Draco sensed that his master was expecting some form of reprimand from the senior majordomo and also that things would start as soon as the door closed. However, he decided to listen to his mentor and went with the lieutenant. The man seemed to be the youngest of the officers introduced to him, but also the most approachable. The captain was quite strict, lieutenant Zun had to be quiet by nature, and lieutenant Retter seemed to follow the regulations rigidly.
-Follow me, young master,- Trace spoke up as soon as they left the dining room.-We will start with the grounds surrounding the palace.
-Draco will suffice, lieutenant.- Said the dragon uncertainly. He felt strange when everyone suddenly started addressing him as young master. He wasn't sure why, but it wasn't a very comfortable feeling. At the same time, he was glad that it looked like he had been accepted by Darius' officers, and Oscar seemed to have even taken a liking to him. As he quietly chatted with the majordomo he was surprised how easy it was for him to tell all sorts of things to this nice old man.
-Pardon me, sir, but if Oscar were to find out...-The officer waved his hands in an indefinite way, unable to find the right word.-I think you know what I mean. And please call me by my name.-He smiled extending his hand to him.-Trace.-He said when they shook hands.
-Draco.- The dragon faintly hoped that the lieutenant would change his mind after all and call him by his first name.
-Let's go, we have a lot to see.- Eghart moved ahead and Draco quickly caught up with him and tried to keep his pace.
They walked out the main door and headed towards the gate he and Darius had entered earlier. Trace walked quite quickly imposing a brisk pace. Draco didn't really mind, in fact he always welcomed a bit of exercise openly. Although he had to admit to himself that he was tempted to transform and fly a little, but still, he had no intention of revealing his nature right away. In truth, he was afraid of how the soldiers he had just met would react. Now it was a bit different from Matheo and the rest of the blacksmiths' family.
-I think the earl was telling young master about the origins of the whole complex, so let me skip that.
-Earl?- The dragon wondered.
-Surely he didn't mention...-The lieutenant sighed heavily and shook his head.-Colonel Bleist, in addition to his rank in the Azure Guard, is also a Military Advisor to the Grand Master, as well as an earl of the kingdom, and holds the estate of Ed'heere, where we are currently located, as well as two castles with adjoining domains. One in South Wales and the other in Japan, but the earl rarely visits these places and they mainly serve to train private troops and as supply bases for the main residence. I suspect that in the future young master will have the opportunity to visit both of these locations.
Draco merely nodded. He hadn't suspected that his master was such a high-profile and wealthy person. With each new piece of information about Darius, he felt more and more proud to have become his apprentice and felt a heavier burden on his shoulders. He feared that he might let him down and decided once again that he would do his best to always rise to the expectations set upon him.
-There is a lesser garrison at the main gate.- Trace broke the silence that had prevailed between them for a moment.-The guards currently on duty and the next shift are stationed there, so we always have double deployment here.
-This is the first time I've heard of such security.- Draco muttered, wondering why Darius' father had planned such an advanced defence.
-General Bleist had many enemies.-The lieutenant stopped staring at the soldiers shifting in the towers.-He was simply a very cautious man and concerned for the safety of his family. To be honest it paid off for him.- The officer sighed and turned away.- Better if young master hears about it from the earl. All that matters is that the estate is well protected.
-Master does not skimp on security.
-Sometimes it is better to have someone trusted on hand than to be left alone in times of need.- Trace stated, trying not to show any emotions. However, the dragon noticed that he squirmed slightly.-Let's go on, young master.-He pointed to the path along the wall.
-How many soldiers are here?- Draco was curious as to how many served his master. He already knew that Darius was not only high-ranking and rich, but also cautious. Additionally, he had proven that he could be relied upon when he decided to help his friend without a second thought.
As soon as he asked it seemed to him that the lieutenant would not answer. The man made a thoughtful face and was silent for a long moment.
-Four companies, six hundred soldiers, -he said at last.-That's how many are permanently stationed here. Added to that are all those serving outside Atlantis and possible mercenaries. A total of several thousand trained soldiers.
-A lot...- The dragon couldn't say anything more. He had not expected the number of the master's private troops to reach such numbers. He had suspected that it would be upwards of a few hundred soldiers counting the manning that the castles might have had, but apparently he had underestimated their size.
-This is still less than in the days of the previous earl,- the lieutenant smiled slightly.-The colonel has slightly reduced the number of troops in active service, but the training regimes remain the same as before. Consequently, there are more troops possible to call up to arms.
