Chapter 71: Invitation from Count Hark
The next day, Clavor woke up early.
The sun had barely risen. The gray light of dawn filtered through the cracks in the window.
He put on a simple dark-blue tunic without embroidery and slipped into his leather boots. The sword rested at his waist, as always.
"I’m going to settle a few matters with Count Hark." He said to Aurora, kissing her forehead.
"I’ll meet you by the end of the afternoon."
"Be careful." Aurora replied, still sleepy.
"I always am."
He kissed Judite’s forehead, who didn’t wake up, and Lukas’s as well, who also remained asleep, then quietly left the room.
Hours later, when the sun had already climbed higher into the sky, Aurora, Judite, and Lukas went downstairs for breakfast before heading out to explore the city.
The morning air was cool, and the streets were beginning to fill with merchants opening their shops and people walking to work.
First, they went to the clothing store Aurora knew well.
It was located on Needle Street, the same district dedicated to seamstresses, tailors, and fabric shops. The storefront was made of blue-painted wood, with large display windows showcasing tunics, dresses, and cloaks.
Inside, rolls of fabric were stacked all the way to the ceiling, shimmering silks, thick wool, soft linen, and colorful cotton. Wooden mannequins displayed elegant outfits. The scent of new cloth and dye filled the air.
The shop owner, the same woman with round glasses, immediately recognized Aurora.
"Lady Dmond!" She exclaimed, setting aside what she had been doing to greet them.
"And with the children! What are we looking for today?"
"New clothes for Lukas." Aurora replied.
"He’s grown much too quickly."
Lukas was measured with a tape measure.
The woman brought out several options.
Light linen tunics in shades of pale blue, dark green, and white, adorned with subtle embroidery of the Dmond crest on the cuffs.
Durable trousers made of thick cotton in brown and gray tones, featuring deep pockets and reinforced knees.
Simple white and blue shirts with bone buttons down the front.
A small dark-blue traveling cloak with a hood, lined with sheepskin, perfect for cold days.
Lukas tried everything on, spinning in front of the mirror.
The clothes fit perfectly, comfortable, elegant, with enough room for him to grow a little more.
Aurora purchased several pieces, paying with silver coins that clinked against the counter.
"He’ll grow into quite the handsome young man." The woman said while wrapping the clothes in brown paper.
Lukas smiled, running his fingers over the new fabric.
"Thank you, Mother."
They left the clothing store carrying several bags. Lukas could feel the new fabric against his skin, comfortable and light. For the first time in months, his clothes no longer tightened around his wrists or left his ankles exposed. He walked with a lighter step, almost bouncing.
"Where to next?" Judite asked, skipping beside her mother.
Aurora smiled, effortlessly carrying the bags.
"The bookstore. Lukas deserves to choose whatever he wants today."
Lukas’s violet eyes lit up. He held his mother’s hand a little tighter as they followed the bustling street.
Eternal Books stood just a few blocks away, on a quieter street lined with small shops selling parchment and ink. Its facade was old, built from dark wood with golden details, and the sign creaked softly in the wind. As soon as they entered, the scent of aged paper, leather, and ink filled Lukas’s nostrils. Tall bookshelves stretched all the way to the ceiling, packed with leather-bound volumes, some bearing magical symbols engraved into their covers.
The owner, an elderly man with a graying beard and thick glasses, greeted them respectfully upon noticing the Dmond crest.
Lukas headed straight for the beast section. His fingers brushed reverently over the spines. He selected three books:
"Compendium of the Beasts of the Human Continent." A thick volume containing colorful illustrations of dozens of creatures, from red-eyed wolves to one-horned tigers like the one Clavor had slain.
"Ecology and Habits of Magical Beasts." Focused on behavior, diet, habitats, and how to domesticate weaker species.
"Ancient and Divine Beasts: Legends and Records." A rarer book with yellowed pages and golden illustrations depicting legendary creatures believed to be myths or long extinct.
Afterward, he moved to the geography section and selected two more.
"Complete Atlas of the Known World." Featuring detailed maps of continents, kingdoms, trade routes, and the territories of other races.
"The Unknown Frontiers: Continents Beyond the Sea." A volume discussing elves, dwarves, and the distant races.
Aurora paid without hesitation, proud of her son’s curiosity. The owner carefully wrapped the five books in thick paper and tied them with string.
"A very curious young man." The elderly man commented, smiling at Lukas.
"May these books bring you wisdom."
"Thank you." Lukas replied, hugging the volumes to his chest as though they were treasures.
They continued exploring.
They stopped at a sweet stall in the central square. Judite chose honey cakes, berry tarts, and a large bag of crunchy caramels. Lukas tasted one, feeling the sugar burst across his tongue.
Later, they entered a weapon shop. Judite became mesmerized by the children’s swords. Clavor had asked Aurora to purchase a new one for her, something lighter, yet of good quality. They selected a short steel sword with a braided leather grip and a simple handguard. Judite swung it enthusiastically through the air, nearly striking a shield on display.
"Careful, dear!" Aurora laughed.
The afternoon flew by amidst the bustling streets.
They visited a map shop, where Lukas bought a small map of the Kingdom of Rhyne, and a herb tent, where Aurora purchased several ingredients for tea. Lukas observed everything, the merchants shouting their offers, adventurers carrying weapons at their waists, and children darting between the legs of adults.
The city pulsed with life.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, they returned to the inn, burdened with bags. The main hall was illuminated by lanterns, and the aroma of dinner already drifted through the air.
They climbed back to their room.
Judite threw herself onto the bed, exhausted but happy.
Lukas arranged his new books on the table, flipping through the Compendium of Beasts with shining eyes.
The door opened.
Clavor entered, still wearing his simple attire, though his expression was serious. He held a parchment sealed with red wax.
"I’m back." He said, closing the door behind him.
Aurora approached, noticing the seal.
"What is it?"
Clavor handed her the parchment.
"A message from Count Hark. I received it this afternoon. It’s for us."
Aurora carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter. Her violet eyes scanned the elegant handwriting. A surprised smile appeared on her face.
"It’s an invitation." She announced.
"Count Hark invites the entire Dmond family to the birthday celebration of his youngest daughter, Lady Elara, who will be turning five years old in two days. There will be a banquet, music, and a friendly tournament for the children."
Clavor crossed his arms, leaning against the wall.
"He mentioned that it would be a good opportunity to strengthen ties between noble families. And that he would like to get to know our children better."
Lukas lifted his head from the book, surprised.
"Me?"
"Yes." Aurora replied with a smile.
"It seems your reputation as a precocious genius has already reached the Count’s ears."
Judite jumped off the bed.
"Are we going? Are we going? I want to see the tournament!"
Aurora looked toward Clavor, who nodded.
"We’ll accept. It is an honor. And a good opportunity for Lukas to see how true nobility functions."
Lukas slowly closed the book, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and slight nervousness.
Two days.
A noble celebration.
And perhaps... another chance to learn more about this world.
