Once again walking the streets of Cataphrania, Lisa clings onto Julius's arm closely and affectionately. Given their age gap, most would just assume that he was just her father or big brother, so not many people took much notice of them besides the strange clothing that Julius was wearing.
[Julius]: "Mmh, you said this was the magic capital right? I don't see anyone using it, or even selling things related to it."
[Lisa]: "Mm-hm. If your interested in all the magical stuff, you'll need to head further in. We are currently in the second ring of the kingdom, so you wont see much of it here aside from maybe some element stones and such."
[Julius]: "Second ring? What do you mean?"
Lisa looks up at him, with both her arms still wrapped around his hand as they walk. She takes a prideful look at explaining it all to someone who is as clueless as Julius, as if explaining a topic of interest to a close friend.
[Lisa]: "Mm-hm, that's correct. You see. The kingdom is split into several sections, 'Rings' they are called. The rings of the kingdom are circular portions that separate the many levels of the capital. The inner circle is the main palace, where the King resides, he never leaves the palace, and he never accepts visitors. The inner circle is the most sacred and secure place in the whole kingdom."
Julius listens intently at her explanation, fascinated by the new information. He is excited and eager to learn more about this place that he found himself in.
[Lisa]: "Then there's the first Ring- The Sorcerer District. That's where you will find all the magical gadgets and scrolls, stuff like that. Its where the main barracks are for the knights that guard the capital. After that, is the second ring, The Commoner District. This is where you'll find more everyday things, like food, or clothes. Its the most populated ring."
[Julius]: "I see, that's interesting. So do all the people just live in the second ring?"
[Lisa]: "Most do, but a lot prefer to stay in the first ring, as its more convenient for them, with easier access to the magic shops and their jobs."
[Julius]: "---"
He takes in all that hes been told, thinking about what to say, what to ask.
He looks back down at her, their eyes locking for a moment before she looks away quickly.
[Julius]: "So the second ring is the most populated, and most normal out of the three areas?"
[Lisa]: "most populated yes, but there is a fourth area beyond this one. The third ring, The outskirts."
[Julius]: "There's a third?"
[Lisa]: "That's right. But its not exactly a place you'd want to go to willingly. Its the outer most portion of the kingdom, a place of poverty. Its ridden with crime, violence, and shady individuals anywhere you look."
[Julius]: "H-hmm. I guess there always has to be a place like that anywhere."
Julius notices that they have been walking away from the palace, and starts to wonder where she is taking him.
He places his free hand on her head softly, getting a gasp out of her.
[Lisa]: "A-hn? W-what is it?"
[Julius]: "Where are we going?"
[Lisa]: "I'm taking you to a merchant that works with my mother, he's one of the people that take me here and back. I'm hoping to take you home with me, and maybe there's someone there that can help you, maybe one of them could even find you a way back to your hometown."
Julius takes in her words, his face lighting up at the thought of going back home. He had his concerns, however, mostly about this girl bringing home an adult man to her mother out of nowhere, and if she would be nice enough to help him for free.
[Julius]: "That sounds good, but will she actually help me go home?"
[Lisa]: "Sure she will, especially if i beg her and insist your my friend."
[Julius]: "Right, well, its worth a shot at least."
Lisa smiles contently, excited about showing him her home. He notices her happy demeanor, reacting with a warm smile of his own.
[Julius]: "Where exactly do you live Lisa? You said someone would take us to your home. Does that mean its far?"
[Lisa]: "Yes actually, its quite far. I was brought here with the task of picking up some fresh parchment and a few stones for my mother."
Pulling out a sack from her cloak, showing it to him. He can see an array of colors, faintly glowing through the sack.
She puts the sack back into her cloak, fastening it, then returning her arm to its previous position, wrapped firmly around Julius's hand.
[Lisa]: "On my way back from the first ring, I found you, unconscious on the ground in an alley. No one else seemed to notice you, so i came over and woke you up."
[Julius]: "I see. So that's how you ended up over me. Again...Thank you for finding me, Lisa."
