"Is Mana a privilege?" Lawrence asked the knights.
They all shook their heads, "I don't exactly know, but having Mana is an assumption. I've learned the basics of meditation and how to acquire Mana, but I never really learned anything about it. It wasn't something detailed nor studied. Imperials might've taught their offsprings, but that, I can't confirm." Jane explained.
Gavin nodded and added to her phrase, "Mana is just a myth for us folks. We don't believe it exists, but it does make knights like us feel more inspired to meditate and assume we will gain enlightenment."
The others agreed. "What we call as Mana is our Inheritances. Although they are different things, Knights believe they are the same. Inheritance has the Attribute-type, similar to what Mana does to our body and capabilities." Helix spoke.
"Oh, I see." Lawrence's face felt disappointed.
"I was wondering where you were. What were you doing, sweetie?" Estella called from the columns.
Everyone stood still, shocked by the sudden voice. Gavin then led the greetings, "Good morning, Madam Estella." and bowed. The others did the same.
Lawrence stood, faced Estella, and smiled, "I was chatting with them, Mum." he answered delicately.
The illuminating light from the sun guided Estella as she walks towards the field. She was gorgeous in her casual wear. And her hair, blonde and wavy that it polishes her complexion. It complimented her honey-brown eyes and made her the fairest woman.
Helix could not help but blush at the beautiful figure approaching. He felt his legs shiver and his mind going blank. Then he coughed to rid of the feeling.
"Good morning, knights. How was your rest yesterday?" Estella looked at Helix straight in the eyes, with her beautiful, innocent gaze. She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked the most beautiful than she has ever been.
"Yo- I mean, it was perfect... madam." Helix stuttered.
Gavin and Jane raised a brow. Koa smirked at his friend and chuckled. "We were able to sleep the whole day, Madam. The chambers were perfect and comfy, too much for the likes of us. But we very much appreciate it." Koa answered.
Estella smiled as she carries Lawrence, "That's great to hear." she turned to look at Lawrence, "Are you hungry, sweetie?"
Lawrence nodded, "A little bit, mum." he shifted his gaze towards the knights and spoke, "Should we eat together?"
The knights were baffled by his request, "We wouldn't dare, your highness." Jane answered.
Lawrence pouted and glared at Jane, making her flinch, "Mum is okay with you calling me Lawrence. You don't have to be formal and respectful in my Villa."
"Yes, do not worry about it," Estella added. "You can also eat with us, too. Do not fret over the consequences and our stands. You at least deserve to eat together with the Prince for using your lives to protect him." she added.
The knights' eyes moisten, touched by the statement of Estella. "We would gladly accept the invitation, Madam and Lawrence." Gavin beamed.
.
"Thank you for the meal, Madam." the four knights bowed, showing their happiness in their tones.
"What are your plans?" Estella asked.
"We will be on our posts to guard the Villa, Madam," Gavin answered.
"I see." she paused. "I presume you don't have missions from the Emperor? Or perhaps the guild?"
"We did have, Madam. But Mr. Wagner, our Master Seargent, hasn't given us orders to deploy for our mission." Gavin answered. "Thank you, once again, Madam. We'll be taking our leave."
"Yes," Estella answered. She turned to Lawrence, smiled. "How are you, sweetie?"
"Good, Mum." Lawrence smiled back.
"Madam," Emily called on the corner of the dining room. "They've arrived," she informed.
The gates of St. Apple Villa opened, and eight carriages entered. They were all the same, mediocre, not for royalty. It was to keep a low profile and not attract anybody. There were more than ten workers behind the eight carriages in their rusty vehicle. There were also ten chivalry knights.
None seemed to be attacked by any forest perpetrators, but everyone looked exhausted from the travel. It was good timing because all the new servants finished the ground floor. Everyone focused on doing the upper story cleaning and arranging. The only people who did not help were Henry, the Cook, and the Guards.
Lawrence forced the other servants to allow him to join the floor cleaning and wore a more comfortable garment for the occasion. Meanwhile, Estella was busy conversing with Henry about Lawrence's room renovations and requests since the workers came from the city, along with an architect and a master mason, they would be able to do work without rest.
Henry guided Estella to the architect, and she began to explain the wants and needs Lawrence. Estella led the architect to Lawrence's room, and she began explaining everything. The architect then asked permission to sit on the sofa at the coffee table, and he laid down a flat leather paper.
He began drawing the blueprint of the room and placed marks for what was in need. Just like that, the master mason understood and thought of it as an easy job to do that will only take a few days, now lesser since they had an Inheritor Worker who could use the power of stone.
"Then I'll leave the room renovation to you," Estella told the two men.
"You can trust on us, Mademoiselle."
Estella told Henry to take charge of the other things that needed fixing or construction. Then she hurried to where Lawrence was cleaning, along with the servants. When she got to the guest-chamber, where they were cleaning, she saw the toddler masked and dirty.
Everyone was laughing and telling jokes. They were also aiding Lawrence, who was happily helping them. Although, at the door, she saw the headmistress of the escorts glaring an eye out at Lawrence. When the headmistress saw Estella, she turned away and left.
Estella couldn't deny the fact that before she and the headmistress got to their positions, they both were Arch Countesses, admirable and well-treated. Estella did not mind her lack of respect towards her and focused back on Lawrence.
"You're here, Mum!" Lawrence exclaimed, jumping towards with all the dust that covered his body.
"His highness cleans so well and has good eyesight. He has striking footwork that fooled us to think he was a prestigious knight!" Maine complimented.
"He is indeed such a talented child." Estella giggled as she brings Lawrence to her arms. "Shall we clean you up?"
Lawrence shook his head, "I want to clean more." he remarked, eyes sparkling and a broad smile.
"You can't. You have to rest, dear. You are still a toddler, remember?" Estella softly argued.
Lawrence pouted, "Okay."
Maine spoke, "Please rest well, your highness."
Emily. "Thank you for the hard work, your highness."
Everyone else. "We'll handle everything here, your highness."
Lawrence smiled at them and then hugged Estella as they proceed to another chamber, clean and tidied. Estella placed Lawrence down on top of his bed. "I'll prepare your bath," Estella stated, with a smile on her face.
.
It was noon when Lawrence finished his bath and dozed off. After taking a bath, he found himself yawning and falling asleep. Estella covered him with blankets as she leaves to check on everyone. She stopped at the split staircase leading to the third floor.
The third floor was a private area for Lawrence to enjoy alone. Unless he permits anyone else, no one could go up.
She proceeded to her way to the ground floor staircase. She went down and met a man who looked like a scholar. He was a familiar face.
"Madam!" he called out.
"Sir Benjamin?"