The snowstorm that had blanketed the North for days had finally calmed, leaving the Nyx estate enveloped in a thick, glistening coat of snow. Sunlight streamed through the frosted windows, painting intricate patterns on the floor. The cold air outside was sharp and biting, but inside the estate, the warmth from the fireplaces made the grand halls feel inviting.
In the playroom, Arius sat cross-legged on a soft rug, his crimson eyes scanning the collection of toys before him. Conrad, sitting a few feet away, was already engrossed in a wooden puzzle, his brow furrowed in concentration as he carefully moved the pieces around.
"Do you want to try something else?" Conrad asked, his voice soft and eager. He held up a small wooden sword, eyes hopeful. "We could have a duel."
Arius glanced at the sword with little interest, his posture never changing. "A duel? What's the point? It's not even sharp."
Conrad's face flushed with embarrassment, his hands clutching the sword tighter. "It's… it's not about the sharpness. It's about fun, isn't it? Come on, Arius, try to relax. Maybe you'll enjoy it."
Arius sighed inwardly. (Why do they insist on trying to make me act like a child?) Still, he couldn't refuse. He'd learned long ago that it was easier to go along than to resist. He picked up a wooden shield from the floor and stood up. "Fine. But don't expect me to go easy on you."
Conrad beamed, standing up as well. "That's the spirit!"
Their "duel" was short, with Conrad swinging the toy sword wildly, his movements clumsy but full of enthusiasm. Arius's blocks were smooth and precise, though his expression remained cool. He wasn't used to losing, even in games like this.
Before long, the door creaked open, and Becky stepped inside. Her sharp gray eyes immediately fell on the two boys.
"Master Arius, Master Conrad," she began in her usual authoritative tone, "it's time for your etiquette lesson. Please clean up and follow me."
Conrad slumped onto the floor with a groan. "Do we have to? I was just about to win!"
Arius shot him a sidelong glance, his lips twitching in amusement. "You weren't even close."
Becky's lips twitched as if suppressing a smile, but her stern demeanor remained. "Enough. Lessons are not optional. Clean up and let's go."
Arius, always composed, immediately began putting the toys back in their proper places. Conrad, though clearly reluctant, followed suit, tidying up the playroom with quick, careful motions. Within minutes, the room was in order, and Becky led them down the long, elegant halls of the estate to the study.
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During Lesson
The study was a spacious room filled with towering bookshelves and polished furniture. A long table stood in the center, set with parchment, quills, and ink. The boys took their seats, and their tutor, Mr. Aldrin, greeted them with a nod.
"Good morning, young masters," he said, adjusting his spectacles. "Today, we'll be focusing on table manners and proper greetings during formal gatherings. Pay close attention."
Arius listened intently, already familiar with the topic, and executed each exercise with precision. He balanced a book on his head, his posture impeccable, earning a nod of approval from Mr. Aldrin. Conrad, on the other hand, struggled to keep the book from sliding off, his face reddening in frustration.
"This is impossible!" Conrad finally exclaimed, his voice quiet but full of exasperation. The book slipped from his head, falling to the floor with a soft thud.
Arius remained calm. "It's not impossible," he said, picking up the book and placing it back on Conrad's head. "You just need more focus."
Conrad's hands trembled slightly as he tried to stay still. "Easy for you to say," he murmured, his voice laced with uncertainty. "You're always so calm."
Before Mr. Aldrin could reprimand Conrad for his lack of focus, a loud commotion echoed from the halls outside. The sound of hurried footsteps and muffled voices broke the quiet concentration of the lesson. Arius's sharp ears caught snippets of the conversation—something about an unexpected arrival.
"What's going on?" Conrad asked, craning his neck toward the door, his eyes wide with curiosity and worry.
Arius's attention shifted to Becky, who had just entered the room with a tray of tea. She hesitated for a moment, her sharp gaze assessing the situation, then placed the tray down with a soft sigh.
"It seems we have a guest," she said, her voice cool and composed. "Duke Halcyon has arrived."
