In front of us is the leader of this domain. Well, not really, since he just confirms to us that he is just the de facto landlord of this piece of land - Fort Quogsagihaxee’e. Lord Ameniah calls him and as for the verification, he is named Captain Leonis. Captain Leonis of the Celamus business enterprises. Lord Ameniah is standing behind the captain whilst the main actor himself is sitting on his cozy chair, with a table to lay his arms and a stool to rest his feet on. I give my agenda towards the captain which he finds it dubious, and as it follows; asking me with these questions:
“Interesting! What dynasty are you?” I shake my head in response, which denotes that I don’t belong to anyone’s houses.
“A lowborn? A commoner, huh?” I nod my head and I reply with a simple: ‘Aye’.
“If so, do you have a patron with you?” in which I make a rather squinted look towards the captain.
“A sponsor.” I declare: ‘I am afraid, I don’t have’ after the captain’s clarification.
“Luckily, you have me in your presence. Therefore, your dream of accessing that prestigious school all around the supercontinent will be in naught.” the captain suggests a plan.
“First, both of you - Lord Guan and Lady Maison, need to adapt to your new names. Those are Clef and Maidelle, respectively.” Maison and I both nod to the request of the captain, “For you, Lord Guan, you may need of a patron who will gamble on you,... Who will support you through your journey to the University of Inglovian Occidental.” as I am excited, “Actually, he is a close friend of mine, he is from San Alphonse. He helps the development of this kind of strategic land. And I am thankful for him.” who? Who is the captain referring to?
First thing and foremost, why we have made up names instead of using our authentic birth names, it is because to Captain Leonis’s credit; since he knows who we are as of now, regardless of how hectic the conflict is between the Inglovo-Kehinan dispute - we are not so certain about how vigilant the troops of the Caliphate is. In order to protect our identity, our faces remain hidden in the eyes of the Inglovian public, however, our names are too easy to trace. Secondly, it is a rule with the relation upon my induction inside the school, a lowborn must be accompanied by a wealthy family in an indirect fashion. And of course, to omit suspicion among the students. Last but not the least, they are maybe oblivious but for the sake of our safety. The captain warns us about extra cautionary actions because if we are caught, there are no rooms for saving our asses. Mine is Clef, Maison's is Maidelle, while Lord Ameniah’s is Ash (Æ). Such wonderful cover up, indeed. I am not going to lie.
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“Maison, gentlemen,...” as the captain summons for our attention, “... I am pleased to confer this gentlemen behind the curtains…” the captain is not playing deceitful, whereas there is really a silhouette on that specific area, ”... representing the family whom Lord Guan, or Clef, in Inglovian jurisdiction will be assigned to - Lord Remer!” and as the man on the other side of the room appears before us.
“Hi, I am Remer - a delegate to the family of Dormitiar. It is a pleasure to meet you.” he genuflects in a noble style fashion.
And by Lord Ameniah’s background, he told me this: “Back in the day, I held a barony when I was younger…” and that is it. His words were convoluted and vague, therefore, I failed to understand and as of now. It seems Lord Ameniah still bears his sense of pride and duty as a former baronial lord of his own rights. Lord Ameniah responds with a bow of his own. Maison and I are looking at each other as we don’t know what is happening before us or what we have signed up to.
“What now?” non-verbally, Maison is staring at me, albeit she does not say a word but I know what she wants to direct to me by just that glance on me.
I shrug my shoulders, replying: “I don’t know…” as I return the message also through body communication.
Well, since we are clueless… how about we mimic Lord Ameniah and what will happen, then? I stand on my footing and pose into a gentleman-like posture then pose my best taking-the-knee. Perhaps, nothing will be lost. So why not? Maison then follows suit. A curtsy. The guest before us appreciates the gesture that we presented and he smiles at us.
“Thank you for the esteemed and warm welcome, all of you guys. I really appreciate it.” and as the fellow returns the gesture and also makes a bow towards us.
I didn’t know that a simple bow or taking-a-knee is so powerful! A basic act of prostrating oneself transcends to other’s conveying! Well, I think I should use this action more often. It’s quite ironic since Lord Ameniah and I are both lords of Kehina, however, I don't know how he feels about me or what he does see in me. I hope it is on a positive note, though. Lord Ameniah, please don’t hate me. I beg of you. Aside from Maison being my bodyguard, you are my ally. We should stick together under the threat of uncertainty, right?
“Lord Remer. On behalf of these guests behind me, I am pleased to be acquainted with you as well.” Lord Ameniah says, as he starts to make contact towards the delegate.
Lord Remer then reaches for the hand and smiles, replying: “Glad to have you, uhm?” he stops, wanting to ask for the name of Lord Ameniah.
“It is Ash (Æ). The captain’s associate.” Lord Ameniah answers, as to confirm it. The delegate looks at the captain sitting at his desk while the captain casts a smirk on his face and puts a thumbs up on his hand.
“But before that, who is the client here?” in my reaction, I raise my hand.