[Chapter 23 - Humilitas Occidit Superbiam : Humility Conquers Pride Pt.4]

As the carriage jostled back and forth me and the Valkyrie maintained the usual silence. Not much happened after using my skill. The old man basically just said my evaluation would be sent to the academy then sent us on our way. I had felt somewhat bad about the damage but when we left it had already been repaired as if nothing occurred at all.

"We are making an additional stop before the academy." the Valkyrie spoke, breaking the silence. "Let me be blunt now in saying it is within the best interest of yourself, and everyone, that you make this work because I assure you there will be no changing it."

With that said I knew exactly what she was referring to. I didn't respond, but neither did she continue. The rest of the ride was quiet and eventually the carriage came to halt. The door was opened to reveal a small manor surrounded in an intricate and tended garden. As I paned my view across the landscape I realized the one who opened the door was Louse. Just as I began to feel myself fill with a little excitement the Valkyries deadpan voice cut in "We will be parting here."

I turned and looked at her with a slightly annoyed face before exiting the carriage, Louse shutting the door behind me. As the carriage pulled away he spoke in his usual soft and polite tone "It is good to see you young master"

I nodded "You as well Louse". I had not seen him or Aela since we parted ways at the first wall in Lindor. Though I assume Aela will probably be quite busy from now on with being part of the council.

"I assume you know why you are here"

I nodded and in a somewhat down voice spoke "I believe so. I'm meeting Arbor's daughter right?"

We began to walk down the brick layed path. "Yes, though it would be best not to refer to her in such a way given your position."

"I understand"

"What did Vincent tell you?"

"The Valkyrie?" he caught my attention

"Yes"

"Just that it was in my best interest not to mess this up basically…"

"I see. I'm assuming she failed to elaborate any further so allow me. Your fiance, Lady Cere, is" he paused "Unique, so to say. With that said she lives here alone accompanied only by a few of her handmaidens. Starting today we will join them."

I stopped "What? No one said anything about that?!"

He looked at me with a serious expression "I figured as much. See, you have lived a life very sheltered from the realities of the world Elwen. Truth be told with the exception of a few specifics this is how most things are for nobles. You marry for politics sometime after 13, you join the academy, you serve your mandated time then you go do whatever it is that's waiting for you after. That's how it is"

The scene had now become like a parent arguing with their kid and I started responding with agitation and resistance "That's not what happened with my parents!"

He snapped back getting in my face as he spoke "And a lot of good that did them! Your mother is scrambling to restore her life and my master is dead!"

We both remained frozen for a moment. I had never once seen him lose his composure in such a way. I don't know what to say, what to do.

Louse stepped back and adjusted himself before speaking in a normal voice "She's in the courtyard. I'm going to go finish our move" with that he walked off towards the manor disappearing out of view behind walls of green.

I stood frozen. I can't deal with this right now. I took a deep breath in and out trying to regain my composure. After a moment I began to make my way to and through an ivory white archway covered in various thorned flowers. The more I looked around the more I realized I failed to find any plant here without thorns. As I walked and looked at the various plants to confirm, I noticed two people nearby.

One was a younger woman who had her hair braided and in a bun. She wore a rather typical servants attire and was hunched over tending to the girl sitting on a wooden bench. As I began to cautiously approach from behind I could only see her long void black hair that seemed to absorb light rather than refract it. I inched closer and the maid girl lifted her head, quickly tidied her own dress, then proceeded with a curtsy.

I did a small bow back before nervously speaking "Greetings. Uh." I cleared my throat before speaking in a more proper manner "I am"

A soft voice interrupted me from beside the maid "Elwen Vinswain" she began to raise up. When she did, the maid hurriedly rushed to aid her up before placing the girl's hand on a wooden cane.

By now I could see she wore a flowing deep green dress. I could also tell that she struggled. Her body was thin and frail and without the aid of her maid I could see her shaking in struggle as she pushed herself up. When she turned to face me it was with a thin slender face. Her lips were a pale pink and her eyes were glossed over in a cloudy white.

Snapping myself out of a stare I hurriedly respondes "Y-yes! A pleasure to meet you" I once again began to bow.

She must have heard the shifting of my leather and dagger because as I did she spoke in a gentle yet slightly light hearted tone "Please do not trouble yourself with formalities" I paused as she continued "Not only are we to be wed but, I cannot see them anyways" a small smile formed on her face though I could tell there was a sadness behind it"

"I see, my apologies" I raised myself

"Please, allow me to show you around"

I quickly responded "No! Really, it's no trouble!". Her face relaxed and the maid looked slightly away and off to the side. That was clearly the wrong thing to say. In an effort to recover "Though of course, if you are offering I would happily accept!"

With a nod the life returned to her expression "Very well" and with one hand on her cane and the other arm in lock with her maid she began to make her way further in the garden. I hurriedly walked to catch up. Now walking beside her cane I glanced slightly over, and as if she knew she turned, looking me dead in the eyes in response with a light smile on her face.

I felt my heart skip a beat, out of shock if nothing else, and afterwards I too formed a lighthearted smile in response. Despite her appearance, it seemed as if the crushing anxiety and stress I once had weighing me down in regards to this arrangement had almost…vanished.