Sometime during the week, a richly-dressed man with a pair of perfectly round glasses came to take his measurements. After a quick sketch with his pen and a few questions about style (most of which the lady of the manor answered), he left with a bow, accompanied by a small group of other nicely-dressed men and women. It wasn’t only them who visited. Carriages filled with boxes and barrels came and left, and servants could be seen all over the manor carrying items wherever they went. There were many new servants as well, probably because the task at hand was one of the greatest events they would prepare.

Shaden did feel a little bad. They were all doing this for him, and he was doing nothing to help. Of course, he only told this to Eilae, who naturally shook her head.

“Everyone is rewarded for their labor,” she told him. “I’ve told you before. The lord represents not only himself but his family and also his people. Just like a woman tends to her face, so must the region tend to their lord. This is a natural thing. That is also why a lord must be dignified.”

“Which I’m learning to do. But I don’t own anything. I mean, there’s Skotos. But no one knows about that, right?”

Eilae shook her head again.

“Aren’t you the young lord of the four families?” she told him. “You are who we put our trust in. You are the source of our strength and pride.”

“You mean my grandfather.”

“Soon, it will be you. I can tell. You are far greater than your grandfather.”

So that was that. He would partake in nothing laborious but would bathe every day in perfumed tubs where Rose and the other maids would scrub him. At least they’d allowed him to wear a towel to cover his underparts. And all the while, they would talk to him, asking if it hurt, or commenting on how toned his muscles were. He could never get used to it. It had only been a week, but it gave him the impression that lords were simply oversized babies. The region takes care of its lord. Was this what Eilae had meant? It…wasn’t completely unpleasant. If anything, very convenient. He merely had to sit there while the servants took care of everything for him. A completely different lifestyle.

Around two days before the celebration, he was sent to tour the city of Vion and spend a night there; he would return on the night before the celebration. All of the daughters went with him with Nerr, the oldest, acting as their guide. The sons were busy with preparations, even Ailan. For what? Again, he felt bad for doing nothing, but the three girls pushed him along, taking him around various shops.

“Oh, that’s the most wonderful cookie shop!” Eyla pointed, nearly bouncing. “Get the special assortment from there.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“A celebration can’t be without new shoes,” Nerr said, taking them to a large, fancy building that did not look at all like a shoe shop, but more like one for jewelry. In fact, it did sell jewelry. “Hmm? Can you not decide which one you prefer? Well, send them all to the manor.”

“You can’t forget about his maid,” Eilae pointed out. “He doesn’t have a butler, so Rose will have to be the substitute.”

Rose bowed her head. “My lady, the usual uniform will suffice, I’m sure.”

“No, this celebration is special,” Eilae replied. “I have received instructions. You are to be distinct from the other maids.”

“I am honored,” Rose bowed even more deeply.

All of this, Shaden simply watched. With the girls talking so much amongst themselves, he had little chance to voice his opinion. Then again, he didn’t know this city. He didn’t know what stores he had to visit or what items he had to prepare. At the very least, he was made to choose Rose’s new uniform she would wear for that day, which he had a hard time deciding on.

“Well?” Nerr asked. “Which one pleases you the most?”

“I really don’t have a knack for style,” Shaden chuckled nervously.

“That doesn’t matter. You are to be you.”

Shaden looked at the outfits. Why was it him who had to choose a girl’s clothing? But he pointed at the darkest one with a shade of charcoal.

“I think that would match what I will wear,” he told them. “Maybe if it had some dark red with it? It would match her hair. Again, I’m not a stylist.”

Eyla’s eyes widened. “You want your clothing to match?”

“Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, there’s nothing wrong with it,” Nerr smiled, giving her younger sister a sharp look. “Owner, will it be possible to add some red to this uniform? Make it beautiful.”

“Of course, my lady. It will be ready by tonight.”

“Tomorrow night is fine.”

