Meeting I

"Okay, that seems about right.'

Regis muttered to himself as he looked at his reflection in the mirror.

He was now currently wearing formal black clothes that looked simple. It was not too exaggerated, just the right touch of formality.

This was to show that although he was a commoner, he was still willing to put in the effort to look presentable.

It was to show that he had manners, just simplicity at its finest.

"Pandora, are you ready?"

He asked out loud as he made some final touches on his clothes.

"Yes, Brother!"

"Good. Just remember what I told you last night, okay? We need to show that we ar–"

Regis's words were promptly cut off as he turned his head and saw Pandora in her sparkling dress.

"What's that…?"

His face froze while he used his hand in order to shield his eyes from her *sparkle*.

However, Pandora excitedly twisted her body, showing off her dress, "Isn't it beautiful, Brother?"

"Look! I also have these!!" She continued as she showed off her necklace, rings, and bracelets, all of which were gold and adorned with jewelry.

A helpless smile appeared on Regis's face as he spoke, "No, you can't wear this there…"

'It's my fault since I told her that she can buy anything she liked when we shopped yesterday…'

"Oh… I can't?" A sad expression appeared on her face as she spoke.

"Unfortunately, no. We're there to present ourselves to us in the simplest possible way, not to extravagantly show off ourselves."

His eyes shone with guilt as he continued speaking, "Don't get me wrong. You're beautiful in that dress."

"Really?" Pandora's eyes shone at his words.

"Yes, but it's really just not compatible with our goal for today." Regis said with a nod, then added on, "How about this, I'll promise that there will be an occasion where you'll need to wear that dress."

"Hmmm, you promised, okay!"

"Yes, yes. Now get changed so we can depart immediately."

"Oh, and remove those jewelries too."

"Ehhh? Awww…"

***

Tukutuk— Tukutuk— Creak!!!

A horse-driven carriage stopped in front of a large white gate that was adorned with golden engravings.

Tap. Tap.

A boy wearing formal black clothes soon got out of the carriage, followed by a girl wearing a simple brown long dress.

"Tsk, two silver coins for a ride? Those carriage drivers are such money-grubbers…"

Regis muttered in disdain as he watched the carriage leave.

"Woahhhhhh."

At this moment, Pandora let out a sound of amazement as she saw the large gate in front of her.

Regis was also visibly surprised at the sight of it.

"Where's the Orpheus Family's house?" 

He was confused because behind the gate was only a grassy field with a stone marble path.

"Hey. What business do you have in the Orpheus Manor?" At this moment, a guard called out to the two of them.

Regis's expression instantly switched to that of a childish one, "U-Umm Mister Guard, we have an appointment with the Orpheus Family…"

"Appointment? You two?" The guard looked at the two of them in disdain.

"Hah, imposs–"

"We're the children saved by Mister Fiollo." Regis immediately said with an innocent expression.

'I don't want to waste any more time here so I won't let you continue with your condescending speech…'

Regis thought inwardly in frustration. He really was not in the mood for any of the guard's shit.

"O-Oh! It's a pleasure to meet you, Esteemed Guests." The guard's expression turned a full 360 degrees as he heard his words.

He immediately got out of his post and opened the gate for Regis and Pandora.

As he was doing so, he spoke, "The Patriarch has been waiting for you. Let me guide you to the Orpheus Manor."

'Thank god I didn't make any hasty comments…' He thought deep inside his heart.

At this moment, Regis spoke as he glanced at the gate behind, "But is it alright for you to leave your post, Mister?"

"Oh, don't worry about that." The guard laughed lightly, "No one would dare trespass the Count's home even if they had balls of steel."

"Anyways, please follow me."

Regis and Pandora obediently followed behind him until they arrived in front of a carriage.

Like the gate, it was in the color of white adorned with golden engravings. Even the horses pulling it looked muscular and healthy.

"A carriage?" Pandora had a confused expression on her face.

'Aren't we just going to the Orpheus Family's house? Can't we just walk? Why do we need to ride a carriage?'

Questions after questions surfaced in her mind as a frown appeared on her cute face.

The guard saw this and smiled, it was obvious what she was thinking.

Therefore, he took the liberty to say, "Esteemed Guests, it is advisable for those without energy to take the carriage."

"This is because the Orpheus Manor is the largest land in the Corelli Fortress." The guard added on.

Regis only nodded in understanding as he carefully led Pandora into the carriage.

Before exiting their inn, he had made sure that he and Pandora were hiding their energy signatures.

The guard also took the driver's seat soon afterwards. He looked behind him and asked, "Are you ready, Esteemed Guests?"

"Yes, Mister." Regis replied promptly.

"Then we'll depart now." The guard said in a respectful voice as he whipped the horses.

Tukutuk— Tukutuk—

The horses neighed as they began walking.

Along the way, Regis and Pandora had their eyes glued at the window, shining at the sight that greeted them

They saw just how vast the grassy fields of the Orpheus Manor was. The bushes and trees also had a proper round shape.

It was obvious that there were also people assigned specifically to take care of it.

For a more vivid description, the land of the Orpheus Manor could be compared to massive golf courses.

After about ten minutes of riding, they were able to see a large house ahead.

However, Regis squinted his eyes, 'Is that a person…'

Although they were still quite far, he subtly enhanced his eyes with a little bit of his aura and saw a person who was being apprehended by guards.

Unbeknownst to Regis at the present, that person would be one of his most loyal companions in the very near future.