Unbound 01

The untamed forest embraced each other with their thick vines, the sunlight seeped through the gaps of the dense leaves that dangled over the branches, and the roots have tangled underground that held an ancient history that the rest wouldn't know.

The carriage rattled as it traversed onto the bumpy path; the road to the castle seemed endless that it provided Cailina enough time to bore her gaze on the panoramic greenery. She sat uprightly as she fiddled with her ring, her mind never rested from the thoughts of her puppy.

She appeared uninterested in the eyes of Cassius. He could not help but feel nervous if she would approve of his idea.

He quickly caught his worries as he pinched himself. He was never the one to think of what others say about his work or him. They recently met and haven't been acquainted that much.

Cassius gave himself another pinch on his sides. He sighed as he clenched his fists, it was unusual for him to be drawn to someone, especially to a lady. He should abandon these childish feelings

After the uncomfortable carriage ride, they arrived at the former citadel of the forgotten city of Erimso. The castle sat on a hill as it offered the view over the rest of its dominion.

"Welcome, Lord Cassius," a man dressed in butler clothing greeted.

He was a middle-aged man, a human. Despite his looks, his countenance shone as someone that had seen enough tragedies. He looked at the lady beside his master, and gave an inquiring look at Cassius to which the latter gave a nod.

"I apologize for my rudeness," he bowed at Cailina, "I failed to prepare as I didn't know my Lord will bring company."

"Lacking," Cailina said, her gaze on the man.

Cassius glanced at her with a subtle surprised expression. He would never truly understand how Imperial Nobles act. 

He was raised in a less strict about protocols environment. He dismissed the butler and led Cailina to the trial ground, "This way."

Cailina walked in elegance with her hands clasped together. She appeared to be a lost princess of the old castle as she only gave a nod at everything that Cassius would say. 

As they turned to a hallway, three people rushed to Cassius with a grin on their faces. The middle one stepped forward and gave another bow, and his enthusiasm overflowed from his eyes.

"My Lord, we have completed the field," his smile grew wider.

The three of them seemed to be older than Cassius, but the respect they have for him exceeded their elders. In their eyes, Cassius was the savior of their lives.

The man turned his attention to Cailina, shocked by the sudden appearance of a lady. It was known that their Lord was afraid of women. Although they knew not the reason behind it, they kept their questions in their hearts.

"Oh," he gaped and soon bowed, "welcome, my Lady."

Cassius patted his back and smiled, "Let's go, and finish the work."

A series of deafening whip-like snaps assaulted Cailina's hearing. Her fists clenched with every release of the shooter. She has been uneasy from the moment she saw the weapon Cassius introduced.

His eyes sparkled as he told her everything about it.

The trial ground was an open field with targets far on the other side of the shed. The targets varied in the distance, and three men held the weapon that harassed Cailina's senses. 

At the signal of Cassius, they fired their aim at the targets. A thick wisp of smoke came out of the weapons and carried a strong smell as it floated through the air.

She focused on the target filled with holes, mostly missing to hit the middle. She subtly jumped at another crackle of the weapon.

Cassius glanced at Cailina with worry, it seemed that she was not used to hearing loud noises. He immediately ordered the shooter to stop and turned to comfort Cailina.

Her pursed lips were enough for him to understand; she saw enough of the trial. He led her to a quiet place and told them that none should enter without permission.

Cailina kept her gaze low as she twisted and turned her ring, she wouldn't deny that the thunderous weapon had caused her to lose some of her composure. The weapon itself would surely determine the power of the Empire.

She titled her head upwards and saw Cassius' hand offering her a drink.

"I apologize for not informing you beforehand," he said with a small smile, "what do you think of it, my Lady?"

She gulped the refreshing liquid down her throat as it washed off the nervousness her heart raged. She exhaled the weariness and smiled back.

"It is brilliant," she paused, her expression turned to worry, "I hope that it would not fall into wrong hands."

It would be disastrous if the enemy would have known of its existence. A poisonous dagger straight to the heart if Cassius wasn't careful enough. 

"Your worries should rest," Cassius sat opposite of her, "all of my men are trustworthy. They are from the Duke."

Seeing Cailina's skeptical gaze, he assured her once again. Before approving of each of his men, he met them and personally listened to their stories. 

He believed that a man would be worthy of his trust with his stories and views in life. Although he was friendly with them, he knew where to draw the line between the servant and the master. 

After all, he was also a noble.

"Trusting a servant too much could lead to your demise, my Lord," Cailina replied.

His unwavering trust in his worker reminded her of her former maid, Ria, who had lost her rationality at the sight of Cailina's puppy. Even in her last moments, Ria screamed her hatred of Aris and her master abandoning her.

Cailina was aware of her maid's state of mind. She had always been weak. Her father told her that someday, Cailina would lose her because of her fickleness.

As a child, she did not think of it much. She enjoyed Ria's company, but her approval of the maid had caused Ria to forget her post.

Ria could never be in the same status as her master. Once a fallen noble; for eternity would always be.

That was why social gatherings of nobility were either their triumph or death of their names. It all boiled down to appearances. 

Each of them was alike puppets. Attached to the strings of the so-called "Recognition of the Monarch." If one would be found delightful in the sight of a royal, their influence would be unmatched. Many have strived for it.

Most had their wings cut off.

"It seems you speak from experience," Cassius broke the brief stillness that floated around them.

"Yes, I had a maid who almost killed the one I treasures the most."

Cailina sipped the tea as her lashes cast a shadow on her face, "An advice from your fellow noble," she placed down the cup and smiled.

"Never expect something from your servants."

Cassius wanted to ask more of it, but a sudden knock on the door interrupted. 

"My Lord, your father is here."