As the heavy clouds covered the skies, sunlight ceased to exist for a moment.
The harsh yet comforting breeze of the cold winds from the North down to the South scratched the skin of the person sitting on top of the roof.
His fur coat that had been given by his knight fluttered and his hair was dancing along the seducing gusts.
Sigh
His breath created a small cloud due to the lowered temperature.
Winter was indeed approaching, and in a fast pace at that.
What could be more assuring than being alone? Having company was not his cup of tea but he was trying his best.
'I am not going to turn a blind eye because you took part in your own demise'
Anger is an emotion created through the accumulation of unpleasant experiences and unfortuitous events which dealt a negative impact on the individual.
'But you are you and I am me'
But is it reasonable for another person to do the bidding of another person's anger?
It was, for him.
'I will do this on my own way' He thought.
---
Servants were busy arranging things.
From the food, decorations, and guest receiving, everyone had their own jobs to do.
But that's what made them qualified to become a part of House Belmiunde.
"I wonder what is the important announcement that the Headmaster will do" One servant spoke while she carefully organized the tables set on the House of Master's receiving area.
It was prohibited for any person without the Headmaster or the Young Master's permission to enter in the main mansion but this was an exception.
It was a sudden event that was announced throughout the kingdom.
"It is probably related to the young master" Another replied.
Pier Belmiunde's return was a well known rumor amongst the social circles but that's what made it still a rumor.
The House of Masters did not confirm such whispers across the wind and the Young Master did not show himself.
Did the young master really return?
They did not know.
"Maybe it was the reason only the young master's head maid and the other Lords can access the second floor of the mansion all the time they wanted to!"
Gasp!
They all took in deep breaths at the thought.
Only the two Lords accompanied by the Head Maid can freely go to the mansion's second floor as they please while the rest of the servants were given specific times that they could go inside the said area.
"It would be great if the young master really did come back" They all spoke and agreed.
---
His armor glistened even in the dark room.
Gideon took a deep breath as he held the sword on his hand. The blue sapphire stone in the middle emitting an attractive glow while the metallic body did not fail to go well with his shining armor.
The knight's chiseled face had a serious look on it.
His chest was beating fast but he strengthened his resolve.
"You look nice" He turned his head and saw his brother standing at the doorframe of the open room.
"Same goes for you, brother" Gideon spoke and Isaac laughed at the stoic expression his younger brother had.
"Nervous?" He asked and Gideon did not respond.
He was nervous, that's for sure.
Months ago, he was simply a knight who just took the first step in his dreams of becoming a well known swordsman.
Even amidst him being a fallen noble, he persisted and overcame the challenges.
Now, he was a knight of the kingdom's most powerful noble family.
It was a complete turn of his destiny.
The young master had changed the fallen noble's fate.
"You're doing this for the young master, right?" Isaac asked again but this time, Gideon nodded his head.
"Why?"
Is that even a question that needs to be asked?
"What do you mean "why", brother?" Gideon asked as he held the helm of his armor on his other hand.
"You could have simply thanked the young master for saving your life but it seems you became so devoted instead" Isaac joked and Gideon's eyebrows furrowed.
A frown was etched on his face which caused Isaac to laugh a little bit louder.
"I'm not complaining though, we're receiving the help of the young master because you are his knight and our Household will soon be revived completely" the older man spoke as he adjusted the collar of his clothes.
"Don't you feel the same?" Gideon asked and Isaac raised his eyebrow at the question.
"About what?"
"Serving the young master" he curtly spoke and Isaac grasped what he meant.
"I'm grateful for the young master and I am willing to serve him with my entire strength. However..." He trailed off as he watched his younger brother.
Gideon was staring at the mirror in front of him.
"Devotion is lethal to the weak, Gideon" Isaac stated which made the knight stop in his thoughts for a moment.
'Lethal, you say'
"That devotion is the reason why I kept moving forward, brother" Gideon replied without any hints of hesitation and the other person was amazed with his younger brother's resolve.
"If it meant I would die serving the young master, I'll gladly face even the gods who rules over the underworld"
---
"What should I do with your hair, young master?" Martha asked in a monotonous voice while she held the silk like strands of white hair in her hands.
Pier was sitting on a fancy stool while he faced the mirror.
His upper body was exposed while he wrapped a towel on his lower half.
"Cut it"
One command was enough for the maid to comply without hesitations.
Martha grabbed the scissor that was on the rack beside her and she focused more on the young master's white hair.
