As she crossed the threshold of the Sorll mansion, Elyandra felt as if she had entered a jewel chest. If the exterior façade was already a testimony to the opulence of the house, the interior transcended expectations, revealing a richness and refinement that seemed palpable in the air itself. The polished marble floors reflected the soft light of towering crystal chandeliers, each a cascade of glitter that would be worth the annual income of a small villa. Elaborate tapestries, embroidered with gold and silver thread, adorned the walls, depicting mythological scenes and the history of House Sorell in stunning detail.
Rare art objects rested on onyx pedestals, alabaster sculptures captured light ethereally, and delicate porcelain vases displayed exotic flower arrangements with vibrant colors. The aroma that hung in the air was a subtle blend of noble woods, soft incense, and the freshness of manicured indoor gardens. It was an environment where every detail screamed wealth and power, where even silence seemed loaded with value.
Elyandra was walking next to her parents, with Siris close behind, the little girl was watching everything with her attentive golden eyes. They were greeted by a row of impeccably dressed servants, who bowed deeply as a sign of respect on their arrival.
"Raise your heads," Lord Vaelric ordered, his deep voice echoing through the entrance hall.
The next instant, the Marquis de Sorell appeared beside her, a courteous smile adorning her face, though his eyes carried a calculated gleam.
"My dear Lord Valemortis, with all due respect, allow me to disagree. While his benevolence is admirable, we must always remember the distinction between our hierarchies. Order is the basis of our society.
Lord Vaelric raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze meeting that of the Marquis.
"Marquis, I am perfectly aware of the caste structure that governs our Empire. I know how to distinguish a nobleman from a commoner, and I understand the importance of order. However, I also know how to treat people with due consideration, regardless of their position. And, believe me, I'm well aware of the kind of hierarchy I'm in right now.
The Marquis let out a low laugh, trying to soften the slight tension that had set in.
"Ah, your frankness is refreshing, Lord Valemortis!" But I digress. We have more important issues to discuss. How about we retire to my office? There are maps and reports that will surely interest you, especially regarding recent border movements and the finances needed to maintain the integrity of our defenses.
Lord Vaelric nodded, turning to his wife.
"Altheria, my dear, would you mind accompanying us?" His acumen in certain matters has always been invaluable.
Lady Altheria smiled gently at her husband before turning to Elyandra.
"Honey, we'll be away for a moment." Be a good girl and always remember the education you were taught, especially being under the roof of another noble house.
She bent down, placing a soft kiss on Elyandra's forehead. Then he cast a meaningful glance at Siris, who responded with a warm smile and a slight nod, promising his constant vigilance.
With formal farewells done, Lord Vaelric and Lady Altheria followed the Marquess of Sorell into a side corridor, their low voices already engaged in discussions about military finances.
Elyandra watched her parents walk away, a whirlwind of thoughts crossing her mind. "Listening to their conversation would be extremely advantageous... Maybe I can pick up some crucial information about the true intentions behind this visit."
However, before she could take even a step in the direction her parents had headed, two familiar voices sounded behind her.
— Lady Elyandra!
As he turned around, he found Arcturus de Sorell with a radiant smile and, at his side, Callen Leonhart. To Elyandra's surprise, Arcturus held her hand gently, her eyes still charged with genuine joy.
"It's good to see you here. I'm very happy that you came.
Frustration bubbled subtly behind the façade of Elyandra's quiet courtesy. His plans to follow his parents and try to capture fragments of the political conversation slipped through his fingers, interrupted by the effusive reception of the young people. However, her face remained serene, her lips curled into a polite smile, the perfect image of a well-behaved young noblewoman.
"Lady Elyandra!" Arcturus exclaimed, his vibrant voice echoing through the entrance hall, holding the girl's hand with a warm grip and a contagious twinkle in his golden eyes. "It's good to see you here!" How have you been? It looks even more... radiant! Oh yes, I took the exam for the Royal Academy of Magic, I passed with 85% approval!