[Lisa]: "I-its no problem J. N-no problem a-at all."
Her flustered attitude comes back as she averts her gaze, caused by his appreciation for her. He gives her a small smile, before continuing to speak.
[Julius]: "So do you live in the kingdom? I'm still a little confused about that."
[Lisa]: "Mm-mm. I do not. My mother has a manor outside of the capital, its far enough that it requires a carriage to take you there."
[Julius]: "A carriage? Like one drawn by horses?"
[Lisa]: "Hm? Whats a horse?"
He takes a quick breath for a moment, realizing that this is yet another thing she has no idea about. This part of the world is very strange to him, but he is getting pretty used to people not knowing things. He sighs, before responding.
[Julius]: "Its like...An animal, used to pull carriages like the one you mentioned."
[Lisa]: "Ooo, So its similar to a drake?"
[Julius]: "A what?"
[Lisa]: "A drake. That's what everyone here uses to pull carriages."
A large amount of questions fill his already full mind. But before he gets a chance to ask even a single one of them, both Lisa and his attention is drawn to the large crowd ahead of them.
The large amount of people emits a loud, exciting echo of cheers and awe.
[Julius]: "Whats going on?"
[Lisa]: "I'm...not quite sure. Lets get closer."
Further approaching the large crowd, they try the best to get a glimpse into the center of it all.
Proving difficult by the crowds quick movement and people shoving to get a look, Julius gets an idea that will solve their problem.
[Julius]: "Hey Lisa, Get on my shoulders."
Her eyes widen at his words as she looks up at him with a wide open mouth.
[Lisa]: "Wh- H-huh?"
[Julius]: "To get a look over the crowd."
She takes a moment to consider his request, before giving in, with a bright red hue to her face as she reluctantly lets go of his hand.
[Lisa]: "Fine. I suppose we can do that."
[Julius]: "Great!"
Without a moment to spare, he kneels down, bowing his head, allowing her to sit on the back on his neck. She can barely hide her embarrassment as she does so, but happy that he cant see her from his point of view.
He stands up, lifting her up into the air as he places his hands firmly on her thighs that sit on either side of his head.
[Lisa]: "Uwaaaa! W-warn me when your g-gonna touch me somewhere like t-that!"
[Julius]: "I know, I'm sorry, just...Can you see over everyone? Whats happening?"
[Lisa]: "J-just a little higher. Almost. I...I think i see it."
Once she sees whats in the center of the crowd, her eyes spring open and she gasps.
In the middle of the large gathering of people and fans, is a single man. A man clad in full armor, All except for his head, and complete with a white and red cloak that covered his back and went over his shoulders.
The man has long, dry, black hair. Along with a large, thin sword on his hip, resembling an Odachi.
[Julius]: "You okay Lisa? Whats in there?"
[Lisa]: "Its..a man, hes apart of the knights that personally protect the kings chambers."
[Julius]: "What? A knight?"
He had heard her mention knights before, but had more important things to ask about.
[Lisa]: "Yes. He is famous in this capital, Mostly for his immense strength and High ranking title."
[Julius]: "I forgot to ask, Lisa. What role do these 'knights' have? Why are they so famous?"
Looking up at her with curious eyes, noticing how perfectly he can see her form now up close and in the light, with the wind blowing her hair aside.
She returns the look, blushing slightly as she notices his stare.
[Lisa]: "T-the knights? They are the ones that protect the kingdom. They're the main authoritative force in the capital, known for their strength, and dignity."
[Julius]: "I see, are they all this famous then?"
[Lisa]: "No. This ones special, and really rare to see outside of the inner palace. So much so that he is seen as a good omen to all that are in his proximity."
Julius could certainly feel the aura of the man in the crowd, that had been slowly approaching, moving through the crowd that followed him, all praising him.
As the crowd moved, they eventually cleared out of the way enough for Julius to see him himself. Slowly making his way towards Julius and Lisa, who had been standing in the middle of the street, The knight stopped in front of Julius, with the young girl still atop his shoulders.
Julius could feel the strong aura emanating from the knight, his eyes locked onto him.
