To The House Of Vincent

CHAPTER ELEVEN: To The House Of Vincent

—NEXT DAY...

The morning was met with groans of discomfort coming from a hungover Maeva.

"Ugh...this migraine is a bitch..." Her head pounding and stomach churning senselessly. Maeva couldn't remember much of the drinking contest, though she did recall falling asleep later that night.

Maeva looked around, Quinn and Paige were nowhere to be found. "Huh? Guys?"

She sighed, taking her time to make her way downstairs of the inn, dragging herself to the nearest mirror to assess her face. The sight of the red patches across her cheeks was enough of a reminder. She looked back at the patio of the inn, searching for the two paladins.

"Where are they? Don't tell me they seriously left me behind..." the inn was filled with the morning light shining from their windows, and Maeva's stomach made her feel queasy. She made her way to the dining hall, finding her way to a table with a couple of empty seats where Paige was. "Oh, you're awake. Good. We're just about to set off soon."

"Morning to you, too..." Maeva greeted her with a passive wave, seeing the swordstress having a nice cup of tea. Paige chuckled as she saw the red-haired girl's slightly haggard appearance, clearly noticing how hungover she was.

"What's so funny?"

"You had quite the night, last night," Paige smirked, her tone hinting at amusement more than disapproval. The swordstress seemed well-rested and refreshed in contrast to Maeva, who was still recovering from the effects of her last night's binge. "I don't think I've seen a non-paladin chug that much alcohol, against Quinn of all people."

"Yeah. I don't think I had a hangover this heavy, though..." Maeva groaned as she sat on a chair next to her.

"That's why you should never trust Quinn when comes to proposing a game. He can be reckless and a bit of a goof. Take it from me." The raven-haired paladin hummed. "That's why I'm the leader."

"I'll take your word for it. But I'm the one who went overboard. Where is he anyway?"

"Fetching our horses. As soon as he arrives, we'll depart from the town immediately."

"Right." Maeva replied with a grimace. He face softened at the thought of her dream. The vivid image of Rhea resonated, and what seemed like her violent death seen right in front of her eyes. She shook the thought aside for now, having a light breakfast and massaging her aching temples.

It was then she heard the sound of galloping hooves, followed by Quinn's distant voice from outside the inn.

"Alright. Time to go. Come on, the fresh air might help," the swordstress offered with a reassuring pat on the back before walking out the exit. Maeva followed, forcing herself to take a few small steps outside the inn, where the paladins' horses were waiting.

The morning air felt refreshing against her face as she took a deep breath, even catching the greenish smell of the Emerald Legacy over her head. As she approached the horses. With her spirits uplifted, Maeva wandered over to one stallion and brushed it's mane gently. It returned her affection, nuzzling and sniffing at her gently. "Awww! You're so adorable for a big guy..."

"Looks like Ganymede likes you already." Quinn walked in on her with an amused look. "Usually he doesn't want anyone but me touching his mane. He can be obstinate."

"Ganymede? That's its name?" Maeva asked, her voice brimming with curiosity. Maeva pondered and the horse responded with a whinny neigh. The horse's name felt unexpected for some reason, but her green eyes sparkled, amazed. "You're such a cutie! I don't think I've seen a horse your size before! Or any horse for the matter."

"Wait. Weren't there horses in your time?" Quinn asked curiously, his brow raising slightly. Maeva's eyes narrowed as she thought hard about the question. She could swear that she remembered seeing pictures of horses, but she couldn't quite remember ever actually seeing a horse in person.

"I mean, there were. But I've never actually seen a horse up close like this. I think I haven't." Her face turned confused as she judged her memories. She froze as a hand was placed over her shoulder. "Huh?"

Quinn was assessing her, noticing her faint red cheeks, he moved his palm from her forehand and surfed to cup her cheek. "You're still effected, I see. I guess that might be my fault."

"T-that's okay. I was just having too much fun. Though I didn't catch much sleep because of it."

Quinn frowned, his eyebrows furrowing with mild guilt. He might've passed out so he didn't watch over her like he promised. He took out a small potion bottle from his pocket and handed it over to her. "Here. This should help take the hangover off. You'll be fine once you take it."

"Oh. Thanks." She popped the bottle open and cautiously took a swig. Her face cringed at its foul stench. "Gross. It tastes like grass."

"It'll pass. And after last night, you just became the funnest person I've ever met. Better than any paladin. I can't wait to see what else we'll do together..." He comically grinned then playfully poked her nose, making her cheeks redden more.

"W-well...I..." Maeva started, but she trails off.

"We should be going, you two." Paige cut in as she hopped on her horse's saddle.

"Oh, right..." Quinn offered to Maeva onto the horse, his movements steady and supportive.

"I'd hang on tight so I won't get bumped off," Quinn teased as he gripped the saddle. Maeva nervously gulped and immediately wrapped her arms around his waist. Paige galloped a little bit ahead of them, the horses dashing at a gentle pace towards the town gate and into the winding gravel road.

Together, the three of them leave Chromestown.

