Liam was practically vibrating with excitement.
"We're going to the city," he declared proudly, arms wrapped around Fainyx from behind.
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose.
"It's crowded. And dangerous Fainyx might get hurt going out."
"But Fainyx has never gone outside before!" Liam protested dramatically. "He's lived his whole life inside the estate. Let him see it at least once!"
Fainyx, currently being hugged like a stuffed toy, was mildly annoyed.
But…
Curious.
In the game, the capital city had been massive especially the markets, magic towers, noble districts and also in the center of that place is the so called school where orion spend his school days.
But seeing it in-game was different from standing in it.
He had never stepped beyond the Nocte estate walls.
Adam hesitated.
Liam activated his ultimate weapon.
Puppy eyes... his bright blue eyes now being pitiful.
The Adam sighed, look defeated.
"…Fine."
"Yay!" Liam jumped and smiled.
Fainyx silently pitied Adam.
Truly the most pitiable brother... can't even win in his little brothers antics...
They summoned the head butler to ask father if they can go outside. Then few minutes later the butler went back.
"His Grace is currently occupied," the butler replied calmly. "However, he anticipated this request."
Adam straightened slightly.
"And?"
"His Grace permits the outing, and I will also accompany you to your travels."
Fainyx blinked.
Just the butler?
No knights?
He discreetly released a thread of mana to scan the butlers mana.
The result made his eyes widen slightly.
He's at the the strength of a grand mage a 6th circle...
Liam grinned proudly.
"The butler used to be a high-class mage! He once defeated a thousand monsters alone with magic. Isn't that cool?"
The butler chuckled softly and bowed.
"I am merely grateful to His Grace for saving me long ago. It is my honor to serve the Nocte family."
He turned toward Fainyx and bowed properly.
"My name is Weinhart Walters. I shall protect you with my life, Young Master."
Though his hair was black streaked with gray and faint wrinkles lined his face, his presence was sharp.
Like a sheathed blade.
Fainyx nodded.
He's strong.
Very strong.
And then the servants bathe him. He's not very comfortable being bathe by someone, but he had no choice.
Few minutes later after they finished bathing him, he was dragged to the wardrobes.
Then they dressed him carefully.
His outfit was entirely black, of course he choose this himself, he doesn't want cute stuff that the maids was trying him to wear. They were disappointed, but since he doesn't want it they have no choice but to obey.
The fabric was fine velvet layered over structured tailoring.
A fitted black noble vest with subtle silver vine embroidery lined the edges. The sleeves were short.
A soft black ribbons was tied neatly around his neck, secured with a violet gemstone brooch that caught the light like a fragment of dusk.
His black shorts were elegant, paired with high stockings and polished leather shoes.
His gradient white and green hair was gently tied at the back with thin green ribbons, giving him a delicate appearance and his eyes that is always hidden by his bangs is now combed to the side so his crystal violet eyes is now seen.
He looked like a miniature noble from a high-ranking household.
he was not used to this type of clothing as he always wears a plain shirt, so he is a bit embarrassed.
The servants couldn't helped but shed in tears as they were looking at his adorable figure.
After he's done he sees Liam. His jacket was crisp white with gold threading along the shoulders and cuffs, embroidered in intricate flowers. A gold-trimmed capelet rested lightly on his back, fastened by a shining crest brooch.
His black tailored shorts contrasted sharply, paired with polished boots and white gloves.
He looked like a young prince from a royal lineage.
Adam wore deep sapphire blue.
His long noble coat was midnight blue with silver lining and subtle geometric embroidery along the hem. A sapphire brooch sat at his collar, matching his cool, composed aura.
His black shorts were sleek and minimal, paired with dark boots polished to perfection.
Weinhart adjusted his gloves.
"The carriage is prepared."
Liam grabbed Fainyx's hand.
"Let's go!"
Adam followed with calmer steps.
Fainyx glanced back at the mansion briefly.
Then forward.
Beyond the estate gates.
And for the first time—
He was going to see the city outside with his own eyes.
The carriage doors opened.
They stepped inside.
Excitement filled the air.
They soon embarked on a carriage bound for the city.
The duke's territory was vast, and the city lay about an hour away by carriage. Normally, a portal would have made the journey instant—but unfortunately, the main transport portal was currently unavailable due to repairs. As a result, they had no choice but to travel the old-fashioned way.
Fainyx found himself unusually curious about the portal. How did it operate? What kind of magic circle or spell formula did it use? If he understood the structure… would it be possible for him to recreate something similar?
The thought lingered, but he soon turned his attention elsewhere.
He leaned slightly toward the carriage window, quietly staring outside.
Tall trees passed by one after another, their leaves swaying gently beneath the open sky. Soft sunlight filtered through the branches, and the vast blue above felt almost unreal.
It had been so long since he had gone outside.
This was only the second time he had ever left the duke's household grounds.The first had been when he was transferred to the main palace.
So this this moment... felt special.
Without realizing it, a faint sense of excitement settled in his chest.
Beside him, Liam was humming cheerfully, his feet dangling and swaying back and forth in pure enthusiasm. He was clearly thrilled—after all, he would be the guide today.
Adam, sitting across from them, watched the scene with a tired sigh.
"When we arrive, don't do anything rash." Adam said calmly,
"Don't worry I won't!" Liam replied with a bright grin.
Then he turned toward Fainyx, eyes shining. "Have you ever been to a toy store before?"
Fainyx slowly shook his head.
Liam's smile widened instantly."Then I'll show you the one I like best! I'll give you a full tour!"
Fainyx paused.
He didn't particularly care for toys, but seeing Liam so eager, he didn't want to disappoint him. After a brief moment, he nodded.
That was enough.
The brothers continued chatting, with Liam doing most of the talking while Fainyx responded with small nods and quiet gestures. Neither Liam nor Adam seemed to mind.
The steady rocking of the carriage, combined with the soft conversation and the view outside, slowly made Fainyx drowsy.
Just as his eyes began to close. Suddenly the carriage suddenly stopped.
Fainyx lurched forward, nearly losing his balance, but Adam moved instantly, gripping him before he could fall.
"Are you alright?" Adam asked.
Fainyx nodded.
Adam then turned toward the window and spoke calmly, "Weinhart. What happened?"
The butler, seated at the front, replied without panic, "There are five monsters heading this way."
"What kind?" Adam asked.
Weinhart's tone remained steady. "Five ogres. And it appears… they're chasing someone."
The moment Weinhart finished speaking, the atmosphere inside the carriage subtly shifted.
Through the trees ahead, another carriage came into view, its crest gleaming faintly under the sunlight. Even from a distance, it was clear that it belonged to a noble house.
Behind it.
Five towering ogres charged forward, their massive frames shaking the earth with each step. Their crude weapons dragged against the ground, leaving deep marks in the dirt road.
Liam immediately straightened."That crest—"
"It's a noble family," Adam finished calmly, though his brows tightened slightly.
Both brothers instinctively moved as if to step outside.
But before either of them could open the carriage door, a gloved hand gently blocked the way.
Weinhart's voice remained composed and dignified.
"Young masters, please remain inside."
His tone was not loud, yet it carried absolute authority.
"I will handle this matter."
Without waiting for protest, he stepped down from the carriage.
The door closed softly behind him.
