The group ascended the grand staircase, fashioned from polished stones so seamlessly cut and assembled that it appeared as a singular, cohesive object rather than individual pieces.

The surrounding gardens were meticulously maintained, with hedges forming intricate patterns around ancient wells and fountains. These water features operated with old arcane circuits from Imperial times, too ancient and archaic to be replicated by modern Arcanists. The evolution of the Arcane Arts since those distant times has been profound, making it challenging to reproduce such craftsmanship in the present.

The entire area exuded an air of ancestral dignity. While lacking the flashy decorations found in mansions across the river, the stoic stone surfaces, polished to a mirror sheen, reflected the sunlight, creating a unique beauty of its own.

Approaching the main building, a man briskly walked towards them, maintaining an immaculate posture that suggested an independent movement of his upper and lower body. His age was difficult to discern - active and spry, yet marked with wrinkles. 

His posture and poise conveyed a sense of youth, while his serene and dignified expression, much like the stone structures of the mansion, hinted at the wisdom of an older man.

As he neared, his clothing, though of simple design, featured exquisite materials—a fusion of luxury and pragmatism mirroring the property he managed. 

Standing roughly 9 Eirus and 10 Eirusilii tall (approximately 1.90 meters), he was slender with a slightly angular face, prominent cheekbones, and slicked salt-and-pepper hair.

-Master Callis, I praise the septep ancestral arcanists of ancient antiquity who, in their infinite wisdom and everlasting glory, have guided you to this doorstep today,- the man spoke in a single, uninterrupted sentence, his thick northern accent and deliberate enunciation lending an archaic quality to his words. 

-All my comrades among those who serve this resting place of Master Liovetus have missed you dearly, and we awaited with longing for the day you decided to share your esteemed company with us.-

Callis, who also had a subtle Northern Accent, responded, -Mes Clavis, I thank you for your kind words.- Novus and Berula still gazed at Callis's interlocutor with a mix of shock and awe.

-It seems this is a joyous day, as Master Callis has brought guests of the amicable variety,- Mes Clavis continued. -Thus, my heart fills with pride and satisfaction, knowing that more individuals in this land understand the greatness of Master Callis.-

-Mes Clavis,- Callis replied without pausing to process the man's words.

-This is Messa Medela, she is the Royal Paeoniis.-  He gestured towards Berula, who was still a bit off her game trying to get everything Clavis said.

-And this is Mes Igneus, he is an Arcanist I have been tasked to protect.- Callis explained, as he gestured towards Novus, who was equally as baffled as Berula.

-Messa Medela, Mes Igenus, this is Mes Clavis, the butler of this estate, my grandfather Liovetus's mansion, at least when he visits Rigel. He loaned it to me when I decided to become a guard in the city, but I felt it wouldn't be fair to live in such luxury while my fellow guards endure more modest accommodations,- Callis introduced Clavis to his companions.

-A joyous day indeed! What brings you to your humble abode, Master Callis? May I inquire, or should I keep my thoughts to myself, lest I invite the curiosity of those seeking an audience with you in this ancestral mansion?- Clavis inquired with a bow.

-We need a place to lay low for a while, awaiting Chalearii Canes to send people to guard this criminal I’m carrying,- The Beast Blade explained.

-Then every person in this humble abode will gladly assist you, Master Callis. Even if it involves subterfuge, the servants of your house are more than capable of aiding you in this curious yet seemingly vital task,- Clavis assured, taking a bow before leaving to inform the rest of the staff.

-We should follow suit and enter the mansion. The more time we spend outside, the more exposed we are,- Callis advised his companions, who were still in awe from the whole interaction.

-So you have this magnificent mansion and yet you live in the barracks of the castle?- Novus asked, attempting to comprehend the situation.

-Yes, as I mentioned, I feel it would be unfair to others in similar stations who lack a house like this one in the Capital. For example, my superior, Primus Pruina, who comes from a Southern family, lacks a household in the city and resides in the Royal Castle. How could I, who serve under her, flaunt the wealth she lacks?- Callis explained as they ascended the last flight of stairs.

Novus's brain short-circuited upon hearing the Beast Blade’s reasoning. -I... that’s... oh...- he stammered, stopping in his tracks.

-Don’t think too hard about it, kiddo. Your brain will melt. Let’s just focus on keeping the girl hidden until Canes starts moving,- Berula reassured Novus, patting him on the back and urging him forward.

The group reached the main gates of the mansion, made out of carved stone depicting great events involving Callis’ distinguished ancestors.

Clavis, the butler, hit the door twice with his knuckles and the whirring of an arcane mechanism, much like the “Chain” began to emanate from above, as the large double doors slowly opened up, revealing a massive foyer, sober in decoration but magnificent in size and architecture.

-It would be a great honor and privilege for me and all the humble servants of this abode if you esteemed friends of Master Callis could feel like this house was much like your own, so please come in inside, make yourselves comfortable, and request for anything you wish, there will be refreshment prepared in the dining room as soon as possible, meanwhile you might follow me towards the Dungeons so that you can deposit your criminal payload deep within the bowels of the mansion itself.- Once again Clavis spoke in a long uninterrupted sentence, with the same slow and deliberate tone, so common among northerners.

-I cannot believe he was able to speak for so long without taking a breath, I might need to study how he does it.- Berula commented, impressed by Clavis’ amazing ability to speak in unbroken sentences.