Mentally, Elyandra sighed, evoking the patience of a veteran player dealing with an overly animated non-playable character. "Energetic kids... somewhat complicated when they meet other children. It's as if a hyperactivity switch was flipped simultaneously."
"Lord Arcturus," Elyandra replied in her soft, melodious voice, withdrawing her hand gently. "I've been doing very well, thank you for asking." And congratulations on your approval at the Royal Academy of Magic. Eighty-five percent is a pretty high score. impressive.
Arcturus puffed up his chest with pride, his smile widening even wider.
"Oh, yes! It was quite easy, to be honest. The evidence was somewhat... Basic. And Callen passed too! He is incredibly intelligent, although he is not very fond of bragging.
Upon hearing her name, Callen, who until then had observed the interaction with his usual reserved expression, only nodded slightly, a remnant of his more comfortable demeanor with Elyandra momentarily obscured by the presence of others.
"What excellent news for both of you," Elyandra commented, maintaining a balanced tone. "I haven't taken the exams yet, but I intend to do so soon. It shouldn't be long.
"Two more future contestants coming my way... or maybe... Allies? It depends on how the game plays out. Arcturus appears to be pure energy, easy to manipulate if directed correctly. Callen... He is a more interesting unknown. Intelligent, reserved, but with a strategic brilliance that I noticed in our chess match, if I polish him well, he will be of great help at some point."
In the midst of the exchange of innocent words, Siris remained a few steps behind Elyandra, a soft, enigmatic smile curving her lips. His brown eyes watched the little noblewoman with a mixture of tenderness and amused expectation, as if he were watching a play in progress.
Arcturus' infectious energy, however, did not allow the conversation to remain formal for long. His eyes lit up with a sudden idea.
"Lady Elyandra!" Since we're here, how about we go to the courtyard? The Sorells' gardens are incredible! It has a huge hedge maze and... oh! Brought some enchanted soap bubbles! We can play a little before dinner!
Without waiting for an answer, Arcturus grabbed Elyandra's hand again, this time pulling her with youthful enthusiasm. The difference in size and the boy's energy caused Elyandra to be dragged a few steps, her expression keeping her composure hanging by a thread, although a slight almost imperceptible eye roll betrayed her slightly upset insides.
"Children... they are like small hurricanes of spontaneity. Logic and strategy are often swept away by sudden impulses. But... Perhaps there is something to be learned from this unpredictability."
With a forced but nonetheless polite smile, Elyandra followed the lively Arcturus, her little feet following the boy's quick steps across the polished marble floor. Callen followed them in silence, his posture more distant and observant, the nuances of his previous interaction with Elyandra momentarily hidden under the mask of social formality. The scene, with the energetic blond boy pulling the white-haired noblewoman with childlike determination, and the reserved boy watching with a pragmatic and calculated eye, painted a clear picture of the distinct personalities that now orbited the calculating young Elyandra Valemortis.
The courtyard of the Sorell estate was an expansive, manicured garden, with winding stone paths winding between vibrant flower beds and classical sculptures. An ornate fountain gushed crystal clear water in the center, and the air was perfumed with the sweet fragrance of roses and lavender.
Arcturus, with the energy of an excited puppy, handed Elyandra a small vial containing an iridescent liquid and a hoop made of a light, shiny material. His eyes shone with expectation.
"Look, Lady Elyandra!" They are enchanted bubbles! They glow with all the colors of the rainbow and last much longer than regular bubbles! Try!
Elyandra picked up the vial and the hoop with studied caution, as if she were handling an unstable magical artifact. She dipped the rim in the liquid and tried to blow gently, but the bubble that formed immediately burst.
Arcturus laughed, a childish, carefree laugh.
"Oh no!" You need to blow more skillfully! So, oh! He took the hoop back and demonstrated, blowing harder and more constantly, creating a large, glowing bubble that floated through the air, reflecting the colors of the garden.
