The marble floor was so polished it clearly reflected the silhouettes of the three. With every step, Angelo saw his own reflection ripple, as if he were walking on liquid.
Above them hung enormous chandeliers — brilliant, intricate, filled with lamps that cast golden light across the entire hall. They gave the ceiling an aura of royalty, as if they glowed on their own.
But it wasn't just the chandeliers.
The walls were decorated with ancient tapestries mixed with modern panels displaying holographic maps of the royal region. It was the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, giving the castle a unique, almost unreal atmosphere.
Ahead, a wide staircase split in two upon reaching the second floor, as if embracing the entire main hall. Each staircase led to different corridors — distinct zones of a castle that felt like a living labyrinth.
There were:
Ceremonial corridors, lit by blue torches;
Administrative corridors, with reinforced doors and metal plaques;
Corridors for shops and establishments, where visitors could buy rare items;
And one special corridor…
A corridor that branched into dozens of others, all identical, all confusing.
It was the famous "Inner Labyrinth" — a network so complex that only trained staff could navigate it. Angelo had always heard that the deeper someone worked within that labyrinth, the more important their role was to the monarchy.
The boy paused for a moment, impressed.
"Dad… this place… it's huge."
Esmond smiled proudly, like someone who knew every corner of that structure.
Behind them, Sofi continued battling Angelo's suitcase, slipping on the smooth marble, straining to keep it from crushing his feet. Two assistants were now pushing it with him, as if it were a living block of stone.
Then, before Angelo could ask another question about the castle, a voice echoed through the hall:
"Well, well, well…"
The three looked up.
At the top of the staircase, standing with arms crossed, was a tall man, his expression filled with confidence and a hint of irony.
"If this isn't Esmond Orson…" he said with a crooked smile, "…the man who helped build this castle."
His eyes gleamed.
"I must admit… you're still an extraordinary architect."
Esmond let out a tired sigh, though a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Angelo stood still, trying to figure out who that figure was.
Sofi… let go of the suitcase.
It hit the floor with a THUD so loud it echoed through the entire hall.
As Angelo, Esmond, and Sofi crossed the castle's great hall, the echo of their footsteps blended with the soft glow of the chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. The lamps reflected light as if it were trapped inside ancient crystals, and the corridors continued to multiply, intersecting as though the castle itself were alive.
Before Angelo could fully take it all in, a firm, deep, and familiar voice filled the space:
"Well, well, well… if that isn't Esmond Orson."
The man approached with heavy steps and impeccable posture.
"The architect who helped raise half of this castle. Always showing your talent."
Esmond let out a slightly awkward, but genuine smile.
"Always with the compliments, General of Gaia," he replied, crossing his arms like someone greeting an old friend.
The man — Commander Jade — gave a short laugh.
"And always praising those who truly have talent," Jade said, adjusting his glasses with a single finger. "And you have plenty of it."
Esmond shot back immediately, as if it were an old routine between them:
"Talent? That's you, Jade. You're basically the reason this castle is still impenetrable. The toughest man in all of Gaia."
Jade shrugged lightly, accepting the praise without much show.
At thirty-seven years old, with his head completely shaved, muscles shaped by years of combat and discipline, his presence naturally filled the space around him. Despite his evident physical strength, he was dressed elegantly at that moment: a dark formal outfit with fine details on the shoulders, still carrying a military air, but clearly adapted for internal castle affairs.
Angelo, who already knew him, watched everything wide-eyed — the castle, the corridors, and Jade's imposing figure. He couldn't hold it in and blurted out:
"General Jade! I want to work here at the castle!"
His eyes sparkled. "This place is amazing… how do I work here?"
Jade raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he evaluated the boy's enthusiasm.
"Well… that's interesting to hear," he said, his voice carrying humor and authority in a rare balance. "To be honest, it's not that hard to work here, considering your father is one of the Queen's right-hand men. One of the people she trusts the most. Frankly… you practically already have a guaranteed spot."
Angelo exploded with joy on the spot, almost trembling.
"WHAT?! So I just get to relax? I'm already in?!"
Jade slowly shook his head, his smile fading quickly.
"No, no, no, young man. It's not about relaxing."
He leaned forward slightly.
"You have an opportunity. That's different. The entrance exams for the Military Academy of Science and Magic are approaching. If you want a real role here… that's where you must begin."
Angelo swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the truth.
Esmond placed a hand on his son's shoulder, as if saying, now it's up to you.
The castle, silent and imposing, continued to watch them.
While Angelo and Esmond spoke with Commander Jade, Sofi was still fighting his personal battle with Angelo's suitcase in the background. He pulled, pushed, and tried to lift it as if it were a solid block of lead. His shirt was already soaked with sweat, and every two steps demanded a breath as if he had just run a marathon.
When Jade glanced past Angelo and Esmond, he saw Sofi nearly falling backward, clinging desperately to the suitcase handle.
"What in the world is that…" the commander muttered.
He walked over to Sofi without saying another word. Grabbing the suitcase with just one hand, he lifted it as if it were a pillow and, with a precise swing of his arm, tossed it to the top of the staircase. The suitcase landed perfectly, without sliding even an inch.
Sofi stood frozen, mouth open, grateful and nearly in tears.
"Th-thank you, Commander… I thought I was going to pass out…"
Jade merely adjusted his glasses, indifferent to the exaggeration.
Turning back to Esmond and Angelo, he continued:
"Esmond, just to inform you… I probably won't be around for the next few days." Jade took a deep breath. "The Queen has ordered me to go to Gaia, my hometown. There are matters there that require my strength… and my presence. A direct order from her."
Esmond nodded, understanding the seriousness of it. Angelo, on the other hand, could barely contain his excitement at being in the castle again.
Once Jade gave them permission to settle in, Angelo shot up the staircase, running as if he had been launched from a catapult. He entered the guest corridor and didn't even wait to find out which room was his — he chose the one that caught his attention the most, opened the door immediately, and claimed the space as if it had always been his.
Esmond chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Well then… let's rest. I'll meditate for a while. And you, Angelo… do whatever you feel like. You can explore the castle, but remember: every free moment is a chance to learn something. Use it wisely."
Angelo, leaning against the doorframe of the room he had chosen, smiled.
"That's my father… wise as always."
But another idea quickly crossed his mind.
"Dad, do you think we could ask the Queen to bring Tocre here?"
Esmond turned around, crossed his arms, and raised an eyebrow.
"Tocre? You know very well he doesn't like these things. Castles, parties, formalities… he hates all of it."
Angelo made a playful face.
"Maybe he'd like this one. It's a giant castle, Dad! That serious blockhead might surprise us."
Esmond laughed, but replied:
"The Queen made it clear that all family members are welcome. If Tocre wanted to be here… he already would be."
Angelo sighed, thinking about his friend.
"Yeah… you're right. Tocre really does like being alone."