Shaden glanced at Rose. Not once had they asked about her opinion. It made him wonder. Perhaps it was rude to do so, but he was a curious person, so making sure his magic would never be detected, he wrapped it around Rose’s body and seeped it inside, examining her heart.

She was excited. He’d never seen such bliss from any servant in the manor. There was a hint of nervousness and some worry, but all were overpowered by determination. To be perfect? He couldn’t read thoughts. But Rose had resolved herself. Her eyes rose, and they met with his.

She looked down straight away, a wave of embarrassment washing over her feelings. Her face, however, was identical to before.

“Shaden?”

“Uh, yeah?”

He turned around to Eilae. She was smiling, but her eyes were not.

“Is there anything else you would like to try next?” she asked pleasantly. “I remember you wanting to use an archery range once.”

“Oh, right. That was a long time ago. You remembered that?”

“I would recommend not doing activities that would strain your body,” Nerr said, “but if you truly want to, we have healers.”

“No, it’s fine. I think we’ve walked around plenty for now. What about a tea shop?”

“A…tea shop?”

The three sisters exchanged glances.

“Do you mean to say a tea house?”

“Is there a difference?”

“A tea shop is where you buy tea,” Eilae smiled. “The raw kind, not the tea drink.”

“Ohhh. Then the tea house.”

How embarrassing it was. He’d spent a week now without circulating continuously, so raw emotions hit him hard in the gut. He bit the inside of his lower lip. It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened, especially when it came to the etiquette of the nobility. And it usually happened when he wasn’t circulating. Oh, he wasn’t showing it, but he was nervous about his party. It was very probable that he would maintain his flow of mana throughout the whole day to keep his level-headedness throughout.

Tea was enjoyable. There was something magical about the matching desserts that complimented the tea. He wasn’t surprised. He’d had quite a few with the Melernian prince. But at least these were different flavors, and the particular tea that was said to be native to Louverie had a potent taste—and upon closer inspection, he felt traces of mana from it.

“This is the verdant leaf tea, commonly known as verdant tea,” Eilae explained while Rose poured him another glass. “While it is native to this region, it is also native to many others. Many call it the commoner’s tea. The nobility would usually not drink it.”

“But it tastes good,” Shaden blinked. “I can also feel some mana from it.”

“Yes, its mana enhances its taste,” Eilae nodded. “But dead things rarely maintain their mana. And as many teas travel great distances, so this tea will not preserve its taste. It is best where it is grown.”

“Some say that the state of the region affects its taste as well,” Nerr added, taking a sip. “The happier the people, the better the verdant tea.”

“And our verdant tea is better than any other!” Eyla piped. “I think people here are the happiest, right? Even in the capital, there were—”

“Eyla!”

Nerr narrowed her eyes, and Shaden felt Nerr's mana overpower Eyla, causing her to wince. The young girl immediately shut her mouth. Then, as if nothing had happened, Nerr’s smile returned.

“Excuse my sister,” she muttered, “she does not think properly. How can a citizen be happier than those within the City of Stars?”

“Yes, sister,” Eyla said quietly, lowering her head. “I misspoke.”

The conversation quickly moved on to another topic, but Shaden knew that there was something else behind their words. For even as Nerr had rebuked her sister, there had been no spite nor anger in her words. It had been—a feeling of agreement? Many emotions were swirling together, but denial was not one of them. His eyes met Nerr’s.

“It truly is a wonderful city, isn’t it?” she said. “Though not grand nor fancy, the people here lack nothing.”

“They were happier than I thought they would be,” Shaden agreed.

Indeed, they were. Wouldn’t a person usually have a hint of annoyance or boredom while they carried on in their lives? But all the people they’d met—they’d been pleased. Not fully jubilant, but glad. A subtle kind of happiness and willingness to serve. Even the servants at the tea house served them with respect.

The more they traveled around, the more he felt this. And he could guess why.

From all three of the girls’ bodies dissipated a kind of faint magic that swirled around them before vanishing into thin air. He could do something similar as well. It was simply letting one’s mana slip away from the body. But this mist was enchanted with emotion. It touched those around them.

