I walk down the stairs with Barman on my tail. I walk the similar path towards the dining hall. As the door to the room opened Millard greeted me and escorted me to the head chair. I walked and sat down in the chair and Millard asked the servants to serve the meal.
There were no shadow servants here because I prefer humans but in the Frost castle it was necessary to have shadow servants to conceal the location. It's been almost a month since my last visit and I am getting impatient about the pace of the plan.
All kinds of dishes were served to me and I had my fill. I got up and fixed my jacket.
"Millard get the carriage."
"With the Mabuz insignia?"
"No."
Mabuz Insignia was a shield with two swords covering its back. The golden shield had stars embedded in them. And the silver sword has a hilt of gold. The motto is to protect and keep the pride. I really liked the motto and the insignia because of its deep meaning and simple design.
Carriage of the insignia is only used when I have to make a public appearance. So for this secret meeting I will have to take the ordinary carriage.
"Then let me get the normal carriage to the back my lord."
"Yes."
"Where will you be headed my lord?"
"To the Funar territory."
"Ok then my lord."
"Barman, you will be coming with me."
"Yes my lord."
I started walking towards the back. I saw Leo already mounted on the driver seat in the carriage and the carriage door opened. But before I stepped in, Millards put his arms out and gave me something.
I looked at his hands and my eyes widened. It was my contact ball necklace that I and Naru have as a connection. This necklace was really dear to me. It was a small clear contact ball embedded in a silver casting around a silver chain.
I was just thinking that I was missing something so it was this.
'Because of all this running I totally forgot about it. Sorry my dear Haru.....'
"Sir Jasper left it for you. He also told me to inform you that Young master Haru will be visiting home soon as the vacation for the harvest festival will begin and to contact him once my lord is free."
I looked at Millard and just nodded. I took the necklace gently and wore it. Barman helped me clip it.
I look at the dangling ball and remember the face I care so much about. Haru Mabuz, my adopted brother or son. He was sent to the academy in Shugia after I saved him from his terrible past.
'Sorry Haru I will contact you real soon.'
I clenched the necklace, turned and entered the carriage.
'Let's settle all this so everything will be back to normal.'
Barman entered after me and took his place in front of me. I fiddled with the necklace as we departed for the next stop that is the house of countess Cordilla Funar and count Lazaro Funar.
***
We entered the territory just next to Mabuz and near the capital of Ravial. It's the third largest territory after Mabuz and Cabot, and is famous for its fabric and clothes.
The Funar Clothing. Run by the countess the various stores are not only in Ravial but also in other places, the Funar branch is truly widespread. It is extremely popular between the young and new adults who want to look best in social and public events.
I watched in the moon's light the still bustling market and people of all ages enjoying their evening. The lights that have been turned on are like stars attracting the attention of customers. It was truly beautiful.
As I stare at daze, Barman calls out to me. "My lord if I may ask, is something bothering you?"
"Say have you ever had a thought that the past is irrelevant but still relevant." I looked at him with dull eyes.
His black eyes shook and he dropped his head a little but then he said with great firmness. "My lord the Duke's death was hard on all of us but for his sake we should move on."
'I have to move on..... It's been awhile since I heard that phrase. I should visit the church.'
I nodded and looked out the window again. Barman remained quiet for the rest of the ride.
***
We arrived at the back of the counts villa where they were supposed to be taking a vacation.
It was a basic vacation villa that all nobility have. I entered through the back but even the back entrance was almost on par with the front. As I entered, someone greeted me. Gerald with his brown hair and eyes.
"House Funar welcome the Duke Mabuz."
I nodded and asked "Where is Cordilla?"
"Madam is waiting for you with Sir."
"Lead the way."
We started walking. After a few minutes we reached a room with a double door. Gerald opened the door and I entered with Barman. I saw Cordilla and Lazaro drinking wine.
They looked over to me and stood up to greet me.
"It's been so long, Kaan. I haven't seen you since the victory ball." Lazaro greeted me in a hug. His unique signature lavender hair that he has grown a little came almost on my face and his brown eyes welcome me with great warmth.
"Sorry I couldn't greet you that day Lazaro. I was in a lot of trouble."
"Haha that's just like you."
"Honey let the guest sit first." Cordilla said with a warm voice.
"Right, right come sit we have some fine wine for the night." He guided me to sit on the single couch and he himself sat opposite of me with his wife.
As I sat Gerald poured some wine in my glass and placed it in front of me.
'My liver will start having a problem with the amount of wine I have been having.'
I picked up the glass, swirled it, smelled it and then had a taste. It was good and refined wine.
"Ahem let's cut to the chase. What with the sudden visit Kaan?"
I stared at Cordilla who asked the question then smirked. Her brown black hair neatly pinned in a bun and her piercing honey gaze focused on me.
"A war and a secret meeting."