The Silva estate stood as one of the most adorned places in all of Solis Keep, characterized by its five distinct and standout separate buildings. The largest building on the estate was the main house and it was the building furthest towards the back of the property, a splendid Japanese-style mansion designed in the shape of a horizontal "L." The mansion exuded an air of elegance and grace, reflecting the timeless beauty of Japanese architecture.
The "L" configuration of the mansion's layout created an inviting and harmonious space, embracing both the inner courtyard and garden. The design allowed for a seamless connection between different wings of the house while offering tranquil views of nature from various vantage points. The interior spaces were marked by the interplay of lightly shaded blue and snow white. To the left of the main building and further towards the entrance, was a simple traditional dojo with the same color palettes as the main house. Even though you could easily tell that it had seen both years of use and practice, it wasn't run down in the slightest, not even the wooden floors were any less clean than those of the main mansions.
To the right of the main building at almost the same distance as the dojo, there stood a bath house which was a sanctuary of serenity and purification. The entrance, adorned with an intricately embroidered Noren, welcomed visitors into a realm of tranquility. As one passed through the threshold, the air shifted to a mixture of warm wood and the faint scent of natural minerals. The bathhouse was a harmonious fusion of traditional architecture and modern comforts. Its design emphasized simplicity, with wooden panels and sliding shoji screens creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. Soft lanterns cast a gentle glow, guiding the way to the heart of the facility.
Separated into distinct sections for men and women, the changing rooms offered privacy and comfort. Polished wooden lockers held the belongings of guests, allowing them to shed the burdens of the outside world before entering the bathing area.
There was an English style clocktower Nestled within the estate near the front end that directly faced the main building and could be seen from pretty much anywhere on the property. Starting on the right from the bath house, the arrangement formed a large and spacious arc, with the clock tower near its apex, but surprisingly it didn't stand out in the slightest. Only rising a mere 20 meters high, it seamlessly blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with functional old English design. Its presence was truly unassuming yet impactful, nonetheless.
The final piece of the estate was the English tea house, which acted as the estate's charming retreat, a delicate fusion of simplicity and elegance. Its design pays homage to the essence of traditional English architecture, while its integration into the Japanese style estate adds a touch of cross-cultural charm. Built with a combination of timber and whitewashed walls, the tea house emanates a cozy warmth. The structure features a steeply pitched roof adorned with wooden shingles, offering a sheltering embrace against the elements. Graceful dormer windows punctuate the roofline, allowing soft rays of sunlight to filter through and illuminate the interior.
At the back of the mansion there was a pond about 15 meters wide in the center of a low grown garden, ever so often, the occasional red fishes that were identical to salmon would spring out, as if to catch a breath of air. It was a pleasant sight to watch without the prior knowledge that their jaws could easily snap through tree barks. The plants grown inside the garden, however, all seemed to be fairly normal compared to what was outside the city's walls, having seen those the added touch of normalcy was almost refreshing.
"Welcome back, Milady"
A stern voice greeted them at the entrance of the estate. It belonged to a man in a well-fitted tuxedo-like suit, who was clearly older than them both. His flowing white hair cascaded down to his back, gathered in a sort of ponytail style, and his eyes held a deep hue of chestnut brown. The katana he carried at his side seemed completely out of place with the English impression he carried. The man's left hand was already positioned firmly on his sword's hilt as he offered her a respectful bow. With a single, succinct command from the girl before him, he stood ready to dispatch anything that provoked her ire.
"How long was I gone, Fredric?"
The surprisingly English sounding name was clearly mismatched with his current appearance.
Turning towards the "Oh so convenient" clock tower he immediately replied, "If I recall correctly, you left at around 9 a.m. so it's only been two hours since."
"Oh, that was fast."
"But Milady, were you not told that I was set to escort you on the journey? I had only left to fetch some necessities I thought we might need, but when I got back you were already gone."
"O-Ohh was that how it was? I wanted to hurry and find this guy before he disappeared again." Levinia replied while looking over her shoulder and giving her cheek a slight rub with her index finger. Her bad habit was showing once again.
Fredric gave Kanon a disdainful glare, there were no words spoken but they both knew what it meant.
"I see, so you went to find him. Luckily nothing unforeseen happened."
"Enough of that Fredric. Is father ready for us?"
"Your father is finishing up some minor business, so he will be with you shortly."
"I see, if that's the case then show Kanon to bath house and provide him with a change of clothes, it's probably for the best after that long journey."
"Understood."
"Oh, would you happen to know where mother is?"
"If I recall -"
A voice suddenly interrupted the docile conversation
"Oh my, if it isn't Kanon~"
A single woman had immediately drawn the attention of the entire group. As she slowly approached, you could clearly see the gentle rays of sunlight bouncing off her delicate skin, and her golden pupils seemed to outshine even the rays of the sun. She shared the same smooth silver hair as Levinia, except hers possessed an abundant and elegant curly pattern. The primary difference between the two, however, lay in her preference for wearing her hair in a relaxed, free-hanging style that gracefully cascaded down her back. Adorning her hair were two vibrant golden hair ornaments, serving as clips positioned on either side of her locks.
"It's been a while since you visited so I thought something had happened between you and Levinia. I was really worried about it you know; even though she acts aloof Levinia usually seems depressed when you're not around, but she wouldn't tell me anything."
"Mother!" Levinia called out in embarrassment.
"It's good to see you Madam Celica, I hope you've been well. Nothing unfortunate has happened between us, I've just been going outside the city a lot more often." He gave a deep respectful bow to the noble woman before him as he spoke.
