3.1 - Asther, The Imperial Capital

"Brandon! Brandon! Brandon! Brother!"

An extremely excited voice was heard through the halls until it reached her door by Brandon. The owner of the voice was a boy in his twelve years old with purple hair and an expression that showed his excited state. Brandon didn't know why he was like that, but it must have been a good thing that he had come running to tell him.

"What's it? Did something good happen? Learned a new spell?"

"It's not that!" He screamed. "We are going to the capital! The capital! I finally get to see what it's like!"

"The capital?" Brandon cocked his head, confused by the sudden statement. "Who said that?"

"The mom! She said we're going there in three weeks. Does it look like there's going to be a prom or something? I did not pay attention. But that means we can stop by the wizards' tower and then go have fun! She also said that there is going to be a festival! And that we can go!"

James says with such excitement that it surprises Brandon a little, but all he does is smile at the youthful, childlike sight. The redhead understood why the purple was like that, after all, they had been going to the capital for a few years, and James was too young to remember exactly. Therefore, the news that they would go to the heart of the empire is really good news for him.

But that doesn't mean he wasn't surprised by the trip that hadn't even been scheduled for some time. He helped the earl in his work and was currently supporting Ferion, he didn't understand how it hadn't gotten to him. But it hadn't been that long since he'd arrived from the orphanage either, so it could have been recent.

"The Lady? That might be possible then. But why do we go there? If it were simply a ball, it would not be necessary for you to go."

"I don't know." James shrugged. "Oh, and she asked me to call you."

"Hm, then I must go. I can ask about why we go." He organizes the items on his desk. "Thanks for letting me know, James."

"You're welcome. And that means you won't have to work when we're there. So, you'll keep me company, won't you?"

"I promise I'll go wherever you want to go with you."

"Right." The boy nodded, accepting what was said.

Rising from his chair, Brandon takes one last look at his desk to see if there is anything that needs tidying and walks towards the exit of his room. He saw that James was already gone when he turned and let out a sigh. He didn't like to keep the lady waiting, even if she could wait a little while, as he should have seen how excited James got.

Countess Miller was in the garden outside, in the same spot where James and Brandon had been the day Ferion and Phillip had returned to the mansion. The gazebo they sat in that day had snacks and drinks on the table, as well as silverware, with the sun not hitting its center but still illuminating the interior.

As soon as she saw him, she put down the cup of tea that was in her hands and a beautiful white smile appeared towards him. It was a familiar sight for Brandon who always saw her with a cup of tea, and he soon returned one too. Bowing, he saluted her.

"Hello lady. James told me you were calling me."

"Yes, I did. I hear you went to the orphanage today with Ferion for the plan you came up with, I want to know how it went." She said, in a gentle tone, just like the atmosphere. A cup of tea was filled in front of Brandon so he could drink some as well.

"It was all great, ma'am. The director, the one responsible for the crimes, has been arrested and it doesn't seem like we'll have any problems with the investigation, that's what Ferion thinks. He went to inform the earl about the events in person, so I don't have much idea what could happen, but he assured me that they decided to make a deal with government people to directly support the orphanage, so I can only trust him."

"These are great news. I am proud of how well I raised Ferion." She gave a slight smile. "And the kids? Weren't they very surprised by the director's departure? They are fine?"

Brandon saw concern there. Countess Claire was very kind, in his opinion. She cared about those around her and treated them with courtesy and respect, but she became angry when someone attacked them.

"They look fine. Anderson, the boy I helped, cooperated with me by talking to the children and explaining the situation to them accurately. Many were confused, though they understood who Ferion was and why the warden was being arrested. The older ones were the first to understand before the arrest was even made."

The cup of iced fruit tea was raised to his lips during his speech break. Sweet and refreshing taste was very good. Claire was watching him closely, waiting to see if he had anything else to say.