-I would've never thought it was possible to have so many soldiers of his own.
-It looks like there is still a lot ahead of the young master.
-Evidently.
They didn't talk much more. They walked a little at a slower pace around the area along the walls. The lieutenant showed him the building of the main barracks located at the back of the whole area, the training area lying between the palace and the garrison and the warehouses hidden behind the trees by the side gate. The second entrance to the area belonging to Bleist was much smaller, but equally well guarded. Additionally, here, in addition to the portcullis, there was something that set the dragons' hair on end-an almost ten-metre-long trapdoor riddled with spikes. An almost insurmountable obstacle in a tight passage with smooth walls.
When they returned to the main gate Trace decided it was time to explore the palace a bit. Starting from the very bottom was: an armoury, a training room and a magical arena in the basement. On the ground floor were two dining rooms, a drawing room, ballroom and kitchens, above that were the study and guest rooms. It turned out in passing that, apart from Darius, only the majordomo and Captain Forth essentially lived in the palace, with all the servants housed in the buildings surrounding the storerooms. Almost the entire second floor was occupied by a library densely cluttered with tall bookcases, and other rooms on its level were adapted for reading rooms and small offices. The third floor - the topmost in the main structure of the building - included a large glass-roofed study in which Darius worked, engrossed in an enormous amount of documents, two large lounges for guests and several smaller rooms with not quite specified functions. In addition, the palace consisted of two more towers - the western one for Oscar and Evis and the eastern one, where Darius lived and Draco was to reside. The master's suite was directly above the dragon's room, which surprised him somewhat. He hadn't thought he would be accommodated in such a place.
Once Trace had shown him everything he politely said goodbye and went to see to his duties, and Draco was left alone in his new room. Although he had to admit that it was more fitting to call the place a suite. It had one entrance from the main staircase which led to a room that was a living room- with a desk, bookshelves, table, sofa and armchairs. The room was connected to two other rooms- to the right of the entrance was the bedroom with a large bed, wardrobes and some additional bookcases, and to the left was the bathroom. He had to admit that it was very luxurious. It had a small pool where he could stretch out in peace, a shower with magically heated water and all the amenities he could only find in rich mansions. In general, the apartament in which he was to live from now on occupied the entire penultimate floor of the tower, and the rooms were interconnected.
Not knowing what to start with, the dragon circled around the rooms for a while looking at everything. Then he remembered that he should unpack his belongings, so he set about it. The books he had taken with him landed on the shelves along with a few small souvenirs. Elegant tunics and shirts went into wardrobes, which, as it turned out, were not empty at all. Blue coats and other elements of the magician's outfit made their way into them, as well as a formal robe in which he could probably drown himself trying to put so much material on. With all of this, he wrapped up unexpectedly quickly and, when he again had nothing to do, decided to have a bath before the dinner where the guests were to be. The clock standing in the living room showed that he did not have to hurry at all. When he had changed he sat down at his desk and looked at the book he had got from his aunt just before he left. He did not know how she had obtained it, but it was the first book on magic he had held in his hands. The unassuming volume was an introduction to magic written very accessibly and Draco plunged into his reading, forgetting the passage of time. Only a quiet grunt from the butler pulled him away from the book.
-Majordomus vetSalus told me to ask the young master to the drawing room.-He began stiffly.-The guests have arrived.
-Thank you, I'm on my way.-The dragon immediately sprang up and quickly put on his cloak, prudently left on the chair beside him. He didn't even know when he had clipped his sword to his belt and followed the butler out. He performed both actions reflexively, as if he had always done so, routinely.
The butler led him to one of the guest rooms on the ground floor, where Matheo, Fiora, Florence, Angus and James were already waiting. The latter looked the most nervous. Every now and then he was adjusting his tunic and belt with knives pinned to it. They were all dressed very elegantly, so Draco didn't regret putting on more formal attire.
-Draco!- Matheo was the first to turn towards the entrance and, surprising the dragon, locked him in an iron grip. Even though they had only seen each other a few hours before it looked like he was in for a greeting with everyone in turn. As soon as the smith let him go a dwarven lady emerged from behind him. The mage remembered what his aunt had taught him and confidently took the hand given to him and kissed the palm at the same time as making a bow. Fiora looked slightly surprised, but in a positive way. The twins were next to greet him in a brotherly manner, and James quickly followed suit.
