CHAPTER 794: THUNDER OF TALONS ( 794 )

Garius rode at the front, riding his golden Pekko, Giddie. The big bird puffed out its chest, each step loud like thunder as it carried its master proudly. Right behind him, Alf and Erinnette kept a steady pace on their own Pekko, upright and alert.

At the back, Hesbeirn rode with the chosen elite soldiers, the line tight and exact, guarding the group from behind.

In the middle, the younger generation rode. Marcellus, Cedric, Javier, and Heres each rode their own Pekko, their personal maids riding nearby on separate mounts. The air between them buzzed with restless excitement, their birds moving together.

Aelius rode differently. Athine sat just behind him on the same Pekko, her arms around his waist, her cheek resting on his back as if they were alone in the world.

The moment Giddie released his buff, the world blurred. All Pekko jumped forward, their claws hitting the ground.

Javier’s eyes widened, his breath catching.

This speed is unbelievable!

The wind rushed past his cheeks, his cape snapping behind him. Buddy, his Pekko, squawked with joy, its body buzzing with the power of the buff.

He leaned forward, grabbing the reins tighter, his heart racing with the surge.

I’ve ridden Buddy many times... but never like this. I can’t believe a big creature could move so fast.

Around him, the others looked stunned too, some smiling wide, others gritting their teeth as they fought to stay on.

Ahead, Giddie let out a loud squawked, its golden feathers shining in the sun, as if it was teasing everyone else.

"Don’t stop unless told to."

Garius’s calm but commanding voice carried easily over the thunder of talons and the rushing wind, reaching every rider as they surged past the final Armand checkpoint and crossed into the borderlands beyond.

"If we keep this pace, we can arrive at the royal capital before the sun sets."

Javier gritted his teeth as the wind tore at his hair, his eyes narrowing against the force. Damn! With Buddy alone, even with my buff skill, it took more than a day to reach the capital at full tilt...

He glanced ahead at Giddie.

But this one, is too fast. And what Marcellus and Cedric said, it’s true. That golden bird can really buff every Pekko to match his speed.

No wonder Father never worries about long travel. With Giddie, even distance itself becomes meaningless.

Heh... but he’s no fun, Javier smirked inwardly, looking down at Buddy who squawked with wild excitement.

Buddy is more fun!! ...Well, except for being a glutton.

Whatever. I should be ready... the moment anything happens, I’ll summon my battle drone. No telling what could be on the road once we leave Armand’s safe borders.

He let out a soft sigh, then leaned forward, lowering his body with Buddy’s movements.

For now... let’s just enjoy this. This speed... the rush...

The world around him was a streak of blurred trees, dusty plains, and flashes of startled wildlife darting out of the way.

Even at this impossible speed, Garius’s voice stayed calm and strong.

"The council is tomorrow, correct?" he asked without looking back.

"Yes, my lord. Tomorrow morning," Alf replied smoothly, his voice steady despite the rushing air.

"Hmmm..." Garius’s eyes narrowed a little. "Then that means we can choose a region near the capital to rest in. I don’t think it would be wise for us to stay in the capital city tonight. With our Pekko, speed is not a problem."

His gaze moved to Erinnette, her posture perfect even on a racing mount.

"So, Erinnette. Have you already told our people to rent a house for all of us to rest?"

"Yes, my lord," she answered without hesitation. "I already relayed the order through our communication lines. The arrangements are made, and the local lord of that region has been informed of our arrival."

Garius exhaled slowly, rubbing his chin as the wind pulled at his cloak.

"Hmm... I don’t really like the idea of informing the lord who governs that region. But... rules are rules."

His gaze stayed forward, voice calm but firm.

"We cannot just barge in with such a large group without notice. And every time we reach a city gate, we must still stop to be acknowledged before passing through. Being nobles grants us certain privileges. True. We are not checked and searched as common merchants or wandering citizens would be. But even privilege does not mean we ignore protocol."

He glanced briefly at his sons riding behind.

"The gatekeepers still have their duties. Even when they bow and wave us through, the record of our passing must be made. That is the order of nobility. Respecting those rules is what separates us from brigands who trample where they please."

"And unlike other nobles," Garius continued, his voice steady over the roaring wind, "Armand does not do as we please. We do not make life harder for others, especially the common folk."

"They may hate us for our strength. They may envy our flourishing land, our wealth, our unmatched armies. But let them never say we trampled them without cause. Let them never claim Armand used its power to crush the weak."

His eyes narrowed, the gold of Giddie’s feathers glinting like fire beneath the sun.

"Because if we add arrogance on top of it, if we trample rules, if we treat people as beneath us, then their hate will not only fester..." His voice lowered, edged with iron. "...it will unite them against us."

"I want every one of you to remember that," Garius said, his calm voice cutting through the rush of wind. He turned his head slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over the sons riding behind him.

"Never use strength to bully others. Never use power for selfish gain, or to satisfy your pride. Power exists for responsibility, not indulgence. It is a tool to protect, to uphold order, and to give stability to those who rely on us. The moment you use it to elevate yourself above others, you stop being a leader... and become nothing more than a tyrant."

After Garius’s words settled into the air, silence stretched between the riders, broken only by the thunder of talons on packed earth.

Then...

Garius lifted one hand. Instantly, Giddie skidded to a halt, his massive talons digging into the ground with a screech of power. At the same moment, every Pekko in formation stopped as if pulled by an unseen rein, their buffed speed arrested in perfect unison. Dust rose around them, the sudden stillness heavier than the rushing wind before.

"Stop," Garius commanded, his voice calm but firm.

Every son and maid straightened, hands tightening on reins, eyes scanning the blurred horizon now sharpening back into focus. Hesbeirn and the rear guard immediately adjusted their formation, spears raised, eyes hard.

Garius’s gaze never wavered as he stared ahead, his voice low but carrying to all.

"Everyone... ready."

( End Of Chapter )