Trojan walked out of the dresser, adjusting his coat. He wore a clean white suit with a classy purple tie. It was a simple dress, but it was the most appropriate, especially when meeting the Royal Family.
Trojan tapped the ground with the tip of his right shoe. He wore black shoes to contrast the white outfit. Trojan walked towards the exit, his maid joining him at the exit.
"My lord, which glove would you prefer?" His maid asked.
"I'll have the black ones." Trojan replied.
His maid handed him the gloves. He put it on and flexed his fingers before he grabbed his hat from the side. He then picked his walking stick up and walked out, looking out at the sunset, the carriage in front of him.
"What is my schedule tomorrow?" Trojan asked, stepping into the carriage.
"There is your talk in Ether School following my lord's promotion to a Duke." His maid said. "Following the talk, there is my lord's meeting with the toy company."
"Cancel the talk." Trojan decided just as the carriage started.
"Are you sure, my lord?" His maid asked to confirm. "It is a talk with the impressionable youths of Ether."
"What are the benefits from the talk?"
His maid did not even seem to hesitate when she replied, "To improve my lord's reputation. My lord will be able to improve relations with the peasant population. It is also possible to have connections with the biggest school in Inner City, which will benefit my lord economically."
"What are the drawbacks?" Trojan asked, tapping his walking stick, thinking.
"With a proper excuse, almost none."
Trojan stayed silent for a few seconds before he sighed. "I need to meet with Marchioness Emilia to finalise the wedding plans. I cannot afford to miss this meeting. Cancel the talk, reschedule it to a later date."
"Understood, my lord." His maid said. "I shall inform the messenger later tonight."
Trojan crossed his arms, his walking stick resting by his side. It was starting to get dark outside, and along the pathway lights lit up. For anyone visiting the Royal Family, a light would guide them.
Trojan knew the cause of it. The Royal Family's contracted mage, Alastor, was the one to guide visitors towards the Royal Family's estate at night.
Trojan remained silent, drawing the curtains of the carriage.
One reason the Royal Family had been in power for so long was because of their contracted mage. Probably the strongest mage in Ether, or at least the the most skilled mage.
Trojan remained silent until the carriage eventually stopped.
The door opened, and standing in front of the carriage doors was a man. He looked about in his mid-thirties, but was clean shaven. The man wore red and orange robes, a pointy red hat on his head. He had a wooden staff in his hands. His hair was black, kind of long and messy. His eyes were dark red.
"Welcome, Duke Trojan." The man said, bowing.
"Alastor, I assume." Trojan said, getting out of the carriage.
"Indeed, Duke." The mage said, standing straight up again.
Alastor turned around, swinging his staff. Lights lit up around the place, lighting up the pathway that led to the front door of the palace. Standing roughly a hundred metres away from the palace, the place still looked massive. Alastor walked forward, his robes swaying behind him.
"Follow me, Duke Trojan." Alastor said. "I shall lead you to the Royal Family."
Trojan followed after the mage, his walking stick by his side, his maid walking behind him.
Alastor walked slower, slowing to only slightly in front of Trojan. "Please, enjoy the view of the Royal Family's garden. I do believe it is one of the most well kept gardens possible."
Orange lights lit up around them, lighting up the entire garden as if it wasn't there to begin with. The flowers and trees were lit up, along with the statues that lined the place. Trojan looked around, engraved by just the entire mood of the garden.
Alastor stopped, tapping his staff on the ground, which made Trojan and his maid stopped in surprise.
They were halfway to the entrance of the palace. Alastor turned around and bowed politely. "Apologies, Duke Trojan. But according to the Royal Family, I am to conduct a check on your belongings before we proceed any further. I do hope that you do not take offence."
"I don't mind." Trojan said to Alastor.
The tip of Alastor's staff glowed a slight orange before he spun it in a small circle. An orange light surrounded Trojan and his maid, glowing brilliantly. Alastor then swung his staff to the side, the light disappearing.
"Alright, the Royal Family will be meeting you now." Alastor said, walking forward once again.
The Royal Family. Of the original seven kingdoms involved in the Great War, the Royal Family was not from them. Instead, a family with an overwhelming influence and popularity was elected to become the one ruler of Ether. People needed a leader, and the Royal Family served as one.
Though the popularity of the Royal Family has dropped over the years, they were undoubtedly the most influential figure in Ether. Even the peasants respected their presence.
In other words, they were the law. For Trojan, to be able to meet with their family was already a rare occasion. However, he needed something more. He needed their support.
They stopped in front of a set of double doors that were twice as tall as Trojan, and Trojan was not a short man. Alastor tapped the door with his knuckle.
The double doors swung open, and it almost seemed as if they were transported to a different world. Everything seemed to shine with gold, with a red carpet running down the middle. Servants stood to either side of the red carpet, all bowed. Alastor walked forward, leading Trojan down the hallway.
"Greetings, Duke Trojan." The servants greeted in harmony.
Of all the noble houses Trojan had visited, the palace was on a whole different level. The ceiling seemed so high, and the entire place lit up with chandeliers.
Alastor reached the end of the red carpet, where even further beyond, was a dining table about ten metres long. A large chandelier hung on the ceiling, countless paintings, portraits and decorations lined the walls. Vases of exquisite flowers, precious jewels.
Alastor got on one knee, putting his right hand to his chest. He lowered his head before Trojan before he said, "Let me be the first to say this. The Royal Family welcomes Duke Trojan to the Palace."