Draco didn't even notice when Oscar entered the room. The majordomo smiled when their gazes met and nodded slightly in approval of the behaviour.
-I see you have already acclimatised.- Thundered Matheo while patting the dragon on the back.
-I'm lucky everyone is very nice.- Draco knew how lucky he was to end up in this place and with such people, but he still felt a bit uncomfortable when they addressed him as young master.
-That's good for you.- Fiora lightly took her husband's hand.
-I only hope that I can live up to the expectations placed on me.- Draco smiled shyly.
-Beginning with your exploits in the workshop it's unlikely to be a problem.- Matheo chuckled lightly.
-Right.- It sounded from the door and Darius marched in.-In this combination, I'll have to work harder.
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Once they managed to greet each other and exchange pleasantries Oscar announced that dinner had been served. As usual, in good time. Darius had never had any idea how the majordomo did it and admired in him this ability of timing and foresight. They sat at the table in exceptionally good spirits, and the conversation during the meal was unusually relaxed. Even the often silent Draco spoke up throwing in the occasional short anecdote and asking questions.
-Well, it's time to talk seriously.- Matheo said as the desserts disappeared from the table and tea was served. However, despite the certainty in his voice, he glanced at his wife seeking her tacit approval.
-I knew it was eating you up since we left."-Darius smiled slightly seeing the learned indignation on his friend's face.
-Don't even say that.- Burked the blacksmith.-After all, I can focus on something else...-The faces the rest of his family made evidently indicated that they had a different opinion on the subject.
-Draco?- Darius turned to his apprentice, who immediately focused his attention on him. It seemed that the dragon was getting tense again and getting a bit nervous. We'll have to work on that. He decided, unhappily thinking about the boy's past. Preferably in such a way that he wouldn't realise it himself.- Unfortunately I'll have to take care of a few things tomorrow and I'll be gone most of the day. Sorry.- He smiled. The dragon was already taking in air to say something, but he stopped him with a gesture of his hand.- In the morning I will show you the first books you will have to familiarise yourself with. When you have read them we will begin the practical study of magic. You will also become systematically acquainted with other books, so that you can slowly deepen your knowledge.
-Of course master.- Draco bowed slightly.
-That means you'll have the afternoon essentially free.-The mage added, glancing at Matheo.-Sadly, I suspect this situation will continue for the next few days. For that, too, I apologise to you in advance.-The dragon looked slightly confused again. It seemed that he was not used to situations where someone apologised to him.
-In that case, could you drop by the workshop tomorrow?- The smith fired right away.-Of course, if it's not a problem.- He added immediately after his wife poked him with her elbow.
-I'd be happy to help, just...-The dragon hesitated for a moment and somewhat embarrassed lowered his gaze.-Mmmm...I would have such a small request for James....
-Yes?- The elf seemed surprised, but ready for anything. Apparently he still hadn't gotten over how they'd resolved saving his life, and he still wanted to return the favour on his own.
-When we are done, then...-The dragon interrupted as if uncertainly.-Could you show me the city?- It was strange to hear such nervousness in Draco's voice. He was uncertain and visibly anxious for the elf to agree.- Master showed me some important places, but... You know, I'd like to see a bit more.- The abashed dragon looks really charming. Bleist almost laughed. The others looked surprised at the boy's behaviour, to say the least.
-Well...- James was in quite visible shock. This was something he hadn't expected. Darius hoped that by some miracle he was keeping a serious expression on his face, but Oscar's disapproving gaze rather contradicted that he had succeeded.-You know, it's no problem. I'll be happy to show you some of the more interesting places.- The elf smiled sincerely.- Oh, we can go to Arkady!- He was suddenly overjoyed. Darius knew the place James was talking about. It was one of the most popular cafes in Soeren, a district that was famous for the entertainment available and where the Atlantean youth usually frequented. When he was young, he himself enjoyed visiting the place, spending time there with his friends. He and Othis still laughed as they reminisced about what went on there.
-We're coming with you!- fired up the twins simultaneously.
-Thanks!- Draco looked genuinely happy. He immediately got into a conversation about what to see on Atlantis and what they recommended visiting. Bleist quickly stopped keeping up with the pace of the conversation and just watched them without having the heart to interrupt. Similarly, Matheo and Fiora only glanced at each other and questioningly looked at Darius. He knew what they meant and fully agreed. He picked up his cup and quietly, so as not to draw attention to himself, got up from his seat. The blacksmith and his wife did the same, although the mage had to honestly admit that he had not expected Matheo to move with such caution.
