A sudden jolt pulled Alden from his daydream. Peering out the carriage, he saw a bustling street filled with people busy with their tasks. Occasionally, a few would bow deeply to the carriage before continuing on their way.
Mary picked Alden up, and they disembarked. A hush fell over the crowd as they stepped out, curious eyes fixating on Alden—the first glimpse they had of Baron Silverfield's younger son. People paused their work and gathered around the carriage, maintaining a respectful distance from the big and strong Rodrik.
Frederick smiled at the crowd. 'Hello, everyone!" he called out loudly. The people bowed in response.
"This is Alden's first visit to the estate!" Frederick announced. All eyes turned to the wide-eyed baby in Mary's arms. Alden giggled and waved his tiny hands, mimicking his father.
Surprise and delight spread through the crowd. "Long live the young master!" they cheered in unison, their voices full of goodwill. Alden, reveling in the attention, laughed joyfully.
As Alden giggled and observed the crowd, he noticed how healthy and strong the people looked—quite different from what he had imagined in a feudal society. But then again, this world, with its magic and unique orders, was unlike anything he knew from Earth.
Frederick waved one last time before Rodrik skillfully cleared a path for them. "Let's visit the Hunter's order first," Frederick said, leading them down a cobbled path toward a large building.
The building appeared ancient, constructed from cold grey stones and dark wood. Four tall pillars flanked the entrance, each carved with a fearsome, toothy creature. A heavy wooden door adorned with crossed axes marked the entry. Two statues of giant lions with long, pointy tails stood guard on either side. The place was quiet, with few people coming or going.
Rodrik pushed open the giant doors with a creak. Inside was a spacious room filled with many empty chairs. A woman in her thirties sat at a reception desk. Upon seeing them, she stood and bowed slightly to greet the Baron.
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“Greetings, my lord,” she said politely.
Frederick nodded in acknowledgment. The lady led them through the quiet hall and up a creaky staircase. They reached a large, ornate door, and the lady excused herself before stepping inside. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a giant man with a booming laugh.
"Frederick, my friend!" he boomed, enveloping the Baron in a hug that even surprised Alden. Could this be another important figure?
"Charles, how are you?" Mary asked with a bright smile.
"Doing great!" his laughter filling the room.
"Hello, Uncle Charles," Augustus said politely.
Charles ruffled Augustus' hair, his loud voice softer now. "The last time I saw you, you were just a little kid. Now look at you, all grown up and handsome!"
"Uncle Charles, this is my little brother," Augustus said, pointing excitedly at Alden.
Frederick puffed out his chest with pride. "Meet my second son, Alden."
Charles grinned widely and reached for Alden. Mary gently placed the baby in his large, rough hands. Alden stared intently at the man's thick mustache. Curious, he reached out a chubby finger to touch the impressive facial hair. Charles chuckled, the sound deep and rumbling.
"A lively one, isn't he?" Charles remarked, leading them further into the room.
The room they entered was spacious and elegantly decorated. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting dancing shadows on the walls. One entire wall was lined with bookshelves. A long table sat under a large window, allowing ample light to flood in. The walls were adorned with strange artifacts—skulls of unknown creatures, displayed prominently.
Charles settled into a large chair with Alden comfortably on his lap
Frederick clasped Charles's hand with a hearty laugh. "Charles, good to see you again! How have your travels been?"
Charles chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "Eventful, my friend. Eventful. We just completed a three-year mission hunting a pair of rare illusion earth beasts."
Frederick's brow furrowed. "Three years? With an entire party? Those beasts must have been incredibly powerful."
"Indeed," Charles confirmed, his voice gruff. "They were elusive creatures, masters of deception. It took one Second-Circle mage and two skilled Bronze knights to finally track and hunt them down."
Alden, perched on Charles's lap, listening intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. Though the conversation went over his head, the unfamiliar terms – Earth beasts, Circle mages, Bronze knights – painted a vivid picture of a world far removed from anything he'd ever known, a world steeped in magic and wonder.
The conversation between the two men continued for a while, filled with laughter and shared stories. Eventually, they rose to their feet, and the entourage made its way toward the central area of the estate, the heart of its economic activity.