Brainwashing. Perhaps not as extreme, but the girls were acting as perfume bottles spreading their scent throughout the city. He hadn’t noticed it as the magic had been thick within the house. It was a natural thing, he’d thought. The Veurbois lived there, so of course it would be filled with their mana. But out in the open, he could feel the difference. And the thought made him frown.

Had he been brainwashed as well? But…no. Their gift was not brainwashing, but rather the amplification of emotions. Yes—when their aura touched the people, it brought out gladness within them. Still, it would be manipulation, especially when he wasn’t circulating.

And yet, he didn’t want to stop it. Never had he felt more at peace. His mind was still the same, but his heart had been comforted. Reading each other was a conversation that reached deeper than any word could. Understanding—that was what it was.

It was a long day and they were finally going to the mansion within the city that the Veurbois used. He was chatting with the girls about what kinds of presents he would receive and who would come when he suddenly felt a familiar presence far away. He lifted his head.

“Boren?” he muttered. Or Markendrath?

“Is there something wrong?” Nerr asked.

“No,” Shaden shook his head. “I thought I sensed someone familiar.”

Nerr glanced towards where Shaden had looked, caressing her sister’s head that lay asleep in her lap. “That is the direction of Vion Grandeur. Perhaps someone you know will spend the night there.”

“Is it good? Better than Sol Atalia?”

“Ah, do you mean the hotel in Raconel? While I have not been there, I can say that Vion Grandeur stands as one of the finest in the world.”

“Why not go there then?”

“Many guests will be arriving. Now, some distasteful individuals can be very rude to those they do not recognize. It would be better to avoid them.”

“Shaden, since they are the ones coming here, it will be okay to read them,” Eilae informed him. “Most people can’t sense it anyway. But no matter what, don’t use it on royalty. They are the ones who bear the Crest of Stars. Maybe they will not come. That would be for the best.”

“Why?” Shaden grinned. “Is the royal family not liked?”

Immediately, he knew that he’d said something dangerous from the girls’ reactions. He wiped the smile off of his face.

“The people of Melern consider their royalty as divine,” Eilae said softly. “And naturally so as they are bonded with dragons. Even the leaders of the three factions—the King, Representative Nobility, and the Representative Elected—are rumored to listen to the being known as the Guardian. A divine’s power is absolute, and that is the same in the Empire. But the princes and princesses of Melern are known to be compassionate, willing to sacrifice themselves for the people.”

Three factions? She knows more than me, Shaden nodded but waited for her to continue. “I know that using magic on royalty has…harsh consequences. But why don’t you want them to come here?”

“Unlike Melern, the royal family of the Empire allows the six regions to mind their own businesses,” Eilae went on. “But that is why one must act all the more courteous in the presence of royalty. Their words are heavy and cannot be overturned.”

“And?”

“So if they demand that you come to the capital, then…”

“Refusal will result in severe consequences,” Nerr completed. “But they are not those who take meaninglessly. Nor do they frequent celebratory parties.”

“So…how much should I worry about it?”

“Not particularly much,” Nerr smiled. “It’s not as if you will display your talent before everyone.”

Shaden looked out of the window. He remembered when he had been taken to the Wall of Arrows for a crime, tasked to do something impossible. Whenever he was around royalty, things got messy. He had enjoyed his time with Boren, but at least here, he wanted to enjoy a calm and relaxing life—especially now that he didn’t circulate as much. He felt more like himself. He didn’t want that to change.

“Honoring a boy like me who displays nothing,” Shaden muttered. “Wouldn’t the other families look down on you?”

“Only fools would,” Eilae snorted.

Nerr twirled her hair around her finger. “Indeed. Many will think of you as a distraction. They will search for schemes and plots. But this truly is a celebration meant for you. May it become a fond memory.”

Shaden nodded.