"Martha" Pier called when the head maid was in deep concentration.
"Yes, young master"
"Are the individuals I told you to invite coming?" He asked and Martha nodded her head.
Snap!
Strands of hair fell on to the floor.
"I have fulfilled your request of sending the invitations but I am unsure if they will come, young master" She replied.
Snap!
Another set of strands fell on to the floor.
"That's good. They'll come" Pier spoke as he watched his appearance in the mirror.
Snap!
---
"The Duke of the Kingdom's Central has arrived!" the servant announced and immediately, everyone's eyes were directed at the House of Master's entrance gates where a large carriage pulled by four horses stopped.
One by one, the members stepped out after the coachman opened the door.
First to come out was Duke Callisto Sentinio, a man in his ealry forties that was currently the head of the Sentinio Duchy and the King's close confidant. The duke is famous for his well versed skills when it comes to the sword and his capabilities to rule territories.
Second was Duchess Petunia Sentinio, wife of the duke and the current leading noblewoman in the higher social circles. Her unmatchable skills that surpasses the expectations amongst noble women allowed her to take control of all the things flowing between the ears of one person to another.
Third was Raphael Sentinio, the successor of the Sentinio Duchy and the Crown Prince's close confidant. His proficiency in many things which he took after the duke allowed him to make his name well known throughout the kingdom at an early age along with Asher.
Lastly, the youngest member of the Sentinio Duchy, Gage Sentinio. A young noble who does not have any significant titles other than being the youngest member of the dukedom. However, the child's excellent skills in the sword just like his father and brother also made his reputation start to build strongly.
Everyone watched in awe and in fear of the powerful household.
Nobles who arrived early to witness the arrival of the more powerful households all were glad to have seen the Sentinio Duchy's entrance.
Grand as ever without a single fault, every member exuded confidence that cannot be swayed by others. They all entered the gates one by one and the Headmaster's head maids were the one to guide them in their seats inside the mansion.
"We greet the Sentinio Duchy" Redon and Richard both went to greet the noble family.
They both have matching outfits with Redon wearing a suit that leans more on the reddish hue while Richard had a golden ones.
The auburn hair that they acquired from Ronnovian both were standing out because they somehow resemble the Headmaster's features.
"Greetings, Redon, Richard. It is nice meeting you once more" Duke Callisto responded and they were engaged in their own conversation of swords and talents.
"Oh my, men are truly enthusiastic with their swords!" Duchess petunia commented as she watched her husband and the two Belmiunde's interact with each other.
Raphael chuckled in response.
"Father cherishes the two younger sons of the Headmaster because of their love for the sword, it is by no wonder we can see them immersed in their own worlds, mother" Raphael replied as he adjusted the buttons on his coat.
The weather was getting colder each day and everyone mostly had fur coats and other winter clothes accompanying their clothes as well.
He then turned his head to look at the child sitting quietly beside him.
"Are you okay, Gage?" Raphael asked and the younger kid nodded his head.
"I'm just amazed because good brother's house is really really beautiful" He spoke which made the older Sentinio laugh lightly.
It was indeed true that for anyone, especially children who comes and visits the House of Master's central mansion, they would get star struck at how grand it was.
The first floor of the mansion was so wide that it was able to hold almost up to more than a thousand individuals inside. Though there were other areas and rooms, the main hall is accessible to anyone who desires to attend any events held by the Headmaster.
Raphael's eyes then drifted towards the twin staircases that leads to the mansion's second floor.
He remembered it was where Pier's room was located.
"Can we go to the second floor, brother?" Gage asked and Raphael shook his head.
"We cannot carelessly roam around the mansions of other people without their permission" He reminded the child and Gage nodded his head before getting quiet again.
It was then, another significant family was announced by the servant had arrived.
"Marquis Scotch of the Kingdom's Central has arrived!"
Everyone's eyes turned again towards the entrance gates of the mansion.
A grandiose carriage that was clearly expensive due to the materials created and the stones embedded on the carriage's front that signals it was to the ownership of the biggest mining household in the kingdom was parked.
Clack!
The coachman opened the door and the first one to come out was the Marquis himself.
His long, copper hair reached his shoulders and his firm posture gave most of the nobles a sense of inferiority. Marquis Enquin Scotch was the noble who owned more than half of the entire mining sites of the kingdom. They supply jewelry, precious stones for magic, and other necessary things gathered from mining to the kingdom and allied forces.
His stoic face was void of any expressions that seems to relay that he was not excited with the event at all.