[???]: "You."
Even though all he did was look at him, and say one word, Julius found it extremely hard to speak, its as if the strong presence of the knight was strangling him. The knights face remained completely unexpressive.
[Julius]: "HaAH-...Me?"
[???]: "You reek of death. Who are you."
The knights face was neutral, but his voice was a deep, sour tone.
[Julius]: "U-um. Julius, Sir. My name is Julius Rogers."
[???]: "That's not the name of someone from this kingdom. I take it your not from anywhere around here. Especially with those ridiculous clothes."
[Julius]: "Y-yes sir. I'm from a place far from here. You...You said i reek of death?"
[???]: "You don't just reek of it. The stench is practically Flooding off of you."
Still struggling to speak, Julius takes a deep breath, using all his might to let out even a few words.
[Julius]: "I'm sorry, i don't follow. I gave you my name, could you at least tell me yours, you seem to be really popular."
The knights face scrunches up slightly, an angry look appearing in his eyes, and the aura strengthens.
[???]: "You do not know me?"
[Julius]: "---"
He tries to let out words, opening his mouth, but nothing happens. He feels like hes going to throw up at the strong feeling in the air. Lisa looks down at him with her eyes filled with worry, speaking with her voice filled with concern.
[Lisa]: "J-Julius..."
[???]: "You really aren't from anywhere around here then. Just this once, ill tell you."
Julius looks up at him as he takes a wide stance, the knights eyes locked onto him as if he was nothing but a stain on the ground.
[???]: "I am this kingdoms greatest hero. I am the man who took down Great Dragon Everard, One of the six Immortal Plagues of this world. I am the Kings right hand, Head of the royal Guard, Alcard Castellan!"
The pressure in the air becomes another layer stronger, Forcing Julius onto his knees before Alcard.
Lisa jumps off of his shoulders and places her hands on his shoulders, Her face filled with nothing but concern and fear.
After the deafening aura of the knight takes its affect, Julius falls fully to the ground, His mind on the brink of falling unconscious.
[Lisa]: "J! No!"
The crowd had fallen silent a while ago, just standing by and watching the scene that unfolds before their eyes. Most of them also feel fear, but also watch in awe, excited that they get to see a live demonstration of the knights power.
Before Julius falls unconscious, the last thing he hears is the clattering of armor, and heavy footsteps, as Alcard continues to walk past them, leaving Julius on the ground, with Lisa trying her best to get him back up.
[Lisa]: "J!, Please, don't pass out on me!"
He wants to say sorry, because he knows he doesnt have a lot of time to stay conscious, but he still cannot speak, no matter how hard he tried. His mind slowing down, his vision fading to black, and the sounds around him being muffled down to nothing, Julius falls into darkness.
-
[???]: "Ive brought you some flowers today darling. Ill place them just here.... I'm sorry i haven't visited in a while, work at the office has been tough on me lately...Trust me, darling...I wish i could just sit here for as long as it takes until you wake up. But...i just hope you don't hate me for being away for as long as i usually am. I'm....I'm so sorry Julius."
-
[Julius]: "GAH-AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH."
[Lisa]: "WYAAAAH-"
Julius launches up, breathless and sweating, gripping his own throat as he slowly gets his breath back. He finds himself sitting in a moving carriage.
Its made of wood, and he is surrounded by several large sacks and crates.
He looks looks behind him, where Lisa is sitting, with her legs tucked under her, and a shocked look of her face, caused by his sudden scream and sitting up so quickly.
[Julius]: "Where... What happened?"
[Lisa]: "Y-you scared me! What made you scream like that so suddenly!"
Julius continues to look at her, noticing the position they are in, and remembering what he felt when he woke up.
[Julius]: "I'm sorry, Lisa...Was I...Did you put my head in your lap while i was sleeping?"
Her face burns, and turns a bright red. She practically trembles from embarrassment.
[Lisa]: "I- U-um....Y-yes i did, b-but only b-because i wanted you t-to be comfortable while you w-were unconscious!"
