Aether stood gaping in front of a carriage that was more extravagant than any motor vehicle he had ever seen. Unlike the carriage he had ridden in before, this carriage was a pearly white with golden accents that stood out like a sore thumb. Although beautiful and pristine, Aether found himself cringing.
'Why couldn't the carriage just be a normal carriage? It doesn't have to be this extravagant' He internally sighed, already imagining the stares they would get as they made their way down the road. 'It's like they are asking to get attacked.' Though he knew no one would dare try, not with his father and brother around, but still it was an uneasiness that he could have done without.
While Aether laminated on his fate, two guards came over with a pair of horses following suit. The guards themselves were rather intimidating, but the horses who were built for war made them seem even more ferocious. One of the guards stood tall as he stepped forward and handed the reins over to Leon.
Leon gave a short nod of confirmation, waved his hand, dismissing the guard before jumping onto the horse with ease. Aether watched this with the utmost expectancy. The prospect of riding a horse was a novel idea to him and he wanted nothing more than to jump right on. He turned around and walked up to the guard, waiting expectantly with a bright smile on his face and his hand held out. To his utter disappointment the guard did not make any motion to even glance in his direction.
Aether frowned. 'Maybe he just didn't see me?' He took a step forward and reached out for the reins, but the guard moved back before he could grab them. With pursed lips he turned towards his elder brother, "Brother, why isn't he giving me the reins?"
Leon twitched at the sudden address, but quickly moved on. He raised his eyebrows and smirked, "You are too weak for a horse. Get in the carriage." he gestured towards the carriage and without waiting for a reply maneuvered his horse to the front.
Aether's frown deepened, "I am not weak, I can ride." His words only held some truth. He had the opportunity to ride some ponies at a theme park when he was younger. Though entirely different from riding a horse the idea was similar.
Leon didn't even turn to face him, "No."
Aether scowled, "I can ride a horse, I'm not weak." he repeated, but Leon still did not budge, "Bro-"
A hand grabbed onto his shoulder and pushed him towards the carriage, ending the conversation. Aether glanced behind him. His father gazed at him, a strange glint in his eyes.
"It is wise to listen to your brother's words. Though you carry the Frenzel bloodline, your body was not made for such a tenuous task. I expect you to act accordingly and not make a fool of yourself by attempting what is beyond your means." His father pushed him into the carriage not giving any room for argument.
Aether expected to fall onto the hard seat of the carriage, but to his surprise he was met with soft pillows and blankets that were piled up on the cushions of the carriage seats. They looked abnormal, as if they had been placed here specifically for him.
"Now, be good and stay put." His father slammed the door shut leaving Aether alone in the carriage to gather his thoughts. He could faintly hear the neighing of the horses as they gathered at the front.
Aether frowned at the missed opportunity. 'Oh well, I'll ride one someday.' He had plenty of time after all and his new family couldn't watch him every minute of the day. It would only be a matter of time before he accidentally discovered where the horses were kept and took one for a small ride.
He had to admit, it wasn't the smartest idea, but he had to get some enjoyment out of this cruel world.
Aether sighed and situated himself into the many cushions and blankets. It was kind of annoying how many there were. Even when he kicked them onto the ground they still covered every inch of the carriage. He idly played with a pillows strings, but it did nothing to calm him.
He was not overly fond of where they were heading.
The Royal Palace was one place he had wanted to avoid no matter what, but with his status and his unique nature it was only inevitable that he would be dragged to the Royal Palace. He just wasn't expecting it to be this soon.
The Royal Palace was located in the center of the Soline Kingdom surrounded by four different sectors. Each sector was governed by a high ranking noble with a handful of nobles underneath them. This was designed so that if the Kingdom were to get attacked the Palace would be the last thing to be attacked. The attackers would have to go through not only a high ranking noble, who gained their position through their voracious nature during wars, but they also had to go through multiple specialized armies that had been placed under the jurisdiction of the high ranking noble.
His father happened to be one of those high ranking nobles and therefore governed one sector of the Kingdom.
Aether wanted to take the opportunity to look outside and observe the sector that his father had been governing, but when he tried to open the curtains he found them to be bolted closed.
'It seems like they are unwilling to let me even have a look outside.' he gazed at the bolt. It was slightly dirty, nothing like a new bolt. 'It seems they have had this carriage window bolted for a while now.' he paused. His hand lowered and he scooted away from the window. He didn't like where his mind was going, but why else would they have bolted the curtains of a carriage they didn't use if not for hiding him.
'Did the other Aether ever ride in this carriage? What were they going to use this carriage for?' There were many questions and for once he didn't want to know the answer to them.
