The big carriage went through the road as Aran and Mahrisse waved back on their group. They seemed to be on a good moon prior to what Aran is feeling about the enormous grand meeting with a Duke. Mahrisse sets back and reassures that everything will be fine.
"Don't worry, you're not gonna mess things up. Everything will be fine." She encouraged him. Seeing her unbearable cutesy derived from her matured appearance, Aran took a smooth gulp and leaned back while shrugging the intense atmosphere around him.
"T-Thanks... I won't let you down," He replied but with a little reluctance in his tone. Mahrisse gave him a leering smile.
The day passed with their carriage carrying them around the central road as they passed through numerous districts and other intersections. Some people were attracted by the look of the carriage. It is not that prominent to see a lot of enormous carriages ridden by a lot of nobles in the central capital. Let alone their own travel experiences are sided with either walking or with a small carriage in order to not get any attention.
As soon as they passed the end of the intersection, their ride managed to swift on the left side down to the main road of the capital. Aran was able to see all of the buildings on top and the other outskirts and meadows surrounding the whole place. The palace can be also seen from the hill that they are taking in down the main road.
The sightseeing area of the capital browses through large buildings across the fences. It is catching Aran's attention inside the carriage. He opened the right curtain on his side and even stuck out a few inches of his head to feel the wind passing by and to see the whole view of the capital. Soon enough, they reached the peak of the hill and started driving down towards the main gate.
"Wow..." He mumbled as watched afar. Mahrisse spends her time looking out at Aran's awe expression with a smile on her face.
"Like the view?" She asked.
"Yeah, this is the first time that I have been here. I didn't know that the capital was that big. I've only been on a few places from here but not really on the whole capital." He answered, continuing to view the delightful aspect and designs of the modernized city of Knightstar. "How about you?" He returned the question.
"I've seen this a lot of times. We often visit the capital for a few guesting and some grand meetings with the other nobles. And that always happens during night time. I am telling you, the city is much more beautiful and sparkly when it is viewed at night." She answered with a touch of excitement.
Due to the advance work of the modernized city, the builders and other inventors were able to create an industrious lamp to blend the light from the whole capital. It is reasonable to say that these are made in order to beautify the view at night and to exaggerate its massive attraction for the nobles.
"Woah, I wish I can see that sometimes... Well, maybe with the rest of my friends. I love to watch that kind of view with them." He responded, catching up the intrigued interest from her description of the place.
"Mmm! Let's take them here sometime." She nodded.
The carriage reached the end of the main road and is now heading on the large gate. It brought so many memories for Aran to have come here inside the capital when he was still a kid. Remembering the very exact moment, he leaned back and smiled but it was empty. A drought of a kind in his expression. What would it be if his parents were able to come through the capital and live here as well? He might be thinking if there is still any hope when he was a kid to let his parents live in such a luxurious place.
The knights on the watchtowers opened the gates and their carriage was able to go outside the capital. For the first time in five years, Aran was able to feel the fresh air of the outskirts once again. He sniffed the fresh air that was flapping around the place and exhaled it with relaxation. His face tells so otherwise. Mahrisse was contented by the way he acts. Seeing him happy is just enough for her to go through the day.
"It is been a while..." Aran reminisced. Mahrisse glanced at him. "I haven't told you that much of my side, aren't I?" He continued.
"Yes? Well, I mean, you're right. But if you want to keep your story, you don't have to worry about it." Mahrisse answered.
"No, I feel like I should open up a bit to you at some point. After all, you have been kind to me. It is not fair that only I know the condition of the girl. Are you interested?" He asked again.
"S-Sure..." With this, Mahrisse focused intensely on Aran as she leaned back to relax. Ready to hear everything from him.
"I actually don't live in the capital. I am not the kind of a guy that you would find a standard presence when you meet them." He began.
"What do you mean by that?" Mahrisse was piqued by his vague introduction.
"I am a poor commoner, Mahrisse. I live in Moriville Village far from here. It was a small town with a lot of farms. There's also a large forest covering it. My parents were very poor and we couldn't really afford that much of a necessity because of the lack of fundamental support from the capital. I also couldn't go to school, we don't have the money to pay for the entrance or slot. That's why I kept myself well versed on education with the books that I have been borrowing from various people in our village." He explained.
The horizon soon came on view with the sun barely hanging out on top of it, illuminating the whole grass. This made the flowers twinkle on their own and all of the animals erupted from their habitats as well. The birds flew right past them and the enormous cumulonimbus clouds appeared on the wide blue sky, hovering all over the place.
"What happened back then? Why did you end up here in the capital?" Mahrisse asked.
