[BL] Challenge: 100 Baby in Fantasy World-Chapter 287: Esalavya Duchy

The Esalavya Duchy sat between the kingdom’s capital and the Swargaloka Province, nestled right at the border.

Even though it was close to the capital, the entire territory was ringed by mountains. Those mountains acted as a natural fortress. Soldier camps were built at various points along the slopes.

From the very beginning, soldiers trained in harsh terrain, and over time, that tough environment made them far superior to soldiers from other territories.

Being close to the capital also meant the duchy was far from the kingdom’s outer border.

However, the territory of Swargaloka Province which was closest to the mist borders were led by Duke Eshaan’s most powerful vassal— Marquess Cakra.

Duke Eshaan had other strong followers as well, many of whom ruled lands right on the frontier.

Because of this, the duchy could quickly dispatch troops and commanders to fight mist monsters.

"So why do Marquess Cakra and the other nobles obey Duke Eshaan?" Gara cut off Tristan’s lengthy explanation.

If the story had been any less interesting, Gara would’ve fallen asleep already.

Tristan cleared his throat and continued,

"It’s because of the long-standing tradition in the Eshaan House. The one who becomes Duke isn’t the eldest son— it’s the Commander. The war commander who has slain the most mist monsters."

"In the old days, the struggle for the title was always drenched in blood. But over time, the Duke decided to train his firstborn to become the strongest, so there would be no more deadly succession fights."

"In short, because each heir is trained with their ancestral combat techniques and pushed to the limit, every successor of the Eshaan House ends up extremely powerful. Then, that heir must prove himself in front of the younger generation of Eshaan’s vassal families... by defeating them one by one."

"But Commander Gavin..."

Tristan paused, glancing at Gara.

"Commander Gavin defeated all of them at the same time?" Gara guessed.

Tristan stared, shocked. "How did you know?"

He had hoped to surprise Gara with the greatness of his biological father, yet Tristan ended up being the one surprised.

"I just assumed my father must’ve been impressive," Gara replied casually.

’If my father weren’t amazing, his followers —including Uncle Tristan— wouldn’t still be this devoted to him. Even after almost twenty years, Uncle Tristan still cares so much about me.’

While Tristan continued his long tale about Gavin’s feats, Gara turned his attention to the streets of Esapury City, the capital of the Esalavya Duchy.

It looked like kingdom’s capital city— busy crowds, shops everywhere, and people dressed in fine clothes.

The difference was that almost everyone here was human.

The citizens were also well-built, their strong physiques standing out immediately.

"People in Esalavya Duchy all look really healthy. Most of them are tall and muscular," Gara commented.

"Oh, that!" Tristan nodded. "Those are soldiers. As the territory with the largest military force in Swargaloka, they give special treatment to their soldiers. Anyone who survives at least one deployment is granted a free house in or around the capital."

Gara hummed in approval.

"Looks like their reputation isn’t just because of how strong their heirs are. They also make smart policies. Policies that earn the soldiers’ trust."

"Now that you mention it... you’re right, Gara." Tristan nodded again.

But his gaze softened, turning distant.

Gara didn’t need to ask. He knew his godfather must be thinking about his biological father.

It really was a tragedy that someone as powerful as Commander Gavin had died.

From afar, a grand castle on a hill could already be seen from the capital’s main road. The Duke’s castle had its own security system.

As Gara’s carriage approached the canal bridge, the knights on duty immediately stopped them.

They were held there for quite a while before finally being allowed through.

"Is the security to the castle always this strict?" Gara asked.

Tristan shook his head. "This must be because Duke Eshaan is still in a coma— and because Sir Ramun is suspicious of Sir Karon."

"We’re here," Wina whispered. She had been silent the whole time, clearly nervous.

The carriage door opened from the outside. Tristan stepped out first, followed by Gara and Wina.

"Whoa..." Wina gasped at the sight that greeted them.

Gara was equally stunned.

A line of servants stood neatly on both sides of the walkway. Behind them, rows of knights were lined up just as precisely.

The contrast between the servants’ brown uniforms and the knights’ pale blue armor made the scene even more striking.

All of them bowed their heads respectfully. Walking right down the center, Gara felt more than a little awkward.

’Do people in this house always get welcomed like this? Like those scenes in dramas where the CEO of a huge conglomerate arrives at the office?’