There was a small knock on the small rectangular sliding door in front of him. Aether wasn't given time to call out, for a hand opened the viewing hole and a pair of dull gray eyes greeted him.
"Young Master, are the pillows and blankets satisfactory?" Bert's eyes shifted to the pile that was thrown on the ground and then at the single pillow in Aether's arms. "It doesn't seem that you're cold, but still it would be best if you wrapped u- What is that?" Bert suddenly stopped and glanced downwards at Aether's hand.
Aether followed his gaze and was not surprised. 'Of course it would take them this long to notice my injuries.' He let out a soft scoff and rolled his eyes. His finger was bandaged with a white cloth and his arm had been treated with whatever medicine Mina could get her hands on. It wasn't much, but he appreciated the gesture.
He debated for a moment on telling Bert what had happened, but decided against it. After all, he wouldn't gain anything if he bluntly explained what happened. So, instead he glanced at the bandaged finger, held it up and shrugged his shoulders, "It's nothing important."
Bert's eye twitched and the carriage came to a sudden halt.
Aether masked his triumphant success with a worried and confused expression. The door to the carriage was opened and a guard stood outside. To Aether's disdain, Tte guard was so big that Aether couldn't see past him. He clicked his tongue and leaned back, 'So much for trying to see outside.'
"Young Master, please unbandage your finger and show it to the guard." Bert instructed.
Aether, though confused by the instructions, did as he was told. He didn't bother looking at how atrocious his finger looked, but when a bright green light encased the carriage he couldn't help but turn his gaze in wonder.
It was hard to see, with how bright it was, but the green light was definitely coming from the guards hands. The light itself was warm and gave him a slight tingling sensation as if it was prickling his skin and teasing him to relax. Against his will, Aether found himself listening to such sensations. His body melded into the cushions and let out a soft sigh.
'It shouldn't be this damn relaxing.' As soon as Aether had gotten comfortable the sensation came to an abrupt stop. Blinking in slight confusion he glanced in the direction of the guard only to find the door slamming shut once more and the carriage continuing on its way.
Aether frowned and glanced down at his once broken finger. To his surprise the finger was completely healed. Not a single bruise or broken bone.
"How?" He whispered, but Bert heard him.
"It's a simple healing technique taught to those with the earth ability."
Aether pondered for a moment, "So anyone with the earth ability can heal?" It seemed like an overpowered ability.
Bert chuckled, "No, Young Master. Not just anyone with the earth ability can learn to heal. Only those that qualify for certain courses at the Royal Academy can learn such techniques."
Aether frowned at that. "So only nobles can learn such techniques?" The Royal Academy had strict acceptance and not just anyone could get in. Most students were children of nobility or had a higher standing in society. Commoners were almost non-existent.
Bert was silent for a while as if he were figuring out how to respond to such a question, "The technique is open to anyone who can qualify. That does not mean it's only for nobles. If proven worthy, even commoners have the chance to learn such a technique." Bert paused for a moment, then added, "take the guard that healed you as an example. He comes from a…less than desirable background and yet he was able to learn such a technique."
"I see." Aether took mental note of everything Bert had said. After all, it was good to have people who could heal on your side. "What about you?"
"Pardon?"
Aether smiled, "Did you qualify to take any courses at the Royal Academy?"
Bert narrowed his eyes and quickly turned the other way. "My classes at the Academy were…not the standard classes."
It was Aether's turn to narrow his eyes, "What do you mean?"
Bert let out a soft sigh, "The classes for butlers and maids are slightly different at the Royal Academy. They are tailored towards learning how to protect and serve our Masters to the best of our abilities."
"The butlers and maids have classes at the Royal Academy as well?" Now that was interesting. Such information was never stated in the novel, but then again would it have been necessary for the reader to know?
"Yes, butlers and maids that are designated to be head butlers or head maids are required to take classes at the Royal Academy while their Masters are attending."
"So, what classes did you take?"
Bert went silent.
That only perked Aether's interest even more. "Were they interesting? Did you learn how to heal like the guard did? Or perhaps you learned-"
"Oh! Looks like we are here." Bert interrupted Aether's excited ramble. "One moment Young Master and I will help you out." Bert closed the sliding door and Aether let out a small grumble of frustration. Of course when they got on an interesting conversation topic it had to come to an end.
The small bout of frustration quickly became one of dread as he realized what Bert had said meant. He glanced towards the still closed door. He could faintly hear the neighing of horses and people talking. He clenched his hands and bit his lip.
He could only hope that he wouldn't run into the Princes during his visit.