Chapter 8: The duke and his daughter

"This is-" Kael started, but was quickly interrupted by Liana.

"Allow me, birthday boy," she said with a mischievous grin, stepping forward to shake Margaret's hand. "I'm Liana, Kael's new big sister. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Margaret smiled warmly, shaking Liana's hand. "Thank you for looking after Kael," she said, her eyes softening as she glanced between them. She paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting. New sister, huh? That's a surprise.

"Anyway-" Kael cut in, his ears burning with embarrassment. "Let me introduce you to everyone else." He quickly took Margaret's arm and led her over to the others.

"This is Jesper, but we call him Jesp. He's been the one who went above and beyond to help me with my magic. He's the one who helped me understand and control it," Kael explained.

"Awwww, you're making me blush," Jesp said with a playful grin, extending his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Margaret."

Margaret smiled warmly. "Thank you for helping Kael with his magic. He's been scared of it for as long as I can remember," she said, shaking his hand.

"It's no problem at all," Jesp chuckled. "It's been a pleasure having him around. He's a natural, really."

Kael guided Margaret over to Davit, who was leaning casually against a pillar, his usual easygoing demeanor on full display as he took a swig from his favorite beer stein.

"This narcissistic, spiky-eared troublemaker is Davit," Kael said with a playful roll of his eyes. "He's extremely sarcastic, but a really good sparring partner."

Davit straightened up, a wide grin spreading across his face as he extended his hand toward Margaret. "Nice to meet you, Margaret. Kael's right-sarcasm is my specialty, but I'd like to think I'm also an amazing wizard and a spectacular dancer to boot." He gave a mock serious look.

Margaret shook his hand, her smile warm. "I see," she said, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "I'm happy Kael's made such wonderful friends. Thank you for all your help."

Davit gave an exaggerated bow. "No need to thank me. Just doing my job, ma'am. He's got potential, but he's still a bit of a baby chick," he laughed, giving Kael a teasing look.

Kael shot Davit a look. "I'm right here, you know."

"Of course you are," Davit replied with a wink, clearly enjoying himself. "That's why it's so fun giving you a hard time."

Margaret chuckled, glancing between the two of them. "It's nice to see you both get along so well."

Kael nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I guess he is quite reliable."

Kael led Margaret over to where Abel stood, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His usual quiet and reserved demeanor was in full display, though there was an undeniable calm intensity about him that contrasted with the more playful members of the group.

"This," Kael said with a grin, "is Abel. He's a bit more serious than the others, but that's because he's always focused. And he really loves sleeping in his gardens."

Abel glanced up, giving a small, polite nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Margaret." His voice was calm and steady, the quiet confidence he exuded never faltering. "And I'm going to let that slide for today, since it's your birthday," he added, his eyes narrowing slightly as he turned a pointed look at Kael.

Kael rolled his eyes, clearly unbothered. "Thank you, your majesty," he said dryly, though a playful grin tugged at his lips.

...

After Kael finished introducing everyone, he and Margaret found a quiet spot by the corner of the room.

"So, what do you think?" Kael asked, leaning against the wall as he studied her face.

Margaret smiled, her eyes soft. "They seem like good people. You've got yourself a solid home."

Kael chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, they're a bit much sometimes, but... they're family."

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "Family, huh? I think I see where that 'big sister' thing is coming from."

Kael shrugged with a grin. "Liana loves it. Helps me get out of trouble."

Margaret's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "You've become a lot more confident... and a bit devious since I last saw you."

Kael laughed. "Yeah, I might have. But it's not just Liana. Everyone here is like family to me now-the family I didn't have the last 10 years. I see you as my mom, but calling you 'mom' feels... a bit awkward, now that I think about it."

Margaret chuckled, her smile warm. "Yeah, I kinda see your point."

Kael glanced at her, a little uncertain. "You're not mad?"

Margaret's eyes softened as she reached up and patted Kael's head, a gentle laugh escaping her. "Not at all. Whether you call me 'mom' or by my name, I just want you to be happy."