"Only… After Ferion returned, after asking someone to go there, we took a tour of the building and got a closer look at their lifestyle. The room where they slept was clean, but it was hot and there were too many for just one room. It seems that man wouldn't let them use the second floor because it was a storage place and where his room was, he didn't want any children there."

"Some also showed what they were under the shirt they were wearing and there were wounds underneath them. There was nothing that looked like a scar. Maybe he didn't want to leave lasting marks in case any parent who went there found out why."

"However, even if they looked normal when they showed this situation to us, I don't think they are really okay. Your abuser may have been arrested, but it's not enough to overcome or heal the trauma they've suffered for years. They probably didn't want to show how affected they were by it, afraid they would become a burden."

"I really regret having to hear about this." She spoke as soon as he finished. "I'm sure Ivan will make sure the orphanage has someone decent to take care of them. We'll also have to inspect the others… Well, I think he's already investigating as well. My husband is a person who goes all the way when it matters." A small smile appeared on her face as she spoke of her beloved, but his nature changed soon after. "As for the cursed one, the punishment may not be death, but he will spend his whole life in jail, since the punishment is up to the lord of the territory at this point."

A shiver went up Brandon's spine at the countess's words. On Claire's face was a gentle smile, but the aura compared to when she smiled at Brandon was completely different. It was menacing and intimidating. It made Brandon a little apprehensive, whenever he saw this side of the countess he got like that. However, he does not disagree with the nature of such words.

"In any case, you and my son did a good job. I have to say that to him too."

"Thank you Madam. And Ferion would like to hear that."

"Yea." She waved.

The weather was good. Brandon was there, sitting in a chair in the shade, watching Claire Miller drinking her tea and feeling a light breeze that hits him. Thoughts of him flew for a second, riding that wind that came and went. Then he turned his gaze to the Countess who was watching him, cup in front of her.

"Drink your tea too, before it gets cold." She pointed to the liquid untouched since the first and last time he drank it.

"Yea." He drank, tasting it sweet on his tongue. "Madam, are we going to the capital?" He asks.

"You must have heard it from James." She said, knowing who it was she told her about. Just as she imagined, it happened. It was within his expectations when she had told him about her future fate. "Yes, we are going."

"Can I ask why? I was not informed of this. It was sudden."

"Because of the Victory Celebration, a party that will be held in the royal palace for the nobility and those who distinguished themselves in the war. There will also be one where they will give the reward to those who had achievements. It is an event where the family of those who have achieved something should attend and pay homage and respect at the time of rewards."

With the words, Brandon understood. Both Ferion and Phillip participated in the war, but the first was a representative and had his achievements, while the second was a knight, but without much merit. It was presumable to think that Ferion had been summoned to such a celebration, although the most notable ones that appeared in the newspapers were the 'Duke of Shadows', the second prince and the mercenary, whose was defined as a very strong revelation in the end, as the main finishers of war.

If it was for such a reason, it was understandable why they would go. Also the fact that it was a little sudden, although it's obvious that it would happen. The imperial palace was supposed to be preparing for the ceremony since preparations for the attack on Glarus, which marked the end of the war. It was just something he hadn't anticipated.

"I understand."

"Brandon, take advantage of us going there and visit the city a little. Unlike here, have a little fun. The festival in the capital will last as long as the Victory Celebration ceremony and is being sponsored by the royal family, so there must be a lot of security. And take James, he'll enjoy seeing the wizards' tower, even if it's from afar, as you can't get in without being a member."

A smile crept across Brandon's face. The red lips arched to either side. The lady said what James wanted to see too, she could guess what he wanted and knew her son too well to know how happy he would be just at the feeling of being next to the symbol of wizards in the Yulard empire. If he was so happy to learn a new magic, how much would he be happy to see a building over forty stories high that was extremely tall?

Well, after all, she was his mother. She cared for him sincerely. It was no surprise that she knew that.

"Of course I will. He even made me promise."

"That's very him." She said, laughing a little. "Anything else you want to know?"

"Not." Brandon denied it. "And you lady? Is there anything you want to say to me?"