"Well, my father died. A group of lycanthropes ambushed our village and he sacrificed himself to save me. The knights were late in their call to action. I couldn't help but feel devastated that time. And this knight named Nash Sterling brought me in." Aran answered, still feeling composed with his expression and emotion. He is being honest with himself as he tells his own adventure.
"Nash Sterling? That silver knight..." Mahrisse muttered.
"Yeah, he took me in and that's how I ended up in the capital. Normally, I would have been issued inside an orphanage but I insisted to him that he should take me back."
"Why? For what reason did you tell him?"
"Because I want to kill those who killed my father..." Aran's aura began to convert into a pitch-black notion of call. His killer instincts sharpened the soul inside him. Mahrisse felt the little uneasiness with his change of personality when he mentioned his reason and purpose. The fact that he is feeling angry right now is pretty new to Mahrisse herself. A side that only she has encountered. For the first time, he lets out a procuring monster that he was hiding under his noble facade. Adapting to his own changes, everything looks like a twist of wisdom to him. The faith that is pre-conceived as a whole, turned down its pages to the depths of hell.
"D-Did you mean..." Mahrisse took hold of herself and confirmed it.
"Yeah, I want to kill those who destroyed my village. They are going to pay for what they have done. Those monsters... I am still what I am today, nothing has changed towards my goal. That's why I enrolled in this academy in order to explore the outside world that we live in. I want to take revenge for those people who spent the rest of their lives feeling lonely, waiting for their death. I've taken my resolve, I worked hard for this moment. If there's anything that I would like to share, then that will be my will to fight. I want to free this annoying place that we live in. I want to venture and have an expedition on the other side of this planet. Don't you want to live a life where you don't have to worry about your health and survival?" Aran asked as he gazed at her.
Mahrisse lowered her head slowly and expressed a deeply sympathizing aura to him. She now knows that Aran has been suffering for a long time. Realizing that most people don't get the right and fair way of treatment because of those gifted prominences on every edge of this world. A simple wish that he had no access to right before the limited border.
"I-I'm sorry to hear that..." She responded, feeling a bit guilty. She is aware that her stand is pretty much the reason why some people suffer. The knights and other valuables are only focused on those who are rich while the poor work until they get slashed by monsters outside, not having enough treatment as they asked for.
"Don't feel guilty..." Aran rises up and smiles at her. Mahrisse returned back to her senses and looked him straight with a confused expression.
"It is not your fault, you are just pretty lucky. The nobles all had it good in their lives. But it is not your fault that you were entirely born that way. Some nobles right now might have been actually poor, while the poor might have become noble. The world works in a weird way. And the system is the one that is controlling it. You don't really have to feel bad, I won't blame all nobles." He confides.
"Aran..." Reassured by him, her distress alleviated pretty quickly. She smiled in return for that give-away.
"I love all of my friends. I will not let them die on me and if someone hurts them, I won't hesitate to take revenge. After all, this is only the thing that I can do in order to quench my thirst for blood. It is the only good purpose I had for this world. I live to save lives. And I will make sure to put father's soul at rest and the rest of the people in my village." He looked upwards at the sky and smiled, putting their spot in a good mood with quite an attraction from the place.
Several hours later, numerous buildings that differ in size and designs came into view. The horizon was covered by mountains and the road became visible. The ride took them a long time and they spent most of their time talking about their childhood.
"We're here..." Mahrisse opened up.
Aran quickly pulled his body upward in order to see the view of the Dukedom of Silvestre. A very special domain that is full of good people. It is somewhat similar to the capital but the territorial space is not that large compared to it.
"Dukedom of Silvestre. This place looks amazing..." He complimented the view.
"Yeah, I grew up in here and it is basically my homeland. All of the people here are my friends and families as well. I love them so much." She responded.
As they talk, one of the knights that are riding the horse on the front whispered.
"Her Ladyship, we're almost there. Please prepare." He said.
"Thank you, good work." Her folded miniature appearance of being mature came back to her and she began to act seriously as they reached the gate of her domain.
After reaching the intersection, multiple bridges and lakes greeted Aran and the houses that were built are spaciously wide. They don't have that many buildings and the ground looks rather clean. It is not packed and it is peaceful as well.
"Woah, there are so many tracks here..."
"Yep, this is my homeland. As you can see, there is not that much attraction to see. We are technically saving a lot of space for the future prosperity of the land as my father would entail. Our source of income naturally comes from hunters and cave miners. We sell them off to other countries as well and in the capital. Though at some point, my mother had suggested that they plan on inhabiting the second landmark just a few miles from here. Since this space is rather focused on farms and businesses, my father would like to take the second land to build new homes which is good news." She explains the concept of her own country.
