3.5

"The gates! The capital is over there! Look!" James exclaimed as he looked out the window at the capital not far from where they were. They would soon arrive with a little more time.

Brandon leaned over the window next to the boy and also saw the walls and the open gate that gave the entrance to the capital. There were a few wagons and carriages lined up to be identified and entered. This was routine, except that the number there was a little higher given that the festival is close and their numbers would only increase as the days passed.

However, the carriages of the Millers, or any other nobles, would not have to go through such a line, as the procedures were shorter and less rigid, although sometimes they are still created when there are a greater number of nobles wanting to enter.

"I am seeing." He said.

Ferion, who was sitting next to them, said nothing. He looked at both of them looking out and watched them. It's not like he didn't understand, he still remembered the first time he went to the capital, and was pleased to see his brother's and Brandon's enthusiasm, resulting in a slight curve in the right corner of his mouth.

"How long will it take us to get there?" questioned James.

"At most ten minutes."

The brown and green eyes directed to the voice that sounded in the cabin. The two saw Ferion's serious face, his ordinary face, and went back to watching the blue sky and the capital getting closer and closer.

"Are we going to pass any sights? The academy, the temple, or the tower?"

"No. The route is along the shopping district route, but our house is relatively close to the temple."

"So I won't be able to see the tower?"

"Not from the front. We're entering the western part of the capital. The tower is on the east side. But you should be able to see it. It's the biggest building in the city, dwarfing even the imperial palace."

"Oh~" James muttered in awe, his boyish face wobbling in understanding. It was cute to anyone who saw it.

*

Unlike the streets of the city of Killos, the hometown of the Millers, the commercial district of Asther was more developed, with stone tiles and some trees in strategic positions to give a natural and pleasant atmosphere, with several stores with sophisticated details and decorations. Even the simplest shop could match a Killos mid-range.

There were stores of different types, from boutiques and jewelry stores to weapons and stationery stores. And customers were everywhere, in fancy or good clothes. A noble would stand out in the crowd if he was wearing his usual clothes, but as he got closer to the nobles' residence district, they would be more ordinary and not draw as much attention, due to their clothes and habits.

There were also some people setting up tents in some places and some building in certain places, in preparation for the Victory Celebration festival. The square, being one of the most visited places during that time, was the one that attracted the most attention and was being decorated. As the days passed, the pace and animation of the people would increase.

James looked out of the carriage, eyes sparkling and excited. His excitement hadn't changed or dimmed since they entered the gates. He even let out an exclamation as they entered. Brandon was impressed too and was a little excited to see the capital city that is the center of the kingdom.

It didn't take long for them to leave the commercial district and move to the district where there are only houses and mansions of nobles, leaving behind luxurious and elegant stores. It was one of the places where a large number of aristocrats' houses were concentrated, although not all of them were there.

The nobility districts were filled with large plots of land with large mansions within the capital. Each house belonged to a family, whether large or small — depending on the size of the land and the mansion — whether from the capital or not. And such places would be separated in different directions of the capital, without concentrating in one place.

When the carriage entered such a place, the road was clean and very well made, being better than the one in the shopping street, and it provided stability and a pleasant feeling to look at. The great walls and tall metal gates, with the family crests, were seen as they walked through that place.

An incredible sight for anyone to see. There were similarities between the families' areas, but all had an architectural beauty that made it obvious that they were noble.

For those in high places, both his mansion, land, and buildings boasted some of the highest work by the best architects of the time, as well as the best building materials. This was visible to anyone when seeing quartz, gold, silver and some sculptures that adorned the walls and gates. And it lessened the momentum the lower it went, but it was still well crafted.

The carriage stopped in front of the entrance to a residential area with the coat of arms of a bear on the railings. It was the mansion belonging to the Millers who resided in the capital. The place was built decades ago and has been in the family for generations. Its use is intended, of course, for when the masters of the house go to the capital. And even if it is without them most of the year, it is still well maintained and managed by the servants.

The mansion, which was seen right after the passage, was white with black details. It wasn't as big as the county manor, but slightly smaller. The garden that was in front of it was also very beautiful, with different types of flowers and shrubs, great for taking a walk when you have time and walking outdoors.