Kael smiled up at her, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "Thanks, Margaret. I am happy. And you're a big part of that."

Margaret's eyes softened, and she patted him gently on the shoulder. "I'm glad, Kael. You've come so far."

They shared a quiet moment, both lost in their thoughts before Margaret finally stood up. "Well, I should be heading home. It's getting late."

"Want me to take you back?" Kael asked.

Margaret shook her head, a small smile on her lips. "No need, I can walk alone. I'm just gonna go say thank you to Mr. Orin and Mr. Dorian real quick."

Kael nodded, watching her leave with a sense of contentment settling over him. After she'd gone, he lingered a moment, reflecting on how much things had changed for him in the span of a month and how much he'd come to appreciate the family he'd found here.

Margaret left late that night after having a long conversation with Dorian. Though he was mostly quiet as usual, tonight he'd been a little more expressive-something Orin and Liana had noticed right away. Naturally, they teased him about it, joking that Margaret should come around more often if it got him talking this much.

...

The next morning, as Kael walked into the guild hall, he immediately noticed the lack of the usual chatter and energy.

"Where's everyone?" Kael asked, scanning the room for any signs of movement.

Orin shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Jesp and Abel are still sleeping. Dorian and Davit are nursing pretty nasty hangovers. Not much action from them today."

Liana snickered from her seat, glancing at Kael with a playful grin. "Maybe we should invite Margaret more often."

Kael tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "What for?"

"We'll tell you when you're older," Orin chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment.

Kael gave a slight roll of his eyes. "Right... So, anything on the agenda today?"

Orin leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms out. "One of these days, we should go visit the Duke who hired us, so you can get acquainted with the girl you're going to be helping."

Kael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The girl? You mean the Duke's daughter?"

"That's the one," Orin nodded, still relaxed. "She's the one you'll be escorting and protecting while trying to figure out who the stalker is. But don't worry-Leon from Moon Tree will also be there."

Kael frowned slightly.

"That's one reason to panic slightly. But you've been preparing with Davit, so it'll be fine," Liana chimed in with a shrug.

Kael's frown deepened. "So, this Leon guy, he's really that bad? Because Davit's making him seem like he's a demon or something."

Liana burst into laughter. "Davit does have a flair for dramatics, doesn't he?" She leaned back in her chair. "Let's just say, he's got a reputation for being... intense. But don't worry, he's got his own way of doing things."

Orin shrugged nonchalantly. "Honestly, he's not as bad as they make him out to be. Just... don't get in his way, and you'll be fine."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "That's comforting." He crossed his arms. "And you're telling me this guy's gonna be with us the whole time?"

"Not the entire time," Orin replied. "He still has his own classes and business to take care of at the academy."

"And how do you know that?" Kael asked, curiosity lighting up his face.

"Simple," Orin grinned. "His adoptive dad, the guild leader of Moon Tree, is a friend of mine. And he loves to brag about Leon."

"Oh." Kael blinked, a bit dumbfounded by the connection.

Orin leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming a bit more serious. "Just keep your cool, Kael. As long as you do your part, you'll be fine. Leon may be a big deal, but you're more than capable."

Kael rubbed the back of his neck, still feeling the weight of the conversation about Leon hanging in the air. "Soooo... We gonna visit the Duke today?"

Orin took another sip of his coffee, the mug held in both hands as he leaned back in his chair. "Sure. Let me finish my coffee, and then we'll head out. No rush."

Liana, who had been lounging in the corner, suddenly stretched and yawned. "I'll stay and relax today," she said, giving Kael and Orin a playful glance. "You two go handle the serious business."

"Relaxing, huh?" Kael raised an eyebrow. "What, no spying on us or something along those lines?"

Liana smirked. "Orin is with you, so no need".

"Alright then, rest well" Kael said

"Will do" Liana exclaimed

Kael watched Liana stretch out in the corner, her carefree attitude a stark contrast to the sense of unease creeping over him. He was about to meet a man with secrets-secrets that could change everything. He wasn't sure what to expect from the Duke, but from what Orin had said, it wasn't going to be simple.