Conrad's eyes widened, and his hands shook slightly as he looked between Arius and Becky. "Duke Halcyon? The one from the East?"
"Yes," Becky replied, her tone clipped and firm. "Now, focus on your lesson."
Arius's thoughts raced. He had heard of Duke Halcyon—a legendary swordsman and one of the empire's most powerful nobles. His reputation for charisma and combat prowess was well-known, and his close friendship with Duke Nyx had made him a figure of great interest. Arius's usual cool demeanor faltered for only a moment. (Why would he arrive unannounced? What could he want here?)
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A Summon from the Duke
After the lesson concluded, Benny entered the study. His calm, composed presence immediately commanded attention.
"Master Arius," he said with a small bow, "the Duke requests your presence in his office."
Arius nodded, rising from his seat. "I'll go at once."
As he left the study, Conrad called after him in a quiet voice, "Don't forget to tell me what happens!"
Arius offered a small wave of acknowledgment but didn't look back. His footsteps echoed softly against the marble floors as he made his way to the Duke's office, his mind full of questions. (Why would Duke Halcyon visit unannounced? What could be so important?)
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Duke Halcyon
When Arius entered the office, the room was filled with a warm glow from the fireplace. Duke Nyx stood near the window, his tall, imposing figure as commanding as ever. Beside him stood a man who exuded an entirely different energy—Duke Halcyon.
Duke Halcyon was tall, around 188 cm, with broad shoulders and a strong, athletic build. His short blond hair was slightly tousled, giving him a carefree appearance that contrasted sharply with Duke Nyx's pristine presentation. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with mischief, and his confident smirk hinted at a man who enjoyed bending the rules. He wore a tailored coat adorned with the crest of House Halcyon, but the relaxed way he carried himself made it seem less formal.
"Arius," Duke Nyx said, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Come in."
Arius stepped forward, his gaze briefly flicking to Duke Halcyon. The man's presence was overwhelming—there was a charm about him, but it was clear that power radiated from him just as easily as the warmth from the fire.
"So, this is the boy you've been telling me about," Duke Halcyon said, his voice rich and smooth. He crouched slightly to meet Arius's eye level, his smirk widening. "You've got sharp eyes, kid. I like that."
Arius tilted his head slightly, meeting the man's gaze with a steady look. "And you're Duke Halcyon."
Halcyon chuckled, straightening up. "Smart, too. You're going to be a handful, aren't you? Are you interested to have a new friend? My sons is about the same age as you"
"You're going on about your son's again" Duke Nyx said, his tone just blunt.
"So what? You go on and on about your new son too" Duke Halcyon said and laughed.
"Why am I even called here?" Arius said and already sounding bored and finding them weird to be together in one room since Arius can clearly see how opposite they are when it comes to personality.
"I called you here to introduce you to Elias and like he said, he has sons that are about the same age as you. You're still young. You should make friends. Sooner or later I'll introduce you to other Dukes too." Duke Nyx said in a calm and content tone.
"I don't mind as long as they won't be a bother." Arius said calmly.
"Do you find Conrad a bother?" Duke Nyx said and eyed him.
"Of course not. I appreciate his company everyday." Arius said immediately.
"Then you would feel the same for the other kids sooner or later once you meet them." Duke Halcyon said with a huge smile on his face.
(Looks like I won't be able to get out of this situation afterall.) Arius thought and just accepted defeat and will be obliged to make friends with the other Noble kids.
To be continued.....
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New Character
Elias Del Halcyon (Duke of East)
Age: 40
Height: 188 cm
Appearance: Short blond hair, piercing blue eyes, tan skin, strong build, casual but regal demeanor. Often wears tailored clothing with House Halcyon's crest.
Characteristics: Charismatic, confident, outgoing, humorous, loyal, fearless, adaptable, warm, but can be reckless at times.
Hobbies: Swordsmanship, horseback riding, hunting, playing strategy games, and storytelling.
Dislikes: Bureaucracy, overly rigid traditions, deceit, and unnecessary violence.