-I learned this when the boys were little and would wake up at the slightest creak of the floor.- Whispered the blacksmith once they were outside the door.
They walked to the drawing room, where they sat down in front of the fireplace. Almost immediately, one of the footmen appeared and placed glasses and Darius' favourite wine on the table. The mage, as host, opened the bottle and poured the first glass.
-Oh, you spoil us Darius.- Fiora sighed after tasting.
-For friends, anything.-The mage bowed somewhat exaggeratedly and sat down in his favourite armchair.
-Even an armed guard?- Matheo readjusted himself on the couch, which he occupied almost entirely thanks to his overwhelming figure.
-Love...-The dwarven lady threw him a slightly chastising glance.
-You didn't think I was going to leave you two alone do you?- the mage was indignant.-You're lucky I didn't send the whole company.
-I was surprised.-Fiora sniped back.-I thought you were going to surround the whole area with an army.
-Evis wouldn't have been too happy if I had done that.- He admitted quietly. He had even thought beforehand whether he would do so, but he was all too aware of what he would hear from his officers. For now, it was enough that he began to prepare to officially put the matter on the tracks of military justice.
-At least you have someone with a head on their shoulders by your side.- Fiora eagerly moved to a vacant piece of couch and snuggled into her husband.
-And you as always...- The mage sighed, watching his friends look at each other affectionately.
-Do you envy them?- The sweet voice made his heart beat harder and the blood drain from his face. He sprang from his seat and saw her leaning against the door frame. She was biting her lip in the same way as the day he had kissed her for the first time. At that memory his heart danced again and a wave of heat flooded him.
-Gizel? But what are you doing here?-The wizard asked in a strangely unfamiliar voice.
-Oh, now this is how you greet your guests?- The elven woman bounced slightly at the entrance and approached Darius with a slow step. She gently brushed her hand against his cheek and smiled flirtatiously.
-No, no... I just wasn't expecting you so soon.- He said as soon as he had regained his semblance of composure.-I'm glad to see you.- He kissed the hand that was given and briefly held his breath as the woman moved towards him in a smooth motion. He was already hoping...when Gizel smiled slightly mischievously and lightly slipped past him.
-Matheo, nice to see you in good health again,- the blacksmith only mumbled something under his breath not really knowing how to act. He switched, theoretically surreptitiously, his gaze from his wife to his friend and back again.
Fiora, on the other hand, hugged Gizel and they immediately began to grumble amongst themselves. Darius exchanged a glance with Matheo and was sure they were both thinking the same thing. There was trouble brewing. He sighed heavily and tried to control himself. Drawing conclusions from the mere arrival of an elven lady might not have been the best solution, and certainly not the surest.
-And now...- Darius looked over his shoulder at the butler. The man quickly escaped with his eyes and tried to meld with the wall. After a moment, he hesitated and spoke quietly.
-Her Highness the Duchess of laVerture strenuously requested that you not be informed of her arrival my lord.
-As always. What does Oscar said about that?-The earl asked with a hint of offense in his voice.
-Umm...-The butler was evidently trying to answer the question posed at the same time without saying too much.-The majordomo said that...-He cast a glance at Gizel.-The duchess will come in anyway, and then returned to the conversation with the young master and the young guests.
Surprised, Darius for a moment did not know what was happening. Out of nowhere, Gizel appears, bossing everyone around from the moment she crosses the threshold of the mansion. Oscar, who has always put his duties above everything else and was very principled casually accepts the reign of someone, as it were, a stranger around the palace and calmly converse with the guests. The world is falling into pieces. He thought, unable to believe that the well-established routine prevailing in Ed'heere ever since his father's time is starting to fall apart. And to think that Draco is my student for the second day, and here he hasn't even been a full day. He smiled and gestured to the butler to let him know he could leave.
He stood next to his friend and emptied his glass. They looked at each other and sighed together with resignation, as if on command. They knew very well that they had no chance to speak until the two women got to the point. However, this time they didn't have to wait too long.
-What brings you here, my darling?- The Dwarf woman did not change her tone of voice or even her facial expression, but the atmosphere cooled immediately.
-I was in town, so I thought I'd drop by. We'll reminisce about old times with Darius.-The elven woman bit her lip again while looking from under her squinted eyelids.
