Pinning Ceremony
Jenos looked around to see if Eleanor was around but she was nowhere to be found. "For everyone who did their best for this training, you are all congratulated. Some of you will be continuing the last month of training and some will go home. Because of the urgency of Council Members, Jenos Adrian Silverton will be brought to the Capital at once", Fineil informed.
"You don't have to worry if you would like to see her again. Since you'll also go back to the Capital", Ren winked. Jenos ignored him.
"That's if... She wants to go back", Ren smiled.
Garden
"It's already spring. Time flies really fast", she sighed and looked at the rose.
"I've been looking for you", Jenos came panting. Eleanor was puzzled why he looks so sweaty and worried. She stared at his left side and saw a pin. Jenos covered it. "You deserve to be the one who's standing on the stage. I am frustrated that my brother or even the teachers won't stand up for you", Jenos clenched his fist. Eleanor held it. "Thank Jenos but... If they do that, isn't it useless to teach the apprentice about justice and not practice it themselves", Eleanor smiled. Jenos was taken back and looked at Eleanor holding his hand. The girl took a rose and smelled it.
"They smell like the roses in my garden as well", Eleanor commented.
Jenos wanted to pat her shoulder but wouldn't it look like he was pitying her. "Jenos, I'm glad I had this training with you. With you being my roommate, I was able to survive the mornings. I wouldn't have to worry about getting late because you would do everything just to wake me up", Eleanor smiled.
"That was just for my entertainment", Jenos turned around.
"Once we go back to the Capital, I will be asking you to be my aid...if you still want to serve the council. Once you're ready, take the exam again", Jenos covered his mouth. "Thank you for your consideration but...", Eleanor breathed deeply.
"I'm going to stay here for another 6 months", Eleanor informed. Jenos faced her with surprise. "Your brother came to me this morning. I was about to cry so hard but his words comforted me. He offered 6 more months of staying here. He said a good trainer will come and strengthen my physical body", Eleanor said proudly.
"Why do we have to undergo physical training?", Jenos sighed.
"Because they don't want another massacre to happen", Eleanor said with a soft voice. Jenos looked away. "Your brother said that your grandfather was one of those who were killed in the rebellion. Elder Ren explained to me that the Emperor promised to never wage war again but the Council requested to have the members be trained in swords as well. In that rebellion, it was such a one-sided battle. I understand why I have to take this training, Jenos. If I want to be a Council Member, I should at least learn how to protect myself", Eleanor chucked.
"Then, I'll be going ahead. Are you sure? You won't get to see your father", Jenos opened. "I already wrote a letter", Eleanor looked at the sky.
Dad,
Sorry for being a little more selfish. Please understand that I really want to be a council member. Also, I am having a great time here with my friends and teachers. Dad, don't worry about me too much. Did Saphira already give birth? I was thinking that Belladona is a good name for her child. If it's a boy... I want it to be named Thyrion.
Claudia,
I wasn't able to attend your 17th birthday. I deeply apologize for that. I'll be staying here in the Mountains for a little more.....(about cakes and sweet food in the training ground).
One more year and you will reach your coming of age. I wonder if you're also going to get married early.
Aileen,
I heard of your works with the Chancellor. I will also do my best. This is actually a declaration of war. How are you with your preparations? I think you're still the one and only candidate for the Prince. If you get married, then I'm happy for this Empire.
House of Varian
Charles sits in the dining room alone. "You look so depressed so I came home", Oliver sat in front of him. "Do you think she's really going to stay for another 6 months?", Charles swallowed his food as he swallows reality. "You know your daughter better than I do", Oliver shrugged.
"Brother. If she becomes a council member, you know how much she will be mocked in that place",Oliver took a chicken leg. "After all, we're the ones who killed every single one of them", Oliver reminded and made Charles have cold sweat.
House of Sailine
Living Room
"Claudia, I have heard that you were chosen by the Prince himself. I couldn't be any prouder", Rene, the master of the house chuckled. They weren't allowed to be called Duke because they aren't from the nobility.
"There will be a festival where nobles and the merchant factions will be working on. Visitors from the neighboring kingdom will come", Rene was reminded and sat on the couch. "I wonder if Ellie will be allowed to leave the mountain to take a peek", Claudia looked outside the window.
"That lady from House Varian. I heard that she failed the final test. The news really flies so fast. I admire the child for trying a higher dream", Rene chuckled. "But, it will also get more difficult with her. It might even get you even. She bullied you before, right? I bet she's also getting bullied there", Rene knew about the mission given to the Varians. 20 years ago, their family was ordered to kill everyone in the Council Building. The mountain bled and it took a few years to be rebuilt and yet the stains seem to stick to the rocks. It wouldn't leave no matter how much cleaning the servants do.
Few months after
Palace Hallway
Claudia and Aileen walked together. "I'm not so sure why we are called at the same time", Claudia sighed.
"The Emperor might use this festival to see who's worthy amongst us. I wonder if the marquess's daughter is already here", Aileen sighed as well.
The door towards the throne room opened and they saw the silver head. "Are you working together now?", Fiona laughed at the thought. The Emperor entered and the three of them knelt down. "Rise", he ordered.
"My son is so blessed to have lovely candidates. You are aware that we are going to hold a festival this month. Each of you has a role to play", the Emperor sat on his throne. Chancellor Dan entered and handed them the scrolls.
"Since Lady Aileen had worked hand in hand with Chancellor Dan, I will be assigning you to the Palace. You are to make sure to maintain the aesthetic beauty of the Palace. Lady Fiona, you are already the 2nd in Command of the Marquess. I believe you have learned a lot about keeping the peace in the Walls. You are to lead the knights of the Palace to patrol inside and outside the palace. And of course, Lady Claudia, you are the daughter of the Merchants leader. The visitors are looking forward to roaming the streets of Andaira Capital. You will make sure to display the greatest of our market", the Emperor gave their task. Claudia felt like fainting but she bit her tongue.
She looked at Aileen and saw how composed she was. She felt jealous of that confidence she has.
"We are honored to be given such duty but we recognized our limitations. I speak for my fellow candidates. I care not of pride but if we fail in our tasks, it will pose danger in your Empire", Aileen bowed. "You are really considerate, Lady Aileen. I wouldn't let you go on the battlefield without armor. You will be given aid by our Chancellor as well as Advisors", Theo assured.
Chapter end.