Invested Battle Arena

Gwen trailed behind them and walked to the left where there was another gate that likely lead to where the knights lived and slept every day. The battle arena where they practiced was already very nice, and she wasn't surprised to see the quality carry through inside.

Maximillian had to invest a lot into his knights after all, and she was suddenly enclosed in a room where there were no windows but stacked with weapons that went heads higher than she was with a dome that curved overhead when she glanced up.

There were spears and lances that were only a few feet to her right along with sharp and exposed knives and swords that were on the center table that seemed to need a bit of attention which was why they were there in the first place, and she made sure to walk in the center of the room, out of the way of the sharp edges of the weapons.

Inside the quarters of the knights, it was sturdy yet still had a comfortable and home-felt vibe with the amber lighting coming from overhead with the lanterns and small metal chandeliers.

There was no source of natural light since every single inch of the walls and even floors were utilized to their utmost capacity, holding various types of weapons that were meticulously kept that showed their deathly beauty.

The weapons room was the first room that they stepped into, but it soon widened into a hall where there were many sofas and other games that likely served as the central lounge room. Silas sat down at one of the wooden tables, that had benches for seats instead of individual chairs, and Gwen slid into the seat across from him.

Bronx disappeared for a moment but returned with a shirt on that went all the way up to his neck. Gwen found it funny and laughed lightly to which Silas lifted an eyebrow at her response. He sat down next to Bronx who ran a hand through his dark hair, shaking out the wet strands making Silas cringe.

"Do that outside," Silas chastised.

Bronx shrugged with a satisfied smug before getting back up to turn to the small kitchenette in the corner. He returned with steaming mugs of tea and placed them on the table. "Here is some tea, Your Grace. It's not anything fancy, but please do take a cup."

Gwen smiled. "I would love a cup, thank you."

Bronx handed her a mug, and Gwen wrapped her hands around the warm cup, weaving her fingers through the loop. She lifted the mug to her lips, and the warmth of the tea was enough to alleviate her worries for a moment.

Gwen leaned back in her seat while Silas absentmindedly played with one of the wrapped crackers in the bowl that was placed in the center of the table.

Silas plopped the dry cracker into his mouth. "What do you want to do to crack your boredom, Your Grace?"

Gwen lifted one shoulder with a wry smile. "Anything?"

"Has it been that bad at the mansion?" Silas asked.

"No," Gwen adamantly shook her head. "It's been wonderful. Everyone is so helpful and sweet. But they are all trying to confine me into my room since they believe I shouldn't lift a finger or something along those lines."

Silas laughed. "I could see how that would drive you insane. However, you did have quite a stressful trip, Your Grace."

"I can assure you that I am fully rested and in my best health. I want to be of help to the estate as well as that is my role," Gwen said softly.

"My apologies," Silas murmured.

"It's fine. Any ideas of where to start?"

Bronx took a sip of tea, listening quietly. "There are many duties that His Grace has neglected for a while now since he's been away for quite a while."

"That's true," Silas agreed. "If you are comfortable, Your Grace, I would recommend to take a look at the ledger."

Gwen hummed in thought. It didn't seem as bad as she thought considering that it was a low-key job that she could easy do and ask for help if need be. She was comfortable with numbers, and her tutor had complimented her immensely with her agile mind. It might only be for show though, but she'll find out if it was when she begins her task.

"That sounds great. Where do I go to get started?"

"If you head into His Grace's office, most of the ledger should be kept there. I'm sure they are unfinished, so by luck, they should still be on his desk," Bronx answered.

"Perfect, I'll go get started on that," Gwen said, happily. "Thank you so much."

"We are glad to be of service," Silas answered.

Remorse slammed into her when she realized that she took up a lot of their time. "I'm sorry that I disturbed you two."

"Not at all," Bronx rumbled. "We will escort you back, Your Grace."

"That's not needed. I'll be sure to stay on the main pathing."

Silas lifted a disbelieving brow, and Gwen sighed. "I promise."

Bronx turned to look at Silas, and they agreed when they saw how sincere she was being. Gwen walked out of the entrance doors of the knights quarters, and not the first way that she came in through the ring.

They explained to her that they just airing out the training grounds, and it wasn't a proper and safe place to enter through.

Both Silas and Bronx still ended up walking her back to the courtyard when they could see her go back into the mansion, but Gwen couldn't complain since they were going out of their way for her. She was walking in step with them, but she could tell that they both were trying to miss time it, so that she would be ahead.

"Cosette is going to throw a riot when she figures out that you were here, Your Grace," Silas grinned.

"Why? I thoroughly enjoyed my outing," Gwen laughed.

Silas brought a hand to his head, feigning a headache. "She said something about it being unseemly."

Gwen rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. Stop being overdramatic."