They passed through the streets leading to the main road of the castle wall's entrance where they were permitted to enter.
Now inside the tall walls, they could see the castle
...
Six strong, square towers are both defensive and decorational aspect of this elegant castle are connected by a huge, chunky wall made of yellow stone.
Refined windows are scattered here and there across the walls in an asymmetric pattern, along with overhanging crenelations for archers and artillery.
A grand gate with massive metal doors, a sturdy bridge, and hot oil pots give a safe place to rest in this forest stronghold, but it's not the only way in, which fortunately only very few know.
Huge statues of heroes and kings decorate the bridge outside, memories of glories of the past.
This castle shows signs of its mighty defense after being attacked by the neighboring Kingdoms for their precious Elixir, but its inhabitants are determined to repair any weaknesses to make sure this castle will be around for ages to come.
It was the Lancaster stronghold 'Ischyr贸s Castle' meaning Impenetrable Castle built 35 years ago when Duke Jidek was still a knight from a low noble ranking family.
At the age of 20 years old, he participated in his first battle and ended up receiving the highest contribution on the war between the Raiyaston Kingdom here in the Southern continent that lasted 5 years. After that, he still wants to reach the highest peaks and decided to join the expedition for slaying 'Amoth' on one of the forbidden areas in the Southern Continents.
It was a creature that was said to have existed before the continentals times when demons still surfaced in these lands.
The grand and massive metal doors opened revealing a large plot of land with different kinds of plants and different colored fairy lights surrounding it including a large fountain in the middle of the pathway to the castle main entrance door at a distance they could clearly see servants and maid lined up in front of the grand and elegant castle doors.
The carriage stopped at the steps of the entryway, Harold opened the carriage door and came out first next was Xarth who has his normal stoic look while Zero's brows were in a downward position clearly stating that he was bothered by the loud blade still spouting nonsense at him.
Xarth looked at the Large castle in amazement.
'it's much bigger in person!'
The servants and maid that was lined up started to bow one by one, The large grand and elegant door begins to slowly open two-man with a very refined look was walking side by side towards them.
"Welcome Young Master Harold." The man who has very captivating eyes announced with a smile on his tense and scarred face.
Silver, curly hair pulled back to reveal a skinny, tense face. Fierce purple eyes that could rival a Wisteria as it is pretty but also deadly. Scars left a mark stretching from just under the right eye, first running towards thin lips and ending above his right eye leaves a captivating memory of battles long forgotten.
This Man's name is Duke Jidek Lancaster, a true warrior among warriors. He stands big among others giving off a dominating presence that he gained through countless Deadly Battles. Something is enticing about him, perhaps it's a feeling of arrogance, or perhaps it's simply his company.
Nonetheless, people tend to take pride in knowing him as a friend, while jealousy consumes them because of his noble ranking.
'Duke Jidek so that's what he looks like. I can't properly image his face when the novel described his features but he definitely looks like he'd been through a lot.'
"Thank you Duke Jidek I'm grateful that you responded to our aid even though you have a busy schedule. It would have been a burden if we were to take the bandits with us all the way to the capital. Again Thank you." Harold lowered his head.
"You don't have to lower your head, All I did was help fellow Messiah citizens." The duke replied.
"How kind of you." Harold smiled at the Duke appreciating his good intentions.
The Duke smiled back at him.
"Oh right! I haven't introduced my son."
A man came forward he has white, medium-long hair tied up to reveal a radiant face. Woeful gray eyes set rooted within their sockets, lived inside the castle learning the proper etiquette of a ruler.
Fair skin elegantly compliments his cheekbones and leaves a pleasurable memory of his reckless kindness and intellectual mind.
This is the face of Ezekiel Lancaster, He stands equal among others and does not approve of discrimination among other races. There's something wonderful about him, perhaps it's his disposition, or perhaps it's simply his good looks.
Nonetheless, people tend to ask him about his ideals, while hoping they would succeed in the future.
Which did happen...Soon he'll become the very sun that shines brightly to all the citizens of the Messiah Kingdom because of his sheer kindness and meticulous upbringing making the Kingdom more prosperous than before in their economic growth including being one of the most vigorous Kingdom in the Southern Continent.
By starting and leading a rebellion to get rid of the corrupted and tyrant King. Taylor Slyman because of his secret inhumane experiment on his own citizens.
But that's in the late future before the calamity befalls the Southern continent.
"It's a great pleasure meeting you Young Master Harold...I'm Ezekiel Lancaster." He introduced himself while having a bright smile on his face.
'So that's Ezekiel no matter where you look at he's definitely...A Pretty boy.'
"It's a great pleasure meeting you as well." Replied Harold with an earnest smile on his face.
"Hm...?" The Duke casually looks around everyone within Harold's Party he then stopped straight in Xarth's direction. At that time their eyes meet.
'Oh sh*t! our eyes met.'
"Who is that Young man to your right?" The Duke curiously asked.
Harold looked to his right it was Xarth...His body lightly flinched.
