Ascendance The Original Lands Book 1

"My lord, I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Miria Syldi," The Count gestured to a not-so-much younger woman next to him. Her sky-blue eyes gave a bit of life to her, as her aging hair had already begun to die out. She was a tad bit taller than the count himself and wore a luxurious lavender dress. I noticed that these two didn't dress up too well, as what I'd imagine nobles or royalty from the medieval era doing.

The Countess took a step forward and politely bowed with a genuine smile, "As my partner said, it is our greatest honor to met you, Lord Sebastian,"

I raised two hands to try and stop her from bowing to me, it was embarrassing to have an elderly woman bow her head to me. Especially when I would be a guest in her home for about three years.

"The honor is all mine, Count and Countess," I replied politely.

I went with something simple because I've seen movies and didn't know how to speak with nobles. I do know in certain eras, there's a polite way of talking to them and saying one wrong thing could earn me their ire. I wasn't too interested in earning that right off the bat.

"Nonsense, my lord," the Count said, "We'll both be here to help you in your studies and training, but I suppose, for now, we'll start with a tour of the grounds and help you get settled."

I grinned at the count and nodded. The Count turned to the other finely dressed men and women around him, "These are Knights in service to my household, and are some of my most loyal subordinates. They know who you are, and will be at your service while you stay here."

The group of men and women bowed to me, I quickly told them to rise after giving them a smile.

I had a feeling that my guards would be watching them for a while during our stay here. I wonder if it was okay for me to hope for no conflict though.

Well, either way, I was willing to bet that anyone who disrupted my peace would have to deal with Zurlian and his bunch. I was totally fine with that.

***

Count Syldi began the tour, personally leading the way to his 'humble' abode. He led our group from the landing pad to the first area, a nice garden behind the mansion. A beautiful water fountain played a part as a beacon decorating the middle of a bush maze. Finely cut stones lay a smooth path throughout the area. Elegant lamp post littered the areas, currently unused because of the time of day.

"This is the garden, it's nice here and great for breaks and studying. I myself come here often," Count Syldi said as he gestured around. And then we continued on.

The good Count led our party up to his house.

The mansion itself stood two floors with at least thirty bedrooms alone if not more. Guards stood in keypoints, equipped in a light uniform not used by the Galian military. If I remember right from Folduin's lectures, each noble has his own personal army. The army wasn't allowed to exceed a certain size and the size itself was determined by the rank of the noble. Higher ranks would come with more privileges including more troops and land.

The Count from what I knew didn't have much. According to what I've been told, his family was prosperous many, many decades ago. After a war, his family had begun to deterorate and has since continued to fall. And due to him supporting me in the recent event, he lost even more for his family.

I'll find out a way to help him for generousity sometime later in the coming years, I won't let his family fall from their positions. Atleast, I will once I become Emperor. Deeds of good will not be forgotten.

"This is the main longue, we recieve guest in this room." He pointed out as we entered a well decorated room adorned with several distinctive paintings and furniture. There wasn't much to the room, windows sat along the walls to allow for light. Several couches formed a three sided square with a large crystal coffee table in between.

I nodded at the man and we continued the tour. He led us to a dining room that could seat about twenty guests. The furniture looked to be a different version of Mahogany, more smooth and refined in a way that I can't even explain. It added a type of definition to the already gorgeous wood.

Leading us from the room, the count lead us through the house. Showing me different studies, guard and servant rooms, a large kitchen that could fit a huge crew of chefs, and finally led me to the suite that I'd be staying in. It resembled my old suite so I wouldn't have a hard time adapting.

Count Syldi informed me also that there were a few dorm rooms on this wing, and that my Knights and Servants would be staying there. That way should I require anything, I could be attended to quickly.

The day passed by quickly with this tour, and it was soon sundown before I even knew it. Count Syldi and his wife, who was quiet during the tour when the Count spoke, bowed and left to see to the preparations for dinner.

"Thank you for your hospitality," I thanked them as they left the room, leave me a kind smile.

Once they were out, I collapsed onto one of the couches. It was soft enough for me to drift away, and that's exactly what I did.