"Oh yeah." She stated. A similar yet different smile to the one before was placed on her face. "We are going to go dress shopping again."

Brandon blinks, tilting his head. It hadn't been that long since they had gone out, in fact, they even went with James and he got a stuffed fox. He remembered the countess buying some too.

"But… It wasn't that long ago that we did. Wouldn't it be better to ask them to come here instead of leaving?" he inquires.

The custom of the nobility in relation to shopping was to invite renowned merchants and merchants, or those who were popular in the city where they stayed, to their mansions and ask them for a catalog with the items for sale and their price. And, of course, merchants would. Nobles had great influence and wealth, and often bought large sums, lining the pockets of gold sellers. Even a visit that doesn't result in any purchases is a benefit, as a connection can be created with them.

So Brandon asked and kind of suggested it to the countess. She also had the habit of inviting them over and reading the catalogue, so this was not uncommon.

"Of course. That would take all the fun out of shopping." She shakes her head. "Brandon, darling, when you get to be my age, you're going to want to run right out of the house and spend your earned money on something fun. And for me it's shopping in stores."

"All right. Shall I inform James?"

"No need, he won't go with us this time. We're just going to look for a dress for Phillip's bride. She has to have something to wear when we go to the event. It can't be in the capital because all the boutiques must already be full of orders and jobs are full, so there won't be time to get one on the spot."

Brandon stops when he realizes who Countess Miller is referring to. In fact, the name "Phillip" was what really stopped him thinking. He hadn't thought about him and Johannes in the last few days. The thing with the orphanage was in his head and he didn't hear or see them anywhere. Even he had forgotten that he was avoiding them out of concern for the children.

Now, however, his brain felt like it had been shocked and reset. The fact that he was avoiding Phillip and Johannes, in addition to the sadness that had been hidden in his heart until a moment ago, were again part of his thoughts. The last time he heard from them was when he went to visit Nott and they had left, so at that time he was relaxed and walking without worrying about bumping into him, or Phillip for that matter.

His inner being fought the urge to frown at the countess and scowl. Professionalism was something imprinted on his being and he couldn't let his personal feelings affect his work. So much so that he took some of the tea to see if it calmed his thoughts.

However, a question arose: how focused on the previous work for him to forget something important like that? Although, he had to admit, he was more relaxed than before. A break was definitely something he needed, even if it was a little short.

"Understood."

"Oh, I'm glad for that. The choice will be quick with you there. Although I have good eyes when it comes to fashion, you have good sense too."

Brandon doesn't answer anything, just gives her a weak smile.

In the end, when the tea was gone and the snacks were only crumbs left, Brandon said goodbye cordially, walking back to his room with a face that expressed nothing compared to his brain that was making him sigh every few minutes.

Brandon was avoiding them at all costs, not wanting any contact with them, especially his ex-lover Phillip, as he knew it would only hurt and cause him pain. And now, by order of the lady, he has to go out with the bride of the guy he loved to choose a dress. He should be grateful that he doesn't have to be alone with her, but also with the countess who would be accompanying them like the bridge that connects the two sides.

Another sigh escapes his mouth and he takes a deep breath. He had two choices, bother with it or treat it like just an everyday job. It was only for him to think that he was serving the one who will enter the family through his Second Young Master. But that couldn't erase the nervousness he was feeling at the thought of being together with her.

He saw her the day she arrived and the day of the tea party Countess Claire had held. However, that was all he knew. Miss Attwater didn't leave her room, and when she did, it was with Phillip, so there was no way they could meet, especially when he had his guard up so he didn't want to see either of them.

He didn't know her, didn't want to, and he was still afraid to meet her. Afraid not because of what she would do to him if she found out he was an ex-boyfriend, but because if she was a really good person who deserved someone to make her happy, he would feel a little guilty for wanting their situation to change. was a total lie while they were in love.

In the end… All he could do was face it head on, even if he didn't want to.