Orin finally set his coffee mug down, standing up with a satisfied grunt. "Alright, let's get moving. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can get back to preparations."

Kael nodded, "Lead the way."

As they walked through the guild hall, Kael pushed the thoughts of Leon and the Duke aside for now. He and Orin stepped out into the cool afternoon, and Kael's eyes lingered on the bustling street before them.

...

"You've been to the Duke's estate before, right?" Kael asked, trying to keep his mind occupied.

Orin grinned, his usual laid-back demeanor returning. "A handful of times. For the balls he hosts, It's one of those places that makes you feel like you're in a different world. High walls, perfectly manicured gardens, and the ever-present feeling that you're being watched."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like fun."

"It's not so bad," Orin shrugged. "Just keep your wits about you, and don't go making any rash decisions. The Duke might seem polite, but he's always calculating."

Kael hummed thoughtfully, the weight of the conversation with Orin earlier still lingering in his mind. "And his daughter? What's she like?"

Orin's expression shifted ever so slightly, and Kael caught the subtle change. "She's... complicated. She seems like a gentle and sweet girl, but she is as calculating as her father, i'd be careful if i were you"

"I'll keep that in mind," Kael muttered.

They continued their walk in silence, the chatter of the city fading into the background as the imposing figure of the Duke's estate came into view. The tall stone walls and intricate gates felt like a barrier to a world Kael had only heard whispers of. As they approached, a pair of guards stepped forward, their sharp gazes assessing them before one gave a brief nod, allowing them entry.

The path leading to the Duke's manor was lined with statues-stone figures of past nobles whose faces seemed to watch Kael with judgmental eyes. It wasn't just the size of the place that felt overwhelming; it was the presence, the oppressive sense that every detail had been meticulously planned, down to the very cobblestones beneath his feet.

Orin, however, didn't seem bothered in the least. He walked with the same casual air, as if this was just another stop on a typical day. "Stay close," Orin said, his voice low. "Don't let the grandeur fool you. The Duke's not interested in impressing you. He's interested in what you can do."

Kael nodded, feeling the nerves building up again. "Got it."

When they reached the large wooden doors of the Duke's estate, Orin gave a few sharp knocks. Moments later, a servant appeared, dressed in a fine livery. "Lord Orin, what a lovely surprise the young master is with you i pressume?" the servant said with a polite bow.

Kael blinked, his mouth opening and closing as he processed the servant's words. "Young master?!" he echoed, his voice rising in disbelief.

Orin, who had been walking ahead, turned with a grin. "Yeah, seems you've got a fancy new title now. Duke's got all the right manners for impressing his guests, doesn't he?"

Kael shot Orin a mock glare. "This is ridiculous. I'm not some-"

The servant, clearly used to such reactions, gave an amused smile and a polite bow. "Apologies, sir," the servant said, "It's simply a formality. The Duke values respect for everyone in his household, regardless of their status."

Kael muttered something under his breath but didn't press the issue. The servant stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. "Please, follow me."

The servant led them through the grand hallway, where the faint scent of expensive wood polish mixed with the ever-present air of silence. Everything was pristine, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath in anticipation.

Orin, unfazed by the silence, leaned toward Kael and whispered, "Better get used to this kind of attention. The Duke likes to make everyone feel like they're in a gilded cage."

Kael's jaw tightened, but he kept walking, unwilling to show too much discomfort. He had to keep his focus. They were here for a job. That was all that mattered.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached a set of large, imposing double doors. The servant knocked, and a voice from inside called out, "Enter."

The door swung open, revealing the Duke, seated behind a massive desk carved from dark wood. His study was as opulent as the rest of the estate, filled with ancient tomes and expensive-looking artifacts. But it wasn't the room's grandeur that immediately caught Kael's attention-it was the Duke himself.

