I was excited. I was sitting in a coach with four other people. Three women and one man. It was warm but cramped and a bit smelly but I was going to Rugetta. I had the money I had earned during those two months but this time I was smarter. I hid them well.
The trip to Rughetta took two days and we stayed for a night in an inn. I arrived in Rughetta and followed the address given to me by Sir Caname di Tareno.
I found the house no, rather a residence. It was quite big, the man was either of noble origin or very wealthy businessman. I entered the garden and the path leading to the main entrance next I knocked on the door.
A tall lanky man opened the door and looked at me with contempt.
"I'm here to meet with Sir Caname di Tareno." I said calmly.
"Just a moment, I will ask the master." He closed the door right in front of my nose. What an asshole.
After a few minutes he opened the door again and I was allowed to step into the house. I was well versed in any possible manners so I automatically behaved as I was taught. The servant showed me to the master's office and led me in.
"Mr Miro, nice to see you here in Rughetta." He reached his arm and we shaked hands.
"The pleasure is all mine sir."
"The banquet is tomorrow in the afternoon so you can rest. I have a room for you where you can relax after the long journey. See you at dinner time."
"Thank you." I smiled lightly and left his office.
This mansion was luxurious, the owner liked paintings and sculptures as well as decorative trims on the walls and furniture.
The room that was prepared for me was sufficient for a guest of my caliber. It wasn't too big or fancy, just right. I was happy to take a long bath again. I washed my hair and relaxed for a while. I put on some simple clothes and went downstairs to the dining room the butler told me about.
Caname was already there but he wasn't alone. Next to him was a woman and a young girl. I guessed they were a family.
The dinner was nice and I enjoyed the conversation. We talked about current affairs, music and art. I went to bed feeling great, just like I did before I was enslaved. I felt like a real worthy man.
The next day I was summoned to Caname's office. He told me about his business. He was trading with fabric and furs. He wanted to get in touch with the Kingdom of Ghantar and this banquet was his only option to do so. Gathnars were famous for soft and delicate fabrics with vivid colors. It took him quite a lot of effort to be invited to this party as he was rich but rather low ranking noble. I understood him well and decided to do my best to help him. When I came back to my room I found a suit there, an elegant one in light gray color with black finishing. Some simple but classic accessories and white shirt. It took me a while to get myself ready. I had problems with my hair, braiding them for a banquet was out of the question so I used the small trinkle I had left from what Lorcangave me and grabbed a few strides from both sides and pinned them at the back of my head. The rest of my hair was loose. I left the room to meet Caname. He was standing next to his wife and they both went silent as soon as they saw me.
"Well well sir Miro, you surely look astonishing. " Mrs di Tareno noticed with round eyes.
"Thank you for the undeserved flattery." I bowed a bit and looked at sir Caname.
"Right, we should be going."
We were going in a fancy carriage and when I closed my eyes I felt like I have turned back in time. That was dangerous but I wanted to indulge in this feeling a little longer. When I opened my eyes I saw Caname looking at me, he seemed to be off a bit. I guess there was a lot on the plate for him.
I smiled gently, wanting to share some confidence with him.
"Don't worry sir, I'm sure you will do just fine."
"How come you look like this is your natural environment." He asked out of the blue.
"I was noble once." I admitted that much.
"I see." He didn't ask any questions which I was thankful for.
We stepped out of the carriage and went straight to the entrance of an enormous house. It was twice the size of Caname's.
We were let in after checking the invitation and announced by the head butler as we entered the main ballroom. It was quite full. I was staying close to Caname but I remembered to always be one step behind.
"Why are you dragging behind me?" He asked me quietly.
"I'm your servant during this banquet so I should keep my distance." I replied watching him getting flushed as he heard it.
"I guess I'm not that well versed in etiquette," He admitted.
"No problem sir, I'm here to be of help." I wanted to be polite, even more as I hoped for his help while looking for a new job.
"That's the man I was telling you about, the one in a black suit with red sash." He discreetly pointed in the direction of a middle aged man standing in a group of four people.
"I understand that you two were introduced?" I asked Caname.
"Not really, I saw him on the street. I was talking with some of my business partners. One of them greeted him and he responded, that's all."
"I see, well we will try to approach him and invoke a mutual acquaintance."
Caname said nothing, he only nodded and they made their way to sir Wadir, the owner of a luxury factory producing one of the most delicate fabrics.
The man was among other business people, they were having a conversation however not in the Anzumian language and they had problems communicating.
"Zahani mano ili oho Wadir. Melo dire wanna a oho Caname." I introduced Caname to Wadir and then using Anzumian I pointed at the mutual business partner they had. Wadir was pleasantly surprised, he eagerly stepped into the conversation. Soon we dominated the whole part and after a while we managed to discourage them and Wadir was left with us alone.
Caname was a great businessman. They soon established an agreement and decided to meet tomorrow to talk about the details of the cooperation, while my Anzumian was complimented. I felt great, I was back in my element. Surrounded by well educated people who perceived me as a capable person.