The manor servants were at the front of the manor, led by the butler Irvin, and hunched over as they waited for the first carriage, the one in front, to stop and for the Earl and Countess Miller to alight.

As soon as her hand took her husband's hand and her shoes hit the ground, Claire flashed a smile at Irvin and the other servants. Her kind face showed her cheerful and youthful expression, as if she was seeing something nostalgic that brought back many fond memories and returned to a much-loved place. She soon approached the butler as the other carriages arrived and the servants prepared to unload the masters' items.

"Irvin, it's good to see you again."

"I must say the same, ma'am." The old man smiled. Wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes. "It's an honor to see you again, sir."

"Glad to see you again too." Ivan says.

"The preparations for your arrival have all been made. The manor is perfect for your stay and everything is ready, as per the notice you sent us. We have received some invitations from other nobles and they are all in your study and yours are in your room . There's also a prepared meal for you in case you get hungry."

Claire couldn't help but laugh at the wrinkled face she was so familiar with. "You remain the same diligent."

"Of course. And where are the young masters? You said you would come with the three of them. Along with young Phillip's bride."

"Oh, did he inform you? They're in the others, James should be showing up any minute now." Claire said.

As soon as she finished speaking, the door of the second carriage opened and a child jumped down from the door to the ground, bending its knees and making a clatter as it stepped. He soon turns his head and smiles back to be met by Ferion's frown at his brother's action and Brandon's sigh of getting used to it. James behaves as if he hasn't done anything wrong.

He would have expected at least, if not for Brandon or Ferion, a knight to accompany him down. The height from the door to the ground isn't much, but it could have made him lose his balance because of the way he jumped.

"James, don't do this anymore." Ferion warns using a serious tone.

"I promise nothing." He says, with a chuckle at the end.

The incisive black eyes met the "innocent" brown ones and James soon turned towards the mansion he saw through the window. He wasn't even shaken by the piercing look that was being directed at him and walked on, seeing his mother and father standing next to a gentleman who should have been the butler, because of his clothes.

Brandon followed Ferion down. He turned his head this way and that, seeing everything and taking in the details of the scenery around him. He was so different from the county and the sight he had been used to for over ten years and a sense of estrangement was felt. However, he soon ignored it and continued walking behind the Miller brothers, watching the other servants move. He, even if he doesn't want to, compares it to the way those in the mansion in Killos move, there being a little difference.

"Mother father." James soon spoke and the voice drew Brandon's attention to them.

"Looks like you had a good trip. I was worried your seasickness had gotten worse." Claire said, running her hand through her son's soft hair, which was identical to hers.

"The medicine you gave me took effect quickly."

"I understood." She waved. "James, this is Irvin, the butler of the capital mansion. He's Kevin's older brother."

Saying such a sentence, the countess introduced the white-haired man who was beside her. A smile was being directed at the boy who looked curiously at the old man and smiled too.

As stated, Irvin was Kevin's older brother, however there is almost a decade difference between them, yet both are from the same family of butlers that has been serving the Miller family for generations. So he was somewhat similar to Kevin, a four out of ten point resemblance to him. Their blue eyes were identical and carried a hint of familiarity between James and Brandon.

"Hello, Irvin." He says.

"Hello, young master James. It will be an honor to serve you during your stay. You may call me Uncle." The benign voice spoke. Irvin soon laid eyes on the black-haired man who looked very similar to the earl. "Young master Ferion, long time no see."

"Same for you, Uncle Irvin." Ferion's expression was a little softer. He was seeing a friend he hadn't seen in ages since he was younger.

Due to his status as an heir and being older, there were many times that Ferion had to come to the capital with his father to assist him when there were no succession classes. So the heir to the Miller house was more used to the man's presence. Of course, there's also the fact that I saw him longer during their childhood, when their father, the former head butler, was alive.

"It's that?" Ask the couple about Brandon.

"It's Brandon."

"Oh, it's him." The old man says, as if he knew who he was. "It's a pleasure working with you, young man."

"It's also a pleasure working with you, sir." Brandon bows slightly to greet him.

A few days ago Irvin received word from the count that they would be leaving Killos for the imperial capital due to the Victory Celebration that young master Ferion was going to participate in. Therefore, immediately after receiving and reading it, he went ahead to prepare for the arrival of the masters at the mansion. The rooms had to be cleaned again and the mansion had to be sparkling. This was a matter of honor, and even more so it was their visit after many years.

