Three gentle knocks echoed on the door, drawing Theo's attention as he looked back.
The door creaked open, and a maid stepped inside, stopping near the threshold. She bowed gracefully and said,
"Young Theo, the Duke requests your presence."
Her long black hair cascaded like silk all the way to her ankles, and her pale face, framed by sharp blue eyes, was strikingly beautiful.
Theo, still disoriented and unsure where he was, shuffled closer to her.
"Oh… okay," he muttered.
The maid turned smoothly, her voice calm yet firm.
"Please, follow me."
Hesitating for a moment, Theo obeyed, trailing behind her as his eyes darted around the corridor. The sheer beauty of his surroundings pierced his heart.
A lavish hall stretched ahead, its polished marble floor softened by a deep crimson carpet. Sunlight streamed through tall windows draped in heavy red curtains, casting warm, dappled light on walls adorned with intricate patterns.
Ornate moldings, gilded frames, and delicate sconces lined the space, their reflections dancing softly on the gleaming floor.
It was a holy sight to Theo.
Mesmerized by the splendor, time seemed to slip away. Before he realized it, they had arrived in front of a towering set of doors.
The maid stepped forward, knocking gently as she announced,
"Your Grace, I have brought Young Theo."
Stepping aside, she waited patiently for a response.
"Come in," a deep voice resonated from beyond the door.
The maid reached for the handle and pulled the door open, gesturing for Theo to enter with a graceful sweep of her hand.
Theo moved cautiously, his small steps carrying him into the room as he looked around in awe.
A grand desk dominated the space, nearly two meters long and a meter wide, with a recessed area for someone to sit. Its height was daunting, even for Theo.
Behind it sat the Duke on a leather chair made from the skin of an evil dragon. The chair seemed to emit a faint, almost imperceptible glow.
Wooden bookshelves lined the walls, packed to the brim with volumes. Two brown sofas faced each other across a low wooden table, its surface intricately carved with roses.
Three tall windows loomed behind the Duke, their red curtains framing the golden light that poured in.
The faint scratching of a feathered quill echoed in the air as Theo stood nervously in front of the massive desk.
With two sharp taps on the paper, the Duke raised his left hand and gestured toward the sofa.
"Go sit. Don't be shy."
Theo hesitated but complied, glancing back at the Duke before scurrying over and perching on the edge of the sofa.
The Duke finished writing, set his quill into the ink bottle, and rose to his feet. His chair screeched lightly against the polished wood as he walked around the desk and seated himself opposite Theo, across the table.
His eyes shifted to the door as he called out,
"Vii, come in."
The door opened, and the maid stepped in, bowing once more.
"Your Grace, how may I assist you?"
"Bring me a cup of tea. And you, Theo?" the Duke asked, his gaze settling gently on the boy.
Flustered, Theo's face flushed faintly.
"I… don't know," he murmured.
"..." The Duke fell silent for a moment, then smiled slightly.
"Ah. Forgive me. I was inconsiderate."
He turned to the maid.
"Tea for both of us, black tea, please."
Bowing again, the maid replied,
"I understand."
She turned and departed, closing the door quietly behind her.
The Duke crossed his legs, a soft smile touching his lips as he spoke.
"Is everything all right? You've been asleep for a week."
Theo's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he couldn't find the words.
"Do… do I know you?" he asked hesitantly.
The tension melted from the room as the Duke chuckled warmly.
"Ah… I see. Alright then. I'm Reed, the knight you found back in the slums."
Theo's mind flashed back to the memory of the glorious knight fighting in the flames. Recognition dawned in his eyes. He straightened abruptly and bowed deeply.
"Thank you! Thank you for saving me!"
The Duke raised his hand lightly, almost embarrassed.
"There's no need for such words. I only did what any man should have done. Anyone would've saved a child in that predicament."
"So don't trouble yourself over it."
"More importantly, I have a proposition for you, Theo."
Before Theo could respond, three soft knocks sounded at the door.
"Come in," Reed called.
The maid entered, carrying a tray with two steaming cups of black tea. She placed them carefully on the table, a bowl of sugar set neatly between them. With another bow, she excused herself and quietly shut the door.
"Ah… thank you," Reed said, watching her leave with a faintly amused expression.
"She's a feisty one, that Vii. She doesn't want praise, no matter how well she does her work."
He turned his focus back to Theo.
"Now, as I was saying…"
Reed's gaze softened as he noticed Theo's small hands resting timidly in his lap.
"Don't be discouraged. Please, help yourself to some sugar if you'd like to sweeten your tea."
"Sugar?" Theo asked curiously.
"Yes. It makes things taste sweeter. I'd recommend two spoonfuls."
"Ah, okay."
Theo reached for the spoon and carefully stirred in two scoops. He lifted the cup, blowing gently before taking a cautious sip,
Only to set it back down almost immediately, his face scrunching up.
"Too sweet!" he exclaimed.
"Ha ha ha!" Reed's laughter rumbled warmly in the room.
"It never fails to amuse me how people react to my taste in tea."
"Don't worry, I'll tell Vii to bring you a fresh cup."
But Theo shook his head quickly.
"No need, please. This is fine. I'll drink it."
"If that's what you want, I won't stop you."
Reed leaned back slightly, studying him.
"Now then… where was I?"
"Ah, yes. I've noticed something extraordinary about you."
He lifted his own teacup and took a measured sip before continuing.
"You have remarkable swiftness and endurance for someone your age. That's no small thing."
Theo said nothing, staring down at his lap.
"There's no need to be so guarded. I want to help you."
"I'd like to offer you something."
Reed set his tea aside, stood, and strode to the desk. He sifted through a small stack of papers and selected one before returning to the table and placing it gently before Theo.
"Read this, and you'll understand."
Theo stared blankly at the paper, then up at the Duke.
"Duke… I…"
Scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, he confessed,
"I… can't read."
Reed froze for a moment, blinking twice as realization hit him. He jolted slightly, a bead of sweat sliding down his forehead.
"Forgive me!" he blurted out. "That was thoughtless of me, I didn't mean to insult you. I've grown too used to those around me being literate. I didn't think it through."
Bowing low in his seat, Reed rested a hand over his heart.
"Please, call me Reed. We'll be working closely together from now on."
"The paper states that I'd like you to join our ranks as a page. From there, I'll see to it that you're trained to one day become a skilled knight commander."
"I believe you're fit for it. After all, you survived that ordeal in the slums on your own."
Theo processed the words quietly, his gaze dropping to his lap as his thoughts churned.
"Will I… have food and water to drink?" he asked softly, squinting slightly as a small smile tugged at his lips.
Reed blinked in surprise at the question's simplicity.
"Of course. That's only natural."
"And… will I have a place to stay?"
"That, too, is natural here in Lockheart," Reed said firmly, his hands curling into a resolute fist. "We treat our people with respect."
"Then… Mr. Reed, I'll be happy to help you."
Reed's smile bloomed wide, joy sparkling in his eyes. Clasping his hands together, he leaned back with a laugh.
"Then let's skip the formalities."
Spreading his arms in a warm gesture, he said,
"Welcome to the family, Theo. Welcome to the Lockheart family!"