As they rode, Asariel began to explain the dangers that the 05 Council posed to Jake.
“You must understand, Sir Jake, that the 05 Council is not to be underestimated,” his voice was laced with concern. “Through unknown means, their members have had a lifespan of over 300 years.”
Jake was taken aback by this revelation. “300 years?” he said, disbelief written all over his face.
“It may seem impossible to you, but it is the truth,” Asariel replied. “Even for this universe, that’s still double the average. Whatever Magic or sorcery the Council is involved in could possibly revolutionize our medical world.”
Jake was amazed. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live for 300 years, but it’d probably be all but pleasurable if it were anything like Jake’s last 18 years on earth.
300 huh…
But his thoughts were interrupted as the chariot came to a sudden stop. They had arrived to their location; The Snowhart Manor.
Wow…
The Manor was a sight to behold with its intricate walls and columns. It was surrounded with a garden filled with colorful flowers and plants that Jake had never seen before.
“It’s beautiful,” Jake said, his voice filled with wonder.
As Jake and Asariel entered the Manor, they were greeted by many maids and butlers who roamed the halls. They were busy with their duties, but they all stopped and bowed as Asariel and Jake passed by.
Jake was impressed by the number of staff in the Manor. He had never seen so many people working in one place before. As they walked further in, Jake’s eyes were drawn to the two giant staircases that led up to the second floor.
The staircases were impressive, with ornate carvings and lofty details. Jake couldn’t help but feel like he was in a palace. He looked up at the high ceiling and saw a large chandelier hanging in the middle. The whole scene was breathtaking.
Asariel led him up one of the staircases, and they arrived at the second floor. There, they were greeted by the main butler, Joshua. Asariel introduced Jake to him, and vice versa.
Joshua was a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression. He reminded Jake of a younger Alfred from Batman with his impeccable manners and formal attire. Jake couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated by him.
“Welcome to the Manor, Sir Jake,” Joshua said, his voice deep and commanding. “I hope you will find your stay here comfortable.”
Jake nodded, feeling a little nervous. Joshua initially gave off the impression that he was against the idea of Jake staying in the Manor, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on why.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Asariel noticed the tension between Jake and Joshua and intervened. “Joshua, please show Sir Jake to his room. I’m sure he would like to rest after his long journey.”
Joshua hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Of course, Lord Asariel. Follow me, Sir Jake.”
Jake followed Joshua down a long corridor until they finally arrived at a door. Joshua opened it and led Jake inside. The room was spacious, with a large bed and a window that overlooked an additional inner garden.
“Dinner will be ready in an hour. I hope this room will suffice until then. Please feel free to use the shower; you will be provided with fresh new clothes in no time.” Joshua said, his tone softening a little.
“It’s perfect,” Jake said. “Thank you, Joshua.”
Joshua nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. Jake collapsed onto the bed, feeling exhausted. He couldn’t believe the events of the past few days. He had gone from being some average guy working at a local fast food place, to being a prisoner, to then living in a mansion in another world.
What else does the future hold?
But for now, he was safe.
Mental Note - try not to get tortured again.
He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, in the safety and comfort of this newfound Manor.
***
The long wooden table was laden with plates of bacon, sausage, breads and pastries. Jugs of ale, mead and wine were set out for drinking, along with pitchers of cider.
At the center of the table, a whole roast boar lay, tusks jutting out. Its savory aroma mingled with the scent of roasting turnips and parsnips, fresh from the kitchen.
Magic imbued candles floated mid-air along the length of the table, illuminating the room with a warm, flickering glow.
This sure beats my lunch break sandwiches…
“Is this all for me?” Jake asked.
“Yes, Sir Jake. Lord Asariel will not be joining you for dinner tonight.” Joshua replied, his tone formal.
“I see…” Jake said as he sat on the only visible chair.
The silverware was what you’d expect from any bourgeois family back on earth. Too many plates, forks, and knives to even count. The regret of skipping his high-school etiquette class slowly started creeping in. But thankfully, whether it was truly to attend to an important matter, or simply to spare himself from seeing Jake’s unclassy use of the silverware, Joshua excused himself and left.
The following 30 minutes could only be described as pure bliss for a guy like Jake, so much so that he couldn’t help but do an almost cartoonish belly rub after the meal.
Joshua, meanwhile, hadn’t returned and Jake doubted he had any plans to. So he gave himself the freedom of looking around.
The hall had grown quieter. If Jake had to guess, according to his ‘trusty’ mental sundial, it was about 7 PM. The sun had started to set and there seemed to be a significant decrease in staff numbers.
Why not go for some exploring…
His first destination was the inner garden. After a bit of shuffling, of course, he did manage to find it. As he walked through it’s winding paths, he took at the scenery with a sense of detachment. The garden was meticulously maintained, with bushes trimmed into neat geometric shapes and flowers arranged in precise patterns. But for Jake, it was all just a blur of greenery and colors. Something about everything that had happened in the past 2 days finally dawned on him, and he found himself just going through the motions of events.
It wasn’t until he reached the center that he snapped out of his daze. He saw Asariel standing in a clearing, sword in hand. He appeared to be warming up for something, and when he saw Jake, a smile crossed his face.
“Oh Jake, how convenient. Long time no see,” Asariel said, waving at him.
It’s literally only been a few hours…
“The night is young, how about you join me for some sword play? It’ll do good to the mind and body.”