They arrived at the mansion, but before they entered the gates, the coachman leaned back and told them of a guest who wished to greet them. Shaden didn’t recognize the name.

“He would wait here?” Eilae raised an eyebrow. “He’s not very subtle.”

“But he did come all the way here from the far northeast,” Nerr sighed. “Get up, Eyla. What would you do, Shaden? Will you greet him?”

“Who is he?”

“The second son of the Entamens, one of the great families. You will likely see him tomorrow as well.”

“What is the polite thing to do?”

“For us, it would be to greet him,” Eilae said. “He does not know about you, so you can decide.”

“What would you recommend?”

“I think it will be more enjoyable to go out together,” Eilae smiled. “Would you take my arm?”

“No fair,” Eyla said, rubbing her eyes. “I want to hold him too.”

“Might as well,” Shaden grinned. “I’ll remember my manners.”

“Girls, do be modest,” Nerr rolled her eyes, motioning to the coachman to open the door. “How will you marry if people believe you desire the same man?”

“It’s all child’s play, sister,” Eyla shrugged. “It’s cute. And Shaden is like a brother, right?”

Eilae merely rolled her eyes like her elder sister after crossing her arms. “It’s unsightly to exit three persons at once. We can descend in the order of age. Shaden can be last.”

“Shaden can be next to me,” Eyla decided, wrapping her small arms around his. “Is that alright?”

“I don’t think it breaks any etiquette,” Shaden said. “It’s gentlemanly, right?”

“Of course it is,” Eilae smiled. Her aura was pleasant enough. Was it really? He could dive deeper into her heart, but it would be rude, so he decided to let it slide. These moments of small conflict between the sisters, especially the youngest and the middle, weren’t uncommon. The best thing to do was to let it slide. He sighed inside as the door opened, Eyla clinging onto him with a bright smile of triumph on her face.

The noble bowed after seeing Nerr exit. It was a small bow, not the ones that servants or commoners showed. More like a nod. Nerr returned the nod in a slightly different manner, raising her dress. Eilae did the same. Eyla let go and followed, and Shaden returned the nod, eyeing the man with curiosity. Their eyes met. The man’s eyebrow twitched subtly, but he remained the same otherwise.

“It is a pleasure to meet the flowers of Lourverie,” he greeted. “Your beauty has been far understated within the Empire. Allow me to restate. I am Medis, second son of the Entamen name.”

“We welcome you, Lord Medis,” Nerr smiled. “What brings you here?”

“It is only natural to greet those who provide hospitality as soon as possible,” Medis said.

“Would it not have been better to greet my father?”

“I have sent him my regards. But curiosity overtook me.”

“He’s here on behalf of his family,” Eilae whispered to Shaden. “Do you see his family crest? It means he is the highest ranking member of his family who is currently here.”

“Doesn’t the mantle also have a crest?”

“That is for decoration. This is the true badge of authority.”

“What made you curious, I wonder?” Nerr asked. “To made you have come here without servants.”

“They are waiting nearby,” Medis answered. “My ladies’ beauty and character have brought me here. But the mention of the honored guest has piqued my interest. Is it not good to know the focus of the party before attending it?”

“What you say is true. But there are subtler ways to do it. That is part of the enjoyment.”

“I have not frequented the public sphere. But I’ve discovered that honesty brings me further than anything.”

“Honesty is a dangerous thing to have, Lord Medis.”

“Perhaps elsewhere. But can things be hidden from the Veurbois?”

“We cannot see everything,” Nerr chuckled. “If you should be this honest, then I must tell you that the answer lies before you.”

Medis glanced at Shaden. Shaden smiled awkwardly.

“I understand,” Medis nodded. “If it isn’t impolite, may I ask for your name?”

Nerr moved aside for him. Shaden placed a hand over his chest as he had learned.

“Shaden,” he said, “of the Limens.”

“I am Medis of the Entamens,” Medis greeted again. “I wish you the best during your celebration.” He straightened his back raising his hand and doing a twirl. “I hope our gift two days from now will be to your liking. Until then, I will pester you no further.”

