The journey back to the city of Adrian was an introspective one. Max travelled on horseback, his mind wandering back and forth between his past and the present. The road was long and winding, a perfect metaphor for his own personal journey. The time it took allowed him to process his emotions, each hoofbeat helping him to digest the newfound reality of his parents' absence.
By the time the city walls of Adrian came into view, Max felt a sense of resolution. He was determined to pursue the leads and find his parents, even if it meant diving headfirst into uncertainty.
Before heading to the academy, Max directed his horse towards the affluent quarters of the city where the Dresdan estate was located. He was intent on meeting Viscount Edmund Dresdan, Oliver's father, whom he had met before. Viscount Dresdan had always been cordial with him, even inviting Max to their home whenever he was in the city.
The Dresdan estate was a vision of grandeur. Well-manicured lawns, exotic flora, and magnificent architecture were a testimony to the Viscount's influence and wealth. As Max dismounted and walked towards the main entrance, he remembered Viscount Dresdan's imposing yet friendly presence.
Viscount Edmund Dresdan was a man of stature and charisma. A man in his mid-fifties, he was robust with a commanding presence that could fill any room. His steel-grey hair was neatly trimmed, and his eyes, a sharp cobalt blue, were expressive and shrewd. Despite his imposing appearance, he had a welcoming smile and a warm demeanor that immediately put one at ease.
As Max approached the gates, he was stopped by the guards. "State your name and purpose of visit!" Said one of the imposing guards wielding a spear.
"My name is Maximus Volkel, and I am a friend of Oliver Dresdan. I am here to pay a visit to him and Sir Viscount Dresdan."
Hearing the name, one of the guards left the post and went inside the estate to report the matter.
A few minutes later he returned.
"Maximus Volkel! My apologies for the formality. Please follow me."
The guard led Max through the meticulously groomed gardens, up the opulent main staircase, and into the lavish interior of the mansion. It was a place that exuded an air of cultured refinement and quiet power. They finally arrived at a large oak door, behind which Max knew lay Viscount Dresdan's study.
The guard rapped on the door, a rhythmic knock that echoed through the hallway. "Sir," he called, "Young Master Maximus Volkel is here to see you."
A muffled response was heard from within, a hearty voice that Max recognized as Viscount Dresdan's. "Ah, Maximus! Let him in, let him in."
As the doors swung open, Max was greeted by the sight of the familiar room. The study was bathed in warm light from the hearth, rich mahogany bookcases lined the walls filled with countless volumes of knowledge. In the center of the room, Viscount Dresdan sat at a grand desk, piled high with parchment and quills.
Viscount Dresdan looked up from his work as Max entered. His steel-gray hair, neatly trimmed, reflected the soft glow of the fireplace. His sharp cobalt blue eyes, as astute as Max remembered, lit up at the sight of him. His stern, well-defined features softened into a warm smile that was both welcoming and disarming.
"Maximus," he greeted, rising from his desk. His voice, deep and resonant, filled the room. "It's good to see you. I trust your journey here was uneventful?" The Viscount's concern was genuine, further solidifying the bond of respect Max had for the man.
Indeed, despite the grandeur and imposing presence, there was an air of warmth and genuine concern about Viscount Dresdan, and Max felt a glimmer of hope.
"There's something I must tell you," Viscount Dresdan said, his voice a gentle, soothing hum in the well-appointed study. "Oliver is not currently at home. He had to attend to some matters out of the city. However, he will be back by tomorrow."
"I see," Max said, a touch of disappointment in his voice. But he quickly schooled his features into a more neutral expression. He was a guest here, after all, and it wouldn't do to show too much disappointment.
"Please, feel free to stay overnight," Viscount Dresdan offered warmly. "You can choose any room you wish."
Max offered a grateful nod, saying, "Thank you, Sir Viscount. Your generosity is greatly appreciated."
There was a pause, and Max knew it was time to broach the subject that had brought him here. He took a deep breath, fortifying himself for the conversation to come.
"I came here not just to meet Oliver but to ask for your assistance as well," Max started, his voice slightly shaky. "My parents, they... they were not home, leaving a letter that they have gone adventuring, and yet, I fear for their safety."
The viscount's jovial demeanor seemed to falter for a moment, replaced by a look of genuine concern. "Maximus," he said, his voice thick with sympathy, "I'm so sorry to hear this."
Max drew strength from the viscount's sincere response and proceeded to give a brief description of his parents. He spoke of their appearances in a vague manner, but his descriptions were enough for the viscount to get a clear image of them.
Viscount Dresdan listened attentively, his eyes softening with each word. When Max finished, he spoke with a tone that was firm and reassuring. "We will do everything we can to help you find them, Maximus. You have my word."
Feeling a surge of relief, Max bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Viscount. If there's any way I can assist in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I am in your debt."
With that, Max excused himself from the study and was shown to a room by a courteous maid. As he retreated to the guest quarters, wanting to wait for Oliver's return, he calmed his mind and sat down to meditate.
Morning came quicker than Max expected. The bright rays of the sun filtering through the window woke him up. As he was freshening up, he heard a knock on the door. It was Oliver, looking concerned yet hopeful.
"Max," he began, offering a comforting smile. "I heard about your parents. I'm truly sorry... But we will find them. Trust me. They will be okay."
Max offered a grateful smile, the weight on his heart somewhat alleviated by Oliver's comforting words. "Thank you, Oliver. Your words mean a lot."
Oliver clapped him on the shoulder, a companionable gesture that brought a sense of camaraderie between them. "You're welcome, Max. In fact, if you don't mind, you're welcome to stay at the estate during the break. The academy can be quite empty and lonesome without everyone around."
Max hesitated for a moment but then nodded, appreciative of the kind offer. The prospect of staying in the vibrant, life-filled Dresdan estate was certainly more appealing than the quiet, hollow academy. "That's very generous of you, Oliver. I'd be grateful to stay."
With the serious matters dealt with, Oliver switched to a more light-hearted topic. "Now that it's settled," he began, a glint of mischief in his eyes, "how about a friendly spar to shake off the morning stiffness? We have a training field just around the corner."
At Oliver's invitation to spar, a glint of amusement flickered in Max's eyes. He chuckled, his tone laced with good-natured banter, "That eager to have your rear handed to you this early, Oliver?"
With that, both of them set off to the training field situated behind the grand Dresdan mansion. The morning air was fresh and invigorating, the sun had risen high enough to bathe the estate in its warm glow, and the well-maintained training field stood out prominently amidst the sprawling lawns. An array of different weapons was displayed neatly on a rack at one end of the field, their metallic surfaces gleaming in the sunlight.
"Shall we choose weapons?" Oliver asked, gesturing towards the weapons rack.
Max looked over the impressive arsenal before shaking his head with a playful smirk. "No, I believe our fists will do for today."
Oliver responded with an appreciative nod. "Ah, old-school. I like it."
The two of them walked to the center of the field, positioning themselves at a respectful distance across from each other.
Just as they were about to begin, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears. They turned to see Viscount Dresdan making his way towards the field, a cup of steaming tea in hand, a look of anticipation on his face.
"Well, well," the Viscount remarked with a chuckle as he came to a stop at the edge of the field. "A morning spar, I wouldn't want to miss this."
With the viscount ready to watch their spar, Max and Oliver shared a quick glance before assuming their stances.