We got down from the carriage and looked toward the door, where the steward of the house was already waiting for us.
"Good day, Flame Sage. Duke Alaris is expecting you. My name is Gustav; I am the steward of this estate."
"Hello. Has the Duke not come to greet us himself?"
"Please forgive him—he was unable to come personally. Our master's health is currently not well."
"Then take us to the Duke."
"Please, follow me."
Gustav gave a respectful bow to Master, then turned and led us into the house.
I followed behind Master as we stepped inside. As we entered, I took a good look around. The first thing anyone would notice was the finely crafted staircase leading up to the second floor, directly in front of the entrance. Above the stairs hung a large portrait.
The painting showed a man, likely in his forties or fifties, dressed in a ceremonial military uniform. His hair was pitch black, and his posture was regal.
[This must be Duke Alaris… He looks quite young for a noble.]
We turned down a hallway to the right, following Gustav. As I marveled at the home's beauty, Master and Gustav chatted politely, maintaining a respectful and formal tone.
"If I may, Sage of Flame, I have a question," Gustav asked softly.
"Go ahead, what is it you'd like to know?"
"The boy with you—who is he?"
"My student."
"Forgive me for asking, but… is he blind?"
"No."
"Then why is he wearing a blindfold?"
"Some things are better left as they are."
"Apologies for my inappropriate question."
"No harm done."
[How much must this place have cost to build? Just one of these paintings might be worth more than I'll earn in a lifetime.]
As I became absorbed in the grandeur, I started to fall behind. Master called out to me without turning around.
"Don't lag behind."
"Okay, Master!"
Gustav led us into a spacious room. Inside, luxurious couches surrounded a large table, all upholstered in fine hides from hunted beasts. The windows across from the door poured sunlight into the room, enhancing its already opulent appearance.
"Please wait here," Gustav said, turning to Master. "With your permission, I will inform my lord that you've arrived."
"Go ahead," Master replied.
After Gustav left, Master sat down on one of the couches. I followed and sat next to him. He glanced around the room, as if expecting someone to appear.
Not long after, Gustav returned and addressed Master.
"Lord Valorant, the Duke is ready to receive you."
"Attu, stay here and don't touch anything," Master instructed.
"Understood, Master."
Valorant left with Gustav, and I remained seated.
"Right this way," Gustav said, leading him up to the second floor, where the Duke's bedroom was located.
He opened the door for Valorant. Inside, the room was dimly lit. A single man lay on the bed. A weak voice came from him.
"Old friend Valorant, is that you?"
"Yes, it's me."
"Forgive me for not greeting you at the door… and for receiving you in this condition."
"It's alright. I can see how serious your condition is. I understand."
"I hear you're doing well."
"Better than you, clearly."
"There's no need to say it—my state isn't exactly heartwarming, except maybe to my enemies. The cold weather must've made your journey difficult."
"Not at all."
"Gustav told me you've taken on a student. What's his name?"
"Attu."
"For someone to convince you to be their teacher, he must have some special talent."
"You could say that."
"It's young ones like him that will secure peace for our nation."
"You're not wrong. Why have you summoned me?"
"As you can see, my condition is worsening," the Duke said, coughing hard mid-sentence. "My time is nearly up. You must have already figured that out."
"Let me guess—one month at most?"
"As always, you see more than others with a single glance. Yes… I'm dying. I've already arranged my estate and successor in my will."
"You want me to protect him, don't you?"
"More or less. I won't ask you to guard him forever—just escort him to a certain place."
"Who is it you want me to escort?"
Meanwhile, after Master and Gustav had left the room, I sat quietly on one of the expensive couches, enjoying the peace and silence. But then—I sensed someone watching me. From the doorway, a figure stood, staring in my direction.
I could feel someone watching me from behind—not only that, I could hear their breathing too. I quickly turned my head to see who was watching me.
At that moment, I saw a girl standing at the door. She had long, shiny hair, beautiful eyes, and wore a long black robe. She looked to be about my age.
[Who is this girl? Judging by her expensive clothing, she must be related to the Duke—maybe his daughter?]
When I looked at her, she immediately hid behind the door.
I knew she hadn't left and was still standing there, so I tried not to look in her direction.
[She's still behind the door… Why is she hiding there? Did something happen? No, it doesn't seem like that. If she needed something, she would've said something. But then, why did she hide the moment I looked at her? And if I look away, she starts watching again… Maybe I should just ask her directly.]
I stood up and began walking toward the girl.
"Hi!"