Lost in his thoughts, Gara didn’t notice the tall man standing ahead —long black hair, sharp hazel eyes— watching him with an icy gaze.

Wina tugged his sleeve just in time before he walked too far, stopping right in front of the man.

"Sir Ramun, we’ve arrived," Tristan said respectfully. "This is Gara, Commander Gavin’s son, and beside him is Lady Wina, who has taken care of him all these years."

Ramun nodded. He gave Gara no more than a single glance before stepping aside. "Come in. Sir Karon is waiting."

Tristan nodded and walked first, with Gara and Wina following behind.

They followed the servant who guided them deeper into the castle.

Only after the front doors disappeared from sight did Gara let out a quiet sigh and look back.

"He’s... really quiet," Gara murmured.

"Sir Ramun is indeed a man of few words, but he’s a good person," Tristan replied.

’Still defending him, huh? He stared at me like he wanted to skin me alive. He didn’t even introduce himself. Makes sense though— if he can push Sir Karon aside, ignoring me must be nothing...’

Gara’s gaze drifted to the paintings on the walls. There were portraits of an entire extended family and individual paintings— likely the past Dukes.

’So this is where my black hair and hazel eyes come from. But Sir Ramun doesn’t actually look that much like me... especially those sharp eyes of his. My whole face takes after my birth mother’s softer features. I didn’t inherit any of the Eshaan family’s fiercing looks at all.’

After climbing a long staircase and weaving through corridors that felt like a maze, they finally stopped in front of a large wooden door carved with elegant patterns.

"This is Commander Gavin’s room," Tristan breathed, almost in a gasp.

"My father’s room? Why are we here?" Gara frowned.

"Maybe Sir Ramun thought you’d learn more about your father by visiting his room," Wina guessed.

"But... for what purpose?" Gara still looked confused. ’That cold man doesn’t seem like someone who cares about sentimental things.’

"Whatever the reason, let’s go in!" Gara urged, nudging Tristan, who looked lost in his memories.

"Y-yes," Tristan stammered.

A servant opened the door. A burst of bright light from inside the room flooded in, forcing the three visitors —who had just come through dim corridors— to squint.

Standing against the light was a man with short black hair, his back facing the window.

"C-Commander Gavin!" Tristan shouted, rubbing his eyes.

Gara rubbed his own eyes as well... and then realized the man actually resembled him far more than Ramun did.

"You’re Sir Karon?" Gara asked.

"Yes, my nephew. We finally meet." The man smiled gently.

"Forgive my mistake, Sir Karon," Tristan said once he recovered from his shock. "It has been a long time since we last met."

"Yes, far too long, Sir Tristan." Karon turned to Tristan, then to Wina. "Thank you —both of you— for taking care of Gara. Truly, thank you, Sir Tristan. And thank you, Lady Wina."

Wina immediately bowed. "It has always been my duty to follow Lady Vita’s orders. Besides, Gara is a good child. I’ve never had any trouble with him. In fact... he’s given my life so much meaning."

Hearing his mother’s words, Gara felt a tight warmth in his chest.

He took Wina’s wrinkled hand and held it firmly.

Karon then invited them to sit, serving drinks and small pastries on the table.

From him, they learned that Ramun was the one who instructed Karon to meet Gara here.

’What in the world is Ramun planning?’

The castle felt gloomy, probably because of the Duke’s coma and the tension between the two brothers.

But the pastries served to them were unexpectedly colorful. Gara felt like his teeth would hurt if he so much as took a bite of those sugary treats.

"Thank you for the refreshments, Sir Karon," Gara said politely.

"All of this was prepared by your uncle, Sir Ramun. You can thank him directly when you meet him later," Karon replied, completely opposite of what Gara expected.

Gara could only nod.

’Why does Sir Ramun actually seem far simpler than I imagined... while Sir Karon, sitting right in front of me, feels much harder to read? Every word, every gesture, even the slightest expression seems calculated.’

In the midst of the sudden quiet, Karon spoke again with a sincere smile.

"I also want to thank you, Gara. Thank you... for surviving. And I’m sorry that you had to come to us first, when it should have been us who went to bring you home."

"It’s fine, Sir. Besides, I’m here because I need your help." Gara dropped the polite small talk completely.

...