He returned the hoop to Elyandra, encouraging her enthusiastically.
"Your turn!" Come on, Lady Elyandra! It's fun!
Elyandra tried again, frowning slightly in concentration. Another bubble burst. Arcturus tilted his head, watching her with an amused expression.
"Maybe you're blowing too hard?" Or too weak? How about like this? He came closer, putting his face close to hers, guiding his hand with the hoop. "Blow softly, as if you're telling the bubble a secret."
The scene was a comic contrast: the blond boy, with his quick movements and overflowing energy, trying to teach the white-haired noblewoman, with his usually impeccable posture, the art of making enchanted soap bubbles. Elyandra, for her part, struggled to maintain a semblance of dignity, despite the bubbles that stubbornly melted before they took shape. His lips formed a beak of concentration, and his golden eyes followed Arcturus's instructions with an almost martial seriousness.
In the distance, leaning against a marble pillar adorned with ivy, Callen watched the scene in silence. His expression was neutral, almost indifferent, but his eyes were fixed on Elyandra, capturing every detail of his interaction with Arcturus.
Next to him, Siris maintained her elegant posture, a soft and somewhat mischievous smile playing on her lips. His brown eyes shone with an amused observation of the situation, seeming to appreciate the more childish and disconcerted side of Elyandra. She didn't say a word to Callen, nor did he address her. His proximity was only a discreet presence, a silent shadow watching over Elyandra's safety.
Finally, after a few failed attempts, Elyandra managed to create a bubble that floated for a few seconds before bursting. A small, almost involuntary smile appeared on his lips.
"Hm. Interesting," she commented, her voice still maintaining a formal tone, despite the playful moment.
Arcturus clapped his hands, beaming.
"See?" You did it! One more! Let's make a giant bubble now!
And so, the scene continued, with Arcturus enthusiastically trying to engage Elyandra in childish play, while Callen watched from a distance with his apparent attentive indifference, and Siris smiled silently, witnessing the brief and amusing deviation of the white-haired noblewoman from her usual composure.
Despite the effort to maintain his composure while "playing" with the enchanted bubbles, Arcturus' vibrant and incessant energy began to take its toll. Internally, Elyandra felt her reserves quickly depleting. On the outside, his gestures remained graceful and his smiles polite, but a slight tiredness began to manifest itself in his golden eyes.
"My God... Where does he get so much energy from? It's as if I had swallowed lightning. I can barely keep my eyes open, and he's still jumping and laughing like the day has barely begun. I urgently need a break."
Siris, a keen observer, had noticed Elyandra's increasing effort to maintain her façade. A light and mischievous smile danced on her lips as she watched the little noblewoman's interaction with the boy. Moving with her usual quiet grace, she approached the small group.
"Lord Arcturus," Siris said in a soft, melodic voice, interrupting a particularly enthusiastic attempt by Arcturus to teach Elyandra how to make a dragon-shaped bubble, "Lady Elyandra, forgive us for interrupting the fun, but perhaps it was a good time to review some concepts." The Academy exams are approaching, and a little study never hurts, right?
Elyandra caught the cue instantly. His eyes met Siris's for a brief moment, and a glimmer of quiet gratitude flashed past them.
"Oh, yes! Siris is right," Elyandra agreed, forcing a discreet yawn and placing a hand on her forehead with an air of slight exhaustion. "The evidence... They are really worrying me a little. Perhaps a brief moment of study will help me clear my mind.
Arcturus seemed a little disappointed, but his gentle nature prevailed.
"Oh, of course, Lady Elyandra. Studying is important! But we can play around later, right? After your mind is very clear!
Callen, who stood a little away, watching the interaction, noticed Elyandra's genuine interest in the Academy's tests. A suggestion began to form in her mind, an opportunity to perhaps approach her in a way different from that imposed by political circumstances.
