Authors note: Read to the end please.

Ivy and ferns grew through the crevices of an old winding stone path, which led directly to a colossal structure - the mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence.

In a wide yet detailed ballroom sat a throne, upon it a youth. The youth bore an arrogant yet intelligent appearance; his face was delicate like a flower yet fierce as a tiger. Sitting on the throne made him out to be a ruler, a majestic being overlooking the world from a much higher plane. Before him stood a humble subject and his entourage, the subject was a man that looked to be from noble origin but not arrogant in the slightest in front of the mighty youth.

“Lord Longmain, your mansion is as extravagant as described and your mere presence light’s up the place”

“Enough with the formalities Vicount Mare Evergreen, are you interested in acquiring the property or not?”

“Lord Longmain, men who go straight for business, one can only admire”

Mare Evergreen took a pause as his face turned into one of consideration.

“I am indeed interested in acquiring the property. But the price is a bit exaggerated. As you may know I have three mansions with equal esteem under my banner.”

“And the price for those estates was in comparison much cheaper.”

The youth gave out a silent frown.

“Lord Evergreen, you must have heard of the legend of Corai?”

A smile sparkled across the viscount’s face as he spoke up in acknowledgement.

“Obviously, everyone with a higher education in arts and cuisine have heard of the legendary moonlight painter, Cosai”

“Legends state that he only drew during night to incorporate the essence of the moon in his paintings. Which he deemed to be the most beautiful being in existence”

The youth smiled in response as he spoke up

“It seems a Viscounts education is sufficient enough to at least have knowledge of such a small matter.”

The Viscount couldn’t help but fret. The tone and manner Lord Longmain presented his arguments obviously made him out to be a much higher position, as he was looking at a commoner from high above.

But the Viscount could not retaliate. Lord Longmain was in reality a man of very high status, and rumors had it that he even had ties as high as the royal court. Offending the man could mean everything from execution to lifting of regal titles.

“Viscount I ask you this. Didn’t I state in my hand written letter, everything in this house including the entire interior would come with the estate? Did I not?”

“You did.”

A coy smile started to appear on the youths face as he continued to overlook the excessive Viscount.

As the viscount spotted the smile and even bigger one came to be upon his face.

“Are you saying?”

The coy smile remained on the youths face.

“I can’t believe it; to have acquired one of his legendary works. If it wouldn’t be too much of a problem could I have a look?”

The youth opened his mouth and let two words slide of his tongue

“Look around”

The viscounts eyes were currently sparkling as he agitatedly started gazing on the paintings on the walls. Several thoughts ran across his mind as he laid his eyes on the detailed paintings. The hall currently had four of them - every one of them remarkable to say the least. The viscount could feel his heart rate beating; he knew that this would be a deal of a life time. The youth was actually a fool; Mare knew that the price for a Corai painting far exceeded the extra price added to the estate but obviously he wouldn’t tell this ignorant youth such a key piece of information.

The viscount smile had grown a large margin. Noticing this he gathered his energy to conceal it.

“So are you interested?”

The youth said still holding onto that coy smile of his.

“I certainly am. But the price is still a bit high don’t you think?” The Viscount calm appearance was still very much present. But on the inside he was beaming with happiness.

The youth couldn’t help but snort. As his coy smile turned more sour by the moment. As a man with keen eye sight the Viscount instantly recognized the change in mood and spoke up to recover the situation.

“But since Lord Longmain has been such a great host, obviously I will show courtesy and offer up the full price.”

The smile once again returned across the youths face.

“No Viscount Mare, you’re courtesy and noble spirit have made me witness you in a new light. How about fifty thousand gold coins instead?”

The viscount could no longer contain his beaming smile as it blossomed on his rosy face.

“Thank you, Lord Longmain, and as a token of good faith if you ever need something do not hesitate to ask”

The youth nodded smiling in response.

