The large doors opened, and a woman stepped inside. She wore long robes in deep blue and silver, decorated with intricate symbols. Her outfit looked like something a mage from old times would wear. A staff was in her hand, tapping softly on the floor as she walked.
An older man, dressed neatly, approached her. He gave a slight bow and said, "Welcome, Madam. Lord Matthias has been expecting you."
She nodded, her expression calm. "Lead the way," she said in a firm but even voice.
The man gestured for her to follow, and they started walking through the quiet halls. The manor was large and silent, with walls covered in tapestries and dim lights flickering on the walls. The woman glanced around as they walked but showed no reaction.
"This way, Madam," the man said, turning down a smaller hallway.
As they walked, the woman suddenly spoke. "Is the boy around?" she asked with a calm but direct tone in her voice.
The butler glanced at her. "I believe he is, Madam. Likely in the garden or courtyard, training. Shall I fetch him for you?"
She shook her head lightly. "No need. I'll go meet him myself," she said. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "Just inform Lord Matthias that I have arrived."
It wasn't typical for a guest to skip greeting the Lord of the manor first, but the butler didn't question her. Her tone left little room for argument. With a respectful nod, he turned to leave.
The woman, meanwhile, adjusted her grip on her staff and made her way toward the courtyard with steady and purposeful footsteps.
She stepped into the courtyard, and her gaze was immediately drawn to the figure in the center. Lucius was indeed practicing, a wooden sword in hand. He moved with precision, and his body twisted and turned to make sure there were no excess movements.
He shifted his stance, executing a series of movements that flowed seamlessly into one another. Each strike was calculated, and his form, flawless. Not a single error marred his practice.
The woman stood silently at the edge, narrowing her eyes slightly as she watched. There was a calm confidence in his actions, an ease that spoke of discipline and skill beyond his years. She didn't interrupt, content to observe as he continued his routine.
Lucius finished his final swing and lowered the wooden sword, standing still as he caught his breath. He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, with a calm but focused expression on his face.
The woman stepped forward from where she had been watching, her staff tapping lightly on the stone ground. "Hello, Lucius," she said, her tone even. "I must say, your technique is impressive."
He turned to face her, his posture straightening. "Thank you," he said, his voice polite and measured. "And greetings to you as well, Madam."
After a brief pause, he added, "May I ask who you are?"
The woman gave a small, amused smile. "I see you don't recognize me," she said. "That makes sense. I've been at the forefront of the battle for so long, I haven't had much time for anything else."
Lucius tilted his head slightly, studying her.
"I am your aunt," she continued, her voice steady but carrying a faint warmth. "Your father's sister. My name is Arlena."
Lucius's eyes widened slightly in surprise, though he quickly masked it with a respectful nod.
She rested her staff lightly on the ground. "I'm also a mage of some renown," she added. "Perhaps you've heard of me through others in the mage community?"
There was no arrogance in her tone, just a matter-of-factness that came from years of experience. It was clear she wasn't exaggerating her status.
Lucius's grip on the wooden sword tightened slightly as he processed her words. His father had rarely spoken of his family, so hearing of his aunt came as a surprise.
Arlena continued, her gaze steady. "Your father chose the path of a magic swordsman, combining skill with the blade and magic in harmony. I, on the other hand, am a mage through and through." She gave a small shrug. "Though I've retired from active duty now."
She shifted her weight slightly, resting both hands on her staff. "These days, I've been tasked with teaching students about magic. It's a change of pace, but a necessary one."
Lucius nodded politely, though his curiosity was evident.
"In fact," she added, "I'll soon be appointed as an instructor at the academy. You'll be joining there in three years' time, won't you?"
His brows raised slightly at that, but he gave a respectful nod. "Yes, that is the plan," he replied.
"Good," Arlena said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Then consider this your first lesson."
Arlena adjusted her grip on the staff and glanced at Lucius with a faint smile. "But before then," she continued, "your father has asked me for a favor."
Lucius tilted his head slightly, his curiosity deepening.
"He requested that I teach you for at least a month before I leave for the academy," she said. "It's not something I usually do, but I cleared my schedule and agreed to it—for him."
Her tone was calm, but there was a hint of something softer beneath her words. It wasn't often she stepped away from her responsibilities, but it seemed this was an exception she was willing to make.
In Lucius's mind, her words lingered. For her to clear her schedule and agree to teach him, she had to be a big deal. A respected figure. The thought made him wonder what he could possibly offer her as a student. Could he even meet her expectations?
Before he could dwell on it further, Arlena spoke again. "Would you mind a sparring session with me?"
Lucius's eyes lit up, and he straightened with a grin. "Oh, I don't mind at all! Let's do it now!"
Arlena raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by his enthusiasm. "Now?" she repeated, a faint chuckle escaping her. "I thought you'd want to prepare first."
He tilted his head, his tone playful. "Wait, do you need to rest from your journey first? Is that why you're hesitant?"
Her lips curled into a smile, and she shook her head, amused. "Really? Okay then. Let's have the sparring session now."
They moved to the training field, where the other servants and trainees quickly cleared out, sensing something unusual was about to happen. The open space became quiet, the air charged with anticipation.
Arlena turned to face him, her staff held lightly in one hand. "All right, Lucius. Attack me with everything you've got."
Lucius gave her a sly smile. "Are you sure? You might not be able to handle it."
She smirked, her voice calm but firm. "Bring it."