"Wow, I can't believe that your father is that much intelligent. He knows how to handle the domain very well." Aran commended.
"I know right?! It is amazing that he had thought this far. Some other countries wouldn't even share their sum of wealth for their own territory. They just wanted to have some power and that is pretty annoying to me if you ask." Mahrisse scoffed as she pouted.
"How does he handle political affairs though? I mean, his territory must have been popularized through the years because of how it is handed." Aran asked.
"Well, I don't really know the answer to that. He doesn't discuss that much when it comes to affairs and stuff. He probably just doesn't mind them. A very professional mindset like him won't give his time for some bickering people." She answered.
"That's true... The way I see it, the king might have given him more if he continues his good moral," He responded.
"Yeah, and I am looking forward to it. I am just excited as to how my homeland will become if it continues to prosper."
After directing to some roads, the carriage faintly reached the inner side of the district. He was then greeted by a vast mansion of some kind. The whole building is full of spacious content and even has at least three floors. The outer side of it has a fountain and some parking lots.
"It's really big, haha" Aran suddenly graved himself with nervousness after seeing how big her house is.
"Oh come on, already. Haha." The carriage stopped on the front gate and numerous knights fell into line to greet the Lady back. Aran took his time to get out of the carriage as he got intimidated by how enormous the place is.
"Welcome back, Milady!" The knights greeted her.
Aran took the exact same etiquette that he learned back in the academy and did a stream of greetings to knights. After that, he sticks out his elbows to the side of the lady to cling to. Doing what they have practiced, he slowly leads the way towards the grand entrance of the mansion.
A knock on the door incited.
"Come in..." An old man's voice vibrated as one knight has opened the door to his room.
"His grace, your daughter has come. They are waiting on the hall for your arrival," He reported.
"I see... Tell my wife to meet them as well. I will be going down now." He responded.
"Understood." The knight finally left the room and the duke started to pack some things.
Aran and Mahrisse finally entered the grand hall of the palace. His perception of things gradually changed as the environment has brought him a surmised account of various furniture that are evenly luxurious and wholeheartedly arranged. Among the other settlements were glorious pieces of jewelry and glossy vases with sprouted leaves and trunks as part of the development and design. It was partnered by the tiles in which it reflects the orange mood and tone coming from the light source which is a chandelier made out of different metallic properties and a lampshade that strict out the entire area to be covered with the luminous gem of light.
"I don't think I can withstand the amount of beauty in this house..." Aran mumbled closely to her side.
"What do you think? Does it look good?" Mahrisse asked.
"It is so luxurious..." He replied with a nervous tone.
"Hahaha! That's so like you..." Teased by her, Aran became more aware of his surrounding. The place where he has been completely different is in front of the aura that she is living with.
"Milady, His Grace and Her Grace will come shortly. They instructed to let you wait on the hall for a while..." The knight has reported to her.
"I see, thank you. Aran, I'm going to my room first to get ready, can I ask you to stay here for a while?"
"Of course, I'll just sit here." Aran approached the large sofa on the sidewall and sat down with his legs in a formal position while his body is forcefully straightened.
"Thank you, I will come back as soon as possible." With that, Mahrisse left Aran all alone in the hall while she prepares for dinner. Some of the maids and butlers were looking at him with veering expressions, leeching out the confidence that he had built up from home. As he waited on the couch, he started to sweat profusely in demand of the heat or nervousness from coming all the way here.
A few minutes have passed, a footstep echoed on the hall. Aran heard the sound, relieved that Mahrisse was finally out, he raised his head and opened his mouth.
"Mahrisse, I umm–"
However, as he glanced directly at these particular two, he realized that he just instantly talked to someone other than Mahrisse. He is slowly reverting back to reality, gesturing his eyes from the bottom up to the top. They wore an article of fashionable clothing that is pretty much similar to Mahrisse but they are built differently in favor. They are also more mature and big.
Worried that he disrespected someone, the two girls noticed his presence.
"Huh, who are you?!" Her huffing tone made Aran's heart jump.
The first lady on his front has similarities with Mahrisse, their hair color is the same but the styling is pretty different. Her beauty is also the foundation of her body as her voluptuous chest amends her whole slender arms and thick thighs. She looks like a mother but not that old. She is pretty much young as well in his perception.
The second lady behind her has the same appearance but the only difference is that she is kinda more assertive and pompous with her way of asking. The tone of a girl who is not that interested in having good terms with a guy who just came by.