However, before Callen could articulate any offer of help, Arcturus, always the first to volunteer, exclaimed:
"I can help Lady Elyandra study!" I've already taken the test and I did very well! I can explain everything to you, Lady Elyandra! And Callen can help too! He's super smart!
Callen, caught off guard by the sudden inclusion, kept his expression reserved. He met Elyandra's gaze for a brief instant, an indecipherable glow flashing across his eyes before he turned his attention to Arcturus.
Elyandra, in turn, offered Arcturus a grateful smile, taking the opportunity to step away from the boy's overwhelming energy.
"That would be very kind of you, Lord Arcturus. Maybe we can find a quieter place to review some topics.
With one last glance at Siris, who returned a complicit smile, Elyandra allowed Arcturus to guide her into the mansion, leaving Callen behind, watching them walk away with an expression that mixed resignation and mild disappointment. The contagious energy of Arcturus, once again, had shaped the course of events, leaving Callen without the chance to offer his help in his own way.
Elyandra's golden eyes shone with an almost feverish intensity as she entered the library of House Sorell. Although the Valemortis library was vast and full of arcane and historical knowledge, the Sorells' collection possessed a particular charm for the young noblewoman. The bookshelves, made of exotic woods and adorned with ivory accents, curved under the weight of countless volumes bound in richly decorated leather. The aroma that hung in the air was an intoxicating mixture of ancient parchment, ink, and a subtle touch of oriental spices.
However, what really captured Elyandra's attention was the impressive section dedicated to trade and finance. Treatises on intercontinental mercantile routes, analyses of foreign markets, compendia of tax laws of distant kingdoms, accounting books of past centuries... it was a treasure trove of information that ignited the strategic mind of the young Valemortis like a flame.
She moved between the bookshelves with surprising agility, her delicate fingers sliding down the spines of the books as if she were caressing rare gems. A genuine smile, something rare in his usually controlled countenance, lit up his face.
"Oh, dear! Just look at this! 'The Fluctuations of the Xylos Spice Market'... I need to read this right away! And there! 'The Art of Negotiating with the Desert Clans'... fascinating! Oh, and that thick volume bound in dragon leather... 'The Secrets of Azmar's Royal Accounting'! It's like an intellectual amusement park!"
Elyandra practically danced among the bookshelves, her steps light and fast. She would pick up a book, flip through it avidly, her eyes devouring entire paragraphs in seconds, before putting it back down and running to another shelf, a murmur of excitement escaping her lips.
Arcturus, who followed her with an amused curiosity, paused a little away, observing the sudden transformation of the usually reserved Lady Elyandra.
"Wow..." he murmured, his eyes wide. "She... She was completely different out of nowhere! She looked so tired just now, and now... It looks like you've found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Siris, who was next to Arcturus, let out a soft, melodious laugh.
"Lady Elyandra has this... peculiarity, Lord Arcturus. When you find something that really interests you, your energy seems to have no limits. It's quite... interesting to observe.
Arcturus blinked, confused for a moment, before his eyes lit up again.
"Interesting indeed!" She seems to really like these trade books! Maybe she wants to be a great trader when she grows up! Or maybe... A queen who collects super high taxes from enemy kingdoms! That would be awesome!
Beside them, Callen watched the scene with a deeply puzzled look. His usual cold expression had been replaced by genuine curiosity. He followed Elyandra's rapid movements, trying to decipher the source of her sudden excitement.
For the three observers, the scene was almost surreal. The small, white-haired figure moved with astonishing speed between the bookshelves, his arms reaching for books in every corner. It was like watching a white figure running quickly, collecting books with the same voracity and determination with which a squirrel picks up nuts, running from one corner of the library to the other and seeming to "hide" them inside his knowledge-hungry mind.
