The walk through the garden, leaves us just as impressed as the small amount of the castle we had seen. The house comes into view a large circular driveway, presumably so carriages can come and go freely, rimmed by perfectly trimmed bushes. Centered on the path is a large fountain sculpture, seemingly depicting a warrior who had slain some beast. The massive three story building with windows on every floor, a beautiful home painted a soft white. Accentuated by the light brown window seals and shutters.
"This... is beautiful," I hear isabel to my right say her eyes wide as she tries to take all the view in.
Princess Irene jogs in front of us, we are greeted with yet another courtesie bow, her smile beautiful in the noon lighting. "I welcome thee heroes, to your new home. It pleases me deeply that the accommodations prepared are to your liking. I hope we can all find common interests to work together and spread joy and peace to our kingdom."
"The pleasure is ours, I am certain that none present would ever dream of seeing a world such as this. Let alone living in a house as grand as this." I smile bowing among the whooping and cheerin. "You have my deepest gratitude, Miss Irene."
"What say you all, Let's get exploring our new home!" Isaac shouts, pulling his younger sister along with him, I suddenly find myself alone with the princess.
Princess Irene turns her face, a fan appearing from the folds of her dress as she hides her face. "Please raise your head, Ezekiel. Tis' embarrassing that a hero would bow to me."
I start laughing lightly, "It was only a gesture of gratitude, Irene. There's no need to be embarrassed," I smile walking towards the house offering her a hand, "You may join us for the afternoon, if you would like."
"Are you certain, I thought you wished to discuss things among yourselves," she asks tilting her head.
"I think most of them are more excited then afraid, it's not like you're thrusting us into war immediately upon arrival after all." I chuckle lightly, "Unless your hiding that from us," I give a sly wink. opening the door I allow Irene to walk in before me. following shortly behind, I find myself greeted by a fairly large room with a small table decorated with flowers. The walls lined with filled bookshelves. "This is amazing," I smile taking in the rooms as we pass. "Will there be maids and the like to assist us with preparing foods and cleaning as we do not know the flora or animals here?"
"Of course, there will be a head chef and kitchen staffing assigned, as well as a Head butler and Head Maid both with their own staff. If you wish for any teachings on magic, swordsmanship, summoning or spirit arts, then one of the heads will train with you on a weekly bases as well as some of their associates." Princess Irene says, moving to the kitchen, she picks up a kettle with water and starts brewing tea.
"Speaking of that. There seemed to be something that happened between me and the 'temporary summon' miss Elaine brought out." I lean against the counter, my arms crossed with half lidded eyes as I think, "Do you know what she was referring to Princess?"
"I believe it would be best to allow her to explain when she arrives, as to what she was referencing. As she no doubt has more in depth knowledge to impart, than I would have." Irene says standing across from me she speaks with a distant look in her eyes.
"So, was it you who summoned us or...?" I meet her eyes with a small smile on my face. "If so I'd like for you to refrain from telling the others, I'm sure it would spread tension and that's the last thing we need."
Irene looks at me in disbelief, "How could you guess that, What lead you to that conclusion?"
"I heard a voice, when the light first hit the classroom. It was saying each of our names, over and over again. I knew as soon as I heard you when you entered the throne room." I shrug, "I don't know if that's supposed to happen or not, but that is how I knew."
A sudden high pitched whistle scaring her Irene lets out a startled cry. "My apologies, that startled me." Irene breathes deeply a hand pressed to her chest, the tips of her ears scarlet from embarrassment.
I drop my voice to an eerie timbre, "Careful now, the tea leaves might eat you young miss~"
Irene levels her gaze with mine, her cheeks flushed red, "The only one who's going to get eaten is you if you keep calling women Miss, Sir Ezekiel."
I smirk lightly, "Now now my princess, is that anyway for a lady of your calibre to speak?" Moving I grab the kettle from the flame, slowly pouring the tea into both of our cups. "I'm certain your father would want my head if he knew I was making a lady like you speak so vulgarly."