'He was referring to Xarth!? I thought Zero caught his attention because his presence clearly stated that he's a Swordmaster.'
'Ugh! Is the author doing this on purpose? Shouldn't the Duke's attention would be towards Zero!? I mean they are supposed to have a great relationship as described by the novel.'
After the incident that happened at the King's birthday celebration, he was impressed by the young Swordsmaster and urges him to work under him...Swordmaster is usually from a Nobleman household specifically from any Martial Household, yet Zero was a commoner and doesn't have any connections to any Nobleman's giving everyone a feast in the eye.
This means an opportunity for other low ranking Nobleman to gain fame and power by having this unknown individual in their control. Though Duke Jidek doesn't like fame or status at all he just wants him to stay with Ezekiel as his right-hand man guiding him to the correct path of a true Nobleman. And the novel didn't explain any further on that topic.
"Oh, this is my younger brother."
Harold patted Xarth's shoulder they looked at each other...Xarth could clearly see Harold was nervous, it was because he knows his little brother doesn't know the proper etiquette of formally introducing one's self and that was not all he was also nervous because he needs Xarth to introduce himself properly in front of the high ranking nobleman.
'*Sigh here we go...'
Xarth elegantly steps closer to the Duke and his son.
"I'm Xarth Barrows youngest son of Count Richard its a pleasure meeting you Duke Jidek and Young master Ezekiel."
"It's a pleasure meeting you...So your Richard's Youngest son. I've heard rumors of you having a weak body. Are you alright now?"
'What rumor? I have a weak body I mean Xarth's body was weak? For now, I'll play along. because he seems to insist that Xarth has a weak body.
"Yes Duke I appreciate your concern and fortunately I'm doing fine," Xarth replied with a smile on his face.
"I'm glad. Is this your first time out of your territory?" The Duke added.
"Yes, Duke, For me to be able to meet you in my first time away from my home is a great honor. I've heard of your countless victorious battle from our territory, A man who's famous for being a true warrior the one who slew the vicious Amoth and also the very first Knight to receive the highest honor and noble ranking." Xarth added
"You're quite informative...Hmm...." The Duke scanned Xarth's appearance.
'Did I say something I shouldn't know!?'
"Feel free to explore the castle. I'll have Ezekiel guide you around so you can get to know each other." The Duke gave off light smile.
The Duke met eyes with his son he was expressing a message from his Wisteria like eyes.
Ezekiel just nodded his head and smiled at Xarth and his companions.
'Okay...wonder how did he interpret the message in his father's eyes? Do they have a telepathic connection or something? Well, this is a world of magic anything is possible.'
"Then everyone, I believe you're all hungry this evening. I've prepared a small feast for us to enjoy please follow me." He elegantly announced and proceed to go through the opened grand door.
Xarth's and his companions followed Ezekiel in the large grand door some of them found themselves speechless at the grand and exquisite decorations around the walls including items that seem to have great value in vulnerable places.
They strolled around the long hallway leading to another grand door...
Someone taps Xarth's shoulder from behind.
"Hey what am I suppose to address you?"
"What? Oh...Whatever you prefer." Xarth replied nonchalantly.
"Then I'll Call you Xarth-nim since you are my superior now."
"Okay...By the way Zero, how are things with you and the sword?"
"We're doing fine," Zero answered with his eyes twitching.
'I doubt it...You bad liar I can see it clearly on your face.'
"Great let's go we'll lose them."
The two persuade Harold and Cairo who were already at the end of the Corridor.
They all stopped at the large door with two maids standing by the entrance. Ezekiel signaled them with his hands, then they proceed to open and revealed the feast awaiting them at the table.
Some things can be said about the dining room one it is fancy two it is quite spacious and grand three the food served at the table were quite appetizing to the view of the men who haven't had their dinner yet.
The room was brightly lit up almost like gold in color giving the room a majestic vibe suited for a Ruler. The chair was made out of Agar wood that is considered pretty expensive here in the Southern Continent it is coated with gold, it also has a red comfortable cushion giving the chair a quite elegant and refined look.
Dishes consist of a whole duck baked in the oven from noon to evening making it tender, A large palate of Meat seasoned with salt and pepper accompanied by a red sauce that seems to be made out of red wine with different kinds of ingredients to the mix. And a whole lot of more exquisite and delicious foods.
"Please be seated." he pointed at the chairs stating them to be seated.
All the others compiled and sat at their respective seats Harold and Xarth were obviously seated side by side while Cairo was standing at the corner waiting, Zero on the other hand insisted on sitting next to Xarth for unknown reasons.
"Would you mind if we have a chat after this dinner? Young Master Harold and Young Master Xarth?" Ezekiel asked the two men.
"Of course, I would love to," Harold replied while smiling gently.
"Then we'll have a long and nice chat later..."
Ezekiel smiled that almost feel like he's plotting something.
'Somehow I get a bad feeling about that smile. Something troublesome is about to happen for sure.'
Xarth placed that thought at the back of his head thinking that this feeling will explain a lot later on.
And it did.....