A simple yet elegant carriage quickly neared them, stopping behind Medis. A servant opened the door for him. “I thank you for your time,” Medis said, bowing again, “and I look forward to seeing you at the party. Lady Nerr, Lady Eilae, Lady Eyla, and…forgive my ignorance, but I do not recognize the Limen name.”

“Lord Shaden,” Nerr told him. “His origin is of no concern to you.”

Medis’s expression shifted most slightly, nearly becoming a frown, but he maintained his composure. “Lord Shaden,” he finished. “I will take my leave.”

Watching the carriage leave, Shaden scratched his cheek. A lord. Him? Really? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been expecting it, but hearing it directly made him feel weird inside. It wasn’t a bad feeling, but it wasn’t entirely good either.

“You did well,” Nerr told him. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“No,” Shaden agreed. “He seemed like a likable person.”

“Did you read him?”

“No.”

“Always read when you can,” Nerr advised. “It will help you pick up on things you would have never guessed. Also, when fatigue disallows you to read, you can determine their thoughts by what you have learned.”

“Fatigue isn’t a problem for Shaden,” Eilae snorted. “Read everyone constantly. When we are together, we always maintain a connection. It keeps us alert.”

“But isn’t it rude?”

“Only towards those who are of higher status than you,” Eilae said. “And there are none higher than the Emperor and his kin.”

“You can be clumsy sometimes,” Eyla laughed. “Isn’t it given that you should always be alert?”

“So I’ve heard. But…”

“No buts!”

Eilae wiggled a finger before his eyes, stopping him in his tracks. “I keep telling you that you are too kind. Kindness is comforting, but it isn’t wise. Kindness should be the outcome, not the start. Remember, not everyone—rarely anyone thinks like you do. Read everyone and everything, especially since you don’t have to worry about conserving your mana.”

Her gaze did not waver. And through reading her, her sincerity was apparent—he had no rebuttal.

“Sometimes I’ve read unpleasant emotions,” Shaden said softly. “It’s uncomfortable.”

“Run from them, and they will stab you in the back,” Eilae warned. “The six major families are not absolute, Shaden. This house has only persisted this far through knowledge and cunning. I hope you won’t forget that, especially during your celebration.”

Shaden’s eyes slightly lowered. This mood was familiar, though never would he have thought that it would be from Eilae. He looked back up and opened his mouth—

“Now, now!”

Nerr clapped, gaining their attention. “No need to think about those things now. A celebration is meant to be enjoyed! Just have fun, and we’ll take care of the rest. That’s what we’re here for. Right Eilae?”

Eilae tilted her head down. “Yes, sister.”

Shaden turned his eyes away from Eilae. There was worry within her for him. But beyond the clouds of emotions that swirled within her heart, he’d spotted the slightest mist of disappointment amidst lingering remnants of expectation. Had she wanted him to change through the years? But he was still the same old him.

Maybe he was thinking about it too much. Emotions didn’t equal thoughts. They were merely shadows. But this feeling…it truly was uncomfortable. Then at that moment, a gentle touch of cheerfulness rose within him, and he saw that Eilae was holding his hand.

“I only want to see you above them all,” she told him. “If only the world was as loving as you thought it was.”

“Oh, I don’t think that,” Shaden said.

“But you do. When you walk along the shops, when you see different people living their lives and workers moving about, there is love in you. You don’t worry about spying eyes or lurking dangers. And I worry that it will get you hurt.”

Only because this world is wonderful, Shaden thought.

“You know me,” Shaden said. “I’m not that weak.”

“Yes. After all you’ve suffered—you’re still the same.”

They soon entered the mansion and were taken to their rooms. Rose helped him dress into comfortable clothes, and he looked out of the window while doing so, seeing the blue sky being painted into deep orange. And he remembered what Boren had told him once.