[Julius]: "Its okay, Lisa. Thank you. It definitely helped with my recovery"
Her face softens, while keeping its bright red, flustered appearance.
[Lisa]: "N...n-no problem."
Julius turns to plant his back against the carriage wall, next to Lisa. Her hand slowly makes contact with his on the ground. Glancing over at her subtly, he notices how she is just looking forwards, her face a mix of embarrassment, and affection.
When Julius feels her finger make slight contact with his, he takes the hint that she is silently trying to convey, and moves his hand on top of hers, to which she flinches.
[Lisa]: "Gn--hnnn."
[Julius]: "Good to see your still just as cute."
[Lisa]: "W-waaaa!"
[???]: "Is he up? Hey, J, You alright friend?"
Julius looks over to where the voice came from. At the head of the carriage, holding the leash that controls it, is a man, looking back with a look of concern and relief that he had woken up.
[???]: "Im glad to see your okay after that experience with Alcard."
Julius's confused gaze causes Lisa to speak, introducing the man.
[Lisa]: "J, This is Yuri. Hes a merchant that works with my mother, hes the one i was telling you about, that takes me to and from the capital."
Julius takes in the appearance of the man. He is dressed in loose, blue clothing, and a cloak that flows longer than Lisa's, Along with some fur at the collar of it, which accentuates his shoulder length, brown hair.
The mans voice was on the more feminine side for a man, and his bone structure and soft, clear skin didn't help convey that he wasn't really a woman.
[Julius]: "O-oh, i see. Its a pleasure to meet you, Yuri."
[Yuri]: "Good to meetcha."
Yuri's swivels back around, continuing to steer the carriage. The quick pace and rocking of the vehicle proved to be sort of calming.
Moving his attention back to Lisa, who had no objections or intent to move her hand out from underneath his. He feels her unexpectedly rest her head against his shoulder.
[Lisa]: "I-is this okay?"
Julius smiles warmly, gently leaning his head against the top of hers.
[Julius]: "Of course, my shoulder in yours to rest your head on anytime."
Lisa blushes slightly, but smiles and softly giggles.
[Lisa]: "Thanks, J."
They spend a long time just leaning against each other, feeling the rocking of the carriage, smelling the scent the grass and flowers that filled their noses as they traveled through the forest.
[Yuri]: "We're nearly there! Have you got all your things?"
[Lisa]: "Yep, all packed up."
Julius looks ahead of the carriage, seeing the large, gated manor in the distance. his jaw drops in awe, a slight noise coming from his mouth as he looks ahead.
[Julius]: "Ah-ahhh. I thought you said your mother was wealthy, not rich out of her mind, That place is huge!"
[Lisa]: "Right, yeah. Um, surprise."
she laughs to herself as the manor draws closer.
[Lisa]: "My mother is a high ranking merchant, one of the best in the continent."
[Julius]: "For real? Wow."
She once again giggles as they reach the gate, which opens and the carriage moves inside, stopping out front of the manor.
[Yuri]: "Welcome home, Lisa. I tried to make the journey as smooth as possible for your friend here."
Lisa takes a sack from the carriage, and hops out the back. Following her, he jumps out of the back of the Wagon, landing on the soft dirt, which creates a small puff of dust as his feet connect with the ground.
Walking around to the front of the carriage to meet up with Yuri, Julius sees what was pulling the vehicle the whole time, A large, bird like creature that turns to him, causing him to fall back onto the ground.
[Julius]: "Hn- GAAHH!"
He looks up as the creature towers above him, it has sharp claws and short wings, but very strong legs that resemble that of an eagles.
Its beak is colossal, and looks razor sharp.
[Lisa]: "Its okay J! Have you really never seen one of these before?"
Lisa stand next to Julius, offering a hand to help him back up.
Yuri goes up to the creature and pets it, resulting in a purr from it, as it leans into his touch. He chuckles at Julius's frightened reaction.
[Yuri]: "This is Kurasache. Lady Astoria's personal Drake."
Taking Lisa's hand, he gets up off the ground, slowly taking a few steps towards it, reveling in the strange sight ahead of him.
