I stood tall and proud, looking at the man before me. He has quite an impressive figure if I do say so myself. With a face comprised of the strong, aristocratic features, and a magnificent moustache that sat firmly on his upper lip. The streaks of grey, running through both his moustache and swept back hair, complimented his aged, but handsome appearance.
Those piercing blue eyes met my own, with a sharp gaze. He is god-like. His hearty belly told tales of all the fine foods that were privy to him, and was a characteristic that many of the aristocratic ladies fancied.
Dressed in finery, with a black waist coat, buttoned tight, and a light blue shirt beneath. His trousers were close fitting, the work of a master tailor and one that wouldn’t provide their services to just anyone. The polished, pitch-black boots into which the trousers were snuggly tucked were of the same high standard as the rest of the outfit.
Who is this devilishly handsome man, you may ask. Well, it’s this fellow I see every time I walk past a mirror. I gave the man in the mirror a smile, and he smiled back, with a dazzling set of pearly whites. Time and time again I’m left stunned by his majesty! That smile nearly blinds me each time I see it.
Running my hand through my hair, ensuring everything was neatly pushed back, I took a final few good looks at myself in the mirror.
“You handsome, old dog!” I chuckled. Truly, I am the envy of the entire noble community. I, Magister Edward Narsis, am not only a man over whom the ladies of the court swoon, but also hold the title of Magister. In my own unbiased judgement, I’d go as far as to say that I far surpass the magical expertise of the other Magisters of the Royal Court.
“Magister, your carriage is ready. Would you like to depart now?” asked a young servant girl from the doorway. She looked at me with that odd glint so many of my servants get, could it be that she too has fallen in love with me? So young, so naïve. Continue to dream child, one day someone right for you will come along.
I struggled to tear myself away from the gilded mirror in which I had studied myself for the past hour. The servant girl held her hand to her mouth, desperately trying to suppress what sounded like choking-coughs. Poor girl, she must be feeling poorly! I strode forwards, and placed both hands on her shoulders. My action took the girl surprise and the muffled choking-coughs ceased for a moment.
Her face was oddly red. Oh dear, my proximity seems to have cursed this young made with a love spell. Damn my innate beauty!
“Girl, you seem unwell, take the rest of the day off with paid leave” I said, ushering her out of the door. I can’t have this serving girl around for some time, lest she becomes as obsessed with my perfections as I am myself.
Leaving the girl behind, I walked quickly down the hallway to the front entrance of my manor house. The faints sounds of laughter echoed behind me, belonging to the voice of the servant girl from before. The joy I heard in this household each day, brought me such pleasure. These poor saps, destined to live as a peasants for the rest of the days can find such happiness in serving my great self. Although, none of them have ever explained why they laugh. It must be a commoner thing.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Soon I arrived at the front door, and swiped my dark grey jacket from the coat rack. Throwing it on over my outfit, I quickly made my way out of the beautiful manor. I am someone who appreciates art and splendour! Of course, when I had this home constructed, I paid all the expenses necessary.
I imported the finest quarried grey rock from the Southern Mountain Kingdom. These beautiful, smooth bricks that the manor was comprised of were said to have once been turned molten by dragon flame before cooling to produce the speciality export of those mountains.
The garden was equally impressive, with all manner of strange plants here and there, creating this menagerie of vibrant colours. Purchasing these off of those reclusive elves was perhaps even more expensive that constructing the building itself.
Unfortunately, I could not stay long to admire all the plants, nor the gothic styled architecture of my home, I was late. I mean, it’s not uncommon for nobles to arrive late, but right now I’m extremely late. It won’t be much of a party without me there… There are so many people relying on this old dog to bring some life to those dull events.
The carriage was waiting on the cobblestone street, the light pattering of rain beginning to dampen the ground. Without a word, I hopped onto the carriage and set off; the driver had knew where to go. It was quite late in the evening now, and the carriage travelled unhindered through the streets of the city. The only sounds were that of the rain and the hooves of the horses.
This city, whose roads I travelled, was the jewel of The Red Empire. This capital city, also known as Crim, is the centre of human civilisation in this ramshackle continent. The event to which this carriage was heading, was a banquet organised by the Emperor, to celebrate the birth of his new daughter. A momentous occasion indeed.
~~~
Finally, I’ve arrived! The elaborately carved, silver gates to the Royal Palace swung open, as my carriage was granted permission to enter. The guards in charge of this task were all dressed up in chainmail armour, and full face helms, the tabards painted with the crimson sword that is the insignia of our great empire. By equipment alone they looked to be far above the common rabble that were guarding the streets of the city, and yet they only manned the gates.
Such a display of wealth! I’m quite well off myself, but I doubt I could afford to pay even one of these fellows without getting rid of a good number of my current staff.
The carriage soon came to a stop before the entrance of the palace itself. It resembled a fortress more than the luxurious image one would normally associate with the home of royalty, but that’s to be expected considering the warring history of the empire.
Jumping out with excitement bubbling up in my stomach, I quickly walked into the building. Ignoring the attendants who rushed to offer assistance, I walked down into the banquet hall and hastily mingled into the crowd.
The hall was bustling. Ladies and gentleman of the highest pedigree mingled and dined amongst the great arches that supported the carved ceiling, which told the tales of the battles that formed our capital.
There was drinking and dancing, with the delightful melodies of famed musicians accentuating the already tasteful experience. I soon found myself by the long dining tables that lined the walls, and couldn’t help but greedily eye up the delicacies that had been piled high on each plate. Unfortunately, I’d need to pace myself in order to last the rest of the night.
“Edward? Is that you?” asked a familiar sounding voice. I turned to see that the voice did indeed belong to an acquaintance.