“This is a rather inconvenient request but could you pay the money upfront. I am currently stuck in a rather twisted financial situation. You can take your belongings and move in two nights from now as I get some personal belongings out of here.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

The viscount appeared doubtful. Because this was not a conventional way to conduct business but his doubt quickly disappeared. He was talking to Lord Longmain a man rumors told was straight forward and honest, sometime almost to a fault. Lord Longmain was also a representative of the royal court and any foul play would amount to severe consequences.

“Yes, Lord Longmain that will not be a problem”

“Keith!” The Viscount yelled. Moments later a slave currently in Mare’s entourage stepped forward.

“Yes, my lord”

“Give, Lord Longmain the amount agreed upon!”

The fragile yet diligent slave Keith picked up a small pouch and ran over to the youth. This pouch was known as a special pouch and was a convenient way to store any number of items. Keith gave the bag over to Lord Longmain, he accepted it and placed it beside him without inspecting its content, a gesture of trust.

“You may take your leave. I will be gathering my belongings together, Viscount you are free to return in two days’ time.”

“Thank you Lord Longmain, I will take my leave.”

The viscount signaled his entourage as they left the estate in a quiet matter.

“Ahh, what a nice day”

The youth said as he proceeded to his bedchamber. The evening was slowly approaching and the tiredness of an eventful day had crept up from the depths of the youth’s body. The extravagant king size bed was luxury even for kings and the youth crept up between the bed sheets with a wide smile on his face.

The next day the youth prepared breakfast from the remaining ingredients still left in the house as he sang a song in a peaceful manner. As he was done the front door of the estate flew up in a dominating swing as a number of soldiers proceeded to storm. By estimation there were over thirty of them. The youth was in no hurry as he continued to sew on the tasteful peach. As the guard came across the kitchen a soldier screamed in surprise

“There is someone here!”

The long spear pointed against the youth’s throat as he continued to bombard him with questions.

“Who are you?!”

“What are your doing in his lord’s Mansion”

“Drop the fruit!!”

The youth just casually responded with

“Get that spear out of my face”

Heavy footstep could be heard as a middle aged man walked into the room. He put his hand in the air signaling the soldier to stand down.

“Young man, I am Lord Longmain ruler of the Saylin province. State your business here or get executed”

The Lord was by no means calm but knew he had the situation completely in his palm

The youth frowned disdainfully as he wiped of a crumb from his outfit.

“Longmain you better get your guard’s under control or his majesty will not be pleased”

The middle aged man that once appeared arrogant was beginning to grow ever more curious.

“Who are you?”

The youth casually took a step forward before talking once again

“I am Lord Liren, Son of General Liren of the third army and an envoy of the royal court.”

A terrified expression instantly caught on. The middle aged man was very revered on the conduct of Lord Liren’s son. He was an arrogant youth that even provincial leaders had to be fearful of. Lord Liren his father had such power that even the king himself had to be varying in his very presence.

“My apologize Lord Liren, my men are still very untrained.” The middle aged man said as he diverted a death stare against the soldier that had pointed a spear against the young lord.

“If I could inquire, why are you in my house?”

Anger started to appear on the youth’s face as he answered in a haughty manner.

“Do you think that I should stay out in the cold?”

The middle aged man was currently terrified as he answered quick and decisive

“Of course not my lord, stay as long as you want”

“I am actually taking my leave. I just came to inform you that the king had summoned you.”

“But your disgusting soldiers have ruined my mood.”

“Maybe I’ll have my father burn down this house”

The middle age man was beginning to sweat as he imagined the consequences of offending such a lofty young lord.

“No please my lord, if there is anything I can do to make up for my soldiers ignorance please let me know”

“Hmm, I am actually in need of a bit of money. Father has been rather tight regarding my economy lately. Why don’t you give me twenty thousand gold and we call it even?”

“Yes, of course my lord”

The middle aged man signaled a man. Which ran over and put the pouch in the young lords hand.

“Good”

“Then Longmain I will take my leave. Remember a summon must be answered before two days’ time or his majesty might issue consequences.”

“Lord Liren, I will gather my entourage and leave tonight”

“Okay. Have a good day Lordmain and remember not to offend me again.”

The youth said as he slowly left the mansion.