As the guards noticed my presence, their initial fear gave way to a gleaming smile. Their voices took on a tone of false concern as they greeted me.
Guard A: "Good morning, young lord. Please be careful and refrain from wandering too much in the castle. It can be dangerous, especially for someone like you."
Their words were laced with hypocrisy, the pretense of caring for my well-being. Deep down, I knew their true intentions. They saw me as the unfortunate eldest son of the duke, someone they could exploit for their own gain.
It was a stark reminder of the treacherous nature of the people of this castle.As I ventured into the lush gardens surrounding the castle my mind felt cleared .
Amidst the harmonious chorus of chirping birds and rustling leaves, I noticed a small squirrel perched on a branch, its eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Something within me stirred, an inexplicable connection that drew my attention to this creature As I locked eyes with the squirrel, a peculiar sensation washed over me.
It was as if a connection had been forged between our souls in that fleeting moment. Without realizing it, my mind's eye opened, granting me a glimpse into the squirrel's world and soul Through its eyes, I saw the lush green canopy of the trees, the gentle sway of branches in the breeze, and the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage.
I felt the squirrel's nimble paws gripping the bark of the tree, its heart racing with a mix of caution and curiosity.
Every rustle of leaves, every distant chirp of birds, became magnified, filling my senses with an enhanced awareness of the environment.
In that profound connection, I could sense the squirrel's instincts, its urge to gather food for the approaching winter, and the constant vigilance it maintained to evade predators. It was a raw and instinctual existence, yet beautiful in its simplicity.
Driven by an inexplicable urge, I extended my hand towards the squirrel, feeling an invisible thread of energy pulsating between us.
To my astonishment, the squirrel hopped onto my outstretched palm, its tiny paws tickling my skin. In that instant, a profound realization dawned upon me—I could sense its thoughts, emotions, and even catch glimpses of the world through its eyes.As the squirrel nestled comfortably in my hand, I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to this newfound power.
Instantly, my consciousness merged with its , as if we had become one. I marveled at the world from its vantage point, the fluttering of its heartbeat in sync with mine.With a gentle nudge of my thoughts, I urged the squirrel to scurry up a nearby tree, and it obeyed my silent command. It moved with grace and agility, its nimble body navigating the branches effortlessly.
I spent hours in the garden, engrossed in playful interactions with the squirrel forgetting the interaction I had with the guards.I discovered that my mind's eye that granted me the ability to merge with creatures that possessed simpler minds.
By entering into this shared consciousness, I could experience the world through their senses, seeing, hearing, and feeling as they did.However, I soon realised this ability had its limitations.
The fuel for this extraordinary ability was my own soul power, and as I used it for an extended period, a throbbing headache would ensue. It served as a reminder that this power came with a cost and required careful management.
Furthermore, the range of my connection had its boundaries. If the squirrel ventured too far from me, beyond approximately 120 meters, the connection would weaken and eventually sever.
It was a physical distance that limited the extent of my abilities, reminding me that even with this extraordinary power, there were still natural constraints to consider.
As the daylight began to fade and the sky transformed into a breathtaking display of purples and oranges, I reluctantly brought an end to my playful interaction with the squirrel. It was as if time had slipped away unnoticed, lost in the enchantment of our connection.
With a grateful smile, I bid farewell to my furry companion and made my way back to my room.As I approached my room, lost in my thoughts and the mysteries of my mind's eye, I was surprised to find Agnes standing in front of the door.
The furrowed brow and worry lines etched across her face hinted at her frustration and concern."It is time for dinner, young master," Agnes said, her voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and worry.
As I met her gaze, I could see the genuine concern in her eyes, a reflection of her unwavering dedication to my well-being.
"Apologies, Agnes," I replied, a touch of remorse in my voice. "I lost track of time. Thank you for reminding me."
Over the course of the dinner, the clinking of utensils and the murmurs of conversation surrounded us. Agnes, ever attentive, ensured that my plate was filled and my needs were met.
As dinner neared its end, Agnes's words cut through the chatter of the dining hall, drawing my attention. Her voice carried a note of concern, her words echoing with a sense of caution.
"Young master, you shouldn't wander around the castle all alone," Agnes began, her voice laced with worry. "It is a dangerous place, and the people here may not be kind to us."
Her words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the underlying tension that permeated the castle walls.The reminder of the potential dangers sent a chill down my spine, a sobering realization that not everyone harbored good intentions.
Arthur: "But Agnes, I..." .
Agnes: (Interrupting) "No, young master. It's for your own safety. I had to send Beatrice to keep you safe. She is a master of stealth and assassination. You might not have seen her as she moves unseen."
Arthur: (Surprised) "Beatrice? Watching over me?"
Agnes: "Yes, young master. We cannot be too cautious in this place. Rest tonight, as you must be tired after today's ceremony. Tomorrow, we will begin your studies."I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and unease at the thought of being constantly monitored, even for my own safety.