The Duke was tall, with sharp features that could cut glass. His dark eyes fixed on Kael as soon as they entered, assessing him in a way that made Kael's skin prickle.

"Ah Mr. Orin, what a pleasant surprise, I suppose this young one is for the quest i commisoned?" The Duke said smoothly, his voice rich and commanding. He didn't stand to greet them but instead motioned for them to approach.

Kael stepped forward, Orin following with his usual laid-back demeanor, though there was an underlying tension Kael couldn't ignore. The Duke's gaze never left him, those piercing eyes scanning him with clinical precision, making Kael feel as though his every move was being judged.

"Yes, Your Grace," Orin said casually, a hint of amusement in his voice. "This is Kael Varnath. He's the one who'll be taking care of the situation with your daughter."

The Duke's lips twitched upward, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as if contemplating something deep and unsettling. "I trust you've been properly trained, Varnath?" The Duke's tone was one of polite inquiry, but there was an undeniable edge to it that made Kael bristle.

Kael met the Duke's gaze, forcing himself to remain calm. "I've had some training, Your Grace. And I'm more than capable of handling this." His voice was steady, though the weight of the Duke's scrutiny threatened to break his composure.

The Duke regarded him for a long moment, before nodding slowly, as though coming to a decision. "Good. I hope you prove yourself worthy of the trust I'm placing in you." His eyes narrowed, just a touch, the unspoken threat hanging in the air. "I'd hate to see any of my investments go to waste."

Kael felt the tension in the room thicken, but he refused to show any fear. The Duke wasn't the only one who could play this game.

"Would been nice if Azesis took over" Kael thought to himself, "I won't let you down, Your Grace," Kael said, his voice unwavering.

"See that you don't." The Duke's gaze flickered to Orin, then back to Kael, his lips curling into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Now, let's get to the matter at hand, shall we? I trust you understand the importance of this task. My daughter is... well, she's not the most cooperative of young women. And there's no telling what she might do to complicate matters."

Orin shifted slightly, the playful grin fading just enough to indicate he took the Duke's words seriously. "We've got a plan, right, Your Grace? Or are we going in blind?"

The Duke's expression darkened for a moment. "Nothing about this will be blind. But we must proceed cautiously. There are others involved in this matter-ones whose motives I don't fully understand. They may be watching even now." His tone shifted, and for the first time, Kael could hear a hint of genuine concern beneath the carefully cultivated mask of control.

Kael exchanged a glance with Orin, silently confirming their next move. There was clearly more at stake here than just protecting a noblewoman from some stalker. Whoever this "stalker" was, the Duke was treating the situation like a high-stakes game with dangerous players.

The Duke stood slowly, his height imposing as he moved around his desk. "I'll have my daughter brought here," he said, his voice still cold, but with a finality that suggested the conversation was nearing its end. "I trust you're ready for what's coming, Varnath?"

Kael swallowed, his nerves making his throat tighten, but he nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be, Your Grace."

"Very well." The Duke turned to the servant who had been standing near the door. "Call Kate," he commanded. "Let's see how well Mr. Varnath handles this task."

The servant bowed and left, leaving Kael and Orin in the Duke's study with the man who seemed to be weighing him like a rare artifact-examining every detail, searching for flaws.

As the moments stretched on, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that he was about to face something far more complicated than a mere stalker. And whatever it was, it wasn't going to be easy to navigate.

The servant returned shortly after, bowing low. "Lady Kate will be here shortly, Your Grace."

The Duke nodded and motioned for Kael and Orin to take a seat, though his demeanor remained as icy and distant as ever. "I trust you'll make a good impression, Kael. My daughter is... not easily impressed."

Orin, ever the easy-going one, leaned back in his chair with a grin. "I'm sure Kael's charm will win her over." He gave Kael a teasing look, but it was clear that Orin, too, was sensing the weight of the situation.

Kael just gave a tight smile, trying to ignore the pounding in his chest. "I'll do my best, Your Grace.", he sent Orin a signal of absolute panic.

