"I hate politics," Norris mentally screamed, relieved that the meeting with the duke was over. He felt like he'd just dodged a bullet, or rather, for this fantasy world, a poison-tipped arrow.
He felt relieved as he walked out of the duke's chambers. The heavy wooden door creaked shut behind him, muffling the murmur of voices within.
With the meeting concluded, he could finally take a look around. It wasn't every day you visited the homes of people in power as a commoner.
Beyond the study, the ornate tapestries lining the corridor seemed to close in. Though luxurious and poignant, Norris maintained his calm demeanor.
The wealth on display was staggering. Norris had to admit that he couldn't fully appreciate it. His shallow knowledge couldn't fathom the luxury.
Lavish paintings adorned the walls, depicting historical events and illustrious ancestors. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, their light refracted into dazzling patterns on the polished marble floors.
Norris glanced at the intricate rugs beneath his feet, woven with gold and silver threads, but they held little interest for him.
What really awed him were the magical gadgets subtly integrated into the decor. Enchanted sconces that adjusted their brightness based on the time of day, a finely crafted clock that seemed to run on arcane energy, and a tapestry that subtly shifted its colors and images in response to the emotions of those nearby.
Magic craft used like this felt...like a waste. Norris could use their materials to make a defensive amulet. The stark difference in perspective left him amused, a reminder of the resources and connections the duke had at his disposal. The mindset, too. He couldn't really fathom using magical craft for luxury.
Norris looked at them for a while, eventually losing interest, his mind returning to his meeting with the duke.
Norris couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. His poker face strategy had worked like a charm!
The duke had no idea what was going on behind Norris's serene expression.
"Ha! Take that, Duke," Norris thought, a stiff grin spreading across his face— stiff for a myriad of reasons.
Norris raised his hand to his lips as he noticed he hadn't smiled in a long time.
Standing on the spot, he practiced smiling, exercising the muscles to make his smile more natural.
Ahead, his guide, Lady Elara, stopped, waiting for him. She offered a slight nod before turning to continue when she saw he was ready.
He passed by guards standing at attention, their eyes following him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Some patrolled the hallways, their armor clinking softly with each step.
Norris found it odd. The castle had been silent when he arrived. He had found it weird. Now that didn't seem to be the case. Something had shielded his perception.
This effectively increased his caution. That magic could shield the perception of a mage of his caliber was not unheard of, but that didn't stop his apprehension.
Servants bustled about, tending to their various tasks. One was polishing a golden candelabrum, another was arranging a fresh bouquet of flowers in an exquisite vase, and yet another hurried past with a tray of refreshments. Norris noticed a maid meticulously dusting an enchanted mirror, which whispered faintly as she worked. He briefly stopped and looked around.
"There should be an array around here. Oh, there it is," Norris nodded at the intricate design of the array. It cleverly blocked out the noise in the castle. He felt more relaxed, though only slightly.
Norris sighed, "Being in someone's home is stressful. Who knows what has been set up."
Ignoring the wary glances thrown at him, he observed the array for a while before leaving with Lady Elara. Not to demean anyone, but the guards around were just minor characters. He couldn't care less about how they perceived him; his safety came first.
Norris's footsteps echoed through the corridor, a steady rhythm that matched the beating of his heart.
Lady Elara, who had escorted him, glanced sideways at Norris, her expression unreadable, her presence a constant reminder of the duke's watchful eye. All of Norris's actions had most likely been noted.
Norris gave her a polite nod as they reached the main hall, where the grand chandelier overhead illuminated the space with a warm, golden glow.
Instead of heading towards the exit, Norris was led down a side corridor.
The route took him through more of the castle's lavish displays of wealth. Marble statues of mythical creatures, vases of exotic flowers that never wilted, and enchanted mirrors that whispered secrets as one walked past.
Norris's current task was to serve the duke for ten years, a task he had taken with the mage union as a platform in exchange for knowledge and resources.
The duke, having paid handsomely for Norris's services, had the authority to instruct him in various tasks, as long as they didn't cross Norris's bottom line....too much. More had to be paid if so.
He wondered on his way here what task there might be. Teaching Ava had come as a surprise, but Norris didn't really care—he was up for the task, right?
As he made his way to Ava's room, Norris's thoughts turned to his new role as a teacher. He reminisced about his own childhood, recalling how he had been a naughty kid in junior high.
"My poor teacher," he thought with a mix of amusement and nostalgia. "Always had a headache when dealing with me. Hope Ava is problem-free and won't give me a headache."
But his amusement was short-lived, as Norris's mind turned to the duke's vague instructions. "Ugh, why didn't he specify what I'm supposed to teach her?!" Norris mentally cursed the duke. "Does he expect me to read minds or something?"
As he approached Ava's room, Norris's thoughts took a more somber turn. "The life of illegitimate children isn't always good from the rumours," he sighed to himself. He knew that Ava's situation was going to be complicated, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her.
Finally, he arrived at Ava's door. He raised his hand and knocked, his calm, tough demeanor wavering slightly as he knocked… softly.
Ava's room was another world within the luxurious but cold castle. What new experiences awaited him there? Norris could only wonder as he waited for the door to open.