Arius left the Duke's office, the cold, weighty conversation with Kaelion still echoing in his mind. His crimson eyes reflected the faint light filtering through the tall windows, glowing with a mix of determination and quiet frustration. Despite the heavy expectations placed upon him, Arius refused to falter. He adjusted his small yet deliberate strides as he made his way toward the library. It was his haven, a place where the endless stacks of books provided both knowledge and solace.
As he walked, his sharp gaze caught a familiar figure further down the hallway. It was Conrad, shuffling toward his room with an unsteady grip on a pile of books. His shoulders were slightly hunched, and his brown hair was as untidy as always, sticking out in odd directions from hours of study or chores.
Arius couldn't help but smile softly. Conrad might have been shy and clumsy, but there was something endearing about his earnestness. The older boy had proven himself to be a quiet but dependable presence in Arius's life—a rarity in a family built on secrecy and power.
"Conrad!" Arius called out, his voice warm and cheerful.
Conrad froze mid-step, startled by the sudden sound of his name. He turned quickly, almost dropping the books in his arms. His wide brown eyes locked onto Arius, and his face flushed with embarrassment. "A-Arius! I didn't see you there!"
Arius approached with an easy confidence, his crimson eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're terrible at sneaking around, you know," he teased lightly, gesturing toward the stack of books Conrad was carrying. "What are you doing with all of that?"
Conrad adjusted the pile awkwardly, his face reddening further. "I—I was just returning these to my room. I finished reading them…"
Arius raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he regarded the older boy. "Returning books to your room? How boring." He tilted his head slightly, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "Why not come with me to the library instead? There are bound to be better books there."
Conrad blinked, his expression shifting between hesitation and surprise. "The library? But… I—I don't want to get in your way…"
Arius stepped closer, his voice softening as he placed a hand on Conrad's arm. "Conrad, you're not in the way. I enjoy your company," he said sincerely. "Come with me. You might find something you like."
The kind words took Conrad by surprise, and for a moment, he simply stared at Arius. Then, slowly, he nodded, a small smile breaking through his nervous expression. "Alright… if you're sure."
"Of course I'm sure," Arius replied with a grin. "Now, let's go."
The two boys walked side by side, their contrasting personalities creating a quiet but comfortable balance. Arius's bold and confident strides matched Conrad's more cautious and deliberate steps. As they rounded a corner, Arius's sharp eyes caught sight of an unfamiliar figure standing in the hallway ahead.
The boy had messy black hair that flopped over his forehead in soft waves, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. His youthful face was round and soft, radiating the mischievous energy of a child constantly on the move. He stood on tiptoes, examining a tapestry on the wall with the kind of intense focus only a six-year-old could muster.
Arius slowed his pace, narrowing his eyes as he studied the stranger. "Who is that?" he muttered, more to himself than to Conrad.
Conrad squinted, clutching his books tighter as his cautious nature took over. "I… I don't know. But he doesn't look like he belongs here…"
Before Arius could respond, the boy turned and noticed them. His face lit up with an enthusiastic grin, and he waved energetically. "Oh, hi there!" he called out, his voice filled with youthful cheer.
Arius stepped forward, his expression calm but curious. "Who are you?" he asked directly, though his tone was not unkind.
The boy didn't seem fazed by the question. He bounded over to them, his grin never fading. "I'm Cealan! Cealan John Halcyon," he said proudly, puffing out his chest. "Youngest son of Duke Halcyon. Nice to meet you!"
Arius exchanged a quick glance with Conrad, who looked both nervous and surprised. The Halcyon family was well-known for their mastery of swordsmanship and their dominance in the East of the Empire. Cealan's presence here was unexpected, to say the least.
"The youngest Halcyon," Arius mused aloud, his sharp mind already piecing together the reasons for the boy's visit. "What brings you to the North?"
"My father's meeting with your Duke," Cealan explained casually, rocking back on his heels. "But all that stuff's boring, so I decided to explore! This place is huge!"
Arius smirked, his crimson eyes softening slightly. Cealan's unbridled energy was a stark contrast to the cold, calculated atmosphere of the Nyx estate. "You're not wrong about that," he said. "We're heading to the library. Want to join us?"
Cealan's grin widened. "The library? Absolutely! I love books!"
Without hesitation, he fell into step beside them, his boundless energy filling the previously quiet hallway. As they walked, Cealan peppered them with questions about the Nyx estate, the North, and the library itself. His enthusiasm was infectious, and even Conrad—usually shy and reserved—found himself answering the boy's questions.
"You're really smart," Cealan said to Conrad, his blue eyes wide with admiration. "You know so much about this place!"
Conrad's face turned bright red, and he stammered, "I-It's nothing, really… I just… I've been here a while…"
Arius chuckled, watching the exchange with quiet amusement. "Don't let him fool you, Cealan," he said, glancing at Conrad. "He's one of the most diligent people I know."
Conrad's blush deepened, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "T-Thank you, Arius…"
When they finally reached the library, the grand wooden doors loomed before them, intricately carved with depictions of mythical creatures and ancient symbols. Arius pushed the doors open, and the trio stepped inside.
The library was as breathtaking as ever, its towering shelves filled with countless books. The golden light from the tall windows bathed the room in a warm glow, and the scent of parchment and ink hung in the air. Cealan let out a whistle of amazement, his eyes wide as he took in the sight.
"This is incredible!" he exclaimed, running ahead to examine a nearby shelf.
Arius watched him with a faint smile before turning to Conrad. "You can relax, you know," he said gently. "We're here to enjoy ourselves."
Conrad nodded, his grip on the books loosening as he set them down on a nearby table. "You're right… thank you, Arius."
Together, the three boys began exploring the library, their laughter and conversation filling the vast, quiet space. For Arius, it was a rare moment of companionship, and for the first time in a long while, the weight of his burdens felt just a little lighter.
To be continued.....
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New Character
Cealan John Halcyon (Youngest son of Duke Halcyon)
Age: 6
Height: 120 cm
Appearance: Messy black hair, bright blue eyes, and a soft, youthful face that radiates curiosity and energy. His features are still round and childlike, with a mischievous smile that often hints at trouble.
Characteristics: Playful, curious, and always eager to explore, energetic, often seen running around or playing, and is unafraid to speak his mind. While he's still quite young, he has a sharp intelligence that allows him to understand complex ideas. He's also very friendly and loves meeting new people.
Hobbies: Playing outside, running around the castle, testing his skills with wooden swords, drawing, and listening to stories.
Dislikes: Being told what to do, being confined indoors for too long, and when people underestimate him because of his age.