Chapter 6 - Servant's Ranking

In the Carthage empire, the appearance of the sun was a moment of great importance due to its rarity in the midst of continuous rainy seasons and a long winter period in the last quarter of the year. This event is marked by the Helios Ceremony, named after the sun, itself ('helios' in their language). The ceremony is held annually and celebrated by all the Carthiage Empire inhabitants, but the main celebration was conducted in the Perstone City. This includes a grand affair featuring cultural dances, street performances, a vibrant parade, bustling markets offering various local goods, and a majestic bonfire that becomes the focal point of the evening festivities.

Central to the ceremony is the tradition of lantern sailing, where citizens express their wishes on lanterns before releasing them into the night sky, believing that their desires will be fulfilled through this act. This age-old custom originated as a way for farmers to invoke favorable weather conditions for their crops by offering gifts, performing rituals, and seeking blessings from the gods.

Notably, the castle and its inhabitants actively participate in the Helios Ceremony. The king, accompanied by his family and other members of the royal court, graces the event with their presence. Selected servants from the castle also partake in the festivities, although not all are granted this privilege. The head servant is responsible for determining who among the castle's staff will have the honor of participating in this revered ceremony.

Sometimes, lower-ranking servants had the privilege of participating only if the head servant put in a good word for them. Consequently, many of them worked diligently and were eager to impress the head servant in hopes of being selected. "The sun is shining beautifully, isn't it?" Sarah remarked as she gazed at the sky. "Yes, but don't look directly at it, or you'll hurt your eyes," Theresa cautioned. "Yes, mother," Sarah replied humorously.

"It was the middle of the year, in the month of Aksia," announced a young maid named Karina. The servants were making their way back to the castle, carrying the freshly washed clothes they had rinsed in the river. As Karina's words hung in the air, the other servants glanced at her with puzzled expressions. "So?" one of them finally asked, breaking the silence. "What do you mean, 'so'? It means the Helios Ceremony," Karina continued, a note of pride in her voice.

Most of the servants had never had the chance to study; many of them couldn't read or write. Knowing such information meant that Karina likely came from a middle or high-class family before she was taken and sold on the black market. The servants squealed with delight and chattered excitedly. "Oh, it's that time of the year already!" one of them exclaimed. "Of course, we don't know, since we're not educated. We don't know the months or how to read dates," another added, shaking her head in amazement. "Hopefully, we'll get chosen this time," one servant said loudly, a note of hope in her voice.

"I don't think so," Rachel interjected with a scowl. "These past years, they've only taken mid- and high-ranking servants."

"Yes, yes, and Miss Emilia is quite strict with the lower servants," Karina added, narrowing her eyes. "She looks at us like we're nothing but rags."

"Careful, she might hear you, and if that happens, there will be no Helios Ceremony for you," another servant joked, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey! Don't you dare mention it to anyone, or I'll kill you," Karina threatened, her tone half-serious, half-playful. The servants laughed in return.

Upon reaching the castle, the servants immediately set to work hanging the clothes out to dry. As they worked, Sarah leaned closer to Theresa and whispered, "But speaking of the Helios Ceremony, did you hear that last year the head servant let Rose join?" "Rose? The new servant?" Theresa asked, her surprise evident.

"Yes," Sarah confirmed. "And she's a lower servant like us. I wonder what she did to get chosen," she added, narrowing her eyes in curiosity. "Don't say that. We don't know her, and I don't care about this ceremony anyway," Theresa warned, her tone firm.

"But what I'm trying to say is that we might have a chance," Sarah continued. "And I'm not saying it's for you or me — I'm thinking about Madeline, you know? The other day, she asked me about the Helios Ceremony with such a curious look in her eyes."

"What if I talk about it with Miss Emilia? Maybe she will understand," Sarah suggested, a hopeful note creeping into her voice. "It's okay, Sarah. If the gods intend for us to be there, it will happen," Theresa replied, her voice calm and reassuring. "Speaking of Madeline, have you seen her recently?" she asked, turning her attention to her friend. "Don't worry about her. She must be cleaning or helping out in the stables," Sarah assured her, glancing around as if expecting to see Madeline appear at any moment.

