Chapter 186 Ch. 186: It's been a while [3]
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a reddish glow across the landscape, and the rhythmic beat of hooves filled the evening air. Nathaniel, seated in the carriage with arms folded, peered out the window toward the expansive field before him. The fading sun bathed the meadow in a gentle light, vibrant wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze.
Nathaniel shifted his sight inward and found his brother sitting across from him. Adrian's features suffused with a gentle warmth emanating from the carriage's interior as he was engrossed in a book. Several hours had passed, yet he showed no sign of wavering from the book anytime soon.
When a thought kicked in, Nathaniel voiced it. "You never change—"
Adrian glanced at the sound and locked eyes with Nathaniel, noting a flicker of longing within those golden orbs.
"—you love books."
Without breaking their eye contact, Adrian closed his book and shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just my habit."
The truth was, he loved reading books. In his previous world, reading was a solace during lonely hours. Fortunately, his interest aligned with the original Adrian, which made people never suspect him of being an impostor despite their differing personalities.
Nathaniel chuckled softly, "Would you like some rare books, then?"
Adrian smiled, "I'd appreciate that." However, a familiar silhouette outside the carriage window caught his attention. "Oh, we're about to arrive."
Nathaniel followed his gaze, and the outline of a fortified wall came into view. In some places, moss and ivy clung to the crevices, while atop it, flags adorned with national coats of arms fluttered, proudly representing the land's owner.
As the carriage drew closer, the portcullis gradually lifted, granting them passage. Behind the stout walls, rows of knights and squires stood in disciplined formation, offering a unified salute as the carriage passed through. "We greet His Highnesses, the Imperial Prince Nathaniel, and Prince Adrian!" Their voices bounced off the wall.
Upon reaching the citadel's entrance, the carriage came to a halt, and Fredinand swiftly opened the door. Stepping down from the carriage, Nathaniel and Adrian were greeted by two men who bowed respectfully before them. "We greet His Highnesses, the Imperial Prince Nathaniel, and Prince Adrian."
Nathaniel nodded in acknowledgment, "You may rise."
Straightening their backs, Mathias offered them a warm smile. "Your Highness, it's been a while."
Nathaniel returned the sentiment with equal warmth. "Indeed, Lord Mathias. Too long, I dare say."
With a smile, Mathias gestured with his hands, inviting them to proceed. "Please."
Nathaniel and Adrian advanced, with Mathias falling into step beside them, while Fredinand and Rufus—Mathias' aide, followed closely behind. The cadenced sound of their footsteps echoed through the stone halls as they exchanged pleasantries and discussed matters of importance.
However, their conversation momentarily halted upon arriving in front of a grand twin door. Mathias turned toward Nathaniel, addressing him, "Your Highness, this will be your chambers."
Nathaniel met Mathias' gaze with gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Mathias."
Mathias respectfully inclined his head. "I hope you find your accommodations satisfactory, Your Highnesses. Should you require anything else, please don't hesitate to inform me."
Nathaniel nodded in understanding. "Your assistance is appreciated, Lord Mathias."
The man responded graciously. "It's my pleasure."
Veering toward his brother, Nathaniel bid him goodbye. "I'll see you at dinner."
Adrian nodded. "Certainly. Rest well."
The moment Nathaniel disappeared behind the door, Mathias pivoted toward Adrian and folded his arms, grinning smugly. "I thought you had forgotten me and went straight ahead to Agatha."
Adrian tilted his head, a playful smile gracing his lips, "I'm not that heartless."
Mathias chuckled and motioned for him to follow. "Let's head to your chamber."
With that, they resumed their stride.
Over the past two years, Adrian had formed a significant connection with the Lancaster family, especially with Sarah. Though Sarah—his grandmother, doted on him endlessly, Graham and Mathias often put him through rigorous training sessions, leaving him bruised and battered. Nonetheless, their guidance enabled him to gain valuable insights and skills.
Once they walked a distance from Nathaniel's chamber, Mathias conveyed his observations, "Your relationship with your brother doesn't appear as strained as you previously described."
Adrian sighed. "That's because we're working on repairing it. It's still a bit awkward between us, but not as tense as it used to be."
Mathias smiled and stoked his nephew's hair. "It takes time. But progress is progress, no matter how slow."
Adrian returned the smile, "Thanks."
For Adrian, Mathias was more than just a mentor. He admired Mathias' wisdom and deeply respected him, which made it natural for Adrian to confide in him. Adrian speculated that their familial connection might have played a role in his ease of opening up to Mathias. But, of course, Adrian refrained from disclosing the entire truth behind his strained relationship with Nathaniel.
But somehow, now, Adrian found it easier to talk to other people, perhaps because Graham and Mathias made him interact with many individuals during his stay in Lancaster's fiefdom, including military personnel and political figures. Reflecting on his past behavior, Adrian realized how much of a jerk he used to be. He was no different from a walking iceberg, incredibly difficult to approach, and showing little care for those around him.
Adrian grimaced inwardly, unable to suppress a cringe at his old self. He knew that people were bound to change, but Adrian was still surprised at how much he had grown. It might not have been the biggest change, but just as Mathias said, any improvement, no matter how small, was still progress.
Coming to a stop in front of another grand twin door, Mathias turned to Adrian and smiled. "I'll see you at dinner, rest well."
With a final pat on Adrian's shoulder, Mathias bid his farewell, and Rufus gave him a bow. As they departed, Adrian and Ferdinand entered the chamber. Feeling weary from today's journey, Adrian decided to take a nap before dinner.
An hour before dinner began, Ferdinand roused him from sleep. Adrian then took a shower, and Ferdinand assisted him in preparing for the evening. As they made their way toward the dining hall, a familiar voice called out.
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