He slowly reaches his hand outwards, which the Drake observes hesitantly, before pushing its beak into his hand, purring at his touch and closing its eyes.
[Julius]: "H-Hah. Its...Kind of cute."
[Yuri]: "Oh, Isn't he!"
Yuri hugs the creature, which makes it let out an excited chirp.
The large door to the manor clicks, as if a lock is undone, and it slowly creaks open.
Watching as a woman emerges from the manor, accompanied by a butler. The woman is dressed in a really fancy red dress, with black fur covering the edges and collar, all put together with a black pelt scarf.
She has a beautiful complexion, with bright green eyes, and long, blonde hair. The woman was undoubtedly related to Lisa.
[Lisa]: "Mom!"
She says, running up the stairs, and jumping into the woman, wrapping her arms around her waist.
[???]: "Oh, How good to see you again Lisa, did you get all the things i asked you to?"
[Lisa]: "Yes, i did. And i made a friend!"
[???]: "Did you? Is this him? Please, introduce me."
Lisa runs back down to Julius, grabbing his hand, and pulling him over to her mother, who is now at the bottom of the stone stairs.
[Lisa]: "Mom, This is Julius! J, for short."
[???]: "Hmm, J. Its so nice to meet you, dear. I'm glad my daughter has found a friend, although, i didn't expect them to be so....Old."
[Julius]: "Ah- I-I'm 19, ma'am. I know you think I'm dressed strangely, and you probably think I'm ill fit to be your daughters friend but i assure you, i just have the good interest of Lisa in mind."
Her facial expression is soft, not fully affectionate, but not negative at all either.
[???]: "I see. Well, the way i see it...If my daughter thinks your a good friend, then i will accept that with all my heart."
She reaches her hand out, which has a black glove covering it, made of fine silk.
Julius shakes her hand, feeling the softness of her glove, and the delicate grip of the woman's hand.
[???]: "Please call me Muriel, dear. I am Muriel Astoria."
Releasing his grip, he bows respectfully, still holding onto Lisa's hand. Lisa looks up at her mother, smiling widely and proudly, happy that her mother accepts her new friend.
The carriage driver approaches and bows deeply.
[Yuri]: "Lady Astoria."
[Muriel]: "Oh, how could i look past you, Yuri darling."
She shakes his hand, and he proceeds to walk back to the carriage, unloading crates and sacks from it.
[Muriel]: "Lawrence, Dear. Would you kindly help Yuri here with those crates."
Her butler walks down the stairs, allowing Julius to get a closer look at him.
He is dressed in a fancy black suit, as expected from the title of 'butler'. He has long, green hair, that covers one of his eyes. He is tall, if he had to guess, he was probably around 6'0, but pretty slim.
[Lawrence]: "Of course, Lady Astoria."
He takes a crate from Yuri's arms, carrying it towards the manor door with ease.
[Muriel]: "Come inside, dears, please."
She leads Lisa and Julius inside, while Yuri and Lawrence walk inside after them, holding crates, taking them to one of the store rooms upstairs.
After walking inside, Julius takes in the sight of the interior of the manor.
The inside is covered in chandeliers and Marble pillars. There are several busts, sculpted out of a beautiful stone around the place. The large entrance room opens to long hallways filled with doors and windows.
Julius's breath is taken away at the sight of the huge, fancy structure he finds himself in.
[Muriel]: "In awe, dear?"
She looks back at him, a wide, proud smirk on her face.
[Julius]: "I-I've never been in a place like this, its all so fancy. Its breathtaking."
[Muriel]: "Oh I'm flattered, dear. Come on this way, lets have tea to welcome you."
She takes the pair into the dining room. Opening the door to reveal a large table, fitted with cloth and candles down the length of it. Made out of the most beautiful and luxurious wood.
She takes a seat at the head of the table, her chair larger and fancier than the others.
[Muriel]: "Please, take a seat you two."
I take a seat across from Lisa, who eagerly sits down, her gaze flickering between Julius and her mother.