“The sky is always the same, and yet it changes color,” he’d said. Shaden didn’t remember what he’d said next as he’d been focusing on…a cookie? But the memory made him smile.

“Still the same…” he muttered. Perhaps even back then, Eilae might have been able to read him. Aunt Lytha, definitely. And perhaps they’d been so kind because of his admiration towards them. Had he shown fear or cowardice like a normal boy his age would have…

He wobbled slightly.

“Sir, are you okay?” Rose asked, reaching out to catch him if he fell. He shook his head. He felt his head clear up as he sucked in a deep breath, power coursing through his veins.

“I’m fine,” he told her. “Long day. Circulation relapse.”

Her curiosity was apparent, though it didn’t show on her face. “May I ask what that is?”

“Mana circulation,” Shaden told her. “It makes you feel stronger. Go without it and you feel weaker.”

“I’ve heard that circulation requires great effort to achieve,” Rose commented. “Is my lord adept at it?”

“Oh, very,” Shaden smiled. “Though I’ve never compared myself to anyone.”

Rose nodded. “Lord Lan is an exceptional fighter. He would gladly teach you.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Lan was a great swordsman—one of the elites of the empire. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he’d properly clashed swords with anyone. He still remembered his sessions with Instructor Reedock and Mistilia back when he was a child back at the Swordsmanship Training Academy of Danark. That musty room with small windows, the clashing of wood, the sweat and muscle aches: these were all things he had been fond of. Ever since his grandfather had taken him, he’d lost it.

“Maybe I’ll ask him for a lesson.”

But the matter would have to wait. There was only him and the three sisters during dinner, and all the while, they chatted over what kinds of people would come, what dresses would be worn, what gifts would be presented, and who would be the first person to dance with Shaden.

“I’ve never danced before,” Eyla reasoned with crossed arms. “You’ve all danced at least once.”

“You did dance on your tenth birthday,” Eilae humphed.

“Only with Enen and Lan! That doesn’t count.”

“You’ve danced before?” Shaden asked.

Eilae shook her head slightly. “Never a proper one. I never did have a celebration for myself.”

“Oh, why is—”

Then he remembered. Within their humble home in Danark, surrounded by his family, Eilae had spent her tenth birthday—a moderate celebration that he’d thought of as satisfactory. There had been food and dessert. Laughter and gifts. He remembered his tenth birthday. A grand feast with numerous people. His thirteenth birthday that would occur would be greater. A hundred servants moved about to prepare. Even more gifts would be given.

“Shaden, I didn’t mean that,” Eilae said. “Don’t feel guilty about it. The time I spent with your family will be unforgettable. All I meant—”

“But is it right?” Shaden asked. “This is my thirteenth birthday. It’s not meant to be grand. It feels like I’m—it doesn’t feel fair.”

“Rude!”

Shaden looked up. Eilae was frowning, the face she had when she was dissatisfied with something. And it wasn’t common for her to show discontentment. She slapped the table audibly.

“It’s rude, Shaden, to feel bad after all of the effort people have put in to honor you. What you should feel is gratitude.”

“How about you?”

“I’ve been rewarded in my own way,” she said. “Don’t worry about me. Enjoy what you have been given. And if it still makes you feel bad, think about repaying what you’ve received, not undoing it.”

“Is—is that fine?”

“My sister can lecture, but of course it’s fine,” Nerr smiled. “What she says is true. Don’t undermine people’s efforts, but appreciate them. It’s similar to our gift. We do not read others to judge them. That would be endless. But we read to make allies. Why seek foes when friends are near?”

Shaden blinked. “You mean—even after seeing everyone’s negative emotions, you don’t do anything?”

“Emotions are meant to be internal,” Nerr said. “No one likes their secrets being revealed. We are not abusers, but peacemakers.”

“Of course, some people need punishment, right?” Eyla butt in.

“Those who have a clear intent of destruction should be weeded out,” Nerr agreed. “But no one is driven by hate without reason. What do we do with our enemies?”

