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The carriage came to a stop as it approached the center of the market district. Orion looked out the window, his keen blue eyes focusing on the imposing building before them.
The Iron Fang Armory was like a fortress among the other shops around it, with an air of power and prestige. Made of dark stone with golden accents that glimmered in the sunlight, the structure spanned a large premise. A majestic entrance with banners emblazoned with the emblem of a sword wrapped by a dragon—a symbol of its superiority in the weapons business.
At the door, a number of armoured guards stood in stiff formation, their very presence radiating discipline and power. These men were not ordinary shopkeepers' employees; they were fighters, their highly polished armour a testament to their rank. It was obvious—Iron Fang Armory was not merely a company; it was an entity unto itself.
As the door of the carriage swung open, Orion and Elara emerged. Behind them, their retinue of warriors formed up in disciplined order. Their arrival inevitably attracted attention, whispers spreading among the merchants and patrons in the area.
Elara drew in a sharp breath, her blue eyes opening wide in wonder. "This place is… amazing," she breathed, her awe impossible to conceal.
Orion, his expression calm yet curious, muttered under his breath, "Iron Fang Armory, huh? Let's go."
The moment they approached the entrance, two guards stepped forward, blocking their path with crossed spears.
"State your purpose before entering," one of them commanded in a firm tone.
The abruptness of the action made Elara's brows furrow, irritation flashing across her delicate face. Orion, however, remained unfazed, knowing that such establishments followed to strict security.
Before he could react, Commander Black stepped forward. With no word, he produced a small, beautifully made insignia—the Viscount Vale family seal, showing an eagle with spread wings.
The instant the guards saw it; their faces went white.
"T-The Viscount's family?" one of them stuttered before awareness dawned. Their eyes darted to Orion and Elara—the similarity was unmistakable. The young man standing before them, with his aristocratic bearing and icy blue eyes, was clearly a Vale.
A wave of terror seized them, and in the space of mere seconds, both guards dropped to one knee.
"Our sincerest apologies, Young Lord and Young Lady!" one of them quickly said, his tone full of respect. "We did not know you. Forgive us our audacity!"
Elara let out a sharp breath, still visibly upset. Orion, though, gave them a quick look before shaking his head. "It's okay. You were just doing your job." His tone was even, free of arrogance.
The kneeling guard hurried to stand, bowing again. "Wait here, my lord. I will alert the owner of your presence at once!" He spun on his heel and vanished into the armoury.
Orion let out a soft sigh, turning to Elara. "No need to be angry," he whispered.
"I just don't like the way they spoke to you before," she growled, crossing her arms. "They should know their place."
Orion laughed. "I'd much prefer people to treat me normally rather than bowing all the time."
Elara pouted a bit but said nothing.
Before Orion could even react, the huge doors of the Iron Fang Armory creaked open.
And then… she showed up.
A woman emerged, her presence commanding respect in itself.
Her raven-black tresses fell in sleek waves down her back, highlighting her smooth, porcelain skin. Golden eyes, smoldering like liquid flame, fixed Orion in a gaze so intense the air around him seemed to crackle with electricity. She glided across the room with feline poise, every step radiating confidence.
Her own clothing was no less impressive—a midnight blue and gold, form-fitting dress, the delicate embroidery outlining patterns of twirling dragons. The neckline was low enough to be tempting without being obscene, accentuating the curves that made her presence all the more deadly.
But what really distinguished her… was the manner in which her eyes landed on Orion.
But when her eyes landed on Orion, something flashed in her golden eyes.
An instant of silence.
Her breath caught—so quietly that only she would have been aware. Her heart made a startled thump in her chest.
She had encountered many men in her life—great nobles, great warriors, even handsome men. And yet, not a single one of them had ever got her heart beating like this young man.
He had a draw to him.
Bluish-white hair framed his angular face like a painting brought to life, strands catching the light with an almost ethereal glow. His icy blue eyes, sharp and calculating, pierced through her like a blade, holding a quiet storm beneath their depths. And his presence—commanding yet effortless—was unlike anything she had encountered before.
For a fleeting second, she was lost in him.
Then, as if regaining composure, her lips twisted into a delicate, lovely smile.
"Ah… so you must be Orion Vale." Her voice was smooth, with a touch of playfulness. "And this beautiful young lady beside you must be Elara Vale."
Orion nodded politely. "That's right."
She put a gentle hand on her chest, bending slightly. "It is an honor to meet you at last, Young Lord. I am Laura Valtor, proprietor of the Iron Fang Armory."
Elara's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. There was something about this woman that irritated her.
Laura stood up straight, her eyes drinking in Orion with a long, almost languid regard. "The renowned Golden Blessing Awakener of Valeria City… and just like the stories claim—" she leaned forward slightly, her voice decreasing into a honey-smooth whisper. "—you are rather handsome, my lord."
Orion's face didn't change, his smile tight-lipped and polite. "You compliment me, Miss Laura."
Next to him, Elara's fists clenched.
She didn't care for the fact that this female was staring at Orion.
Laura, noticing the change in the girl's expression, laughed privately. She found it funny.
Elara, however, had an unfamiliar twisting feeling in her chest.
A burning sensation, but not really anger. Not really jealousy.
But something that fell somewhere between.
A moment thereafter, she stood up straight, her face once again as business-like and keen as ever. "Now then, my lord, might I inquire what brings you to my humble abode today?"
"I want to buy a weapon." Orion's response was brief.
Laura's golden eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Ah, then you've come to the right place." She swept her hand toward the enormous building. "Iron Fang Armory has the best selection in Valeria City. Magical swords, precious artifacts—anything your heart's desire."
She advanced a step or two, speaking slightly lower. "I promise you; you will not depart disappointed after viewing my shop weapon collection."
Orion nodded. "I look forward to viewing your collection."
Laura smiled gently. "Then permit me to escort you personally, my lord."
Orion blinked. "You're the proprietor. You must have more pressing things to do."
She smiled, inclining her head ever so slightly. "Oh, but I make exceptions for special and honourable guests."
Orion returned her gaze evenly. "Then, I thank you for the honour, Miss Laura."
As they entered, only Commander Black accompanied them. The rest of the guards stayed outside.
Laura walked alongside Orion, her steps smooth, her voice a gentle song in the large corridors of the armoury. Every now and then, her arm would touch his, just barely.
Elara, walking on the opposite side, after witnessing her action, she felt her annoyance increase with moment.
She didn't know why… A confusing combination of jealousy, protectiveness, and something deeper seethed inside her.
She balled her hands into fists.
But one thing was sure.
She did not like Laura Valtor.