Maeva looked back at the town as she was riding further away, the sight of the massive Emerald Legacy tree still unwavering.

Facing ahead, her garden-green eyes were met by the vast expanse of rolling grasslands, punctuated by gentle hills and meandering valleys. The gentle hills rolled like waves, adorned with wildflowers that swayed in the breeze. Her gaze wandered across the horizon, taking in the beauty of the Galisboro Region. The colors of nature, from the vibrant greens of the grass to the azure of the sky above to an aisle of flower beds. For a moment, Maeva forgot all her worries, lost in the sheer awe of the world outside the town. It strangely felt like freedom.

Their horses trotted along the grassy plains, trampling hooves mingled with the rustling leaves of a forest. As they ventured deeper, Maeva's curiosity slowly bubbled.

"Are we going to that city you talked about?" Maeva asked Quinn.

The shaggy-blond paladin smiled knowingly, his gaze fixed on the winding path ahead. "Not really. We're going to see Vince first."

"Okay. And...who's Vince?" She quirked.

"You'll see. He's someone who can help shed light on some things for you."

Their journey through the forest prolonged, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The air was filled with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves, creating a serene ambiance as they rode onward. As they emerged from the dense foliage, a majestic sight greeted them – a castle perched atop a hill, its turrets reaching toward the sky and its walls exuding an aura of strength and grandeur.

Maeva's eyes widened in awe as she beheld the castle. "Woah..."

Paige narrowed her eyes as soon as she spotted something parked at the castle gates. A lavish two-horse coach, its ornate design of red rosewood and regal blue curtains hinted at the presence of a distinguished visitor. There was also an insignia, with the letter 'H' stylized in a cursive design.

"Quinn, look who else just came to visit." She pointed. The gunslinger paladin recognized the coach and quietly bit the inside of his cheek with a grunt. "Dammit. He's here too?"

'He? Who's He?' Maeva blinked. Quinn and Paige exchanged a subtle glance, their expressions tightening as they dismounted their horses at the castle's front. Quinn turned to Maeva, a hint of unease in his droopy brown eyes.

"Listen, Mae. We have reached some unexpected... developments. So...I think it's best if you stay back here, okay?" he said, his voice tinged with concern.

"Quinn. That's not going to work," Paige warned.

"Why? What's going on?" Maeva's confusion was evident as she looked between the gun and sword paladins.

"You see that carriage over there?" Quinn nodded toward the ornate coach nearby. "There's someone...someone I'd rather you not see. He's a guy I hate."

"Hm?" Before Maeva could inquire further, a cheerful female voice interrupted them from the top of the steps.

—"Ah! Welcome, Paladins. How delightful to see you again!" A diplomatic woman in a white and lime-green vintage suit, with tussles of strawberry blonde hair greeted them with a lovely curtsy and sweet smile. Despite her pleasant demeanor, Quinn's expression darkened. "Crap. I completely forgot about Judith."

As they approached the entrance, the woman's gaze swept over to and Maeva with a knowing glint - her voice carrying a melodic cadence as she nodded.

"Greetings, and welcome to the House of Vincent. I am Judith, Seneschal for the Duke of Galisboro," she announced. "His Grace has been expecting your arrival. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"We're honored, Lady Seneschal," Paige nodded back with equal respect, except for Quinn, who mindlessly yawned.

"Seneschal??? What does that mean?" Maeva quirked at the title, earning a chuckle from the diplomat.

"It means whenever the Duke is unable to tend to his duties for the region, I provide the official say and clarity on his behalf. Like the continuation for the Verdana Harvest Festival."

"Uh...yeah, we appreciate it and everything but what's really going on here, Judith?" Quinn crossed his arms. "We're here to meet with the Duke like he asked. So what gives?"

Judith's smile widened, her demeanor gracious and hospitable. "All will be explained. Follow me, please. His Grace is eager to speak with you most, Miss Maeva."

"...okay?" Maeva furrowed her brows.

As they followed Judith into the castle, Maeva entered through a grand entrance beckoned with ornate doors that told tales of knights and nobles, of feasts and festivities held within its hallowed halls. "Wow. This all looks so cool. It's like a big museum."

"You would actually say it is. You can say; several centuries of Galisboro's history is recorded and stored here. Even the tapestries from the first Verdana Harvest Festival are found here."

"That's...cool too." The red-haired girl added.

"Although, for the statue of Verdana to come alive is something we never expected. The Duke was eager as soon as he received the news from the Chromestown Mayor..."

Meanwhile, Quinn grew more bitter as they strolled further into the castle, but he wasn't having it. "I really don't like this. I think I changed my mind about Sterling."

"Calm down, Quinn. As long as we don't raise any more problems..." Paige whispered back.

"Yeah, I know that. But...I don't want Mae anywhere near 'him'. Especially when...you know..."

Paige nodded in acknowledgment, precisely knowing what Quinn was talking about. As they stepped into a spacious training ground on the castle yard, Maeva's eyes widened in astonishment. The area was alive with the sounds of clashing metals, followed by grunts and yells of two people in combat.

