Nathan - POV

  As we entered the castle, I was astonished. I had sincerely thought the inside would be as gray and uninviting as the exterior. Don’t get me wrong; the stones were still gray and dull, the same lifeless granite that gave the fortress its brooding silhouette; but the decorations and artworks softened the gloom. Numerous paintings lined the walls, tapestries hung heavy with color, and animal heads mounted above the arches gave the place a primal, almost intimidating charm. It was less gloomy inside than outside, though the shadows clung stubbornly to the corners like watchful sentinels.

  We were guided deeper into the inner chambers. The corridors twisted and turned, each bend revealing another hall lit by torches that flickered against polished shields and gilded frames. Finally, we arrived at a well-lit chamber where a herald stood waiting. He was a thin man with a sharp nose, his voice trained to echo across stone.

  Father stepped forward with calm authority. “I am Lord Jakob Mayweather-Abensberg, and these are my sons, Lord Jack and Lord Nathan.”

  The herald bowed low, then bellowed with ceremonial grandeur: “Announcing House Mayweather-Abensberg...Lord Jakob, Lord Jack, and Lord Nathan!”

  Well, that was a mouthful. As soon as our names were announced, Father signaled us to follow him. All eyes turned toward us. The chamber was crowded with nobles, merchants, and retainers. Children and teenagers mingled among them, their laughter and whispers weaving through the air. It would have been strange if the birthday of the count’s son lacked youthful guests.

  A man of regal bearing approached, his stride confident, his cloak trimmed with silver thread. “Ahh… Lord Jakob. Lord Jack and Lord Nathan, welcome! I am Count Jan Nobesk, and this is my son, Lord Mark...the birthday boy.”

  We bowed to the count and greeted his son. Mark was already a teenager, tall and broad-shouldered, with the kind of arrogance that clung to his smirk. His eyes gleamed with entitlement, and though he thanked us, his tone carried the faintest edge of disdain.

  Father presented our gift: a beautiful sword forged by a well-known blacksmith in the city. “Please bear with our small gift. It is the best we could do at such short notice.”

  Mark accepted it, thanked Father, and handed it off to his servant almost immediately. His lips curled in a polite smile, but I could see the disappointment flicker in his eyes. He was aware enough not to appear ungrateful, but the gesture betrayed his lack of appreciation.

  “Lord Jakob, I hear that you are from Shaxaian?” Count Jan asked, his voice smooth but probing.

  “Yes, we were from there. We escaped before the whole empire fell. We are on our way back to some of our relatives,” Father replied. Relatives? I knew that was a lie, carefully woven into the story we had planned.

  “Oh, I see… I heard the whole land is embroiled in chaos and war. I do hope you are prepared for it.”

  “We still have a long way to go before we reach the western ports. We have already commissioned mercenaries to accompany us there,” Father said.

  “Mercenaries? That must have cost you a lot of gold.” The count’s eyes glinted with greed. I didn’t miss it. He was planning something.

  “I believe so. One of my relatives is already at the western ports in the kingdom of Grastira with substantial men. He is waiting for us to join him there.”

  “Ah, I see. Grastira is still a long way from here. Do be careful. The roads between here and Grastira are notoriously full of bandits, orcs, and other vile creatures.”

  “Oh yes… we have already had several encounters on the way here. Thank the gods we were able to defeat them,” Father said.

  “That is good to know. Where is your wife… or lover? You do have one, don’t you?” Count Jan asked, his tone sly.

  “Unfortunately, my wife passed away years ago,” Father lied smoothly.

  “Oh, that is unfortunate. Perhaps you will be able to find someone to fill the space in your heart,” Count Jan said with a smile that felt more like a trap than sympathy.

  “Perhaps,” Father replied curtly.

  “Well, enjoy the party. Eat and be merry. You are my guests here.”

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  “Thank you, my lord count,” Father said.

  The count drifted away to greet other guests, leaving us momentarily free. Father leaned toward us. “Boys, follow me. We will eat, then leave afterwards. Let’s not stay too long here.”

  We obeyed, taking seats beside him at one of the long tables. The exchange had seemed mundane, but my instincts screamed otherwise. Something about Count Jan’s tone, the greed in his eyes, the probing questions...it all felt wrong.

  I reached out mentally to Krizek. Krizek, find out if this count has any nefarious plans against us.