"F-Forgive me for visiting, my name is Aran Crossford, I have come here by the request of the Duke," Aran remembered his way of thinking as he stood up from the couch and bowed in front of the two beautiful ladies.
"Ara~ so my little sister came with you?" The first lady asked.
Sister? wait wait wait wait...
"U-Um–" As he was about to respond, Mahrisse came out of the room and looked for him.
"Aran! Where are you?"
Noticing her calling, the two ladies greeted her back and Aran just stood there without saying anything.
"Welcome back, Anne."
"Hey! How's it going?" Both of them cluttered in closely.
"Ah! You guys caught him!" Mahrisse pouted as she immediately rushed through Aran's aid. Her closeness this time is too fond and serious like there's been a label between the two of them.
"Sorry, we were just asking who he was. I didn't know that father had invited someone," She responded.
Mahrisse sighed and smiled.
"Aran, I want you to meet my sisters..."
"Good evening, My name is Veronica Mathilde Silvestre. The first daughter of Duke Frederick." She did a curtsy.
"Apologies for my question earlier, I am Claudine Lucia Silvestre, the second daughter, you can just call me Lucia for short, no need for formality." Still, even with her apology, her attitude stayed the same like a tsundere. She did a curtsy as well and Aran bowed.
"Ah, make yourself at home, we didn't mean to scare you, I hope you find it comfortable here," Veronica urged him to sit.
"I-It's okay, milady... Umm..."
Crap, I am starting to feel iffy about my situation. I can't stand this too much, I might mess up something if I don't act on precaution. My goal is to put up a solid front without embarrassing Mahrisse. I just need to become more–
"Aran?" Mahrisse stepped in.
"Huh?"
"Are you okay, you seemed to be pale..." She asked with a concerned face.
"O-Oh umm, y-yes, milady... I am okay, no need to worry about me." He replied with a weary smile as he sweats.
"Hmm, Anne... Is he your soon-to-be husband?" Lucia knocked them out with a question.
"HUH?! N-NO UM!" Her quick intake of the question baffled her composed attitude.
"Hehe... So our little princess is finally going to get married, that's so sweet!" Veronica ignited it further.
"N-No! I just invited him here! Actually not really, it was Father who invited him here." She countered.
"Wait, why did he invite him here though?" Lucia asked.
"W-Well umm, remember that incident last month on the academy?"
"Oh, you mean the magician? Yeah, I've heard about it, what happened?"
"I almost got killed by that very criminal, and umm, Aran is the one who saved my life..." As the perk entails, everyone was silent. "We couldn't move that time or use magic to protect ourselves, and Aran is the one who saved the whole academy. Without him, I could've gotten killed with that magician's firepower. That's why I am very grateful to have him on my side and Father thinks the same. I think that's the only reason." She explained.
"Anne..." Veronica mumbled.
"T-Thank you so much for saving our little sister. You have our deepest sincerity and respect." Once again, the two other sisters bowed in front of Aran. He seemed to notice that their expression inhibits both worries and constructed doubt and sadness.
"U-Um... Please raise your head, i-it is umm, no need to thank me..." Being modest as he is, they raised their heads and started accompanying him.
"H-Huh?" Veronica took the left side and his left arm while Lucia took his right arm, they were getting closed with him all of a sudden.
"So... Mr. Hero, what do you want to do for tonight?" Her seducing tone gradually made a hole inside Aran's head.
"Hey! I told you to get off him!" Mahrisse inscribed a pout as she became jealous.
"He is pretty cute, Anne..." Lucia offered her kind compliment.
Just a second ago you look like you were cursing me...
Aran took in the level of embarrassment and pleasure at the same time. He was about to ditch them but it looks like he can't get out of this predicament anymore.
I feel like, I'm gonna pass at any moment now. Man, this is good and bad in a way.
As they stalled around the grand hall, another sound of footsteps echoed throughout the entire area. All of them have stopped what they were doing in a mess and looked upward to see who it was.
"Good evening, Aran Crossford. I am Frederick Silvestre. It is my pleasure meeting you right now." The duke finally came by and they all bowed.
Doing so, Aran came back to his senses and bowed in front of him as well with precise movements.
"I'm honored, to be invited here in your territory, Your Grace." He greeted him.
"Hmm..."
Later on, the duchess has joined the meet-up as well and Aran did another bowing session.
"Good evening, Her grace,"
"So you are Aran Crossford, huh. I have heard a lot from you..." Her tone is scarier than the duke's.
What's with this intense feeling?
"But, I am so hungry! Let's go eat!"
"Huh?"
Suddenly, her mood changed.