-For sure.- The mage groaned.- Be careful, or someone will believe you.- She sent him a deadly look, and Fiora a winning smile.
-Doesn't anyone believe the poor me anymore?- Gizel fluttered her eyelashes making a sweet face.-Am I really that untrustworthy?
-Yes!- They replied in chorus. Somehow neither of them had any doubts about it. They had known each other too long to even try to deny it.
-Can't you at least be a little nice?- the elf asked, giving up the game. She combed her fingers through her long hair and sat lightly on the backrest of the chair.-You could at least make an effort.
-And you could be honest for once.- Fiora clasped her hands on her chest and clearly angry stared at the elf.
-A woman must have one or two secrets.- Gizel elegantly shrugged her shoulders. She did not look concerned, and the cheerful flashes in her eyes betrayed that she was enjoying herself.
-And which one is it this time?- The Dwarf girl sank heavily on her chair and rubbed her eyes with a tired gesture. She smiled a little mischievously and looked at the elf with a mysterious expression on her face.-Don't you want to admit that you helped Darius in Dagos?- Gizel was already taking in air so that she could be properly indignant. - Or is it that the boy interests you because he is a dragon?
The facial expression the elf made was priceless. He had only seen her so off balance once in his life-when her husband burst into the bedroom with a gun in his hand. She seemed to be counting on Mr. and Mrs. Vittoro having no idea about anything concerning Draco.
-Did you tell them?- The Duchess turned towards Darius, and something dangerous lit up in her eyes. As always, I'm the one who has to take a blow. The mage managed to think,- And where was the caution?!- She burst out hurling a furious look at everyone.- All the time you were walking around just worrying if you could keep it a secret, so that the boy would have an easier time! And it turns out that you immediately flew to boast! Oh, Darius, you....
-How dare you!- Fiora spoke up indignantly. Despite her short stature when she got angry she often looked more menacing than her husband. Now she stuck an enraged look at Gizel, who answered her with the same thing. - How can you even suggest that we would take advantage of something like this! Even after all this time!
-Yes, after all that!-The elven woman screwed up more and more, and it looked like she was not the only one. Matheo slumped his hands and looked at Darius in despair. - You know how it can....
-Gizel! That's enough!-His firmness surprised Bleist himself. He did not think that he was so out of balance and so worried about the development of events. What would be missing would be for them to argue with each other, and Draco finding out and blaming himself for it. He clenched his teeth and tried to calm down a little.- Stop right now!- The elven lady was already about to say something, but he angrily slammed his fist on the back of the chair. That was enough to make her fall silent. He just wasn't sure if it was because of his sudden outburst of anger, or if she noticed something else.-We didn't intend to say anything, but by some circumstances it came out that way. Besides, Draco himself decided to tell them.
-What circumstances?- Gizel asked quietly. She was no longer angry, but only flustered. It is possible that she herself realized how unfair it was to take it out on Fiora and Matheo.
-Let's sit down and talk like civilized people - growled the still irritated mage. Once they were seated and relatively calmed down he recounted what happened in the workshop. He did not leave out anything and enriched the story with his own thoughts. He could see on Gizel's face that she was thinking intensely. He could almost hear the clatter of the mechanism, the latches snapping, the gears skipping. A perfectly functioning mind processing all available data and looking for solutions.
-Sorry for earlier.- Said a contrite Gizel, once she had listened to the whole story.- I did not know that something like this had happened. I didn't take the time to ask around and find out what was going on in Atlantis.- Surprisingly, it looked like she really regretted it, and that didn't happen often. Gizel admitting her mistake was as rare a sight as Darius losing control.- As an apology, I will help you.- She added with a roguish smile.
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Draco threw himself on the bed with a strange feeling of contentment. He had never felt this way before. He wasn't sure why, but he suspected it had something to do with his planned tour of the city. For as long as he could remember he had had no friends except Jeviev, so he had no one to wander around Dagos, sightseeing or visiting popular places with. Now, however, things were different. James was really enthusiastic about the trip and suggested a lot of places they could actually see. Angus and Florence were also eager to join them and offered to show them both around since the elf hadn't lived on Atlantis that long to know all the best places, plus they whispered something about shortcuts, which again stimulated the dragon's nature.
He rolled over onto his back and sank into his pillows. He suddenly felt tired and sleepy. Once again, he looked out the window at the dark dome of Atlantis and fell asleep with a smile, looking forward to a new day.