest day of my life!"
Karen exclaimed, as she practically bounced on the spot, barely able to contain her excitement.
"They say he single-handedly killed twenty-five Inferno Rank Ascendants during the Battle of Mount Fury.
They say he’s a powerhouse worthy of ruling the entire eastern province!"
Another assistant added, as admiration filled his voice while those around him nodded in agreement.
Before the Duke had even arrived, nearly everyone present already looked at him as though he were a living legend.
As watching their reactions, Riven quietly began to understand the overwhelming prestige that accompanied true nobility.
From the reverence in their voices to the admiration shining in their eyes, it was immediately apparent that these people viewed Duke Dawnriver as someone far beyond just another mortal, as they talked about him in the same voice as one talked about myths.
"I wonder how the Duke will judge this project?
Will we all be receiving unimaginable rewards?
And since the Imperial Anatomist is retiring, will the Duke appoint a new head of research today?"
Several assistants whispered amongst themselves, as uncertainty about their own futures lingered heavily within their hearts.
This was, after all, the final project personally overseen by the Imperial Anatomist, and whatever judgement the Duke passed today would likely determine the future of everyone serving within the laboratory.
However, while the assistants appeared caught between excitement and nervous anticipation, the Imperial Anatomist himself remained remarkably composed.
His confidence came not from arrogance, but from absolute faith in his life’s work.
Having personally witnessed Riven’s growth over the past several years, he had not the slightest doubt that the moment the Duke laid eyes upon the young man, every expectation placed upon the Section Carving project would be exceeded.
"The Duke should be here in half an hour or so.
I guess we should have that drink that we promised each other we would have at the end of this project."
The Hypnotist suggested, as he pulled out a bottle of RuneWalker 18.... A very expensive and special liquor that he had been saving for this very occasion.
"What’s the rush? We can have this once the Duke has returned with Riven.
It’s not like I have much to do after tomorrow...."
The Imperial Anatomist replied, as his words caused sorrow to form within the Hypnotist’s eyes.
"Don’t worry my friend, I’m actually looking forward to retirement."
The Imperial Anatomist added, as he placed a reassuring hand on the Hypnotist’s shoulder.
However, what he did not understand was that, the Hypnotist was not sad because he thought the Imperial Anatomist was retiring.
But because, he knew something that the old man did not.
"No. I insist. Let’s have it now..... only the Gods know how eccentric nobles can become at times.
And I want nothing to ruin the satisfaction the two of us feel regarding this project right now.
We have earned this drink my friend.
So let’s have it, while we can still cherish it....."
The Hypnotist insisted, as the Imperial Anatomist raised an eyebrow but eventually relented.
"Fine...."
The old man said, as the two grabbed a glass and poured a shot in honor of one another.
"To Riven, and to perfection."
The Hypnotist toasted.
"To Riven, and to perfection."
The Imperial Anatomist repeated, as both drank the liquor down.