-So, where are we headed?- Novus inquired, still uncertain about their destination. Callis, pulling a cart with the unconscious Rixa hidden inside, led the way towards the Old Upper District.

Similar to the Old Middle District, this area was part of the original city and housed some of the oldest mansions belonging to powerful families. Unlike its counterpart across the river, the mansions here were exceptionally old, some predating the colonial period. Originally Imperial fortresses and outposts, they gradually transformed into keeps and mansions for the wealthiest inhabitants of the colony that eventually became the Kingdom of Via.

In contrast to the new district's elegant and colorful mansions, those in the Old Upper District exuded a dignified severity, resembling the stern face of an older gentleman rather than the flashy showiness of young nobles across the river.

Some mansions were so ancient that they lacked the characteristic blue tile rooftops found throughout the city. At that time, the use of Cibus was barely known, as surviving records and myths suggested that the powerful Arcanists of old didn't require Cibus. Without the need to mine Cibus, there was no demand for the Caelapis used in the trademark blue roofs.

Similar to the Guards Barracks, many of the oldest buildings were built against the mountains, carved into them to provide stability and ease of expansion for warehouses or other enclosed rooms.

-This is a place where we can stash Rixa Serico away from those corrupt inquisitors,- Callis replied, his expression reflecting disgust. -I still can't believe someone from the Traditionalist faction is involved in such a nefarious plot, hiring the Serico Sisters and involving Bellator Extorris.-

Berula, who had also joined the group, asked, -What did you discuss with Sagitta? I'm curious about Conatus Canes' plans.-

-I am not at liberty to discuss it,- The Beast Blade responded without hesitation.

Novus, attempting to make sense of everything, began noticing paradoxes in Callis, more than he had previously observed.

-Let me get this straight,- Novus began, unleashing a torrent of thoughts. -You lean towards the Traditionalist Faction, yet you're following the orders of Conatus Canes, the leader of the Reformist Faction in court. His involvement in my entrance to the Royal Academy suggests he's quite reformist. What gives?-

-My political preferences and ideals are insignificant in the face of duty and protocol,- Callis quickly explained. -While I may not share my cousin's views on many issues, I would not dare disobey an order from my superior officer. I never disobeyed Captain Praesul as a guard, and I won't disobey Messa Primula as an Ensis.- The Beast Blade clarified.

-You're so stubborn, Nomene,- Berula remarked with a smirk. -I should open up your skull and study your brain once you inevitably kick the bucket, most likely from a stroke the day you forget to do an extra bow to a higher-ranking officer because of some obscure and archaic rule only you know and respect.-

-I am not inflexible; I am dedicated to this country and its ideals, the same ideals of our ancestors,- Callis retorted, wearing his patriotism proudly.

-I never intended to become a poster child for the Reformist party. I just wanted to learn Arcane Sciences, but you have to admit they sound like the more reasonable ones between both parties,- Novus interjected, discussing his own role in the ideological divide threatening the kingdom.

-Not to mention that I'm all for more rights for the Lowborn and less one-sided power for the Highborn,- the young Arcanist continued.

-Half of what I've heard from Traditionalists are faint promises of returning to the glory days that nobody really knows about. Most of the Imperial registers have been lost to time. There are only a handful of people in the entire Kingdom who can barely read Old Imperial,- Novus pointed at Rixa's arm.

-Neither myself nor Paeoniis Medela can read that, and the Traditionalists want to rebuild society from the few documents left from that time,- the young Arcanist pointed out, knowing he was the top graduate from the Academy, and Berula was the best Paeoniis in the Kingdom.

-But so many of our great heroes are worth emulating, with their virtues being a core of our national identity,- Callis replied, genuinely believing in Traditionalist values.

-And when it comes to Lowborn and Highborn, the system was given to us by the Ancient Magus of old. Who are we to question the Imperial Magus?- The Beast Blade continued guiding them through the winding paths of the Old Upper District.

-I don't want to be like this, but when seven extremely powerful Arcanists decide that Arcanists should be the rulers of all and anyone different from them should be lesser, you start thinking if they didn't have an ulterior motive for their acts,- Novus retorted.

-And if you enforce this social order, aren't you playing against your own interests... Oh...- Novus realized what he said the moment it came out of his mouth.

The Beast Blade stopped dead in his tracks.

There was a long, awkward silence as Novus hoped he hadn't offended Callis. But what came from the Beast Blade's mouth wasn't what the young Arcanist was expecting.

-We're here,- Callis said, turning to the side, facing a majestic fence door made out of polished metal.

Behind the gates lay a massive mansion, primarily carved against the side of the mountain. The centerpiece was a tower, half-built, half-carved, rising above most other structures in the area.

Between the gates and the mansion, there was an intricate garden with maze-like hedges and delicately sculpted bushes. The entire place exuded an air of refinement without veering into tackiness or being off-putting.

The mansion appeared to be one of the most ancient buildings in the district, displaying clear indicators of a forgotten age. Its architecture resembled some of the older sections of the Royal Castle rather than the newer buildings and mansions.

The absence of ostentatious decorations and the use of the same rock as the mountain gave the estate a certain severity, resembling more a fortress or a keep than a luxurious abode.

Without ringing a bell or giving any warning, Callis, with a single hand, pushed the large door open, granting them passage.

-Callis, are you sure this is the place?- Novus asked, a bit confused about their choice of hiding in an old mansion.

-I am positive. I haven't been here often, but I do know this is the location I intended to use as a safe house,- Callis replied.

-Do you know the owner of the house?- Berula inquired, looking around, quite amazed by the ancient building and its impeccable condition.

-Well, I do indeed know him because this is my house... Well, not exactly mine, but my grandfather lent it to me when I decided to come to the Capital to become a guard,- the Beast Blade explained.

-So it was your... wait, what?- Novus quickly did a double take, fascinated by the enormity of the estate.

-But you live in the Royal Castle barracks; I know you do. I've had to go heal people down there more than once, and I've seen you there,- Berula shared, perplexed by the situation.

-Oh, yes, I do live there, and I resided in the Guard barracks while I served the city. I find the house too ostentatious for my taste, not to mention that I did not want to make the servants' lives harder by living in this house alone and forcing them to clean up after me,- Callis explained.

-You... are insane,- Novus quipped, looking around in awe.

-No, I merely do not believe I need to display my nobility through material means but through action,- the Beast Blade replied. -Follow me; hopefully, the butler will be available to help us find the dungeon,- he said as he led the way up the cobblestone road flanked by gardens that climbed to the ancestral mansion entrance.