The Prince Of Magic

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After a quick shower and a change of clothes, Hadrian went to his grandfather's study.

Most of his retainers had already scattered around the castle, far more interested in doing their own thing than to accompany him into the meeting.

The only ones that stood by his side though, were the most faithful to their duties, such as Arturia, Charles, Dia and Medusa, who had escorted him on the way to his grandfather's office.

His two fluffy familiars were both hitching rides on the shoulders of Arturia and Medusa.

Scáthach would have joined him, but she remembered that she had something important to do and left.

Hadrian didn't bother to inquire her what that 'something', seeing as the crimson eyed woman would have told him vague words.

Pushing the matter would simply displeased her and Hadrian respected her too much to do that, so he left her to her own devices and didn't ask her any more questions other than to tell her to come to him if there was something she need.

King Hassan had went off somewhere in the castle. Probably by the gardens, considering as the old assassin seemed to be fond of quiet areas to relax in.

As for the others, Hadrian had passed by them, goofing off and playing to their hearts' content on the video consoles they had purchased with the money he gave them a few months ago.

Some of his servants had found it difficult to adjust living in the modern era, but after Hadrian had introduced the media to them, they had gained various kinds of hobbies.

Modern entertainment such as movies, music and video games were well-received by them with open arms, particularly by Kieran, Astolfo, Charles, Arash and Yan Qing.

His other servants though, became interested in pursuing other things.

Arturia and Dia were especially interested in the culinary arts, though the former was more interested in eating food than making it most of the time.

Scáthach had found an interest in classical music, though she was more into listening than to play an instrument. Sometimes, the spearwielder would be seen wearing airpods while practicing her moves and runic spells in the private courtyard.

She would even sit with his mother and King Hassan by the gardens to relax and converse whatever subject that interest them over a few cups of tea.

Medusa was fond of reading books by the family library, particularly the classic kind of literature. Quite an avid reader, that one.

There was not a day that goes by when Medusa would hang out in the family library to read books.

Hadrian also frequent the library, but his interest lies in the private section where various subjects on magecraft that were there, courtesy of his father and grandfather. The female servant, however, would simply read the ordinary kind of books as she was not interested in learning magecraft.

His thoughts in how his retainers were using their free time came to a pause when he and the others had arrived to his grandfather's study.

Hadrian glanced behind him once, meeting his retainers gaze before he turned back to the twin doors and rapped the back of his knuckles against the wood twice.

"Opa?" He called.

"Come in, come in!" The old magician said from behind the doors, prompting Hadrian to open them.

Of course, upon his entrance, it goes without saying that his grandfather's private study was just as luxurious as the one he has in the Clock Tower.

The walls and floors were made of dark polished wood.

There were a few tapestries with the Schweinorg coat of arms stitched in fine gold that decorated the walls, along with several bookshelves full to the brim of magical tomes and whatnot.

Covering most parts of the floor was a soft, red velvet carpet. There were two leather couches in the center of the study with a glass coffee in between.

Above the coffee table was a small chandelier that would emit a soft, but vibrant light once the night arrive. Further up the couches were two chairs, designed with soft cushions and detailed carving. In front of the two chairs was a desk and a black leather chair, which the latter had his grandfather sitting upon it.

Behind his grandfather's back was a large window that overlooked the private courtyard of the white castle. Since it was still daytime, most of the light from the outside kept the room bright and clear.

The young mage stepped inside the office and saw his grandfather, his mother and, much to his slight surprise, Hugo Faust, who was seated in one of the two chairs in front the desk.

At the sight of his grandfather, Hadrian resisted the urge to sigh, though some of his retainers were not so restrained in their reactions as they smirked and chuckle in amus.e.m.e.nt.

The reason was due to the red hand print that was on his grandfather's right cheek.

Looking at his mother's calm yet beatific smile that exudes satisfaction and the way his grandfather keeps glancing warily at her from time to time, Hadrian can already tell that there was a story behind their actions.

The old magician had done something to annoy his dear mother, again. Hence, the bright red hand print that was on the former's cheek.

Instead of making a comment about it, he turned his attention to Hugo instead.

The other magus waved at him with a welcoming smile.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Faust." Hadrian greeted, giving the man a slight nod.

"A good afternoon to you as well, young master." Hugo returned.

"If I recall, weren't you at the Watch?" Charles asked, quirking one brow up as he followed behind his liege.

"I was, but I've been summoned here by Lord Schweinorg almost after you had all departed and visited some of Canada's iconic locations. Milord wanted me to relay a full report in person, so I flew to here after I was done with my business at the Watch. I just arrived yesterday, actually. Jet-lag and all." Hugo explained with a wry smile.

Hadrian simply hummed at response, while his retainers went voiced their acknowledgement by either nodding or other gestures.

He then shifted his attention to his mother, who stood near the old mage by the desk, sending her a smile that was returned just as warmly before he turned to his grandfather.

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