Claus got dressed in a brand-new suit that Elizabeth had ordered for him from a renowned tailor.
A black three-piece, matching tie, not to mention the long dark fur coat and the black leather gloves...
They had just finished their report to Williams about the incident the previous night.
— I see... said Williams, arms crossed.
If they hired Jack the Ripper, then those after you are likely nobles. His services are expensive.
He's a great hunter… and a Tamer of Shadows.
— What's a Tamer of Shadows? asked Claus.
— It's one of hundreds of abilities granted by potions.
Each potion has its own domain, function, and rank.
The rank of Tamers of Shadows is "Superior – Third Stratum."
— I don't get it… Are potion powers stronger than runes? Why don't we just use those?
Williams took a deep breath before answering:
— In this world, resonance is an energy from the heart of the universe. It's everywhere.
But to manipulate it, we need tools: potions or runes.
Runes have the advantage of allowing a natural manipulation of resonance.
You apply a law to an object or to your body — it's flexible and stable.
Claus listened closely. What Williams said wasn't in any of the great family library's books.
— Potions, on the other hand, are man-made.
They trap raw resonant energy without channeling it and lock it into a fixed domain.
That's what makes them explosive… but unstable.
Potion ranks indicate the amount of energy they contain.
Once you drink a potion, you can't change your domain.
And to evolve, you need to drink increasingly powerful potions within the same domain.
That's what we call the Strata.
But the further you go… the further you drift from the human realm.
It takes a steel mind. The power of the gods… is unstable.
— Can someone drink a potion after awakening their soul and using runes? asked Claus.
— At your own risk, my friend.
Get some rest. Your missions will be relayed to you by Elizabeth. And be careful.
Jack isn't the kind of man you want as an enemy.
Claus was thinking about that conversation as he stepped out of the tailor's fitting room.
Lady Elizabeth sat on a couch, reading a newspaper.
— My dear, have you heard? she said without looking up.
The Church of the Sun King and Holy Moon — dedicated to Archangel Michael — was the target of a terrorist attack.
The Church's rebels are the main suspects.
We're no longer safe in the streets. But, praise the Archangel… no one was hurt.
— That is indeed regrettable, Claus replied,
but as you said: praise be to the Archangel. Now, shall we go?
— Of course. The car is waiting.
Elizabeth stood, crossed the shop to the glass door, Claus following behind.
He gallantly offered his hand to help her aboard.
> The streets are swarming with police. Must be because of last night's incident, he thought as he got in.
As the door closed, the car sped off.
It passed through the grand plaza, turned into a street lined with elegant bourgeois homes.
But at the city's edge, the road was blocked.
Blue-uniformed officers stood tall, armbands bearing the symbols of the gods around their left arms.
Swords gleamed at their belts, and magical rifles rested on their shoulders.
Among them, a man in white uniform stepped forward.
— Checkpoint. Identification, please, he said in a neutral tone.
Elizabeth reached into her handbag, pulled out a black card, and handed it over.
— Lady Elizabeth Brown.
Sir Claus Bloodfall and I were at a car exhibition, then visited a tea salon.
The rest of our time was... a bit more private, she added with a mischievous smile.
— Sir, you are Claus Bloodfall, of the House of the Black Rose?
— I am, Claus replied, sliding a golden card through the window.
— I see. My apologies for the inconvenience. Orders come from the Emperor himself.
Following yesterday's attack, all roads must be inspected.
He handed back their cards and signaled the others to lift the barrier.
The car continued on its way.
A few hours later, they arrived before the grand black gate of Bloodfall Manor.
It opened slowly, letting the vehicle through the meticulously kept gardens.
It stopped at the foot of the entrance stairs, where Geoffrey stood, upright like a pillar.
The doors opened. Claus and Elizabeth stepped out.
A strange feeling washed over Claus — a deep sense of satisfaction.
> The feeling of coming home.
— I need to calm down. Since that night, all my senses and emotions are heightened,
he told himself.
He didn't want to get used to it.
— Sir, said Geoffrey with a bow.
Your mother returned last night. She requested to see you immediately.
— Thank you, Geoffrey. I'll go to her.
Could you take this to my room?
Claus handed him a box Winston had given him.
— Of course, sir, Geoffrey replied, taking the box.
— With that, I shall take my leave, he concluded with a bow.
Claus and Elizabeth entered the manor.
— I'll go to the guest room to change. I'll see you later.
I wouldn't want to intrude on your reunion with your mother,
said Elizabeth, extending her hand.
Claus kissed it gently.
She turned and climbed the stairs to the guest quarters.
> I'm going to meet my mother. Geoffrey said she's in the grand hall…
Claus thought.
Gathering his courage, he set off.
Each step felt heavy, as if his legs weighed tons.
Standing before the great doors of the hall, he placed his hands on the handles.
His heart was pounding wildly.
> Damn hypersensitivity, he muttered.
> I just have to open this door and smile… it's not that hard.
With a final push of will, he opened the heavy doors.
She was there.
A woman in a blue dress, the shade matching her eyes.
Light from the window lit up her golden hair, making it shine even more.
She slowly turned toward him, tears in her eyes.
With a soft smile, she locked her gaze with Claus's.
— Welcome home… my son.