The morning light crept through the curtains, painting soft lines across Aaron's room. He stirred awake, muscles still heavy from yesterday's painting. After washing his face in the cool water of the basin, he descended the wide staircase and headed straight toward the training hall.
Steel clashed against wood, and his body groaned with every motion as he forced himself through exercises meant to harden his endurance. Sweat rolled down his face, proof that he had no intention of remaining weak.
Just as he finished, Kain's voice echoed across the hall.
"Aaron, come with me. Lord Pierce wishes to meet you."
Aaron straightened, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"I'll be there right away."
---
Inside the office sat a man in his forties, his presence dignified. Dark brown hair fell past his shoulders, and sharp golden eyes studied Aaron with calm authority. Draped in a robe of refined fabric, he exuded the aura of someone accustomed to command.
"So, you must be Aaron. Kain has told me you've yet to awaken your gift. I am Frankfurt Pierce. It pleases me to finally meet you."
"The honor is mine, sir," Aaron replied politely.
Lord Pierce nodded and gestured toward Kain.
"He will assign your duties."
Kain handed Aaron a slip of parchment.
"Listen carefully, these are your tasks:
First, you'll clean the guest rooms and baths between ten in the morning and nine at night.
Second, before midnight, purchase sweets and pastries from a shop named Drobey. Afterward, prepare tea and arrange the sweets on a silver plate. We are expecting a guest tonight.
Third, when the guest arrives, watch your manners. Do not cause trouble.
The rest, I'll handle. Do you understand?"
Aaron accepted the instructions without protest.
"Yes. I'll begin immediately."
Kain handed him several coins. With a small bow, Aaron left the mansion, stepping into the streets of Gizana.
---
The city opened before him like a dream. Cobblestone roads gleamed under the morning sun, merchants called out their wares, and laughter drifted from children at play.
Who would have thought Gizana would be so beautiful, inside and out? So different from Tekuba… Tekuba was nothing but hatred and a hollow play, eighteen years of misery wrapped in lies.
Aaron soon found the shop, Drobey. A man in his fifties welcomed him with a warm smile.
"Good day, lad. Looking for something sweet?"
"Yes. Five of those on the right, five of those on the left, two from the middle, and six pastries, please."
The man chuckled as he prepared the order.
"You must be new here. Haven't seen you before. Did you just move to Gizana?"
"I did," Aaron admitted with a small nod.
"Well then, welcome. I'm Drobey. Come by anytime you crave something sweet."
Aaron thanked him, paid, and returned to the Pierce estate. He placed the treats neatly in the kitchen, then set about his other chores. Hours passed in a blur of sweeping, scrubbing, and tidying until the evening drew close.
---
In the training hall, Aaron watched as Kain and Lord Pierce sparred. The air shimmered with sparks of arcane light, each blow heavy with magic. For the first time, Aaron glimpsed what true mastery looked like.
"Tell me, Aaron," Lord Pierce asked between breaths, "what do you know of magic?"
Aaron hesitated.
"Only a little… That every mage has a name tied to their power. Each type of magic has a hundred levels, though there are rare elements that surpass even that."
Pierce smiled, resting a hand on Aaron's shoulder.
"Good. At least you're aware of the foundations. I hope your gift awakens soon—when it does, I'll have Kain train you myself."
"Thank you, my lord."
---
Midnight arrived. Aaron was sweeping the outer steps when the echo of hooves broke the silence. A grand carriage, polished and adorned with silver trims, halted at the gate. From it stepped a man in a formal suit, a rolled parchment clutched in his hand.
"Good evening. Could you guide me to Lord Pierce of the West Wing?"
The West Wing? So that's what they call him… I didn't know.
Aaron bowed slightly.
"Of course. Follow me."
He led the guest to the reception hall, where Lord Pierce and Kain were already waiting.
The guest frowned.
"Strange… Lady Lora told me she herself would be coming."
Aaron blinked and whispered to Kain.
"Sir, who exactly was supposed to arrive?"
Kain's voice was low, serious.
"The Queen of Maro—Lady Lora herself."
Aaron froze, blood running cold.
The messenger stepped forward.
> "Her Majesty requests that you, Lord Pierce, and your two companions accompany her and His Majesty to the royal castle at once."
Surprise flickered across Aaron's face, while Kain's jaw tightened. Yet Lord Pierce, calm as ever, gave a simple nod.
"Very well. We shall accompany you."
Moments later, Aaron, Kain, and Pierce entered the carriage. As it rattled through the moonlit streets, Aaron leaned back against the seat, his heart pounding.
Who would have thought? On my very first day of work, I'd already be summoned to the castle of Maro… This is by far the strangest journey I've ever taken.