A woman in a maid dress emerges from one of the side rooms, walking over to Muriel, and bowing.
[Muriel]: "Lucille, honey. Please be so kind as to make our guests and i some tea."
The large frosted window behind the head seat lets in the pink sky of the sunset, shining against the maids face in the most perfect way.
The maid has soft, but messy black hair, just below shoulder length. It covers her ears, and her neck, along with bangs that cover her forehead, and sides that frame her face perfectly.
Her expression is soft, but cold. and her face was red, as if she had been crying recently, not that she would ever admit to that.
[Lucille]: "With pleasure, Lady Astoria."
The maid gently turns around, and walks off into the side room, which after getting a glance into when she opened the door, appears to be a kitchen.
[Lisa]: "Mom! Guess who we saw today?"
Her words start to bring up the memories of the day, Julius feeling a sting of embarrassment.
[Muriel]: "Who dear?"
[Lisa]: "We saw Alcard!"
[Muriel]: "What? Really? Wow, that's quite the incredible sight, I'm so happy for you dear, your blessed with good luck!"
Lisa and her mother beam warmly, smiling at each other and giggling at the happy news.
[Julius]: "Good luck?"
[Muriel]: "Yes dear. Royal knight Alcard is an incredibly rare person to see. Its said that those who have seen him and have been in his proximity are granted good luck."
[Julius]: "I see. It didn't really feel like good luck to me."
The maid returns, coming out of the kitchen with a plate of drinks, served in a fancy teacup.
She places a cup of tea in front of each person at the table, Julius being last, despite being the closest to the kitchen.
[Muriel]: "Thank you, Lucille dear."
[Lucille]: "Of course, Lady Astoria."
Holding the plate flat against her dress in her arms, she walks back into the kitchen silently.
[Muriel]: "Please, drink up."
Julius and Lisa start to take sips from their cups, which are delicious. Its perfectly made, from the temperature, to the flavor, and even the ratio of milk and water, its the perfect cup of tea.
Julius drinks it, feeling how the warmth slips down his throat, spreading to the rest of his body. "Thank god, at least they have tea here.", he thinks to himself.
[Julius]: "This is the best tea I've ever had, its perfect."
Muriel's face lights up as she adopts a wide and prideful smile.
[Muriel]: "Oh I'm so glad you think so darling. You will have to thank Lucille for that though, not me. Her aspect is just so beautiful, Isn't it."
Julius's face flairs up with confusion, putting his tea cup back down on the table.
[Julius]: "Her aspect? What do you mean?"
[Muriel]: "Hm?"
Her eyes widen in surprise, seemingly shocked about his confusion.
[Lisa]: "J is from really far away, mom. He doesn't know a lot about our kingdom or its people."
Her gaze turns back to Julius, who nods in agreement, rubbing the back of his neck and smiling awkwardly. Lisa putting her fingers up to her chin, resting it between her thumb and index finger, closing her eyes and nodding.
[Muriel]: "Oh, i see. That's very interesting dear. Well i suppose you'll find out eventually if i don't tell you now."
Julius listens intently, curious about this 'aspect' she mentioned.
[Muriel]: "An 'Aspect', is a special gift given to those lucky enough to be born with them. They are exceptionally rare, and are completely random with what they do. The ability they grant you can range from being really good at chess, to being able to destroy whole villages with a single swing."
she raises her index finger as she explains, with her eyes closed, her voice taking a proud and excited tone, similar behavior as Lisa.
[Julius]: "A-ah. That's actually pretty cool. What aspect does your maid have to make this tea so good?"
Muriel's smile grins wider, and her voice sounds even more proud than before.
[Muriel]: "My maid, Lucille, was born with the aspect of cooking. It allows her to create the perfect meal or drink, without even breaking a sweat. Any kind of edible creation she makes, is perfect, down to the cellular level."
Both Lisa and Muriel's eyes shine with adoration for Lucille, despite her not even being in the room.
[Julius]: "That does sound really useful."
He smiles, agreeing with Muriel.