  As you wish, master, Krizek replied. I saw him slip quietly from the chamber, his presence vanishing into the crowd.

  “Where is Krizek going?” Belle asked, her eyes following him.

  “He is doing what I instructed him to do earlier,” I said.

  Anda looked at me as if I had grown a second head. “Lord Nathan, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that you can order around one of the most well-known adventurer parties to do your bidding. You must have either paid them a fortune or they have tremendous respect for your family.”

  “I met them when I was three or four years old. I became close to them, as they are to me and my family. Still, I can say that I have earned their trust,” I explained.

  “Coming from a seven-year-old is still strange,” Belle added with a shake of her head.

  I chuckled. “That’s what my family always loves to tell me.”

  Jack grinned mischievously. “Yup, that’s my brother. Even though he’s still a child, he acts and thinks like an adult. Maybe he’s just weird… or possessed.”

  “Enough of that. Let’s eat, then leave,” Father interrupted firmly.

  Possessed? What the hell, Jack! Thankfully, Father saved me from further embarrassment.

  I had never been to a noble party before. The closest thing was a military gathering back on Earth, where we dressed in Type A uniforms and mingled with politicians. This was different...very different.

  The rectangular table stretched long, laden with roasted meats, fruits, and pitchers of wine. Servants moved with practiced grace, carving meat, pouring drinks, and replenishing plates. A massive spit roasted a boar in the center, its skin crackling under the fire. Musicians played softly in the corner, their lutes and flutes weaving melodies that filled the chamber.

  Everyone around us conversed animatedly, laughter rising above the music. Except us. Nobody spoke to me or Jack. Father was engaged in conversation with a noble seated beside him, but Jack and I were left to our own devices.

  I attacked the food in front of me, savoring the flavors. Jack followed suit, and soon Arden and Belle joined us. The food was good; rich, hearty, and filling; but the entertainment felt bland. Coming from the 21st century, I couldn’t help but compare. Medieval food had its own appeal, but it wasn’t Michelin-star quality. Still, it rivaled my mother’s cooking and the meals prepared by our servants. Perhaps I could introduce some modern recipes to this world someday.

  As we ate, Anda leaned close to Jack and whispered something that made him blush. I didn’t catch the words, but I noticed both glancing toward a group of noble girls seated across the table.

  The girls were prim and proper; their gowns embroidered with delicate patterns, their hair styled with jeweled pins. Yet their eyes betrayed curiosity. They were watching us...watching Jack, specifically. He was handsome, after all, with our parents’ strong features.

  I nudged him with my elbow. “Enjoying the view, brother?”

  “Err… yeah. Those girls are stunning,” he admitted.

  “Talk to them,” I urged.

  “That’s what Anda warned me not to do,” Jack said nervously.

  “Huh? Why?”

  “Because we don’t belong here and won’t be here for long. The parents of those girls might get offended if I... a nobody like me...talked to their daughters. Besides, they’re too beautiful for me.”

  “What? You have Father and Mother’s genes, and you’re a noble too. Maybe newly discovered, but still a noble nonetheless,” I argued.

  “Genes? What’s that?” Jack asked, confused.

  Damn it. “Err… I’ll explain later. Look, you need to start practicing talking to females of noble upbringing. We already know how to deal with peasants. If we’re to tread in the world of nobility, we need to adapt.”

  Jack studied me, his brow furrowed. “Nathan, are you sure you’re just seven years old?”

  “Yes, I’m seven. I’m just a wise seven-year-old,” I said with a grin.

  “You are a strange boy,” he said with a faint smile, ruffling my hair. “Still, I’m glad you are the way you are.”

  “Go now and speak with them before Father wants us to return to camp,” I urged.

  He rose to his feet and began making his way toward the far side of the chamber. Just as he started to walk away, I noticed Anda stand as well.

  “You are far wiser than most children, Lord Nathan,” Anda remarked.

  “I didn’t realize you were listening,” I replied, a little surprised.

  “I was,” he admitted. “And you’re right, Lord Jack should begin practicing how to speak with the nobility. But he must tread carefully. I’ll accompany him to ensure he does.”

  “Thank you, Anda.”

  He gave me a firm nod before following Jack toward the group of noble girls. Watching them go, I couldn’t help but smirk to myself. Apparently, I have just become a dating expert. The thought made me laugh inwardly.