THE RISE OF THE KNIGHTS OF SINNERS

#6# RETURN TO VALDIA part 1

8 Months journey has been taken by Leo and his entourage until they arrive in the territory of the kingdom of Gerelia precisely they have passed through the province of Caspia now led archduke James. After 3 hours passing through the Caspian region, they finally entered the Valdia region. Unexpectedly having just stepped into Valdia, they were already greeted by Cavalry troops who were patrolling on the border of Caspia province. Some of the cavalry drove the horse straight to the town of Valdia and informed the marquis of Aiden about Leo's arrival.

Leo and his entourage continue on their way to the city of Valdia. Along the way they only saw a vast meadow with 2 rocky evidence in the south and from the pasture, there are some that have been converted into fields of wheat, corn, and other crops, and there are also many beekeepers and there are new villages. In addition, many caravans of merchants passed through Valdia to the capital and of course there were groups of pilgrims who came to the holy temple.

However, there is something disturbing Leo's mind is the presence of the royal forces of Gerelia who carry the flag of the royal family. The troops were escorting pilgrims and merchant entourage. What makes it strange is that the territory of Valdia is a special autonomous region whose entire territory will be controlled by Valdia's marquess without the help of royal forces. However, many royal troops took on patrol and escort duties which should have been the mandatory duty of Valdia's marquis.

After 2 hours of travel, they also see the city of Valdia. The once shabby city with its mossy fort walls is now a pure white and from a distance there is no visible murkiness in the city. Indra was very amazed to see the sighting of the city of Valdia now. In just 2 years and thanks to Leo's proposal, the city of Valdia was transformed into a more livable city.

Not yet they approached the city, the Valdia soldiers ran to Leo. They cried out to shout Leo's name happily as they led Leo and the party into the city. While the soldiers guarding the fort raised flags bearing the Valdius family.

***

Upon entering the city gate, Leo was surprised to see Valdia soldiers marching lengthwise on the right and left sides of the main road. They marched from the gate to the palace of Valdia while calling out the name of Leo. While the residents were confused and looking for where the figure of the second child Marquis Aiden.

It's natural for Valdia's people, they don't know where Leonard is because they haven't seen him in years. In addition, Leonard is different from other Valdius descendants, usually the descendants of Valdius have bright red hair no exception marquis Aiden and his 2 daughters. However, Leo had exactly the same blond hair as his mother and in childhood Leo dyed his hair red with envy of his red-haired family. That's why the residents don't know who Leo is, the man the soldiers talk about often because thanks to his help, Valdia can get out of the crisis.

" Don't I ask you not to have this kind of welcome when I get back? " ask Leo from on his horse.

" It is the father's happiness to know his son is back. All parents will do the same, sir, "answer, the senses pat Leo on the shoulder. " But.., if you look around it seems like the residents are still confused with your figure, mister hahaha." continued indra.

" Hahaha.., naturally, I haven't been here in years and I don't dye my hair anymore" Leo replied.

Before long, a cavalry soldier from the palace came to Leo.

" Lord Leonard, my lord Aiden ordered that the young master immediately head for the palace because princess Melina was already waiting there. "

Without a word, Leonard and the retinue headed straight for the palace. On the street, many residents gave the group food, drink, even flowers. Although the residents still do not know which Leo is but they believe that Leo is in the entourage.Until they arrive in front of the palace gate. A red-haired girl wearing a white dress stood in front of the gate escorted by 10 soldiers.

" Sister Leo...! " the girl shouted as she ran towards Leo. He pulled Leo down from his horse and hugged him tightly.

Leo was surprised but he knew who the girl who hugged him was smiling followed by tears,

" You've grown up Melina. "

Melina let go of her wound and said, "It turns out to be true, Dad said. Leo's brother has blond hair and a handsome man. "

" Ahaha it could be. I also did not expect Melina who used to be a baby, now grows into a beautiful girl, "repeated Leo wiped tears.

" Ehehe.., but still not as pretty as Thalia's sister, "

" Oh yes, Miss Melina, is Miss Thalia not home yet? " sela Indra who got off her horse.

" It was only two days ago that Thalia's brother returned to the capital. He told her that until she returned home, Leo's sister was forbidden to leave the city, "replying Melina held her chin.

" Why is that? " ask Leo astonished.

" I don't know, but you know what the nature of Thalia's sister is if her wishes are not obeyed? He had prepared a spy to keep an eye on her so as not to come out, " explains Melina.

" Hhhh alright. Then let's get inside the palace. "

Leo, Melina, and the Yurei troops entered Valdia's palace. They were astonished and stunned to see the splendor of Valdia's palace. Because in the past Valdia palace was only a small castle that accommodated 30 people only and now this palace can accommodate more than a thousand people and the palace courtyard can accommodate 6 thousand people.

In the palace courtyard, the servants arrived carrying various kinds of food that had been prepared to welcome Leo with his troops. He raised his hand and faced the team.

" Yurei team, you can rest now. Please enjoy the food prepared. After eating, you will all be guided to the new headquarters in this city. I give you a week off, use that time to practice and find a partner in this town. "

Leo's orders were immediately greeted by the happy cry of the yurei troops. Leo entered the palace and left his army.

" So rest, isn't your wife in this town? Meet him and give him your time before returning to duty, " said Leo looking at his senses.

" But, sir.., "the senses are distraught because he knows that Leo still has a lot of work to do. As a personal advisor, the sense of thinking of helping his master was a top priority.

" It's okay. I can finish it myself. Take your time off and spend it with your wife, "reply Leo pat Indra on the shoulder.

