Adam followed Bradly through the mansion's grand corridors, the soft tap of their footsteps echoing across polished wooden floors. At last, Bradly stopped in front of a tall double door carved with intricate sigils.
"I wonder what my room will look like," Adam thought, his heart fluttering with a nervous thrill.
Bradly pushed the doors open.
Warm light poured out into the hallway, revealing a bedroom that looked like it belonged in a painting. A massive bed sat against the far wall, wrapped in pristine white linens and framed by a carved oak headboard. The golden hue of sunset spilled over polished floorboards and a velvet rug that softened the space. At the foot of the bed, a sturdy trunk waited—ready to hold memories yet to be made.
"This is... way nicer than I imagined."
A white nightstand glowed softly beside the bed, casting amber light from a crystal lamp. Though the walls were bare, they whispered of possibility. It felt less like a room and more like a blank canvas.
He took slow steps across the floor, letting the moment sink in.
"I could put up decorations… or get some shelves. Yeah, I'll make it feel like mine."
Then he noticed another door, slightly ajar on the left wall.
"A bathroom too?"
He peeked inside. A deep marble tub reflected the soft light of a flickering wall sconce. A wide mirror, framed in dark wood, hung over a basin of polished stone. The faint scent of lavender clung to the air like a memory.
"This is insane. I've never had anything like this."
Suddenly remembering he wasn't alone, Adam turned.
Bradly stood silently in the doorway, as if waiting for a cue.
"Oh crap, I totally forgot he was still there."
"Thanks for bringing me here, Bradly. I really like the room," Adam said, scratching his head.
"No need to thank me, young master. It is my honor."
Bradly made no move to leave.
"Why's he still standing there?"
"Bradly, you can go. I'll be fine."
"Of course. Dinner will be served in fifteen minutes. Shall I return to escort you?"
"I'll be alright. You can come get me when it's ready."
Bradly bowed with crisp formality and stepped out, his footsteps fading down the hall.
Adam flopped onto the bed and exhaled.
"Holy crap, this mattress is amazing."
He lay there for a moment, arms spread, thoughts wandering like fireflies in the quiet.
"I finally have a place to stay. A home. Tomorrow… yeah, I'll hit the library. Learn more about magic. Maybe find a few swordsmanship books too. I want to get stronger."
Knock, knock.
Adam turned his head.
"Must be dinner time."
"Come in."
Bradly stepped inside, immaculate as always.
"Dinner is ready, young master."
Adam stood and stretched, following Bradly down the corridor. The sconces flickered with gentle magic, casting warm light as shadows danced along the walls.
The double doors to the dining hall loomed ahead.
As they opened, the comforting scent of roasted meats and spices wrapped around him like a warm blanket. The long table inside glittered under chandeliers, its surface gleaming with polished silverware and hand-stitched runners. Celest and Luka were already seated, their presence as regal as the room itself.
"Oh, there's my sweetie!" Celest called, her voice a melody of affection. "Come sit next to your mother!"
Adam couldn't help but chuckle internally.
"Not like I have a choice."
He took the seat beside her, the chair creaking gently beneath him.
"Did you like your room?" Celest asked, eyes shining with anticipation.
Adam gave her a rare, genuine smile. "Yeah. It's incredible. The bed's huge, and the bathroom smells amazing."
Celest beamed with pride, reaching out to affectionately tousle his hair. "I'm so happy you liked it."
Maids entered in graceful formation, each carrying a silver-domed tray. As the covers lifted, an orchestra of aromas filled the room—succulent steak, seasoned beans, buttery potatoes. The air was thick with flavor.
Adam's stomach growled.
"Let's eat," he muttered.
He reached for the steak first. One bite and his eyes lit up.
"Juicy, tender... but kind of bland," he thought. "Maybe they skimp on seasoning here. Still, not bad."
He moved on to the beans and potatoes, mixing them together. The flavors blended beautifully.
"These are fresh. Like, straight-from-the-field fresh. A little salt wouldn't hurt, but this? This is good food."
Plates were cleared in record time. Adam leaned back, satisfied.
Luka gave a content nod while dabbing his mouth, and Celest sighed happily beside him.
"We haven't eaten like this in months," Adam thought. "No weird boat rations… just real food."
A yawn escaped him before he could hold it back.
"Today's been nonstop. I'm beat."
He stood and stretched again. "Mother, I think I'm going to bed."
As he turned to leave—
"Are you forgetting something, sweetie?"
Adam stopped, already knowing what she meant.
With a resigned sigh, he walked back over and gave her a hug.
She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing tight.
"My little boy," she whispered in her mind, cherishing the moment.
Adam gently pulled away, trying not to roll his eyes.
"Why does she always want a hug? It's kind of weird... but also kind of nice. I guess that's just how she is."
Back in his room, the soft lanterns cast golden pools of light across the floor. He closed the door behind him and dropped onto the bed with a groan.
"Today's been a hell of a ride. I'm done."
The sheets enveloped him like a cocoon, and before long, Adam was drifting into dreams—safe, full, and finally home.