Next to come out was the Marquis' wife, Elene Scotch. Her long, blonde hair was attractive enough to catch the eyes of some noble men that despite her age of being in her early forties, she still stood out like a beautiful flower.
"Father" A voice called behind him and the Marquis turned to assist the other person who came down from the carriage.
Elena had her usually untied hair in a bun and she was wearing her winter clothes as well. The gloves on her hands that were made of the finest materials can be easily seen and everyone watched in awe with the family that arrived.
When they were assisted inside the mansion, Redon and Richard both greeted them as well.
It was the siblings' duties to greet the important noble guests for this evening.
Those whom Redon and Richard did not greet felt as if they were insignificant.
Of course, the family returned the greetings to the famous siblings of the House of Masters.
The Marquis himself was a business man and the siblings have also been taking up classes under the Marquis' guidance.
"Sir Raphael" Elena greeted the young duke when they saw each other and the latter reached for the lady's hands.
He kissed the back of Elena's gloved hands as a sign of respect and he greeted her back.
"Greetings, Lady Elena. It is nice to see you attend the Headmaster's gathering as well" He spoke and Elena smiled.
The soft and beautiful face of the lady catching the eyes of many noble men and her copper hair that had strands left untouched gave off a beauty that cannot be rivaled with others.
Her long and curvy body that did not fail to add in catching the eyes of others was the most noticeable feature on her and the lady's red lips were like beautiful roses under the well lit garden.
"It had been a sudden announcement but we are all glad to come and visit the House of Masters once in a while" She retorted as she eyed the interior and basically the entire place.
"I agree. It had been quite some time since the Headmaster held a gathering so we would definitely not miss it" The young duke responded and the two were engaged in small conversations.
It was then, the final and most anticipated guest has arrived.
"His Majesty the King, and His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Everyone saw through the mansion's open doors the black and red carriage that were pulled by two majestic looking black horses.
One by one, the individuals riding inside got out and nobles bowed in their presence.
King Henry step foot out first from the carriage as he carried the golden staff in his hands. His long, red hair was freely swaying through the cold winds and his cape that had golden silk threads embroidered on it was astounding to the eyes.
He was followed by the Crown Prince. Asher's red hair and black-reddish eyes became the main attraction in an instant. The black suit with red embroideries that he wore complimented his facial features and the trademark for the royalties, which was the red hair well.
Asher waited at the carriage's door as another person got out.
"B-Brother... I'm scared" Nicholas spoke in a soft voice and Asher smiled gently at his brother.
He held his hands open as he carried Nicholas in his arms and the three started to go inside the mansion.
Talks from left to right started once everyone was settled.
Nobles did not waste any time to converse with their potential partners and some avoided the families they had feuds with.
It seemed just like a normal gathering in the higher social circles.
However, after a few minutes, a person stood at the top of the stairs leading to the second floor.
His dark auburn hair was pushed back and his dark navy suit complimented it well.
Ronnovian's intimidating yet jaw dropping view from the upper side of the mansion made everyone stop in their businesses as they were all captivated by the Headmaster's rare appearance.
"Greetings to the everyone who attended my sudden upholding for a gathering" He joked and some laughed at it.
"Tonight, the House of Masters celebrates with its new achievements" He spoke again and this time, whispers started to gather around.
"We are at peace, but our surroundings were never in such state. Thus, these achievements allowed us, the House of Masters, to become stronger and firmer amidst our chaos" Ronnovian's smile somehow brought an eerie feeling to some nobles.
He eyed every single person inside the mansion's celebration hall.
"To the Kingdom shall glory be given!" He spoke and it signified the start of the event.
Claps, cheers, and some audible shouts from children cheering on the famous mage who was the strongest in the kingdom resonated throughout the place.
From left to right, every noble, regardless of status or influence clapped.
Once the cheers subsided, Ronnovian spoke once more.
"To start the evening, I shall introduce the latest member of the House of Masters" He stated and everyone went silent again.
"A new member of the House of Masters?"
"Who could it be?"
"Is the new member from the duchy or the marquis?"
"I have no clue!"
"I want to see them!"
Whispers started to surface from the audience as their interests were piqued and confusion was etched on all of their faces.
A new member for the House of Masters? It was big news!
Step
Step
Step
Step
Everyone turned their heads as they heard the footsteps from the door of the mansion.
Gasp!
"Come to the front" Ronnovian ordered and the person continued to walk.
"Who... is that?" Everyone had the same question.