“At ease.” The calm voice commanded and the soldiers immediately hid their weapons and took ten steps behind them. Wearing raven dark robes lined with gold, Kai gracefully entered the courtyard. His hair was tied up with a simple headdress, his face clean. There was an air of nobility about him.

              “Killen!” The young boy gleefully welcomed Kai and stood before him. “I didn’t know you have arrived. I was wondering when you’ll be home.” Now the boy looked younger acting like a child. “Did you know—”

              “I asked Commander Lynnis to bring this young woman inside to meet you, Your Grace,” Kai informed the young boy, approaching Seren slowly. “This young lady is Seren Arryn of Mistral.”

              “Arryn?” The young boy silently watched Seren with open curiosity and immediately took leave, the soldiers following closely behind.

              The three of them were left in the courtyard; the only sound that could be heard was the rustling of leaves.

              “You’re Seren Arryn?” Koa asked with disbelief. “The ‘Seren Arryn’ that topped the Scholarly Exam twice?” His eyes sparkled with excitement.

              Seren sighed sadly and nodded.

              Koa gasped dramatically. “Holy shit! You’re the real deal? I can’t believe I will meet a legendary person today. Your name will be written down in the history books, you know.”

Koa excitedly recounted all the legends he heard about Seren. “Is it true that you single-handedly defeated the three golden masters of Philocalist (see notes) in a debate? It was said you left them in the dust, it was a miracle they could recover.”

              “That’s a bit—”

              “Or that the young master of Caros professed his affection, but was defeated when asked about the doctrines of the revised constitution?”

              “Affection? I wasn’t aware—”

              “Then, did you challenge the governor of Istra (see note)  in a debate on good governance at the age of seventeen?”

              “Rejection was not an option back then, I—”

              “Did you reject the proposal of Prince Mirza after meeting you? It was said that he was so devastated, he could not sleep for two whole months!” Koa laughed gleefully.

              “Prince who—”

              “Can you write me a line I could brag at the pub later—”

              “Enough.” Kai admonished with a warning. “The both of you follow me, and not an eep from you Koa.”

              They entered the great hall of the manor, with large pillars on each corner, the intricate carvings on the ceiling depicting the long history of the Hanluan Family as the Head Archmage of Kalopsia. Red and gold colors were prominently used; with man-made ponds and indoor pools being seen in every corner of the yard. In the inner courtyard of the great hall was a garden, with fruit-bearing fruits providing shade; a man-made stream could be heard in the distance.

Ladies wearing white are lighting the hallway, their heads bowed slightly. Ladies were forbidden to wear any color aside from white, to symbolize purity, so their robes were pristine.

              On the gilded chair on a prominent area of the courtyard sat the young boy from earlier. His brooding expression was not soothed by the relaxing atmosphere or the music. He sat loftily like a young prince, the servants ready at his beck and call.

              Upon entering the courtyard, they curtsied at the young boy. Seren bowed her head.

              “Thanking the Duke of Hanluan for receiving us.” Kai politely greeted the young boy. “After staying at Mistral this past month, I heard the news of a misfortune at the temple of the Wind God.”

              The young duke sat languidly on the chair, nodding his head dismissively.

     ,        “Take it out.” Kai whispered at Seren, pointing at her satchel.

              Startled, Seren immediately took out the broken statue and presented it to the duke.

              “Due to an accident, the statue that was bestowed to the island of Mistral was broken. The devoted followers of the God of Wind were devastated, and asked Lady Arryn to plead on behalf of them, Your Grace.”

              The young duke stared down at Seren with a blank expression. “Such a misfortune pushed the esteemed Lady Arryn to visit this humble duke.” A sneering smile appeared on the youth’s face. “And yet, she crept in like fugitive. How inhospitable this made my Hanluan! Punish the guards at the gate for this impudence!”

              “As you wish, Your Grace.” An attendant readily agreed.

              Alarmed, Seren bowed deeply. “Your Grace!” She pleaded. “I-I apologize for coming here unannounced, Your Grace. It was not my intention to impose. I understand that it was impertinent to ask you of this favor. Please have mercy, and punish me on their behalf if it pleases you.”

              “Oh?” The young duke watched her with gleaming eyes. “Then, please enlighten me. What punishment must I bestow upon this transgression, Scholar Arryn?”

              Sweating profusely, Seren kept her mouth shut. It was obvious that the young duke was trying to make trouble for her. Whether she answer or not was an irrefutable contravention on her behalf. Her reputation precedes her intentions; the young duke was insulted and she must amend.

              “Your Grace.” Kai interrupted. “I sneaked her inside the manor to ask for this favor.”

              “Your Grace, I sincerely apologize if my actions insulted you. I will serve you to show my sincerity.” Seren offered. Her pride is in the dust after this. “I hope this pleases Your Grace.”

              Kai whipped his head towards her, his eyes were cold. But Seren was determined. She could not offer anything, aside from her efforts.

              The young boy laughed joyfully and beckoned for her to serve him tea.

Seren left the statue on the table in front of the young duke. She dutifully poured him a glass, gracefully emulating all the etiquette classes she reluctantly attended. The amber-colored liquid swirled inside the white porcelain, the citrusy fragrant smell emanating from it.

              “Why don’t you join me here, Killen?” The young duke summoned as he took a sip.

              Kai watched the scene in front of him calmly. Kai sat beside him as Seren served him tea. Koa stood stiffly at the entrance, hoping to escape this torture.

“I never thought the inhabitants of the island of Mistral’s sincerity can be proven by servitude. It pleases me to learn new things.” The young duke said pleased as Seren served tea cakes.

              Seren attended them unaffectedly. All the years of sneering and pointing fingers prepared her for this moment. She could stand there unfazed all day.

              The two young men discussed military tactics as Seren watched silently from the side. As dusk fell, the young duke ordered Seren to serve him his dinner at his private chambers. Kai watched silently.

              Carrying a tray of food, Seren knocked on the door of the young duke’s chamber.

              “Come in.”

              Seren entered gracefully, setting the tray in the dining area of the massive room. Every chair was gilded with gold, so as the table. The marble floor gleamed under the yellow light of a glittering chandelier above, creating a warm atmosphere. The sound of water splashing could be heard behind a folding screen with paintings of a white dragon. Behind it, the young duke emerged with wet hair, in a bathing robe. He sat in front of the table and gulped down a goblet of wine.

              There were no servants inside the room, so Seren arranged the plates of food for him. Before she could leave, the young duke grabbed her wrist harshly, eyes flaming in anger.

              “Why did you come here?” His voice laced with hostility. “How did you meet Killen? What do you want from us?”

              Seren was confused. There was a burning sensation on the wrist that the duke was holding as it tightened with every question. “I-I came here to ask Your Grace to help us with the statue—”

              “You think I’d fall for your stupid ruse; you bitch?  You aren’t the first wench that sneak into my manor trying to win favors with me.” His face was close enough with Seren’s to make her smell the wine he had. “You’ve even fraud Killen into thinking you’re an Arryn. What a joke.” He hissed.

              “Your Grace, I’m telling the truth.” Seren winced in pain as the young duke started to twist her wrist painfully. “I am here for the statue.”