Today is the day I am going to the duke's place and meeting my new "family". All the important stuff has been packed and just waiting to be picked up. I am going to be adopted by the duke. My late father has a connection with the duke before he passes away because of his illness. The Keraval were one of the 5 dukes that helped and protected the Arvalia Empire since its founding. They have been there for the empire's first emperor. This family has a long and storied history, with roots that go back centuries. They played a significant role in shaping the empire into what it is today. This family has produced important and noteworthy individuals. They have made significant contributions to society and have left their mark on the world.
A carriage soon arrived and stopped in front of my home, well former home. As the carriage door opened, I saw a middle-aged man seated inside. He had a serious expression on his face and was studying some papers intently. He had an air of importance about him, and I could tell that he was someone of significant status. The man stopped looking at his paper and looked at me and give me a faint smile. He put down the paper he is holding and gets out of the carriage.
"Hello, Abigail. I trust this is not our first time meeting?"
"Yes, Sir. I met you once when my father was still alive."
"Your father was a great man, not only because of his accomplishments and successes but because of the kind and compassionate person he was. He always put others before himself and worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him."
"Thank you, Sir."
"No need to be so formal to me, You are my daughter now"
"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family."
"Nonsense, You are a beautiful and talented young lady, and I am sure you will make the Keraval family very proud."
"Thank you, sir. I will do my best to live up to your expectations."
"Now, let us get to know each other better. I have so much to tell you about our family. We have much to celebrate and many happy years ahead of us."
He is Kain von Keraval, the current head of Keraval and my current father. After their conversation had come to an end, Abigail gathered her things and prepared to leave the home that she has lived in for her entire life. The driver then helped her to move all her stuff into the carriage.
"Is that all?"
"Yes, Sir"
"You can call me father if you like to."
"Alright, Si- Father"
"Then is there anything else you want to do before we go?"
"No, Father."
"Let's go then"
The inside of a carriage was a luxurious and comfortable space, designed for the convenience and comfort of its occupants. The walls were panelled in rich wood and adorned with intricate carvings and gilded trim. The seats were upholstered in soft, plush velvet, and the floors were covered in thick, Phoenix crest carpets.
As the carriage driver called out to the horses, they began to move forward, their hooves pounding against the cobblestone street. The carriage itself was a sleek and elegant vehicle, with gleaming black paint and gold trim. It was pulled by a pair of strong and well-trained horses, who seemed to sense the urgency of their mission. Soon, I will meet my new family. I hope they are not scary.
The ride carriage was nothing noteworthy. My father focused on the paper he was reading before. Although the ride was long I don't feel any back pain because of the comfortable seats. We soon reach the Keraval mansion. The duke's mansion was a grand and impressive building, with towering columns, ornate carvings, and sparkling chandeliers. The exterior was clad in creamy marble, with intricate details etched into the stone. The grounds were impeccably manicured, with perfectly tended gardens, fountains, and sculpture. Inside, the mansion was equally impressive. The walls were adorned with fine art and tapestries, and the floors were polished to a high shine. The furnishings were opulent, with plush velvet sofas, carved wooden tables, and glittering cabinets. My Father talked to an old butler and a girl wearing a maid uniform beside him. It seems to be the head servant. Then the old servant goes to the backroom while the girl goes the other way around. Soon, the girl arrived with someone with white hair. The teen's face was chiselled and angular, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones. His nose was straight and proud, and his lips were thin and pursed, as if in a perpetual scowl. His eyes were piercing and icy blue, and they seemed to bore into the soul of anyone who met his gaze. His eyebrows were dark and arched, giving him a perpetually sceptical expression.
Overall, the man's face had a cold, aloof quality to it. He seemed unapproachable and distant as if he was above the petty concerns of those around him.
"Did something happen?!" the duke asked right away as if something wasn't right with the teen.
"I am fine, Dad"
" Then, Why has your hair changed to white?!"
"No need to worry so much, Kain" a voice comes from the direction which the old butler goes into before. Then the old butler finally comes back with 2 elderly.
"How am I supposed to calm down when something happened to my son!"
"HOW DARE YOU RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ME"
Then the duke's momentum stopped by the old gentleman's voice.
"...."
"Now, Why don't you two relax a bit, We shouldn't scare the children"
"..."
"...,"
"Alright, I will explain what happened to my grandson. He got an Awakening."
"He gets what?!"
"Calm down, fool. Like what your mother said. Kaim got an Awakening. Let's stop here and why don't you introduce that little girl to us?"
The elderly gentleman pointed at me.
"Mother, Father, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Abigail"
"Oh, how lovely to meet you, Abigail!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
"Welcome to the family, Abigail. We're glad to have you with us."
"And this is my son, Kaim."
"Nice to meet you, Abigail"
"Hi, Kaim. It's nice to meet you too."
"Abigail is the newest member of our family. She will be joining us today."
"We're so glad you're here, Abigail. You're a part of this family now, and we'll do everything we can to make you feel welcome."
"Thank you, ma'am. I feel very blessed to be a part of this family."
"Well, we're blessed to have you too, Abigail. And now, let's all sit down and have some tea. I'm sure Abigail would love to get to know all of you better.
Although there is a slight commotion. I can feel the warmth of this family and the new chapter of my life here.