Orin returned with a signal of reassurance.

The heavy door opened again, and in walked Lady Kate.

Kael's breath hitched as he saw her-Kate Maehart, the Duke's daughter. She was just as striking as the rumors suggested. Tall and graceful, with sharp features that mirrored her father's. But unlike her father, there was an intensity in her eyes, something sharp and calculating, like she was already evaluating him the moment she stepped through the door.

Her blonde hair was pulled back into an elegant bun, but a few loose strands framed her face, softening the otherwise regal look. She wore a dark blue gown, one that matched the opulence of the estate but was more understated than the typical noblewoman's attire.

As Kael stood before her, trying to maintain his composure, Kate Maehart's eyes flicked over him-calculating, measuring. Her lips curled into a polite smile, but there was a certain coldness to her gaze that made Kael feel like he was already being sized up for something he didn't fully understand.

"Father," Kate began, her voice smooth and calm, though there was a sharpness to it that sent a chill through the room. "You've brought me a bodyguard, I see." Her words were carefully chosen, polite, yet there was an unmistakable edge to them. She wasn't just speaking to Kael, but to the situation itself-as if she found the entire arrangement beneath her.

The Duke, unphased by her tone, gave a small nod. "This is Kael. He'll be escorting you and ensuring your safety. I expect you to work together, Kate." His words were matter-of-fact, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes-something that suggested he, too, was aware of the deeper dynamics at play.

Kate's smile didn't waver as she turned her gaze back to Kael."I'm sure you'll manage, Kael," she said, her tone flat, bordering on dismissive. "We'll see what you can do when the time comes."

The way she said it, though, left Kael wondering if she even cared to see his abilities at all. It almost sounded like a test-a way for her to gauge whether he was useful to her.

Kael's pulse quickened, but he forced himself to stay steady. "I won't disappoint you, Lady Kate," he said, trying to keep the words even and respectful, though a part of him knew it wasn't just his skill she was interested in. She was playing a game, and he was a pawn in it.

Kate arched an eyebrow at him, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "I'm sure you'll try your best, Kael. But, you see, "I'm not in need of just any bodyguard. I need someone who can understand my requirements," she said, her voice sharp, eyes still focused on the window. There was no smile, just the cold weight of her words.

Kael wasn't sure if she was hinting at something, or if this was part of some deeper manipulation he hadn't caught onto yet. He felt the weight of her words settle in his chest, but he refused to show any weakness.

"Your needs?" Kael asked, brow furrowing. His voice remained steady, though her words left him uneasy.

Kate didn't bother to look at him as she spoke, her gaze still fixed on the window, her posture stiff with the same poise she carried every step. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," she said, her voice cutting through the silence, sharp and detached. "For now, just do your job."

She didn't offer a smile this time, and her tone made it clear there was no warmth in her words-only a reminder that she was the one in control.

Kael didn't respond right away, his mind working overtime. It was clear now-Kate wasn't interested in him as a protector, at least not in the way he had thought. She was playing a different game, one that he didn't fully understand yet. But he would, eventually.

The Duke cleared his throat, breaking the tension that hung thick in the air. "I trust, Kael, you'll be ready to handle whatever comes your way. Kate's... requests may not always be simple, but you'll find them manageable, I'm sure."

Kael nodded, trying to mask the growing unease. "Understood, Your Grace."

Kate turned back to them, her eyes glinting with something sharp. "We'll see how well you adapt, Mr. Kael," she said, her gaze sharp and appraising. There was no warmth in her expression-only a calculated assessment.

As she turned to leave, she called over her shoulder, "Don't take too long. There are people at the academy who require your attention."

The Duke watched her go, his expression unreadable, and once the door closed behind her, he turned back to Kael. "She's not an easy one," he said, his voice low, but still that same controlled, calculated tone. "But if you can handle her, you'll have proven yourself to me."

Kael nodded, though the words left a bitter taste in his mouth. This wasn't just about protection-it was a test. And he had a sinking feeling he was already losing.