The three continue to drink their tea for a while, taking in the sunset that is clearly shown through the narrow windows behind Muriel.
[Muriel]: "Lisa, darling. Could you please get me my special handkerchief. Its in my office on my desk."
Lisa gets up from her chair. Smiling and gives her mother a thumbs up.
[Lisa]: "Id be happy to."
As Lisa walks towards the large dining room door, leaving through it, and closing it behind her, the room falls silent, and is filled with a completely different aura from before.
Muriel takes another slow sip from her cup, before speaking, her voice taking a more serious tone.
[Muriel]: "I know why your here, Julius."
[Julius]: "Hn-What?"
She looks into his eyes, her expression neutral as she leans her elbows on the table, resting her head on her hands.
[Muriel]: "You wish to marry my daughter, don't you."
Julius is rendered speechless for a moment, his jaw open wide.
[Julius]: "Wha-....WHAAAATT!"
[Muriel]: "Don't be so loud! Its okay, i want whats best for my daughter too, you know. I want my daughter to get married to a lovely man. But i don't quite trust you just yet. For all i know, you could just be some con artist trying to get to my money by marrying into my family."
Her face has a more sour shade now, putting Julius on edge as he tries to regain his breath.
[Julius]: "You've got it all wrong, Muriel. I really don-"
[Muriel]: "Oh stop it! I see the way you look at my daughter. You see the same beauty in her that i do, so stop trying to make excuses, ill just have to test you, to make sure you really are who you say you are."
[Julius]: "A-aah-"
Before Julius could speak, Lisa opens the door, and runs up to the table, placing her mothers handkerchief down in front of her.
The mood completely shifts, Muriel's face suddenly turns to that of glee again.
[Muriel]: "Oh thank you so much, darling. I knew i could count on you to get it for me."
She says while ruffling the hair on Lisa's head, getting a giggle out of her, and a wide smile, before she sits back down across from Julius.
His face still shows his shock, confused about the sudden change, but has the feeling that she will deny it if he tries to tell Lisa.
[Lisa]: "Are you okay, J? You look pale."
[Julius]: "U-um, yeah, I'm okay."
Smiling at Lisa, who gives an affirming smile back, filled with affection and happiness, knowing that her new friend and her mother are getting along.
After finishing the tea in all their cups, and looking out the windows once more, seeing the dark, starry sky, Muriel lets out a long yawn, stretching her arms above her head as she does so, which really emphasizes her large Chest.
Julius looks away with a blush, Before the door to the room is opened again. Opened by the butler, that walks up to the end of the table, and bows.
[Lawrence]: "The cargo has been unpacked and put away, Lady Astoria."
[Muriel]: "Thank you, dear. Lawrence, its about time for bed, would you please show our guest here to a room."
[Lawrence]: "Of course, Lady Astoria. Sir, please come with me, this way."
As Julius stands up from the table, Muriel smiles at him with her eyes closed, waving goodbye to him and humming.
Following Lawrence to the door, Lisa runs up to Julius and wraps her arms around him in a tight hug. Allowing him to feel the blush that has formed on her face.
[Lisa]: "G-goodnight, J. Sleep well, kay'."
He hugs her equally as tight, leaning down to embrace her properly. As he hugs her, he can see Muriel looking at them with a wide smile, and mischievous eyes.
This causes him to flush a subtle red color, and pull away from the hug.
[Julius]: "Goodnight, Lisa. I'll see you in the morning, alright. Sleep well for me."
He says with a beaming smile, which rubs off on Lisa, who returns the grin with a cute giggle.
After saying goodnight, he follows Lawrence out of the Dining room, closing the large door behind them.
They walk in silence, headed to the room that had been quickly prepared for Julius. After a while of walking, he decides to try and start a conversation with the butler.
[Julius]: "So, Lawrence. Do you...have any aspects? Like Lucille?"
He glances over his shoulder at Julius while walking, his face remaining neutral.
[Lawrence]: "No."
[Julius]: "Right, so... do you do any cooking as well? Or do you have a different job here?"
