The Duke & His Haughty Fiance ((~Taekook~)) Atheria

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In the mystical realm, Atheria a proud empire nestled within the Elemental World and bound by ancient secrets and pacts with legendary Beasts..

Chaos and uncertainty loomed after the sudden death of the last emperor—who left no heir to the throne.. With the royal bloodline severed, the House of Representatives rose as the governing force, their voices now guiding the fate of the empire..

Amidst political tension and rising threats from neighboring realms, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Marshal Jeon Jungkook—the son of the late Duke, yet to be officially instated..

A warrior forged in fire and storm, he led Atheria’s armies with the strength of titans and the heart of a lion, becoming a national hero whispered in legend.. Though he is no King the people saw in him the soul of a ruler—one destined not by blood, but by battle and honor..

But currently the people of the Atheria Empire were heartbroken..

A month ago, their Duke who is also Marshal of the Military Unit was poisoned by the Zen King during the war against the Zen..

Two days ago, the doctor said his condition had become critical.. This news made everyone in the Empire feel like the sky had turned dark..

People started flooding the Empire’s online forum the "Star Network" with emotional messages..

The online discussions about the Empire’s possible collapse even reached Lunor where the seriously injured Duke was taken..

Rowoon

Achoo..

Rowoon sneezed, standing on the top floor of the building..

He had been driving for over 70 hours without rest..Even though he was exhausted, he pulled himself together for 12 more minutes.. He looked at the cage in his hand and straightened up..

He was at a big hospital on the Planet Lunor ..

When the war began, this place was used to treat people poisoned by the Zen... But after the Duke and his army beat the Zen a month ago, things calmed down, and fewer patients stayed.. Most had already been moved to other places..

Now the Duke’s soldiers were guarding the hospital.. And Rowoon had to go through a lot of security to get in..

If he hadn’t met Lieutenant General Jung Hoseok while he was on patrol, he probably wouldn’t have been allowed inside..

The Lieutenant General was wearing his uniform, with a special pin on his jacket..The pin on Hoseok’s chest was a special one.. It honored those who had served in Jeon Jungkook's Legion. It shined in the sunlight, just like Jeon Jungkook’s strong will..

At first he gave Rowoon a cold look and took him to a meeting room..Then he looked at the cage in Rowoon’s arms and said angrily..

Hoseok (Lieutenant General)

A Spiritual beast? Are you saying the Marshal should make a contract with a beast right now?!

The members of the army mostly address the Duke as Marshal because that's how their leader prefers it..

Rowoon felt nervous.. He stood tall, saluted properly, and said firmly..

Rowoon

Yes, sir! I really believe this is the best way to help the Empire..

Hoseok stared at him..For a long time, he said nothing..Then he suddenly shouted and slammed the table..

Hoseok (Lieutenant General)

Best way, my foot!

Rowoon stayed quiet and waited for Hoseok to calm down..

When he looked up again, he saw that Hoseok’s eyes were red.. This tough soldier, known for yelling and fighting, looked like he was about to cry..

Rowoon knew this wasn’t just because of the Zen... Hoseok wasn’t afraid of war.. There was only one person who could make him act like this...

Rowoon

Sir... the Marshal, is he...?

Rowoon voice stopped.. He stood still, shocked..The rumors he’d heard before rushed through his mind.. He looked at Hoseok’s face and felt like his heart was breaking..

Just then, a calm voice said..

Someone

Let’s give it a try...

They turned and saw a man in a white military uniform at the door..

It was Suga! Rowoon’s eyes lit up and he quickly saluted..

Rowoon

Major General Suga !

Suga was Jungkook’s childhood friend and a top military doctor..He had fought in the war and was now taking care of Jungkook on Liberec..

Rowoon remembered the four words the Major General had just said—"Give it a try"—and he felt a small spark of hope..

Suga walked over, ignoring Hoseok’s worried look..

He tapped on the black cage, and the special glass turned clear.. Inside was a small animal, lying still and wounded..

Suga (Major General)

A fox!?

Suga looked surprised.

Suga (Major General)

You don’t see these often..It looks healthy..

Suga study the little creature who was asleep, with clear injuries..

Rowoon

It’s a weak contract beast...

Rowoon said quietly..

Rowoon

The genes aren’t great, but it’s the only one that matches the Marshal..I was just hoping... maybe a miracle...

His voice cracked, and then he couldn’t help asking..

Rowoon

Major General Suga, how is the Marshal doing!?

Suga didn’t answer right away.. He looked at the little fox in the cage for a while, then finally said..

Suga (Major General)

He’s stable for now, but... not for long. The poison is spreading fast.. We’ve tried everything, but nothing works. He doesn’t have much time left..

Rowoon’s heart sank.. Even though he was expecting bad news, hearing it still hurt him deeply..

Suga (Major General)

The connection between a contract beast and a human might help.. It’s risky, but it’s the only option left.. And this beast... it’s small and injured, but maybe it’s enough to give the Marshal a chance...

Hoseok stayed quiet, clenching his fists.. He looked at Jungkook’s pin on his chest, then slowly closed his eyes..

Suga (Major General)

I will arrange the connection process..We don’t have much time.. If we wait longer... we will lose him..

Suga said and Rowoon nodded

Rowoon

Yes Sir !

He looked at the little fox again. It was still asleep, breathing softly. Even though it was small and weak, it was now their only hope..

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