So, in order for nothing to go wrong, Irvin had contacted his brother to pass on any important details or that further preparation would be necessary. Kevin got back to her quickly and it was quite a large amount of paperwork with a simple but detailed report on each family member.

In these documents, there was also something said about Brandon, although in lesser quantity than the customs and habits of the countess and James, since they are the members of the family and with whom he has more contact. It was mostly basic information and about her looks and personality as well as ability. There were no likes and dislikes, as it's not very relevant.

The old man's blue eyes studied the red-haired youth in front of him. The erect posture and temper of someone well-disciplined was the first thing you noticed in his old eyes and that was recognized by you. The second thing noticed was the manner of their behavior and language, very good for servants of noble houses. In his opinion, if those were the requirements for becoming a butler, Brandon would be one of the most capable ones he's seen.

And, seeing it with his own eyes, he had to admit that Kevin's description of the earl's assistant was pretty accurate.

The next carriage to open was, of course, the last and it was Phillip and Johannes. The engaged couple looked harmonious as they left, even more so when the woman gave the man a smile as she took his hand out to her. No matter how she looked at it, she was a passionate woman looking at her lover.

Butler Irvin quickly pays attention to the others. He sees the man a little taller than himself and similar to the Duke. He could only be young Master Phillip, whom he hadn't seen since he was little. And the lady beside him must be Johannes.

The blue eyes go down and up to analyze the woman. Her mind processed it as she compared it with the information her brother Kevin had given her beforehand. It is impossible for such a butler, with decades of experience, not to notice her posture and gait. It looked like she was really a commoner. However, her beauty cannot be denied.

Johannes may be Phillip's bride to all, but as a capable and responsible butler, he'll keep an eye on his actions around the house, just as Kevin warned him. It wasn't that he didn't like her or dislike her or have a problem. It was natural for a servant loyal to his household to pay attention to outsiders, especially when they were involved with their masters.

Anyway, he knows what he should and shouldn't do to offend the other party.

As Phillip approached the crowd, he expertly cracked a smile.

"Uncle Irvin, how long has it been. You should visit us sometime in the county."

Greeting from him was welcoming and warm. His bride was at the side and watched the old man with shining eyes and a gentle smile. She assumed he was an acquaintance of her parents, as Earl Miller has no siblings.

"Of course I will when I have time, young master. And it's good to see you too." Irvin answered. "This girl is also very beautiful. Who is she?"

"Oh, this is Johannes, my bride." The man introduced her.

A slight puff of chest and loving face appeared when saying 'bride'. If Johannes didn't know that this was just an act and that it was deliberate, she too would believe Phillip loved her. How can the man's acting skills be better than her who was in the profession?

Her head suddenly cleared and she remembered something. Discreetly, she glanced at Brandon to see his reaction. She really didn't want to be on bad terms with him. But surprisingly, the other was calm without a single reaction. Just tranquility and neutrality, as if you were looking at a couple that has nothing to do with you.

She was impressed and soon directed a receptive smile to the butler in front of her.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Johannes Attwater and I'm Phillip's fiancée." She greeted simply, but was no less polite in print.

"The pleasure is all mine, miss. I'm Irvin, the butler of the Miller family in the capital. If you have a problem, please come and solve it with me." The man smiled a little politely at her.

With the introductions over, everyone turned inwards. The Millers were talking with Irvin about their chores, and sometimes Ferion joined in when asked for her opinion.

James, in turn, just continued on to the dining room, which had meals and snacks ready to be eaten. However, in the middle of the conversation, he cleverly asked his mother if he could go to the streets and see what the capital is like.

Claire simply looked at him smiling, but her eyes held a look that said she saw right through his guise as a silly, innocent son.

"We've just arrived and we've been on the road for days. And it's not long before dark. You're going to rest today and tomorrow I'll let you go, but only with an escort."

James nodded, feeling a little disappointed that he couldn't leave sooner. He really wanted to see the sights and walk around. Finally, the bride and groom returned to their rooms and Brandon too, to pack his things, and then go to have a meal with the other employees. His days in the capital were beginning and he was excited.