The rattling of carriages came first — then the neighing of horses, and the rhythmic sound of many people moving together. Disciplined. As if operating as one.
Sometime later, a knock at the door.
"Are you inside, My Lord? It's Hans."
"Yes, Hans — come in."
---
Hans walked in. A man in his fifties, mustache slightly grey at the edges, hair mostly still black. He wore distinguished clothes — nothing short of what a high-ranking noble would wear.
He bowed. "Greetings, My Lord."
"Greetings, Hans. How was the journey?"
"The journey went perfectly well."
"No trouble?" Rudious leaned forward slightly. "And the Capital? The tournament?"
"Absolutely magnificent." Hans smiled broadly. "Many nobles were there — some with black hair just like mine."
Rudious smiled. "Those clothes suit you well, Hans."
"Ah — no, My Lord. The black coat and butler's style is what truly suits me."
---
A stillness settled over the room.
Hans stepped into his formal mode.
"First and foremost — allow me to congratulate you on your promotion from Baron to Viscount, My Lord."
"Thank you, Hans."
"Our merchant branch is making quite a name for itself in the Capital as well." Hans continued with quiet pride. "And our military unit — on their very first attempt — swept aside the other knight families and secured a place in the top ten. The mages performed exceptionally as well."
Rudious's tone shifted. "So where are we being sent?"
"The Northern area, My Lord. To eliminate the Orcs — their presence has been spreading aggressively there."
"Not far from here." Rudious thought for a moment. "Who got first place?"
"The Royal Knights — the Dragon Knights."
"And among the mages?"
"The Egnis."
"I see. Anything else?"
Hans reached into his satchel and produced a letter. "A message from the Alchemist Guild. They've placed a request for specific goods." He clapped his hands once. "Bring it in."
Several servants entered carrying three large wooden crates and several smaller boxes.
"All of this?"
"Our company is expanding. Several merchants have shown interest in joining, and a few minor nobles have expressed a desire to build connections with you."
"Send them a letter of gratitude on my behalf." As casually as if it were part of his daily routine.
---
Hans gestured toward the first crate. "The Alchemist Guild has sent payment for the previous order along with an advance for the next. Inside you'll also find the blacksmiths' iron demand and their payment in full."
He moved to the second — larger than the first. "This contains the profit from the Capital branch for this period." He opened it. Gold coins gleamed inside.
Then Hans placed his hand on the third crate. It looked heavier than the others.
"And this last one," his voice dropped slightly, "contains the specific materials you personally requested, My Lord."
Rudious's eyes lingered on it for a moment.
"Good."
"Move everything to the vault. I'll review it later." Rudious said. "And you — get some rest. There's plenty of work ahead."
"As you wish, My Lord."
---
Night fell over the manor.
The dining hall door opened and Rudious walked in — visibly tired. He took his seat. Jorald was already there. Hans stood to the side.
Drake arrived soon after with Veil and Clad.
As the servants began serving, Drake's eyes landed on Hans immediately.
"Hi, Uncle Hans!"
Hans bowed. "Hello, Young Master."
"Veil — say hi to Uncle Hans." Drake turned. "And Uncle Hans — this is my brother, Veil."
Hans bowed to Veil as well. "Hello, Young Master Veil. Sir Jorald had already informed me."
Rudious looked toward Clad. "Clad — come, join us for dinner."
Drake was already feeding Veil with great care, eating himself at the same time. Clad hesitated slightly. "It would be my honor, My Lord — but Leo and Jack have something else planned."
"Is that so." Rudious laughed. "Alright — enjoy yourselves."
Clad left. Jorald wore a quiet smile.
---
Rudious watched Drake carefully wipe Veil's mouth after feeding him.
"Drake."
"Yes, Father?" Still focused on Veil.
"How is training going?"
Drake wiped his own hands. "It's going well. Brother Leo and Uncle Arthur are helping."
"Good. But keep one thing in mind — don't call Arthur uncle. Call him Sir or Master. He is a knight. Understood?"
"Alright, Father."
"Ok, Father." Veil echoed — small and quiet.
Everyone laughed at once.
---
It had been many days since the dining hall had felt like this. A little warmth. A little noise. Something that had been missing — quietly returning.
---
"Father." Drake's expression shifted, curious now. "Is the Awaken Ceremony really necessary?"
"Why do you ask?"
Drake looked at Veil. His eyes softened. "I don't want to leave him and go to the academy."
Rudious and Jorald looked at each other. The weight of the future settled quietly back into the room.
"Yes, son," Rudious said. "It is very important for our family."
---
**[Chapter 13 — End]**
*Drake doesn't want to leave. But some things can't be avoided. Add the story to your library — see you in Chapter 14.*
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