Reinventing Magic: An Inventor's Tale-Chapter 46: Shadow’s of the Night

Night had fallen over the capital, shrouding the cobbled streets in darkness and casting long, foreboding shadows. Kael and the others sat in contemplative silence within the carriage. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against stone filled the air, a steady counterpoint to the weight of Kael’s thoughts.

Beside him sat his father, Count Edgar Valtieri, his expression unreadable beneath the flickering lantern light. Opposite them, Oswald, their loyal steward, maintained a stoic silence, while Lily, ever cheerful, dozed lightly against the cushions. The crisp night air flowed through the open window, carrying the distant murmur of the city and the scent of blooming nightflowers.

Kael’s mind replayed the events in the palace. King Julius’s calculating gaze had lingered on him for far too long. The way the tyrant had dismissed the recorded visions of the past and instead focused on the artifact itself unsettled him. The man was dangerous—far more than Kael had anticipated.

A subtle yet unmistakable sensation interrupted his thoughts—a presence, shadowed and distant, following them. His senses flared, the fine threads of mana perception weaving an intricate map of their surroundings. Figures moved with unnatural stillness along the rooftops and alleys, keeping pace with their carriage. His eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the seat.

"Father," Kael said, his voice a quiet murmur. Edgar turned, his sharp blue eyes meeting his son’s. "We’re being followed."

Edgar’s expression darkened. "How many?"

"Several. All behind us," Kael answered, a sense of urgency creeping into his tone. "Their movements are too precise. This is no ordinary spy—this might be the king’s doing."

A grim silence settled over the carriage as Edgar exhaled sharply. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "I should have known. I should have considered the implications."

Kael studied his father’s clenched fists, his own mind racing. "You were overwhelmed," he said calmly, though his heart pounded. "The urgency of the situation forced your hand. We both miscalculated."

Edgar scoffed bitterly. "I was too hasty in informing the king. If I had stopped to think—if I had asked you more about this Project Golem—I would have seen it."

Kael reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his father’s arm. "You’re not at fault, Father. I should have asked more about the king’s personality before we decided to involve him."

Edgar shook his head, his gaze distant. "No, Kael. I should have known better than you. I let my urgency cloud my judgment."

Kael shook his head. "We can only move forward, Father. There’s no point in blame now."

Edgar studied his son for a long moment before nodding, determination hardening his features. "What do you propose?"

Kael turned to Oswald and Lily. "We need to leave without being seen."

Edgar frowned. "And how do you intend to accomplish that?"

Kael offered a small, confident smirk. "Just follow my instructions."

The carriage came to a stop within the Valtieri mansion’s courtyard. As the guards tended to the horses, Kael extended his mana sense once more. The shadows outside their gates remained still—watching, waiting.

"Quietly," Kael instructed, guiding the group through the hidden back entrance. The crisp night air enveloped them as they stepped into the secluded garden, safely away from prying eyes. With a swift motion, he raised his hand, channeling mana into his palm. A soft hum resonated through the air as the Aetherwing Skiff materialized from his infinite storage, shimmering with ethereal light.

From the depths of the void, Kael’s creation emerged—a sleek, silver vessel hovering above the ground, its ethereal glow casting a ghostly light against the foliage. The Aetherwing Skiff.

Lily gave a knowing glance, while Oswald simply nodded in approval. Edgar, ever the pragmatist, examined the craft with a critical gaze. "I really can’t help myself but be impressed by how magnificent your creation is, Kael," he admitted.

Kael gestured toward the skiff. "Let’s go, everyone on board."

One by one, they boarded the vessel. The moment Kael felt them settle into place, he grasped the control lever, feeding more mana into the skiff’s thrusters enchantment. A weightless sensation enveloped them as the craft lifted into the air, gliding above the treetops in near silence.

Below, the pursuers remained oblivious, still focused on the mansion’s entrance.

Edgar exhaled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Where to now?"

Kael adjusted their course, his gaze set toward the horizon. "To the Duke."

Edgar’s expression hardened. "You believe he’ll help us?"

Kael’s lips pressed into a thin line. "We’re running out of options, Father. The king suspects us. If we don’t act now, we may lose our only advantage."

