Sinclair... The name that'd been etched into the annals of history as a line of saviors. Time and time again they would become heroes unparalleled in warfare. From their Ancestor Augustine to even Roland, the current Leader of Divine Ark. And I'd just spent the morning going on with his daughter as if there wasn't a care in the world.
I immediately prostrated myself considering all the forms of rudeness I'd displayed. I hadn't greeted her properly and I'd spoken with her like she was just an average person. "My apologies Lady Sinclair, had I known who you were I wouldn't have displayed such familiarity." I was sure I said more than enough to get my head removed from my shoulders.
Rory's hand came into view, her delicate-looking fingers now touching my chin. Raising my head so that our eyes met, our gazes met once more. "Ragi, you've done nothing to warrant this foolishness. Please rise and treat me as you did before."
I was hesitant at first, seeing Lord Auberon standing behind her there was no way I wanted to cause any further disrespect. Lord Auberon crossed his arms as he examined me intently.
"Boy... Your eyes... Are you an Imp?"
Shaking my head I answered, "No sir. I believe I'm as human as I can be."
Please, Lord Auberon, I would not like you to insult my new friend here," said Rory. "He has no reason to lie especially in your presence."
"I never said I believed him to be a liar. All that I asked was a question. Besides, the boy isn't the reason why I am here."
Rory stood to her feet, turning to Auberon as he approached us. "Then why are you here? It's bad enough you've scared the locals."
"Please, Lady Sinclair... I mean no harm. I am only here to collect you for your Father."
"My Father?" Rory thought to herself for a moment then stepped to the side allowing Auberon to see me again. "I am fully capable of seeing my Father myself. But If you have time, I'd like you to see Ragi home safely. I'm sure his family is worried for him."
The Knight's gaze now fixated on me. Like before I'd felt this coldness to them that I hadn't felt since winter. He unfolded his arms and reached his hand out to me. "My apologies for frightening you, my boy. I understand my appearance can be rather imposing."
"I take it that means you'll accept?" Rory asked.
"Of course... The very fact that my dear comrade's descendant has asked it of me guarantees my agreement. Besides I've taken a... personal interest."
Although going anywhere with a fellow as sinister-looking as Lord Auberon was probably out of the question. He was Lord Destros's Scion. Additionally, there was something that excited me about the prospect. Maybe in exchange for some information, I might be a bit more comfortable. So I took his hand and stood. "Please take care of me," I bowed.
Akie and Yessica joined up with Rory before she took her to leave. Rory wrapped her arms around my head and bent down so her lips were right at my ear. "He's a bit scary I know but you should be fine. I'll see you later okay?"
I just answered with a slight nod. Letting go of me she and the other girls waved goodbye as they headed toward Rigel Castle. As they fell out of sight, Lord Auberon placed his cold hand on my shoulder. "Alright, my boy... Shall we be off to your parents?"
With another nod, I pointed in the opposite direction the girls went. I'd lived more on the edge of Rigel near the slums. Father didn't want to live anywhere close to the castle as it was harder to hide me or so I guessed. Auberon allowed me to walk alongside him even though I was sure I was supposed to walk behind. Mother told me that it was proper etiquette to either walk before or behind nobles and knights. It would take a while to get there so silence was going to be awkward.
"So young man... What is your name?"
"M-My name is Ragi Sunai milord," I answered. "Son of Daedalus and Rita Sunai."
"Sunai... I've heard of that name before. An Archmage that retired more than a decade ago right?"
"Y-yes milord."
"If that's the case I'd assume you aren't any older than eleven or twelve. Ars Nova was quite the party even for a group affiliated with the League. I was shocked when they disbanded all those years ago."
Auberon appeared to have a moment of thought until something occurred to him rather suddenly. "Oh no... I have committed a grievous offense. I hadn't even introduced myself at all."
Shaking my head I reached into my pack grabbing the Record of the Grand Crusade from it. Showing it to him I said, "You're Lord Auberon Thermidor, Grand Commander of Divine Ark, Scion of Destros God of Destruction. There isn't a soul on Polaris who likely doesn't know who you are."
"Oh please boy... you flatter me with your reverence. But that is better saved for the Gods as they are the guiding hands of this world."
"R-Right... It's just... Without your courage in following Saint Augustine, this world would've fallen to the Demon God."
Lord Auberon seemed to chuckle when I said that. While it was brief it didn't lighten the heavy air around him. "If Augustine were alive to hear something like that He'd probably blush like a little girl."
There was as good an opening as ever to ask, so I went for it. "What was the Saint like? Was he as gallant and daring as the text said?"
Perhaps I'd been a little too excited to ask but Lord Auberon didn't appear to mind. "Not something many would dare ask given who I am."
Of course, I'd done something again that could've been taken as rudeness. But Lord Auberon held his hand up before I could even utter a word of apology.
"Augustine was honestly the biggest fool I'd ever met. I haven't met a single soul in the centuries I've lived that could compare."
An answer I wasn't expecting but this was Lord Auberon. I considered myself very lucky I could even talk to him like this.
"He was an admirable fool, however. He inspired millions to fight against the darkness that encroached upon this land. As the bravest of us, he lead the charge against the Demon God with Osirian in hand. This... decision made him into what everyone calls a hero."
Lord Auberon stopped for a moment as we reached a street corner. There wasn't a soul in sight. He didn't seem alert or anything but something was wrong. "Young Sunai... Your eyes... Are you absolutely sure you're human?"
There it was, out of nowhere my body suddenly grew cold. It was like every fiber of my being told me to run away as soon as I possibly could. Yet to do so would likely end poorly for me. "Y-Yes... I'm sure I'm absolutely human."
