Crusch's mansion had a particular current today. Carriages strode in and out through the open gates and Wilhelm managed the hundreds of people going about, some merchants, others not so much. The sun was overhead, signifying the time as noon and a thick bead of sweat could be seen on many of the men present.
The ground dragons roared at each other, some more unruly than others and their padded feet impacted the ground without rhythm, sending tremors all the way to the street.
And it was amid this clatter that another carriage ran through the gates, two ground dragons at it's front and a blue haired maid seated atop it.
It was none other than the Mathers' carriage.
Wilhelm saw the carriage, adorned in eye catching colours and instantly, realization dawned on his face. He excused himself from the others and made his way towards the carriage which had now stopped, unhurried in his approach.
Rem jumped off from the driver's seat and opened to door.
"This is quite a mansion..." A deep voice called out from inside the carriage and instantly, it seemed as if the sunlight had turned a few notches sharper. The air rippled with warmth and a phantom light made all the colours seem more saturated.
Tap!
A man stepped out from the carriage, dressed in leather boots, black pants, a large black trench coat and a hat on his head - casting a deep shadow across his features.
And seated atop his shoulder was a deep black raven with empty red eyes.
"Quite a ruckus here. Is there supposed to be some large event going on?"
He slouched his hat and walked into the sun. Of course, it was none other than Hedin Haverill, the resident Hunter.
Wilhelm reached them within a few moments and bowed.
"Greetings, Mr. Haverill."
"Just Hedin is fine." Hedin nodded with an easy going smile.
Wilhelm nodded and continued.
"I was made aware that you would be arriving soon. Please allow me to escort you inside."
"Please." He replied.
Wilhelm began to lead them and Hedin follower, Rem following close behind.
While he walked, Hedin could not help but smile wryly.
His current state of affairs was a result of his argument three days ago.
After his confrontation with Emilia, she had stubbornly refused to talk to him. And on the small occasions she did, she was distant and cold; increasingly like a child. It all but solidified in Hedin's own mind that she might not be fit to be a ruler.
He could support his friends in anything, but when said goal involves the welfare of an entire country? Even he had to be realistic.
Anyways, after the argument, Emilia began pushing for Hedin to stay in the capital to learn magic, as was his deal with Roswaal.
The clown was, of course, not one to reject. He had to fulfil the deal anyways. And then, by coincidence, or perhaps careful planning, a letter arrived from none other than Felix Argyle.
The man asked for the venue to be shifted to Crusch's mansion, where they could not only host Hedin for the duration of his training, but also call forth the spirits arts and Yang magic trainer from the research institute.
Of course, Hedin roughly understood what was going on in their head and it pained his head in all the wrong ways.
Alas, there was little he could do.
Emilia was quick to agree and Roswaal did not reject the notion.
And so, he was here - at Crusch's mansion with Rem to attend to him for the time.
"If I may ask." Hedin said as they entered the mansion. "Where is Lady Crusch? It would only be proper for me to greet my host."
"Lady Crusch is currently outside. She will be joining us at dinner." Wilhelm replied curtly.
"And is there some event happening here?" He asked, "There was a lot of buzz outside. Surely the mansion doesn't welcome such an amount of visitors on a regular basis?"
Wilhelm let out a low chuckle.
"No, those carriages are indeed here for a special purpose. The purpose however, is strictly confidential. Do permit me to be quiet on this matter."
Hearing him avoid the question, Hedin's eyes narrowed. In his heart, he silently vowed to investigate the matter with raven later.
Hedin shook his head and began to observe the mansion. The walls were plenty similar to Roswaal's mansion. Opulently designed. The floor was lined with expensive carpet and the ceiling had many chandeliers.
All nobles are equally prideful. Everyone wants to flaunt their wealth...
It was not long after that Wilhelm led him to his room. He stayed with them for a few moments before leading Rem away. Given that he had brought her along, she was evidently going to be the one to serve him here. And so, he would be showing her where everything in the mansion was.