“Make them destroy each other,” Eilae and Eyla answered simultaneously.

Shaden looked at their faces. It felt like he was getting a clearer picture of who the Veurbois were. He laughed despite himself, causing the girls to look at him with concern.

“Sorry, sorry,” he apologized. “I just remembered the first time I met Eilae. She said something similar.”

“Did I?” Eilae frowned.

“Yes. Something about politics and diplomacy? Murder being unsophisticated. I thought you were an assassin with needles and all.”

“Oh, that.” Eilae breathed softly. “I practiced very hard to join you, did you know that? Father was very strict about it. He wanted me to leave an impression.”

“You did,” Shaden grinned. “I thought your family was filled with cold-blooded individuals. But now I see that you are all very compassionate.”

From the corner of his eye, he saw Eyla glance at Nerr with only her eyes. Nerr’s expression didn’t change.

“Is it compassion, I wonder?” Eilae said. “I suppose a lord must be compassionate to his people.”

Shaden tilted his head. “Empathy leads to compassion, right?”

“It does,” Nerr smiled.

Eilae sipped on her cup of tea. Eyla was chewing on her food. Nerr introduced another topic, something about horseback riding, but he only half-listened throughout the conversation. Something peculiar had happened, and he wondered why.

When he’d mentioned compassion, a sudden cloud of neutrality had manifested in Eyla, much like how he would have been if he circulated to calm himself. He’d felt the smallest sliver of amusement from Nerr, quickly dissolving into agreement. Strangest of all was Eilae—she’d displayed guilt which had also instantly faded away. Like a small spark from the tiniest piece of flint.

Embarrassment towards her past, maybe, but guilt? He didn’t understand.

“Is horseback riding that confusing?” Eyla giggled. “I thought you’d be good at it.”

Right, they were also reading him. He shrugged. “Well, maybe a little. I didn’t really learn. Not a lot. If you bond with the horse, you just…know how to ride it. Especially if he’s been ridden before.”

He brushed his previous thoughts away. What was there not to trust? He could read them. After all, some emotions were instantaneous and uncontrollable, much like thoughts. He liked telling them about his time with the Jakhar Kishaks. They had been the first, and definitely the most enjoyable to be with. Bonding with animals in general was an amazing thing.

And thus, he spent the night at the mansion. The next day, after some more shopping and touring, they returned to the manor which had now been completely transformed to receive guests of the highest status. New paintings, sculptures, and flowers were everywhere, and the outer walls had been decorated with the finest of leaves and petals. He could see a recurring theme of black, but not so much as to overpower the wonderful colors of the manor. Servants were still running about, but everything seemed to have been set.

“Don’t look too much,” Nerr advised as Eyla pulled him along. “It’s better to be surprised in the morning. It may look complete, but it’s far from it.”

“What now?” he asked.

“Rest. You must be in your best condition for tomorrow. If sleep doesn’t come, the servants can prepare calming tea.”

There had been no changes in the second and third floors where the living quarters were, so after a warm bath, he strolled to his room followed by Rose and sent her off for the night after entering his bed. Strangely enough, there was no sound but the whisper of night birds and the wind. Sensing around, he felt a thin layer of magic around his room.

So much consideration. He wondered how he could ever repay them. Or was it given that he be treated this way? He breathed in deeply, letting the air seep out through his teeth.

Tomorrow would be the celebration. It felt like he hadn’t prepared enough. But the others would help him. All he had to do was stick to what he’d learned.

Yes—all he had to do was trust them.

Shaden closed his eyes. Sleep came to him quickly, and the darkness of dreams blurred his vision. He dreamed about a city and a girl, but such deep dreams were forgotten quickly. He remembered nothing in the morning, recalling only the shadow that lingered in the back of his mind. When he sat up, Rose was by his bedside with a row of other servants with various tools in their hands. They all had smiles on their faces.

“It’s time to prepare, my lord,” Rose bowed. For some reason, he felt excitement from all of them.

Shaden laughed nervously.