[Lawrence]: "I'm the groundsman. I care for the gardens and do the labor work. Lucille is the one who works inside. She cleans. She cooks. She prepares the clothes and changes the sheets. She does her job better than i could ever hope to do mine."
Julius can sense a bit of emotion slipping through the facade that Lawrence has up. He can hear a tinge of jealousy in his voice, but also deep admiration.
[Julius]: "I see. Well, I'm sure you are great at the things you do, you also have a really important role in making the manor look presentable, i have respect for you, Lawrence."
Glancing back at him again over his shoulder, his face retains the same expression, but this time, a small glint in his eye, one that betrays his emotionless mask.
He turns his gaze back to the long hall of doors before us.
[Lawrence]: ".....Thank you."
Julius smiles, his heart warming, knowing that he could make even just a somewhat good impression on the staff.
[Lawrence]: "Here it is. This is where you will be staying tonight."
He opens the door, allowing Julius to walk in first. The room is large, Contains a bed big enough for three people, and has a table and chair in the corner.
[Lawrence]: "Bathroom is 16 doors down, to the left. Please don't try to wander around at night."
His mind once again shifts into disbelief at the mention of '16 doors down' as if it were normal for a house to be that big.
[Julius]: "Oh, um, right. Thank you, Lawrence. Goodnight."
[Lawrence]: ".....Goodnight."
He closes the door behind him as he leaves, allowing Julius to take in the room alone. On the bed is a change of clothes, ones for sleeping in, bearing the same style as the people of Cataphrania wear.
[Julius]: "I suppose i should change out of these gowns, I've been getting way too many judgemental looks and its only my first day here."
He removes his gown, folding them up, and placing them on the table in the corner of the room. Then puts on the new set of clothing that he was given.
There is a mirror on the other side of the room, one that he looks into once he is dressed.
He wears a loose, and breathable, white robe. Tied with a soft, silk belt at his waist. It resembles a simple kimono, but with a long coat at the back.
Julius takes several minutes to look at the new clothes in the mirror, enjoying the way it makes him look.
[Julius]: "These look great. Far better than the hospital gown i was in."
He gets into the bed, which is extremely soft and comfortable. He thought he would be able to sleep in no time at all. He thought wrong.
An hour passes, and he is still awake. The moonlight shines through the window, illuminating the room enough to see.
He tries to close his eyes, think of nothing. Count sheep. Do any thing. But he cannot sleep. He cant keep his mind away from his family. He cant help but feel sad and lonely. How did he end up here. Why did this happen to him. What were his family thinking right now. Were they worried? Were they sad? Did they cry? Did i cry? Am i crying? Did i die? Am i dead? When did i die? How did i die? I already know the answer to that- These are the thoughts of Julius Rogers, a man that had found himself in a strange world. A strange world that his eyes had never seen before. They spoke a language, that his ears had never heard before. The streets smelled of magic, that his nose had never smelled before. The silence of the moonlit forest around the manor, the trees rustling in the wind. a peaceful hum of the creatures and insects that inhabited it. A sound his ears had never heard before. And a girl.... Someone that helped him purely out of the kindness of her own heart, someone that saw loneliness in his eyes and didn't judge him for being weak or sick...a feeling he had never felt before...
His thoughts were interrupted. A knock at his door.
He heaved himself out of the bed, with a soft grunt. Walking over to the door. He couldn't hear anyone behind it. So he moved his hand to touch the door knob, hovering over it for a moment that felt like it lasted forever. Who would be at his door right now- He thought.
Opening the door, his eyes widen at the sight of a familiar, cute face.
Lisa, who was dressed in a similar night outfit as him, fidgeted with the hem of the belt, before slowly looking up at him. Her expression, filled with an apprehensive and embarrassed gaze.
[Julius]: "Lisa?"
She looked up at him, her face turning a subtle pink as she gives a small smile at his words.
[Lisa]: "Hey, J..."
She slowly reaches up, offering her hand out with spread fingers.
Her gaze flickering to the floor for a moment, then back at him.
[Lisa]: "U-um...Walk w-with me?"
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