Levinia felt peeved as she witnessed him put on such a respectful performance.
He could feel the sidelong glance she was giving him as if to say - (We both know you're just acting polite.) But he decided to ignore it.
This was Celica Isabelle Silva. She was Levinia's mother as well as the mother of her two other siblings. Kanon was quite familiar with her since he had visited this estate quite a few times in the past, but it had been a while since he last saw her, and it somehow struck him as nostalgic. Her lively chest moved in its familiar rhythm, perhaps even more captivating than before. He was uncertain of her exact age, but she only seemed to get better with time. He could never tell that to the girl behind him though.
"You don't have to be so formal with me you know. Just call me Celica."
This time he got another deathly stare from Fredric, saying something along the lines of - (Don't you dare.)
"I appreciate the thought, but I simply can't address you so casually."
"Hmm....that's too bad then. I heard some mention of a bath earlier, you can go ahead. Julius should be ready by the time you're done."
"I'll take you up on the offer then."
"Before you go however, I've been wondering......what happened to your eyes?" Before he was able to leave, she stopped him in his tracks with a docile, yet commanding voice.
Kanon froze for a moment before answering.
"Oh, this is just something to help me with my arcanum control."
She paused for a moment and gave him a curious look, he felt as if her golden gaze was peering into his very soul.
"Very well then." Her tone was back to the usual cheerfulness he was used to.
With that Kanon was led away by the ever-astute samurai Fredric.
"What will you do in the meantime Levinia?"
"I'd like to meet with Nikolas."
"Your brother left shortly after you did, so It's anyone's guess as to when he'll return."
Levinia narrowed her eyes slightly as she held back her faint disappointment. "I see. Perhaps I'll go rest over by the tea house for a bit then."
"I think I'll join you." With that, the two silver-haired beauties that could easily be mistaken for sisters made their way to the estate's courtyard.
Kanon walked slightly behind the who could easily be called a samurai. There was an odd, yet familiar silence hanging in the air between them – akin to that of two close strangers.
He didn't know much about Fredric's past, but one thing he was certain of was his strength. Kanon had caught only a few glimpses of it before, but now, as they walked together like this, his certainty grew: Fredric was undeniably strong. His movements appeared almost subconscious yet deliberate at the same time.
His center of gravity remained steady, and his balance was flawlessly maintained even with each step. It was as if he possessed no vulnerabilities or openings. He couldn't help but stare in admiration.
"You've been staring for a while now, what is it boy?" The man said with his back still turned
"How did you know? Was that Senken?"
"Anybody could feel your gaze if you made it that obvious. But this Is a good opportunity so I might as well ask. Why do you follow lady Levinia around so much? Given the difference in your social standing and with your reputation especially, it just doesn't add up. I've been serving the Silva family for years now and yours is by far the most peculiar case I've seen."
The boy stared in thought for a moment but then gave his answer after only a few seconds.
"Well, it's more like she drags me around with her..."
Fredric shot him a sharp gaze over his shoulder that made his shoulders jolt, but he continued despite the fear he just felt.
"I can't deny the part about my reputation, and she certainly isn't the type to worry about social standing too much, but even without all that I think that's just the way she is. A kind, meddlesome girl that always strives to get her way."
"I see." That was the only response the swordsman gave, seemingly satisfied with the boy's answer.
There was a curious girl who appeared to be waiting at the bath house, in a maid outfit of all things, he couldn't tell if she was younger or older than him. Kanon had seen other maids and the like here and there on the estate, but this one stood out because of her height. She was only about 140cm tall, and her ashen grey hair was done in twin tail style with black ribbons that secured each of them. Her face was quite small and her features, while easily defined, seemed almost doll-like.
"I've been waiting for you, Sir Fredric and of course you as well Sir Kanon. Lady Celica informed me earlier while on her way to the tea house that Sir Kanon will need a change of clothes. There are two sets of clothes prepared for you inside, a fresh Kimono and something that's a little easier to move around in. I will also have your current garments washed." The doll like girl spoke, finishing the flood of information as if she'd been programmed.
"Well then Sophie, it appears my work here is done." The swordsman left those parting words, finally free from his tedious task.
(Wasn't it Fredric's job to bring a change of clothes?) Kanon silently wondered but it sems as though Celica expected something like this to happen.
"Something to move around in?"
"Yes, it was the master's request."
(The master? Oh, she must mean Levinia's dad.)
"Alright...Sophie, was it? Thanks for everything."
"My pleasure, Sir Kanon, please let me know if you need anything else." She bowed and left him with that as her final gesture.
Kanon wasn't used to such polite treatment at all and could only watch as her tiny frame disappeared toward the main building. His optimism soon returned though, as he entered the bath house, completely enveloped by steam. It had only been around 20 minutes, but Kanon was now done bathing. He honestly would've liked to relax a bit more since the place was currently empty, but he didn't have the guts to keep a noble waiting, especially not this one.
"Now then, where was I supposed to meet with him again?"
"Sir Kanon" A pleasant voice came from behind him.
Even after turning around, he wasn't sure where the voice had come from until he looked down. Her pink eyes met his, not showing a hint of emotion whatsoever.
"O-Oh Sophie, how long have you been here?"
"I only came back just now Sir Kanon. I'm to act as your guide to the designated spot."
"That helps a lot, you could easily get lost in this place."
"Well then, shall we be off Sir Kanon?"
"Lead the way Sophie."
"Understood."
The duo set off in a completely unexpected direction, Kanon with his change of clothes in hand.