When Mona mentioned the island villa, I couldn't help but wonder about our mode of transport. Would it involve some form of magic, or perhaps something that could fly? As we were being packed up, I couldn't contain my curiosity.
Eventually, we departed from the villa in a beautifully adorned carriage. While it wasn't the extravagant mode of travel I had envisioned, it was still a remarkable experience.
The carriage itself was a testament to the Duke's wealth and status. Crafted entirely from wood, it was painted in a deep black hue, with intricate patterns adorning its surface, particularly around the door.
Traveling with me were the Duke and Duchess, accompanying us to help settle in before returning to the city. The journey through the streets was a captivating experience.
The aromas of freshly baked goods from the morning markets filled the air. While the people in the distance were a blur, those we passed all knelt in respect as our carriage rolled by. The bustling sounds of other carriages and the lively market added to the vibrant atmosphere.
The uneven stone pathways occasionally caused the carriage to jostle, making me feel dizzy and prompting tears. However, the Duchess held me close, soothing and comforting me. Soon, we transitioned onto a smoother road, calming my unease.
As we passed through the town, my initial apprehensions began to fade. The citizens seemed content and well-fed, with no signs of slavery or any other hindrance to civilization. The scent of the salty sea air gradually intensified, a stark contrast to anything I had experienced before.
Even in what seemed like the safest towns or cities, there were always shadows where crime lurked. It was an assumption based on my past experiences.
Ah yes! Amongst the crowd, I noticed several other beast people like our head butler, Selahe.
These beastly individuals seemed to live comfortably among humans, free from judgment based on their appearances. Some had skin covered in soft fur, while others had bodies covered in hair. Some only had uniquely shaped ears, most resembling those of cats.
I spotted a pantherman, a goatman, a rabbitwoman, a catwoman, and several other species I couldn't yet identify. It was a mesmerizing sight.
"He certainly seems excited, doesn't he?" the Duke remarked with a chuckle.
"Yes, your lordship. This is the first time he's ventured beyond the grounds," replied Selahe, the ever-stoic goatman butler.
Mona interjected, "The little one is always brimming with excitement," her voice tinged with a wistful smile. Her fluctuating mood had been a concern over the last season, and I yearned to offer her solace for whatever burden she bore.
"We must protect him. He is our precious gem after all," the Duchess mused as she playfully tickled my feet.
She continued, "You're destined to become the most formidable mage in the world, aren't you? Aren't you?" While her intense statements puzzled me, her tone conveyed a sense of playfulness rather than seriousness, almost as if she were speaking to a pet rather than a baby.
I pondered how she might react when I eventually "manifested," revealing my abilities. Undoubtedly, her response would blend astonishment with exhilaration.
The Duke chuckled warmly, "I already adore him, he's the cutest child I've ever laid eyes on. He could even give young Anna a run for her money."
The Duchess nodded in agreement. I was passed to Mona so the Duchess could play peekaboo with me. I played along, though it felt obligatory.
My maid, Mona, on the other hand, held me with a look of discomfort. While she held me for the ducal couple, her expression hinted at her unease with the idea of being relocated. I assumed it was a temporary solution to some recent threat or political development.
Duke Calo spoke about the Empire's flaunting of having obtained the country's secret battle plans for the defense of Nestad County. The culprit behind the leak remained unknown. Despite this, the ducal couple seemed unworried. Duke Calo expressed his belief that the Empire wouldn't have disclosed their knowledge of the plans if they were planning an attack.
As the carriage turned a corner, I glanced out the window and caught sight of an endless blue blur reflecting the sun's light—it was the ocean! I finally recognized the familiar smell.
In my old world, the ocean didn't smell nearly as pleasant. Here, they must have pristine oceans, untouched by industry or pollution.
Realizing that my new home city was located by the ocean, my happiness soared. I bounced on Mona's lap, my excitement unbearable.
"Looks like we have a ball of energy on our hands!" The Duke said with a chuckle.
"Indeed, sir. I've never seen the young master more enthused," Selahe remarked, his smile unique, mostly reflected in his eyes due to his facial structure.
Turning to Mona, he inquired, "Have you witnessed such excitement from him before?" She responded with a shake of her head, her expression showing signs of frustration as she attempted to calm me down.
Mona shifted in her seat, prompting Selahe to offer, "Would you like me to hold him for a while to give your arms a break?" Mona nodded gratefully, and I was gently transferred to the goatman's arms.
It was a surprise to feel his furry arms around me, as he had always been distant and aloof, never participating in my care before. Perhaps now that my adoption was nearly official and in this more intimate setting, he felt inclined to be helpful.
Excited by this opportunity for a closer look, I examined him with the curiosity of a baby. His square, horizontal pupils were intriguing, and for the first time, I could distinguish his eye color. A vibrant yellow color.
Curiosity piqued; I reached out to touch his horns. They felt smooth, cool, and hard, akin to stone, and curled into perfect circles on either side of his face.
I glanced over at Mona, noticing her fidgeting with her clothes, her gaze fixed on me. The carriage suddenly jolted to a halt, and I hoped it signaled our arrival at the dock, as I was eager to move on.
Mona's behavior struck me as odd, yet everyone else seemed oblivious or chose to ignore it. Perhaps there was something about her personal life that I wasn't aware of. The carriage lurched forward again, the sound of the wheels changing from the clatter of stones to the smoother roll of wood.
It dawned on me that we must be traveling onto the pier, heading directly towards the ship. Being a Duke in your own city certainly had its perks.