Indra was silent, he had not agreed to Leo's orders until shortly a male voice sounded from the direction of the palace stairs, "What master Leo said was true Indra. You better take the day off and spend it with your wife. You've been leaving her for years, haven't you? For Mr. Leo's work, take it easy I'll help him. "

Indra looked up at the stairs and it turns out that the one who said was his own father who was Aiden's marquis advisor, Boris. The man with the head of the pelontos and the gray beard walked slowly down the stairs towards the two of them.

" Dad!? " Indra bowed as a sign of respect to his father.

Boris stroked the sensory head, "Now go see your wife. "

Indra went straight to Leo and knelt before him, "If that's what Mr. Leo and father ask, then I will do. Then I'll leave the assignment for a few days. I promise I'll be back soon. "

" Hmh, "Lo nodded his head, "Like your holiday. "

indra ran away leaving the palace. His longing for his wife could no longer be held back and Leo realized that.

" Long time no see Mr. Leo, " Boris bowed before Leo.

" It is my responsibility, sir. And I should instead thank you. Thanks to the master's ideas and ideas, Valdia was able to achieve her glory. In almost every field, Valdia began to progress rapidly, especially in the fields of trade and agriculture, "

" Well, even so, I was surprised that my father spent almost all of his wealth to build Valdia. Oh yes uncle, what about the construction of the underground canal? "

Boris smiled complacently and replied, "The underground canal was completed 5 months ago master. Didn't you see for yourself the river that flows in our city is very clean and not shabby like before. However, the construction of the canal completely depletes our resources because the artificial underground river directed towards the west sea requires a lot of material. "

" It's done? Very fast. I think it's gonna take a little longer, "

" The people of Valdia were very enthusiastic about the construction of the underground canal, so they also worked together to help the construction, "

" Hmh, they also realize environmental cleanliness is very important. "

" Then sir, please go to Mr. Aiden's room. He was waiting for the young master there, " Boris gave way to Leo. He immediately walked up the stairs and was about to be overtaken by Melina.

As Melina climbed the stairs, Boris spread his left hand in front of Melina, "Miss, let the young master alone meet Mr. Aiden. "

With a hint of disappointment and sadness, Melina nodded then went towards her own room. Leo slightly looked towards Melina who was walking towards the room. He felt awkward when he saw his sister's hand tremble as she entered his room.

***

The handsome blonde youth walked down the hallway of the 2nd floor of the palace and saw a golden door room at the end of the hallway. The room was guarded by 2 soldiers with 2 long spears. Without a word, they opened the door. Leo entered the room. A man dressed in white and wearing an iron mask was lying weakly in bed. Yes, that man was once the hero of the kingdom of Gerelia, the marquis of Aiden.

Marquis Aiden who realized his room was open immediately glanced towards the door.

" Is that Leo my son? "

Seeing the helpless father, Leo was very sad and held back his tears so as not to spill in front of the father. He also recalled the times where the father was exposed to fire poison and made him what he was now. But, even though Leo tried to hold back his grief, the tears still spilled down his cheeks.

Seeing his son crying, marquis Aiden raised his right hand slowly and said, "A knight like me doesn't need a cry from his son. Come here my son, give me your smile not your tears. "

Leo approached the father and hugged him slowly. " Dad, I'm home, "

" My son, I have missed you for a long time. I thank the goddess Cilia for still giving me a chance to live to see my son again, " said marquis Aiden letting go of Leo's embrace. He also tried to get up from his recline.

" You don't have to push yourself, "Lo tried to help lift up the body. But in the end, marquis Aiden managed to sit on his bed thanks to his own efforts.

" I heard you have your own special forces and serve for the kingdom of Taiyoria? "

Leo nodded his head and looked out the window, "Yes, I'm actually just forming an ordinary army, but I can't believe that when they were on missions from the king of Taiyoria it was a result beyond my expectations. They all managed to become a great army now. "

" Thankfully. Then let's get to the point, "

" Lo, regarding the letter about your desire to search the continent I have not been able to grant it, "

Leo was startled and reflexively turned his back on his father.

" I grant your wish not to be my successor. But you must be a little patient to go wandering, "

" But father, I must find the heavenly flower for Melina's healing, "

" Lo, the continent is not necessarily true. But that doesn't mean I don't believe in the existence of the continent because our ancestors once got there, "

" Why then wouldn't you let me? "

" It's not that I don't want you to stay in Valdia any longer and help me and your brother recover this territory. Your brother even though he's smart, but he's often reckless that's why I want you to help him first and teach him before you go looking for the continent, "

Leo looked down sad, he felt very disappointed at the father's decision, "When did you allow me? "

" When I die, go and find medicine for your sister, "

Marquis Aiden's reply left Leo speechless for a moment. He was holding both hands, "Why did you say that!? "

" This poison has gradually destroyed my organs. Even if I take the poison-slowing medicine, but sooner or later I will still die. The healers have told me that I can only last 3 years at the most" said Marquis Aiden. Deep down, he had given up hope for a cure.

" I'll try to continue the experiment of the mother's antidote to the fire poison. I'm sure it must be the antidote to the poison I found, "

" Lo, confidence is fine, but you should also know your limits. You don't have your mother's talent and it's a waste of time. After all, as living beings, sooner or later we will die, right? I've already conveyed this to Thalia and Melina, "marquis Aiden is staring out the window with a sigh.

" Lo, when I die, do not accompany my death with a cry but with a smile. I was born crying and I want to go in peace. Therefore, promise me to smile at my funeral ", continued Marquis Aiden.

Leo was silent, he felt unprepared when his father said that. He never thought about his father's death and it left him blank for a moment.

Seeing his gloomy son, Marquis Aiden got out of bed and touched Leo's head, "No need to think about it. Better now you meet your mother. I'm sure he misses you too, "

Leo nodded his head, "I went first Dad. " Lo came out of Aiden's marquis' room to say hello to his gloomy state.

^^^To be Contine.^^^