As the door closed, Hedin was left to his own thoughts.
He absently scratched raven on the chin, earning a few satisfying groans from his feathered companion.
"Socializing is indeed a big pain."
"Big pain! Big pain!"
...
Hedin wandered through the long open sidewalk, built along the mansion right beside the garden. The ceiling overhead was filled with various star shaped holes that sent fingers of light to the ground. Bushes and flowers lined both sides of the long walkway and a thick fragrance hung in the air.
Both the sides were open. The side that faced the mansion was directly joined to it's ceiling. The wall that faced it, primarily consisted of blue tinted glass. For the side that faced the garden, various thin pillars were there, spread at a distance of about 12 meters.
Hedin, not wearing his hat, scratched the back of his head with a confused expression. Both the magic instructors were supposed to arrive tomorrow and Felix wasn't here today, supposedly off with Lady Crusch, doing whatever nobility did in their daily life.
He had already done his training for the day, and had no more heart to continue on. He could only train so much.
He had already sent out his ravens to gather information. So far, they had come up with nothing.
And so, he was bored.
Even Rem wasn't here, having gone to the market to buy some fibre and fruits.
"What do you think we should do?" Hedin turned his head, looking at the raven that was pecking at the various flowers. "And stop ruining their property."
"Croak! Wilhelm! Wilhelm!"
"Wilhelm?" Hedin raised an eyebrow for a moment before realization dawned on his face. Indeed, how could he have not thought of it before!?
Wilhelm Van Astrea, the widely acclaimed Sword Demon and husband to the late Sword Saint. He was said to be someone who had touched upon the realm of the pinnacle of swordsmanship at his prime, a feat only ever recorded for the Astrea lineage.
And of course, Hedin was not worth much in terms of pure technique. He was more of a practical fighter than anything. If it gets the job done, no need to fix his style.
"And where exactly is he?"
Giving out another croak, the raven flew away into the air.
It was not long after that Hedin received a mental message.
Wilhelm was on the other side of the mansion.
With a smile, he began to make his way over. He only hoped that the Sword Demon would fancy a light spar.
...
Wilhelm, as it turned out, was not very busy.
Though, when Hedin put forward his request of a spar, he seemed quite doubtful. But somewhere in there, Hedin could sense a faint excitement and anticipation.
They moved to the garden and Hedin was already feeling plenty of stares on his back. The servants of the estate, no doubt. Raven, ever watchful, flew overhead with it's empty eyes staring down.
"How do you want the winner to be decided?" Wilhelm asked, passing him a wooden sword.
Hedin gave the sword a few practice swings before smiling, "I think the winner will be decided naturally after we fight for a few minutes."
Wilhelm nodded, his stern face betraying no expression. Hedin's words may not make much sense to an onlooker, but to a fighter, they could not be more true. A spar's winner could be felt by the fighters themselves; merely after a few clashes.
There was no need to overly complicate things.
"Then, I shall give you the first attack." Wilhelm said, moving back and getting into position. He tilted his body to be adjacent to Hedin's, moving his right foot forward and holding his left hand behind his back. The wooden sword pointed right at him.
Hedin chuckled. He could feel his hackles standing on edge merely from standing in front of the old man.
What a terrifying man... I wonder how he would've been in his youth... Hedin mused, also getting in position. His eyes momentarily flashed with light, enhancing his senses.
To him, Wilhelm at the moment seemed like a mountain. Looming and unmoving. He felt nervousness claw at his back but felt a budding sensation of excitement.
Gripping the hilt of his weapon, he moved.
And the air screamed.
...
...
Throw some stones.
...
(Image Here)
...
A/N: Enjoying yourself so far?
Make sure to visit my patreon at : patreon . c o m/Yesnth Just remove the spaces from between.
Your support keeps me motivated and garners you advance chapters!
Cheers~