Elyandra finally stood before a richly carved mahogany table, where rested a diverse selection of books that theoretically shouldn't have been her initial focus, arcane grimoires, history of magic textbooks, and elemental theory manuals? No, his books were focused entirely on economic reasons. She began to flip through them silently, her fingers dancing across the yellowed pages with an almost distracted familiarity, her mind still resonating with the mercantile information she had just absorbed.
Arcturus, watching her from afar, frowned slightly. He prepared to approach and suggest that perhaps studying for the Academy exams should follow a more ... traditional. However, before he could take the first step, Siris' soft, melodious voice stopped him.
"Lord Arcturus," she said with a subtle smile, "don't bother interrupting Lady Elyandra now." When she finds something that really captivates her attention, it's like trying to divert a river from its course. It's best to let it go with its flow.
Arcturus listened to Siris's words, his eyes fixed on the absorbed figure of Elyandra. A fascinated smile slowly spread across his face.
"I see... She looks really... Concentrated. Well, then I won't bother. Please, Lady Siris, let me know when Lady Elyandra is ready for more adventures!
With an excited nod, Arcturus withdrew, probably in search of other forms of entertainment in the vast gardens of the Sorell's estate.
Callen, who had remained silent watching the interaction, followed Siris with his gaze as she approached Elyandra. He followed her, keeping a respectful distance, his eyes fixed on the young noblewoman who turned page after page with astonishing speed. Her initial perspective was one of pure surprise, a slight discomfort in not being able to keep up with the frenetic pace with which she consumed the texts.
Siris, on the other hand, watched Elyandra with a restrained enthusiasm, an amused twinkle in her brown eyes. She seemed genuinely enthralled by the little noblewoman's sudden infatuation.
Callen then quietly moved to the other side of the table, getting a new perspective of Elyandra. Facing her, the intensity of his focus was even more evident. A clear, radiant smile lit up his face, contrasting with the studious seriousness of moments ago. His eyes moved so quickly through the lines of text that they seemed almost supernatural, absorbing information with an impressive voracity. She would finish one book and already pull another, her thirst for knowledge seemingly insatiable. Callen continued to stare at her, fascinated by the energy and intelligence that emanated from her.
Meanwhile, in Elyandra's mind, an aura of intellectual excitement enveloped her. She envisioned intricate trading systems, imagining various strategies for maintaining resilient financial front lines, how to shrewdly survive economic embargoes, and how to manipulate markets to advantage. Her mind was teeming with ideas, a whirlwind of possibilities that filled her with an almost anesthetizing joy, a purely intellectual ecstasy that transported her into a realm of numbers, flows, and economic power.
Finally, the last page of the book on the "Tax Implications in Conquered Territories" slipped through Elyandra's fingers. She closed the volume with a satisfied sigh, her lips curving into a slightly self-centered smile.
"Indeed, commerce is a complex cog," she muttered to herself, her eyes shining with newfound wisdom, "but when used well, it can open unimaginable doors.
Only then, as if awakening from an intellectual trance, did Elyandra realize the passage of time. She looked up, observing the environment around her. Siris was still there, standing silently just steps away, his loyalty and patience unwavering.
And in front of him, hunched over the table in a pose that was sure to make his noble lineage twitch, Callen slept soundly. His head was resting on his folded arms, a few strands of dark hair falling over his forehead, and his breathing was slow and steady.
"That's certainly not the scene expected of someone with noble pretensions," Elyandra commented, a slight amused tone in her voice.
Siris approached gently, her eyes fixed on Callen's sleeping figure.
He accompanied her in her reading, Lady Elyandra. He kept watching her, page by page, until sleep spoke louder and led him to this... rest.
Elyandra watched Callen for a moment, her mind working. "He stayed there... watching me as I read? Why? What is the reason for such attention? Was he really interested in the books? Or was there something else in his gaze while I was absorbed in my studies?"
The mystery of Callen's observational stillness hung in the air of the library, adding a new layer of intrigue to the encounter at House Sorell.