One of them, being Quinn and Paige's fellow comrade, Blanca.

"Dame Blanca?!" Paige was surprised.

"Eh?" The blanche-haired valkryie took a second to gaze away at the voice calling out to her before turning back to her opponent in combat. With her large heavy axe-spear, she countered her opponent, who held a trident as an Arcane Weapon. The Axe-spear Paladin strongly forced her opponent at a great distance as offense and turned to wave at her fellow guildmates. "Oh! Hey, Simmons! Son of Kerr! You're here too!"

"I thought you'd be at the Guild. Why are you here at the Duke's castle?" Paige queried, her arms crossed.

"I might have a hint why she's here..." Quinn smirked mischievously.

Blanca stiffened at the male's face and turned her head to the side. "W-well...uhm! I had...things to discuss with Vince, that's all! As you must know!"

—"Hey, Blanca. Are we continuing our fight or what?" Her opponent stepped over and lowered their silvery-blue trident coated with a shiny metal, radiating with Arcane Energy.

He was a male with short wild dark hair and deep violet eyes, with a beauty mole on his upper lip. He was adorned in the similar Paladin style as Paige, Quinn and Blanca - thus Maeva assumed him to be one.

"We'll take a break here." Blanca bluntly replied back at him.

"Oh, well. At least now I know, my skills have exceeded more. Who knows, I could be a Golden Paladin before you."

"Heh. Keep dreaming, mate..." Blanca rolled her eyes and walked off. The opponent lowly chuckled and immediately locked his eyes towards the gunslinger paladin. It was that moment where the tension grew from a single cold stare.

"Quinton." He said with a smirk.

"Lucy." Quinn replied.

'Eh? This guy's name's Lucy???' Maeva internally thought.

"It's pronounced 'Lucinder', jackass." The man snarled angrily. "Forgetful much?"

"Well, if you stop calling me by my long name, and I'll consider it." Quinn teased. "Tell me, how's Aunt Willy doing? And funny, I thought I'd see your girlfriend here too. I already know how much she can't stand you."

"I think you mean, my fiancée." Lucinder grinned. "That's right. We got engaged last night. And she said yes. You're probably the last person to know."

"Okay. And?"

"Glad to see that you're finding jollity at being the disappointment as always. A Bronze-rank for someone of your calibre is a disgrace to the House of Kerr. How I woe for your grandfather." Lucinder shot back.

"Well, at least I don't go around acting like a pompous momma's boy whenever something goes south, just to run and hide under her skirt." Quinn scoffed.

"Oof. Shots fired..." Maeva murmured, though she doesn't know what's going on.

"Hmph! You're just jealous that you are the only one that hasn't received Platinum-rank amongst the Candidates. Which means you don't stand a chance."

"Oh please, as if I care about that. And what makes you think you do?"

"Why else do you think I'm here?" Lucinder smirked.

"Uh..." Growing increasingly uncomfortable with the tension, Maeva spoke over to Paige. "I sense a bit of a rivalry here."

"Well, I guess 'Rivalry' does...fit the term in this scenario," Paige replied.

"Oh? And who do we have here?" Lucinder turned his attention to Maeva. "A newcomer? I don't believe I've seen someone as beguiling as you before."

"Not so fast..." Quinn stood in his way towards her, a hint of hostility wafted in the air. Lucinder rose a brow before he raised a cocky smile. "Oh, I see. So you snaggled some strange woman to be your partner. Afraid I'd take her away from you? Now, I find that almost sad."

"Why you—" Quinn suddenly felt trigger-happy as his hand lowered to his pistol.

—"Now, now, everyone..."

Everyone's gaze swept across the yard towards a gazebo, where a man, seemingly in his early 30s, perched on a Tiffany chaise. He wore an elaborate green suit adorned in silvery details, his dark blue hair catching the sunlight in a cascade of rich hues. A monocle perched over his nose added an air of sophistication, while a cup of tea rested in his hand. "We won't have any qualms here in my castle."

"Forgive us, Your Grace," Paige respectfully bowed out of everyone else.

"Quinn, Lucinder. Behave yourselves this time around." The man stated, his voice laden with an arrogant certainty. "It's a sanctum, after all, a haven of peace and order."

"Psh..." the two boys crossed their arms stubbornly and scoffed.

"And as for the stunning young lady with the red hair. Welcome! Allow me to humbly introduce myself..." the man stood up and sauntered out the gazebo to stand in front of her with a gallant bow.

"I am the Duke of the Galisboro Region you stand upon; Head of the Assemblage and Advisor to His Royal Highness, the Emperor. My name is Reuben Vincent.

Pleasure to finally meet you, Saint Verdana."

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Edited: 12/Jun/24

【Author's Note】

—Heyoo! Hope you're enjoying the book so far! The lore has just only begun from here! In fact, this is just the first arc! What do you enjoy so far? Vote, Comment and PLEASE leave a review! Totally appreciate it!

–lebzachannn

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