Edgar nodded. "Then let’s not waste any more time."

As the skiff soared high above the capital, Kael cast one last glance downward, where the royal spies still lurked in the shadows, unaware their quarry had already vanished into the night. A dangerous game had begun—a game of secrecy, deception, and survival.

And Kael Valtieri had no intention of losing.

The Aetherwing Skiff cut through the night sky like a phantom, its sleek form barely making a whisper as it soared above the sprawling lands of the Marveil Duchy.

The cold wind whipped through the Aetherwing’s glass, yet Kael remained focused, his hands steady on the controls. Beside him, Count Edgar observed their surroundings with a sharp gaze, ever the seasoned commander, while Lily, seated near the skiff’s railing, stared in awe at the view below.

Edgar broke the silence. "Is it wise to visit the Duke this late at night?"

Kael didn’t take his eyes off the horizon. "Visiting him during the day would put us at risk. The king’s influence reaches everywhere, and we can’t afford to be noticed."

Edgar exhaled sharply, nodding. "You’re right. The king’s eyes are indeed everywhere. You are right for being careful."

Within minutes, the silhouette of Duke Marcus Marveil’s grand estate came into view. The mansion was a fortress of elegance and history, with its towering spires and vast gardens illuminated by enchanted lanterns. Kael maneuvered the skiff with practiced ease, bringing it to a smooth landing in the Duke’s garden, the soft hum of mana dissipating as the craft settled.

The moment their feet touched the ground, a dozen guards emerged from the shadows, weapons drawn.

"Halt! Identify yourselves!" barked the captain, his armor gleaming under the moonlight.

Kael and the rest raised their hands in a show of peace. "We mean no harm," Kael declared. "I am Lord Kael Valtieri. We have urgent business with the Duke."

Before the guards could respond, a commanding voice rang out from the mansion’s entrance.

"Lower your weapons! You are being rude to my guests."

Duke Marcus Marveil strode forward, his robes billowing as he approached. His sharp eyes scanned the Aetherwing Skiff before settling on Kael with intrigue.

"Lord Kael," the Duke said, his voice laced with excitement. "What in the heavens is this marvelous construct?"

Kael and the others bowed their heads in greeting. "It is my creation, your grace—the Aetherwing Skiff. We can discuss its finer details later, but for now, we must speak in private. It is of utmost urgency."

Marcus studied Kael for a moment before nodding. "Of course. Let’s go inside."

Once within the privacy of the Duke’s study, Kael wasted no time. He recounted the discovery of the ancient ruin, the warning about the Rift that once unleashed chaos five thousand years ago, and the impending disaster that would unfold in five years if they failed to act. He detailed how the ancients had sealed the Rift using a powerful artifact and how that seal was now weakening.

The Duke listened in silence, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "And you’re certain of this?" he finally asked, his expression unreadable.

Kael nodded. "We had undeniable evidence, but when we presented it to the king, he dismissed our claims. Worse, he confiscated the artifact that contained the warning."

Marcus leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. "So, you met the king, and he dismissed your claims." He tapped his fingers against the desk. "Do you have any other proof?"

Kael had anticipated this question. The Duke was a wise and just ruler, but he was also pragmatic.

"I do," Kael said, his voice calm. "But it’s in our territory. I can introduce you to her."

The Duke’s brow arched. "Her?"

"She is a hybrid. A half-golem, half-human." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

Marcus blinked. "A what?"

Kael smiled slightly. "A living testament to the knowledge and power of the ancients."

Marcus raised a brow. "A hybrid with such power? If this is true, then the implications are staggering. Where is she now?"

Kael exchanged a glance with his father, Count Edgar before responding. "She remains hidden within our stronghold. If you agree to help us, I will take you to her personally."

Marcus sighed and stood up, walking to a nearby window. The moonlight cast shadows on his contemplative face. "The king’s refusal to act is troubling, but you ask much of me, Lord Kael. If what you claim is true, we may be facing an unprecedented crisis. I will need more than words. I will need to see this proof for myself."

Kael nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Then prepare yourself, Your Grace. You are about to witness something beyond anything the world has seen."

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