His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. Then he reached up to his helm and slowly removed it from his head. Silver hair escaped the armor behind his neck and as he showed his face he knelt to me looking me directly into my eyes. His silver irises felt as though they could peer so deeply into my soul that it was almost as if everything I could've been was clear to him. As I examined his features I noticed he had a rather handsome-looking face aside from the burn scar that marred his right eye. His pointed ears and small horns that sat like a crown on his head were characteristics of a Daemon from Mythra.
"I've never seen a mortal with golden eyes. Yours shine so brightly it's like looking at the sun. Have you any aspirations boy?"
With the atmosphere, Lord Auberon provided, I was unsure if I should've been on my guard or relaxed. So instead of trying to pick a side for now, I'd try a little of both.
"If I had any in mind. I'd want to be as widely known as my parents... No... I'd want to become even more known across Polaris than they are. As a powerful Archmage..."
Lord Auberon allowed himself some time to process my answer. Then he placed his helm back on his head and stood once again. "Good answer... Not many these days are as ambitious as you. Since you have impressed me with your resolve. I shall aid you as best as I can, Son of Daedalus."
"Really? But I am a lowly commoner?"
"So was Augustine boy... We all start from nothing when we are born. Now come... Your family must be worried about you."
My worries over Lord Auberon suddenly changed to imagining my Mother's angered face. I started on the path once more with the Older Knight following me. It would take a few more trips through some of the alleyways to reach my home. It was a small abode but one I came to enjoy as I grew up. I knocked on the door four times as instructed by my parents.
As the door opened my Mother peaked out to see who'd been behind it. She always looked a bit funny coming through our door since she had to bend down to even get through.
"Hello? Can I help you, Sir Knight?"
"Yes... I believe this is your child," Lord Auberon said. "He seemed to have some trouble at the Grand Library yesterday and I was asked to escort him home."
Mother turned her gaze upon me and her face hardened. "By Mira's grace... Ragi what did you do this time!?" She snatched me by the arms pulling me close to her. Her warm skin betrayed its icy blue color. "My apologies Sir Knight that my son has troubled you so."
"No, it's fine milady. He was a very interesting fellow to escort. I even had a laugh or two."
"Honey? Is everything alright," called a voice behind Mother? Mother moved away from the door for a second. My Father who'd been moving rather slowly with a blanket resting upon his shoulders came out of the main hall. His hair was rather disheveled and his clothing unkempt. He'd likely been in his study.
"Ah... Daedalus Sunai. It has been some time since I've seen you last."
Father placed his drink down on a table nearby and came to the door with us behind him. "Ah, Lord Auberon... What brings you to this side of Rigel? I hardly doubt the Grand Commander of Divine Ark has time to visit the outer ring."
"Normally I wouldn't have time, but I was asked by Roland's daughter to bring your son to you. She seemed a bit fond of him and I took an interest."
"An interest you say?" Father seemed as though he wanted to say something else but he began coughing hoarsely. He covered his mouth with his sleeve but it caused him to nearly double over. Lord Auberon caught Father before he collapsed.
"Lord Daedalus... What has come over you?"
"I apologize Lord Auberon... I have years of adventuring under my belt and I still can be defeated by a bloody cold."
"A Cold? Sir, you best get inside then. Please I did not mean to call you from your humble abode."
Helping my Father back into the House, Lord Auberon had my Father sit on his chair near the fireplace. He then gave Father his drink and urged him to drink it which Father did.
"Please I apologize... Allow me to make up for this," Lord Auberon said. He reached into a small opening in his chest plate and pulled out a small vial of green liquid. He then handed it to Father. "It's an elixir that alleviates small ailments. It should relieve you of your symptoms in a day or two."
"Milord... I couldn't take this. There isn't enough Maris I could give you to repay you for such an elixir."
"No sir... I would not partake of any of your gold. I have caused the Father of my new pupil discomfort. I will not offend you by making you pay."
"New pupil?" Mother asked. She'd looked between Lord Auberon and me as she processed what had been said.
"Yes," he replied. "I have decided to make the young boy my pupil starting in two days. I understand that you are trying to keep him secret so I shall. Please... Do not worry for him."
Father and Mother now looked at each other. As they did, it seemed as though they were having an entire conversation. Alas, they smiled.
"That's wonderful," Father "There could be no greater honor than the tutelage of the Grand Commander."
"I'm honored you would give me the chance Daedalus. Now, please... Allow me to take my leave. I must prepare for the days to come."
Lord Auberon waved goodbye to us all and stepped out of the door.
"Ragi... What is Mira's name have you done this time!? And where are your spectacles!?
"N-Nothing Mother... The guardsman was just being a bit rough that's all."
"Guardsman?" Father asked as he leaned forward in his chair. "Is that why you no longer have your spectacles?"
I nodded, tightening my grip on Mother's tunic. She knelt embraced me and patted my head. "I'm so sorry Ragi for raising my voice. You had me so worried about you this morning that I thought something might've happened."
I held onto Mother, finally relaxing after today's events. "I'm just glad you're safe my little firelight," she said. Letting go of me she stood up and we went to my Father's side. "I'll make you both some lunch. Please look after your Father for a moment."
"I'm not a child Rita," whined Father. "I'm only ill."
Mother didn't want to hear any of it. Taking the elixir Lord Auberon had given to father she began making her way into the kitchen. "I'll mix this in with your soup dear. Just rest for a moment."
I'd taken the little chair next to my Father and sat my pack down. I was extracting my books from the pack I handed the Arcane Tome back to Father.
"Ah... You were studying Arcane Magic at the library. I'm sorry I couldn't teach you today son, I just haven't been feeling very well."
"It's alright Father. Once you get that elixir into your system you'll feel a little better."