It wasn't long before they arrived in the center of the city. Théoden, the maid and the goddess who he knew not her name. They all rode in the same carriage. This was the second carriage Théoden had ridden. Unlike the first trip, this one was more steady and comfortable. He admired the city he found diversely different from the Earth he knew.
Back on Earth, he had traveled to almost every corner of the continents. His mother took him to all sorts of places and ensured he understood the world's different cultures. That was before she left him. He could no longer remember how she looked but he knew she meant a lot. Théoden even took a College Major on the subject of world cultures. However, even after experiencing all Earth had to offer, he could not help but be awestruck at the view that was in front of him.
The bustling streets were filled with people of diversity. None was like the other. They had unique features he could never naturally find in other people. There were many light-haired people with different hair colors, some he had not seen before. Unique eye pigments as well striking enough to be noticed from afar. It was hard to believe they were artificial since the world looked less developed on the digital technology side.
They wore different attires. Some too revealing, some too modest, while others cutting in between the two extremes. There were shops on every street selling multiple goods. Quite an interesting site.
After Théoden was done with looking enough just enough to sate his curiosity he looked forward to facing the two beautiful women in his company. He realized he knew nothing of the two and observed them much more intently. They didn't look anything like the common folk he had seen. They were like of a different breed altogether. Théoden had to admit he was not completely resistant to their charm. He could not stare at them for too long before his face was flushed. He had no lustful desire but in the presence of their overwhelming beauty, it was only normal for a commoner like him to be awestruck. Moreover, he was a teenager in the peak of adolescence.
[Name: ???][Race: ???][Age : ???]
[Not enough authority to view target information.]
'This can't be right. What about the maid?'
Théoden turned to look at the maid and concentrated on her.
[Name: ???][Race: ???][Age : ???]
[Not enough authority to view target information.]
'Even the maid?'
The same thing happened. The system was no help when he wanted it. The truth is that this was the first time he used the skill {Mind's eye} on a person. He had never been too invested in a person to check their information. This made Théoden curious as to how the system of authority worked. How would he gain more authority? He knew he needed strength but what factors influenced the level of strength he required to have a certain authority? Thinking about it would be of no use so Théoden gave up on his thoughts.
Further into the city, there weren't any local shops but huge establishments which were architecturally prioritized. Each had a unique design and structure to each. Few people roamed the streets, while those who did look richer and more sophisticated indicated they were upper class. It seemed the world he was in still was divided by the class system. They were dressed way too excessively for Théoden to appreciate their fancy. He would prefer if they took fashion as an aspect of their attire requirements.
After what seemed like a moment the carriage stopped. Théoden eyes which were glued to the window opening shifted and waited for the women to take the lead. The goddess spoke first.
"Child, This is our stop. This is my mansion here in the capital and where you will be staying for the time being. Once you go in, follow Mer, she will lead you through and get you settled before meeting me again in the evening....No tomorrow. Do you understand?"
"Yes...Madam."
Théoden thought it would be more appropriate to be formal to the woman since he was still a child in everyone's eyes. He smiled as sweetly as he could hoping his teeth had no stains in-between. There was no great meaning behind his smile. It was his heartfelt joy from leaving the darn streets and finally getting a place to stay. This earned a frozen look on the goddess.
"I will see you tomorrow, child."
Her voice sounded strangely softer and strained.
"See you as well Madam."
After saying the word 'Madam' once, twice was no bigger issue. The goddess got off and walked away and Théoden was left facing Mer. Mer was the maid's name. She opened her eyes for the second time since they had met. The maid Mer had an obsidian dark iris absent of any emotion. Her straight dark hair similar to Théoden's flowed to her hips. Her body was vaporous and sinful as it could get. Full bosom and wide hips complimented by her slender waits and thick thighs. She looked into Théoden eyes before standing.
"Follow me."
'She says very few words huh?'
In silence, Théoden walked through the maze-like extravagant mansion. His eyes strained to stay fixed on Mer as she walked in front of him with very silent steps. He was sure he could lose her if he looked away or got distracted a second longer. She led the way as they navigated through the mansion. Théoden found it strange to be so few people in the mansion. He had not come across any other worker in the huge mansion. Despite the beauty, it has an eerie silence and void.
"The workers are not in today, but will be back at noon tomorrow."
'Does she read minds???'
However, her short uncalled-for comment lessened the questions in Théoden's mind. They arrived at a door which she usher him in. It was probably the room assigned to him. He finally got to the room where he would be spending the first night indoors in the city. Looking at the interior he felt like jumping while pinching himself. Well, jumping for joy and pinching to confirm it was real. His new reality. It was too good to be true but it seemed like it wouldn't just end there.
"This is the guest room. I will bring up your meal. Clean up in the bath. Some clothes are inside as well, just pick your size. If you need assistance, I am a bell call away. Have a comfortable stay."
