Aeren was thinking about his plan about his laboratory, when the summons had comes abruptly. Now Aeren standing against the heavy oak door to the lord's office stood imposing, etched with the family crest and polished to a deep sheen. He raised his hand and knocked softly enough to hear other side. Aeren waited for response,
"Enter" Came the lords voice, deep and composed.
Aeren pushed the door and stepped inside.
The office was large and austere, bathed in late night moon light filtering through tall stained-glass window. At the far end, behind a vast desk of dark mahogany, sat Lord Eldric Verdan. His posture was straight, his sharp eye scanning a parchment, yet they quickly lifted to meet Aeren's entrance.
Behind the lord stood the head butler, master Calden. The older man's expression was neutral, but his attentive stance spoke volumes. Aeren inclined his head in respectful bow.
"My lord," Aeren said softly "you summon me?"
Lord Eldric folded the parchment and gave a slow nod. "Yes, step forward Aeren."
Aeren obeyed, closing the distance between them with measured steps.
"Aeren Drevin, 12 yrs old. Youngest child of drevin house with no feature combat experience." Lord Eldric began, his gaze steady and piercing, "You are young with no combat, why do you want risked your life to save some useless bunch from slum."
The question was blunt, almost reprimand, but Aeren met it with calm and sincerity.
"My lord" he answered politely," I just wanted to help them for my satisfaction."
The lord Eldric furrowed slightly, intrigued by answered.
"And why" he asked "why do you wanted to help them? What will you get from them."
Aeren hesitated only a moment before responding, his tone steady and sincere.
"One day, my lord, I except that those I help will aid me in return with different way."
The lord Eldric eye studied Aeron before him thoughtfully. To the lord Eldric mind, such word seemed naïve. Yet there was an unusual honesty beneath the surface --a determination unlike lord Eldric, he had seen in himself.
For moment, the two men regarded one another in silence.
"Did you know, why are you summon here?" Head butler broke their silent through polite word.
"No, I don't." Aeren said.
"I'd inform you before about lady Isolde, youngest daughter Verdan family need for personal butler and maid. We already have maid candidate, now we only need for personal butler. We decided, we can trust you on personal butler for Lady Isolde." Master Calden explain Aeren about their request.
"Can I ask, why did you choose me for this position." Aeren met the lord's Eldric eyes with sincere conviction.
For a moment, the lord Eldric said nothing, seeming to contemplate the boy's words. "We had seen your hard work for this house, but moved by your kindness. We had seen many children on your age. No one do such a thing, what you done for other." Lord Eldric looked at Aeren and spoke.
They exchange a long look, And Aeren accepted their request. Aeren slightly bow and accepted their request.
"Thank you for giving me a chance to prove my loyalty for house of Varden"
Lord Eldric waved his hand, signalling for Aeren to rise. "Stop with small formality, and let introduced you to your collaborator. she will be working with you to assist Isolde."
At the subtle nod for the lord Eldric, master Calden Stepped forward and called out in a measured voice, "Liora!"
The office door opened, and a young child, she moved with grace and poised, her every step echoing confidence. Her eyes, sharp and observant, locked briefly with Aeren's. she was clearly of the same age as him, her presence both elegant and calm.
Master Calden gestured toward her. "This is Liora, my grand-daughter. You two will collaborate to assist lady Isolde."
Liora bowed elegantly, her voice soft yet clear. "It's an honor to meet you, sir Aeren."
Aeren bowed in return. "The honor is mine, lady Liora. I look forward to serving alongside you."
For several minutes, the two exchange polite conversation, speaking of their duties and what the future might hold. There was a natural ease between them, thought both kept their deeper thoughts guarded.
Suddenly, master Calden cleared his throat and looked toward lord Eldric, who nodded subtly.
"Please, come with me," Calden said, motioning for two young servants to follow.
Once outside the lord's office, Calden turned to them with a serious expression. "Take this, it's told you everything you need to know about lady Isolde."
He handed Aeren and Liora thick folder filed with information. "Read these carefully. This contain details on her habits, preference, even her training schedule. You have to assist her on all of her request and need."
Aeren flipped through the pages quickly, his eyes scanning for anything unusual. Most of it was as expected –a typical noble's life filled with lessons, etiquette, and occasional combat practice.
"What do you make of this?" Liora asked softly, peering over Aeren's shoulder.
Aeren frowned. "She has powerful mana, but also… instability. That could be dangerous if not managed well,"
Liora nodded. They exchange a glance, both understanding the unspoken challenge ahead.
Aeren closed the dossier slowly, his mind already moving beyond the pages. He needed to observe her firsthand. To needed to observe her true nature.
And somewhere, deep in the shadows of the slums, lira watched the estate with wary eyes –protected by unseen, a guardian unknown to most.