Chapter 17

It had been days since they arrived at TAGLAGAS; the Kingdom of Autumn's capital city. The journey was so exhausting that Naell had done nothing but rest, definitely not because he was just too lazy to move at all.

On the other hand, Owly those past days was sulking, as his mom, Athena had already left the capital.

Naell's entrance exam was still days ahead, and due to that, the soldiers would have to stay with their young master until he is accepted as a student.

Mr. Lebrut and the soldiers arranged the necessities at the inn they were currently occupying, since the dorms at the school were only for the students.

Going back that day, Naell had decided to do his agendas with Owly accompanying him, as Lieutenant Estra did not allow their young master to travel alone. Besides, It was also Naell’s attempt to cheer up the little owl.

Both of them were currently looking around Taglagas. They noticed how it was full of grandiose buildings, the lively chatter of different races, and a very spacious town that one would not see at the otherwise modest and small estate of Beryldot.

Taglagas was divided into three parts; first, the outer circle near the gates of the capital where commoners were usually living; second, the inner circle wherein the businesses and rich commoners reside; and lastly, the centermost circle where the castle was located and was vastly occupied by mansions of nobles.

As Naell was looking at his map, Owly's HOOT distracted him from daydreaming any further.

•Where are we going? HOOT.•

•I need to deliver this letter first.•

•Food? HOOT.•

•We've... just eaten, Owly.•

Owly with a pouty look declared his dismay. His white fluffy feathers became even puffier than before.

•HOOT, You know nothing of a beast's stomach!•

Naell as to tease the young owl decided to hit his sore spot.

•I know that if you eat a lot, you will POOP in places with hordes of monsters. THAT IS NOT ALLOWED.•

•...•

Naell felt guilty seeing a dejected Owly on his left shoulder. He knew that incident truly left the young owl crumbling from shame.

•Hahaha, Yes--- after this, we’ll eat.•

•HOOT!•

•But we will go to the Adventurer's guild after our snack.•

•Sounds good to meee, HOOT.•

Naell and Owly were having a telepathic conversation. Awakened beasts are companions that are sought by all. It would only give rise to troubles if many knew of Owly, that is why they decided to converse through magic.

With the help of their map, both were able to find their first agenda that day: Delivering the letter to the mansion of Star: one of the distinguished houses within the capital.

The Marquis' household was a well-known family of mages. Producing numbers of A-rank mages and two S-rank mages namely, [Lightningale "Anti-Witch"] Sarah Star, and the now-retired, former Marquis--- [Celestial Wizard] Roetem Star.

Naell could not help but feel stiff as he was hoping to not meet anyone from Alicia's side of the family.

Even so, he was still astounded by the mansion's walls, as it was built with marble that seemed quite luxurious. Furthermore, the walls were covered with other ornaments that could surely capture the eyes of anyone. Naell then felt the magic of the two knights guarding the gate.

The guards became more attentive upon noticing the approaching Naell. He was dressed plainly with a white polo and black pants, whilst showing the dignified look of a noble. Yet what truly caught their attention were his bright red eyes that they were quite familiar with, as it never failed to send shivers upon anyone's spine.

"Greetings Sires." Naell's voice was warm, unlike his curious gaze that was yet again misunderstood as cold.

As he bowed down, the knights were able to regain their composure. They were well used to seeing the nobles' way of greeting, and so the two knights managed to bow down in response.

Naell and Owly were impressed as the two’s actions were synchronized. It took both of them a lot of will power to hold back their applause.

After a couple of seconds, another knight that seemed to be of a higher rank, approached Naell with a bow as he said,

"Kindly state your name and the purpose of your visit."

'I guess magic knights really are frightening in their own way.' Naell thought, as he was mystified at how that high ranking knight seemed as formidable as his sensei, Sebastian. He then calmly handed the letter to the knight.

"I was instructed by my father to give this letter."

To: Marquis Metero W. Star

From: Fharom Beryldot

Seeing the name of the sender and the snow crystal emblem it had, the knight had an idea of who he was.

"Greetings, Young master Naell."

Said the high-ranking knights that had a complicated look which Naell did not overlook.

"Something the matter, Sire?"

"Your appearance... is different from what we know." The knight was referring to how Naell of the past had black-like demon hair and villainous brown eyes. Not to mention, he also knew the Baron of Beryldot had only one son.

"A lot has happened since then, and I'm sure you might have heard some of IT." Naell's words and chilling eyes, once again intimidated the guarding knights. Yet, as expected of a high-ranking knight, he managed to calmly speak as he bowed down.

"Forgive me for imploring Young master."

"I do not mind."

The knights misunderstood his looks as intimidation even though Naell was actually warmly applauding their knighthood which exudes elegance. He always had a soft spot for people like them.

"We greet the Young master!"

Naell and Owly were once again impressed at how they quickly changed their disposition. He thought they were now giving him a warm welcome, but the truth was different as they were actually like anxious employees in front of a nightmarish boss.

'But I'm sure they know of my trashy attitude.' Naell thought as he misunderstood their fearful greeting as mockery.

It could be said that the high-ranking knight was used to intimidating aura that was fiercer than Naell’s. Still, he said warmly, despite knowing his dreadful reputation, as he knew the young master was the nephew of Marquis Metero, and the son of Baron Fharom.

"Young master, unfortunately, Master Metero and his family are away. They were invited by the Royal family."

The high-ranking knight was pleased seeing Naell stiffen after hearing the name "Metero". He then thought,

'I guess even a trashy son would cower in fear by the mighty household of Star.'

Yet Naell was actually releasing the tension he had, knowing that there was a zero percent chance he would meet them. Still, being thoughtful to the misunderstood young master, the knight said,

"Upon his return, the young master will be given the honor to meet the Marquis. I'll escort you inside and---"

But before the knight could even finish his sentence, Naell waved his hand as he softly said,

"Ohhh, that is fine Sire. I was just going to drop this letter and be on my way. Thank you."

The high ranking knight questioned the rumors as the young master was respectful throughout the conversation. Naell then, before they could even reply went on his way.

"..."

The high ranking knight together with the guarding knights became more bewildered. Just breathing the same air with the Star family was a privilege that lower-ranking nobles always sought. Yet Naell nonchalantly denied the honor.

"Captain Aestero, should we... stop him?"

"There's... no need."

As someone who wanted to live his school life as quietly as possible, Naell rejected meeting Alicia's side. The Star household in the novel was quite a handful to get acquainted with.