The carriage slowed down to a strut.
After two days of traveling, we had now reached the center of Hall's territory, the capital city of Dienin. There were only the four of us in the carriage with a coachman helming it. The atmosphere among the group was just as it used to be, Keith and Lily had come to terms with things in no time, but Maria was still not her usual self.
"Young master, we are about to reach the Castle soon. May I suggest you prepare to present yourself to the Marquis as soon as we reach? There is a high chance that you will be greeted by the others lords and ladies of the family at the door."
Yes, she was overtly formal and distant.
Not everyone in the world was mentally strong. Some things hurt some people more than they hurt others. I learned a valuable lesson from this incident. Stifling a sigh, I nodded at Maria.
"The gift we have prepared for the others, make sure to bring them out."
Maria nodded respectfully. She then continued speaking with all the grace of a maid and then some more. "Young Master, there might be some complications with your eldest sister. I don't think she would take kindly to you."
Was a formal maid supposed to be so blunt? Maria, you're breaking your character! Her mind must truly be a mess right now.
"Why?" I asked, though I wasn't very interested, it was still valuable information that could make a difference.
"Lady Vienna is said to be one with a lot of love for her siblings... Her 'three' siblings."
I had an eldest sister, an elder brother, a younger brother, and another youngest sister. Marquis Hall had five children with his three wives, one of whom the saints preserved. It seemed I wasn't counted in Lady Vienna's siblings here.
"She is not only caring but also overprotective of them. Word from the maid network is that she also keeps strong grudges."
I sighed and crossed my legs.
Strong grudges, huh?
"Young Master, your brother Leon has a burn mark on the back of his neck."
"Whatever, I'll handle her well. I am anyway not looking to meet my sibling but the next head of the territory."
Maria nodded and sat carefully again.
Looked like there were tons of troubles waiting for me.
***
We soon arrived at the castle of the Hall Marquis. The carriage came to a stop.
I swung the door open and stepped out.
Lined up in front of me were other employees of the place, but no one seemed to be standing out largely. Behind the faceless people, my eyes landed on the castle. Three beautiful towers of blue and white stretched out into the sky in a triangular formation. Below them, the fortified building made by alternating between bricks and stone slabs came into sight.
The building was vast and beautiful. Even the paint on the outer walls was maintained to a level of professionalism that made it seem that the castle was erected just yesterday. The bailey stretched a wide range forming the courtyard. Well-trimmed grass paths lead to the training halls, the garden, the pond, and lastly the entrance of the main building.
It all seemed as extravagant as the painting of a flower yet as natural as the flower itself.
I ran my hand through my hair, pushing it back from the side as my black coat over the white uniform fluttered in the wind.
A gasp sounded from the side, it was low but I didn't miss it. Many of the people standing in file to greet me were mesmerized.
Hah.
I flicked my hair again and smirked.
They gasped again.
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Next, I tried to pose and crack half a smile.
They gasped again, but it was much softer.
Maybe they liked it when I flicked my hair more?
I did it again, and instead of gasps I could only hear 'heh's
"U-uh..." From the center of the servants, one especially graceful yet elderly servant stepped forward and performed a deep bow.
"I greet Master Eugene, the lord of Apollon."
Wow.
Look. At. This.
I guess the Marquis was clear that I am called as the lord of Apollon and not as the child of Hall.
"I am Bartholomew, the head steward of the Dienin Hall Castle and the Hall estate. I hope there were no difficulties in your travel."
"There weren't."
Bartholomew stood upright and stared at me for a few seconds. "Young master," he said, slightly emotional. "You have grown into a splendid young man."
He was stepping out of the line as a servant of the Halls by saying that, but I didn't mind it much since it was a compliment.
I merely nodded while looking at the inside of the castle.
Bartholomew quickly understood my gaze and smiled.
"The Marquis wanted to meet you right as you came, but some urgent matters have forced him to delay it. I hope you don't mind it, Lord Eugene."
"It is fine."
"Then, I will guide you to your room, my lord. Please follow me."
I gave a quick glance toward the other three. They didn't have authority nor were they 'my' servants but rather the servants of the Hall family, they would have to go do their own thing for the time being, though they would be assigned to me anyway.
I followed behind Bartholomew as he guided me through the path and to the entrance of the main building. What was this urgent matter that came up? From what I had heard of the Marquis, he was sure to be a person to have fun nailing me down with his words, he didn't seem one to push it aside.
As we passed through, my eyes fell on another carriage being guided into the stables.
A familiar insignia was marked on the carriage.
One of two swords and a shield.
Mirxa.
Someone from the Mirxa territory, my direct neighbors, and the true guardians of the Ediab forest was here.
Was this related to Apollon too? Or was it my dearest information network that still thought it was a bandit troupe? Things were getting increasingly complicated.
Bartholomew pushed open the doors of the castle, letting me take in the glory of the entire place. Red carpets and mahogany plywood surrounded the ground and the walls while beautiful paintings and statuettes were lined up in different places at the castle's entrance.
I kept my gaze straight and regal, trying to think of any problems and their appropriate countermeasures.
Bartholomew was about to lead me up the stairs when a loud voice sounded out from behind me.
"Stop right there!"
I stopped.
Bartholomew turned around and looked at the source of the voice. Was he scared? His hands seemed to be saying so.
I slowly turned back. In front of me were beautiful locks of gold hair cascading down the even more beautiful dress of the person.
"Eugene Hall," the person said. She didn't look old nor tall, she was probably the same height as me. "I, Vienna Golden Hall have been awaiting your arrival."
There were thorns in her words.
I couldn't help but sigh.
How unreasonable.
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