At the back of the castle, the stable stood at the edge of the castle grounds, a sturdy structure built from weathered stone and aged timber. Its high, arched roof was supported by thick wooden beams, and the walls were lined with neat rows of stalls, each filled with fresh straw. The scent of hay and the earthy aroma of horses filled the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of leather and saddle oil.

Sunlight streamed through the wide windows, casting warm, golden patches on the cobblestone floor. The soft sounds of horses nickering, and the occasional stomp of a hoof created a soothing, rhythmic backdrop. Bridles, halters, and grooming tools hung neatly on pegs, while bags of feed and bales of hay were stacked tidily in the corner.

Madeline and Prince Sebastian stood side by side, observing the stable servant as he meticulously fed the horses. The rhythmic sound of hooves shifting in the straw-filled stalls was almost soothing, mingling with the occasional soft whinnies from the majestic animals.

After some time, the prince's horse-riding instructor appeared, his presence marked by a firm yet friendly demeanor. He gave a slight nod to the prince, signaling the commencement of the day's riding lesson. With an air of enthusiasm, Sebastian prepared himself for the instruction ahead.

Madeline, meanwhile, found herself drawn to the stables' bustling activity. Deciding to lend a hand, she rolled up her sleeves and began assisting with the feeding of the horses. She moved gracefully among the stalls, her gentle touch and calm voice earning the trust of the animals.

The young prince approached his own horse, a noble steed named Duke. With a smile, he gently patted Duke on the head and spoke softly, "Hey, Duke, are you ready for today?" Duke, sensing the bond between them, looked at Sebastian and dipped his head in a gesture that seemed almost like a bow of acknowledgment.

Their connection was undeniable, a testament to the trust and companionship built over countless rides and shared adventures. As the lesson began, Madeline continued her tasks, glancing occasionally at the prince and his horse, a small smile playing on her lips as she admired their harmony.

Madeline glanced around, her eyes carefully scanning the bustling scene in the stables. When she noticed that the servants were preoccupied with their tasks and not paying attention to her, she seized the opportunity. With a quick, stealthy movement, she slipped away from her duties and made her way over to where the prince was about to begin his riding lesson.

Quietly, she positioned herself at a discreet distance, her curiosity piqued. She watched intently as Prince Sebastian and his instructor began their session, eager to learn from their interaction. Madeline's heart raced with excitement, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of thrill at being able to witness the prince's lesson up close.

With a grin, the young prince mounted Duke's back. Madeline stood by the fence, her eyes wide with admiration as she watched Prince Sebastian take the reins. The instructor gave a nod of approval and began to guide the prince through the basics of riding, his voice calm and instructive. Prince Sebastian listened intently, his posture straightening with each piece of advice.

'You're doing great, Seb!' Madeline mentioned in her thoughts, which were filled with amazement. The prince turned and flashed her a quick smile before refocusing on his lesson. Madeline hid near the fence, crouching low behind a stack of bricks that conveniently blocked her from the instructor's view.

As a servant, she was forbidden from approaching the prince or forming any sort of friendship with him. The prince's horse-riding instructor was particularly strict and unyielding, unlike some of the more lenient tutors the prince had. This instructor would certainly report any breach of protocol to the royals, ensuring that Madeline would face severe consequences.

Madeline's heart raced as she watched Prince Sebastian from her hidden spot. She admired his skill and grace on horseback, her eyes filled with a mixture of awe and envy. Despite the risks, she couldn't help but be drawn to the young prince, who had always shown her kindness whenever they managed to steal a few moments together.

The instructor's stern voice echoed through the stable yard, issuing precise commands to Sebastian, who obeyed with focused determination. Madeline knew she had to be careful, as any sudden movement or noise could draw the instructor's attention. She remained perfectly still, her breath held in anticipation, hoping that her presence would go unnoticed as she continued to watch the lesson unfold. The session progressed smoothly, with Duke responding well to the prince's commands.