The maid Mer said in her hushed monotone voice which seemed cold to some degree but not hostile. Mer pointed to the bell beside the bed stand. Her eyes were void of prejudice or discrimination which was often seen in high-ranking people.
'Really? Man, I must have used all my lick at this point in life. There is no way this happens coincidentally. Well. I am too happy to care. At least for today, I will enjoy the benefits even if tomorrow is hell.'
"Sure."
Mer bowed slightly and left. Théoden on the other hand stared at his room in awe. Not even fancy hotel rooms matched it. It was made so that it was both elegant and convenient. All while adding life and culture to it. There were several decorations in the room and it was themed in the universal color black. A color he preferred.
The next day arrived quicker than Théoden would have anticipated. He did get all the things promised to him. Testament to this is that he was dressed in new but comfortable clothes. He got a full meal course which he was unable to finish as mouth-watering as it was. The night was quiet but the comfy bed made it all the more worthwhile. He got a night's worth of good sleep.
"After your morning breakfast, you will meet with the duchess. I shall help you get ready today," said Mer.
'What????'
"A bath has been prepared while a set of clothes has been chosen according to your size. The time is short so hurry on with your meal."
'Can I say no to this?'
"...I will. Thank you."
After what seemed like an eternity of embarrassment, Théoden was ready. His hair was cleaned and combed while his clothes were well fixed on him. A deluxe fabric design on the jacket and pants. However, the embarrassment came from the fact that he could not refuse the maid's intention to help saying it was her duty. Mer was more faithful to her duties than anything. Théoden experienced this the hard way. He felt like the innocence he got back in his new body had been robbed.
He walked down the hall his face slightly flushed but a calm expression. He met the goddess at her study. She looked up from her busy desk making eye contact with Théoden at the disturbance. She left her ink pen and stood up.
"Bring us tea Mer."
"Yes, master."
She moved to the twin couch in the room with a table in between. She sat opposite Théoden and placed a few papers in front of her.
"First of all, I will introduce myself. I am Marrianne Lisna, Duchess of the Astella Dutchy. The first Duchess while the 20th successor the Dutchy. What is your name child."
She spoke in the similar angelic voice he missed. In a fluster, Théoden responded.
"I-I am...Théoden. Andras Théoden."
"Speak comfortably. Yesterday you agreed to follow me in exchange for food and shelter. I shall grant you that. However, that is not the reason I brought you with me. My main objective is to get a child. In other words, I need a child."
"....."
'You need a child?'
Mer came back with a full tea set and served it before quietly leaving. It was a mystery why she got in and out of a Duchess's office without as much as knocking. She was as quiet as ever. It was almost scary as even the door opening and closing were silent.
'I that a level required to serve the duchess?'
Marrianne continued with her explanation as soon as Mer left.
"I have to groom a male heir to be my successor. I will offer this position to you, in exchange for more than you asked for. It is a win-win for you as it comes with nobility and endless wealth. Which will sooner or later become yours if you take up the position."
'With endless work I presume...'
Marrianne spoke with eloquence in her voice. Calm and steady. She wouldn't be lying if her voice was that confident. It was easy to understand what she was saying. Giving the benefits of the deal with her. So far there was no reason to refuse. Théoden thought so.
"I will deal with all the duties while I teach you upper social class and etiquette. I need a child of your age with no connections or background to take up the role. But before further briefing, do you agree to take this offer and role and become my adoptive son?"
'Does she realize she looks too young to have any child let alone a 16-year-grown child.'
"I am willing. I hope you will take care of me."
Théoden responded immediately. He had a sincere smile on his face. There was no need to think further. He had to get his priorities right. His life on the streets of the kingdom taught him enough. He had strength but he needed more than that. He needed connections and influence. A powerful backing and power of status. In a community class divided, the Duchess was the best way. There was no guarantee he could come across the same luck if he hesitated. Marrianne was cold but she was not cruel. It was also true that nothing in the world came for free but the conditions given were more to his benefit.
'Fortune knocks once. There is no need to overthink.'
At the response, Marrianne bloomed a smile on her lips. It was a short moment but she did smile.
"I knew you were a smart child. I will get to the point as to why I need you. I recently made a deal with the royal family that I would marry off my son to their youngest princess. She is someone I want thus I had to intervene like so. But, I need a son of course. So you will take the role of the princess's fiancé. It is however a genuine engagement. Do you have a problem with marrying someone you never met?"
'Marrying a princess???'
"None. I understand it is a give and take but this oddly seems like you are giving and not taking anything in return."
Marrianne nodded in agreement.
"Yes, child. It does seem like that but I benefit most from this. I never make a losing investment. Take this and read through it. They are adoption papers and contract guidelines. Sign if you are satisfied. From now on, you will take the lessons needed to present yourself in front of the princess and as a suitable heir to the Dukedom. I will wait for good news. Mer!"
"This way young master."
The maid appeared in the room and ushered Théoden.
'Wow. Her attitude changes quickly.'
"Yes, Mer."