Novel Full Chapter 133 Welcome to the Dawn Region
Riding the Silverwolf and the Horned Pegasus, they both moved gracefully to a stop before a stable tucked neatly into the gilded outskirts of the Dawn Region.
A beast handler wearing an immaculate brown and gold uniform approached, bowing deeply as Celestia dismounted.
“Lady Celestia,” the handler greeted reverently. “And… Lord Aeric?” His tone was polite, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise. The Son of Starlight in the Dawn Region? What news!
Aeric lifted his brow at the stunned man, before he slid off Sylver’s back, patting the beast’s sleek silver fur after.
“We’re not keeping them here,” Celestia said warmly, handing over the reins of her Pegasus. “Since you’re the only one I know they can trust, I just want you to hold and tag them along. So that we…” she glanced at Aeric, “can focus more on ourselves.”
The handler looked at two of them. “Of course, my lady. To the Castle then?”
“Yes. But you will follow us through the towns. I hope your legs fair you well.”
“I’m happy to be of service, dear Princess.”
Celestia smiled at Aeric, gesturing for them to move. He gave Sylver a final scratch behind the ears before following Celestia into the streets.
The handler followed close behind and as they walked, the city came alive around them.
Up and down, people made their moves through the cobblestone streets, going about with fluidity and harmony for their businesses of the day. There was soft music being played by a roadside guitarist and an even louder one, drifting through the air from the nearby square.
“I know Starlight is the most populated Region in the Realm, but Dawn has to be second I mean, is it always this busy?” Aeric asked, glancing around.
“I mean, in comparison with Starlight, it’s not as busy as much, but,” Celestia replied with a smile, “the Dawn Region thrives on activity. The people here are industrious, but they also know how to celebrate life. See that?” She gestured toward a group of merchants in a nearby market stall.
Aeric’s gaze followed her hand.
The stall was bursting with finely crafted leather goods — belts, boots, satchels, and armor — all glowing faintly with imbued Divinity. The merchant, a stocky man with a sun-kissed complexion, waved enthusiastically at Celestia.
“This is the leather market,” she explained. “It’s one of the most famous in Erothyria. Dawn leather is prized for its durability and the way it channels light energy.”
Aeric stepped closer, his fingers brushing against a golden belt on display. It was warm to the touch, as though it had absorbed the very sunlight around them. “Impressive,” he muttered, genuinely intrigued.
Celestia led him further, pointing out more of the region’s highlights. “Over there, we have the rice markets. The soil here is enriched by the sun’s Divinity. Though we don’t have plenty of rain, the soil is constantly dampened by the residue that comes from Twilight Region’s main dam. Because the water is richer in nutrients that would be otherwise unsafe for ingestion, the rice grown in the Dawn Region is said to be the finest in all the realms.”
“Now that’s something I didn’t know.” Aeric watched as vendors arranged heaps of golden grains, the scent of freshly harvested rice mingling with the fragrant flowers that lined the streets.
He noticed the people bowing as they passed, mostly out of respect for Celestia as they hailed her names, but others looking at him with wide eyes and murmurs.
“The Son of Starlight is here!” many of them kept saying.
“What is this? Am I some kind of celebrity in this place?” Aeric asked, lowering his voice.
Celestia chuckled softly. “The Dawn Region are loyal allies to the Starlight Region, Aeric. You may not know it, but your name carries weight here as well. Your mother visits here a lot, even when the border was up.”
Aeric frowned, unsure how to feel about that. “I had no idea about that. It does kind of feel good not to be welcomed with curses and pointing fingers.”
“Get out of our Realm you abomination!” a man cried.
Aeric moved his eyes. “And then there’s always that one guy.”
People suddenly gathered the man and jumped him. Knightguards cleared the way then arrested him and took him away.
“What’s going to happen to him now?” Aeric asked.
“He’ll be killed.” Celestia replied. “Most likely hanged.”
After giving her a sidelong glance, Aeric said nothing and they continued further, the handler following behind with their beasts.
Their path took them toward the outskirts of the city, where the rolling hills rose in the distance. Aeric squinted, noticing dark openings carved into the hillsides, each surrounded by glowing runes.
“Those are Dungeon Entrances,” Celestia explained. “They’re very difficult ones. The Players there are extremely powerful and skilled.”
Aeric let out a low whistle. “And you’ve been in them?”
“Never,” she replied, being comically nervous. “Not only am I not ready, but I’m not a daredevil like Nyx. And I’m not like you who just figures it out on the spot. I like to play it safe.”
Aeric shrugged. “That’s not a bad strategy at all.”
As they approached the central thoroughfare, Celestia glanced at Aeric. “We’ll be at the Castle of Dawn soon,” she said.
Aeric gave a short nod. “Finally. I’ve been wanting to meet your family.”
Celestia’s steps faltered slightly, and she blushed. “I should warn you,” she began hesitantly, “my family can be… a bit much.”
Aeric raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
“Well, they’re very intrusive and… bubbly if that’s the word,” she admitted, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. “They’re huggers and talkers, and they might come off as a little pushy or clingy. Especially my mother. And my aunts.”
“Aunts?” Aeric repeated, his brow furrowing.
“Yes.” Celestia shrugged. She looked at him with squinted eyes. “Wait,” her eyes widened. “You didn’t think Eros just created the Mothers at random, did you? Most were selected from chosen families, which means they have siblings. My mother has several sisters, and they all live in the Castle with us.”
Aeric hummed thoughtfully. ‘Hmm. Eros did say something similar when we met in the Soul River.’
“I didn’t know that to be honest… But I don’t think my mother had any sisters. At least, none I’ve ever heard of.”
Celestia tilted her head. “She does! Believe me. You just haven’t met them yet.”
“Maybe,” Aeric muttered, his mind drifting to the possibility of being surrounded by even more women.
At last, they reached a pair of towering golden gates flanked by Knightguards in shining golden and black armor.
They greeted Celestia, and then, with a synchronized motion, the guards pushed the gates open, revealing the Castle of Dawn.
Aeric lifted his gaze and took it in.
The design and structure of the Castle was quite different to Starlight’s.
It was a masterpiece of radiance. The spires it had reached toward the sky, each one gilded in pure gold that gleamed brilliantly under the sun.
Then there were numerous carvings of suns, stars, and celestial creatures adorning the walls. The main structure stood tall and regal, with massive windows that reflected the sunlight like mirrors.
Surrounding the castle were lush gardens filled with golden roses and ruby-colored lilies, their fragrance wafting through the air like a song.
“I’m impressed…” Aeric said.
Celestia smiled, her own pride evident. “Welcome to the Castle of Dawn.”