Leighton came out of the carriage wearing ordinary noble clothing, wearing a fancy but fair white tunic, clean black trousers, black leather shoes, and a black cloak that partly covered his face. Came behind him was the Emperor, with his blonde hair and marble gray eyes. The emperor wore a fancy navy tunic, gray trousers, and a hat to cover part of his hair and face.
Leighton moves off the carriage, looking straight at Lawrence's eyes. "Xavier," he called out, a dull expression and a cold stare.
'Well, at least he didn't have a headache.' Lawrence sarcastically told himself.
"Glory upon the empire, Granted Marquess. Welcome to St. Apple Villa. The heavens shine upon their blessings and onto you, your majesty, the emperor. I welcome you with great warmth to my home, St. Apple Villa." Lawrence bowed to the two guests.
"At ease." the two said in different tones. Authoritative and excited.
Leighton continues to walk while the Emperor waited for Lawrence to be at ease. "You must be the famous Lawrence. I've heard countless stories about you. I'm Forseti Sophronius Triarius, but you can call me Uncle Dexter." he introduced himself.
"How could I, your majesty?" overwhelmed, Lawrence responded to his majesty politely.
Dexter smiled, "How about you? I have yet to know more about you."
Lawrence gave out a weak smile, "I merely a commoner among the nobles, your majesty. But I'm Elijah Lawrence Xavier Kingsley Royale Sage, your majesty." Lawrence answered, with a hint of isolation in his voice.
"Don't belittle yourself. You came from Kingsley and Sage. Two great clans. Not even Da Ville has a position like the Kingsleys."
Astonished by the reply of the Emperor, Lawrence failed to reply.
"Then, I'll talk to you later, Xavier." the emperor said before going into the household.
Lawrence was left in awe, hearing a compliment from the emperor himself. "Emilia, was that true? Kingsleys?"
"It is your highness. The Kingsleys are one of the assisting founders of Humane. Or so what the history said. After the war, your mother was the last survivor of Kingsleys. Although she isn't a pureblood of the Kingsleys, her mother's side was the Royale."
"Then does that mean the Royale family was also a powerhouse?"
"Among the family houses, the Royales were the most mysterious in each way, which concludes that they were undetermined in terms of ranking. They have no roles but are noble in blood. That is all I know about Royale, your highness."
"How do you know these?" Lawrence asked eagerly.
"Assigned by the emperor, I took some time to research all I need to know about your status and background, which had me learning the background status of different powerhouses," Emilia explained.
'Although I am already five years old, I still have not studied nor looked into my family's background and status. And, I didn't have anyone to ask.' he mumbled in his consciousness.
Lawrence shook away his thoughts and yawned. "Well- then!" stretching his arm upwards, he tilted his head facing Emilia. "Shall we enter the forsaken St. Apple Manor?"
"I wouldn't call it forsaken anymore, your highness. Both the Emperor and the Granted Marquess came to visit." Emilia giggled.
"Then I guess it's the famous St. Apple Villa now," Lawrence smirked.
The two advanced towards the entrance, and a servant came to help them. It seemed the servant looked joyous and willing. She seemed happy to serve her superior, Lawrence. The two proceeded to the dining hall, where the continuous chats and children talking were heard.
Lawrence showed a delightful and optimistic smile, advancing towards his seat. "Guests!" he called their attention. "I welcome you once more to St. Apple! Shall we begin the banquet?" he announced.
Servants came from the kitchen entrance with extravagant food. Different variety of meat: there were chicken, beef, pork, and even a lump of sacred coney meat. The fancy utensils and plates, and flute glass with a fine winery, were set on the table. These set up were for meals of nobles from the high aristocracy. Lawrence knew that the banquet needed to be extravagant for his household not to look bland.
"Please, enjoy your heart's content." he smiled at everyone.
"Cheers!" Dexter raised his flute glass and against Leighton.
"Cheers, Dexter," Leighton replied.
Grace and Clause - who were on each side of where Lawrence had seated - chatted with Lawrence happily. The adults talked and cheered while the other youths conversed with each other. It was a feast and a successful banquet that Lawrence had prepped. Finally, the group of adults finished their eating and chatting. Dexter came close to take Lawrence away from Clause and Grace.
"Excuse me, youngins. But can I borrow Lawrence for a minute?" he asked politely. Clause and Grace nodded, and Lawrence stood. Puzzled by the request of Dexter, he followed him towards the adults.
"Your majesty?" Lawrence asked.
"Please, no need to be so formal." Dexter smiled at Lawrence.
"Understood, uncle Dexter," Lawrence answered. "But may I ask what you need?"
"You will know." Dexter gave out a playful smile.
Lawrence reluctantly followed the emperor and met with the adults. "How may I help you, father and aunties?" he asked politely, adding a slight bow.
Felicity sighed before speaking, "Dexter here wanted to know how you wield a sword or whether you know how to fight, and he wants you to spar with Luca."
Lawrence was perplexed by the statement of Felicity. Hesitantly, he replied, "If that's what you wish, then I shall participate." Lawrence concluded.
"I'm also interested." Evangeline looked straight into Lawrence's eyes, piercing with ice-cold stares.
"Luca? Can you wield a sword?" Edith asked her son.
"But father, mother. I'm an apprentice of the greatest knight in the city, a thirteen years old brother. The age gap and experience is way too high,t wouldn't be fair?" Luca argued, reluctantly gazing towards Lawrence.
"This will only be a spar, merely two wooden swords and against brothers. I want to see the sons of Sage battling each other!" remarked the tipsy emperor.
"I will allow it," Leighton added, sipping his wine.
"But isn't Lawrence just a five-year-old child?" Felicity argued worryingly.
'Soon to be six, to be exact.' Lawrence mumbled in his thoughts.
"Then Luca will have to hold back," Leighton responded.
"Understood, father."
"Then shall we have this outside the garden? I have a few wooden swords prepared. I often train myself, so you need not worry about my safety." Lawrence smiled.
"Then shall we have this spar!" Dexter announced playfully. Excited to see the result of the battle.