Chapter Three: "The Beginning of the Nightmare"

While Nevalis was steeped in his thoughts, suddenly the door was gently opened, and Edward, the chief servant of the Count's house, showed him the Count's left hand and magician of the palace.

He entered the bookroom where Nevalis was sitting in his corner, his eyes staring at a book opened before him without reading it, and his mind away from everything around him.

Edward, the official magician, had features that showed the strength and wisdom gained from his long years of life.

His body was tall and thin, but his prestige lay not in his body structure but in his overwhelming presence.

His black hair was slightly long, carefully tied back in a simple and elegant band, leaving his forehead exposed, bringing out his sharp eyes in a deep amber brown color, with a mysterious gleam reflecting strength and cunning.

His clothes were always elegant, but with a simple design that did not immediately catch the eye, although subtle details, such as the magical threads that wraps around the fabrics, sometimes glow lightly. He wore a lavish cloak, which covered part of his body, and added a touch of luxury with magical touches when he moved.

Edward looked at Nevales gently and said in a calm tone: "You seem bored, young Sir."

Normally, if someone told him that, Nevales would not have to respond. But Edward was the one closest to his heart in this palace.

He is his teacher, friend, and even the person who has looked after him since he was a child.

Edward was more than just a servant. He was the father whom his parents, busy with power and schemes, did not give him.

Therefore, Nevalis's relationship with Edward was deeper than that of a master and his servant, whom he considered dear to.

Nevalis replied with a tedious voice: "I am sick of this monotonous life. Nothing new happens, everything here is repeated, like the same faces, the same places, the same habits.

" Edward smiled gently, sensing beyond the words of Nevalis.

He was no stranger to the mood swings of Nevales, who was not well cared for by his parents, who were running after their personal ambitions.

Edward said, "So, how about I take you on a tour of the city?"

Nevalis responded lazily: "What can I see there? I've seen everything in this city."

Edward, watching Nevales's fidgeting, replied, "It is better to walk around the main city than to sit here in the palace.

I have an old friend who opened a shop there, and I think it's going to impress you." Nevales looked at Edward for a moment and then sighed and stood out of his chair saying, "Well, if it's going to break that boredom, let's go."

He then goes to the door and leaves behind Edward, who has called a servant to prepare the carriage. The chariot was a luxury, befitting the family.

It was vast, made of luxurious materials, with each detail reflecting the prestige of the palace.

The interior walls were covered with black leather furnishings decorated with metal colors that gently flushed with light, while the seats were of a fine velvet cloth, radiating a sense of comfort and luxury. But more importantly, the cart was magic; The exoskeleton was equipped with spells that gave it extra power, so that the chariot could move faster than conventional chariots.

INSIDE THE ROVER, EVERYTHING WAS LINKED TO MAGIC POWER. Magic graffiti illuminated in light glows, while magical lights changed as the rider desired, allowing them to see or completely change the scene.

There was a small board near the seat that Nevales could use to send magical commands, such as adjusting the temperature or changing the interior color of the cart. Nefallis and Edward rode the cart, speeding through roads full of magic fog. Although the trip was quick and comfortable, Nevales showed no real interest in the city. His mind was still preoccupied with his thoughts.

He had visited most of his family's cities, and had seen everything from small villages to large cities under his family's influence, but he had always felt something missing, as if those places were nothing more than a scene of endless repetition.

Some time later, on a curious note, Nevales asks: "Edward, what kind of store did your friend open? I hope it's something special."

Edward replied with a smile: "Don't worry, young Sir. It would be a better place to stay in the palace." Nevalis replied, with an incomplete tone of indignation: "Father, I told you to call me my name directly as long as we are alone, why do you keep calling me 'young master'?" Edward smiled, and paused for a moment before answering, admitting with a light smile: "I know, but the Count will be upset about it, and you know I don't want to upset him." Nevalis laughed calmly, saying: "Oh, you are so stubborn, don't try to justify me. Let the count get angry, he's only interested in appearances and expanding the family's influence on me; I'd rather call you my father than him."The cart continued on its way, but over time, Nevales began to notice that the road was not as he had predicted. The cart was not moving towards the main city, but in the opposite direction. Nevales looked at Edward, raised one eyebrow and said, "Didn't you tell me you were going to take me to the main city?" Edward had a slight smile, and in his eyes a mysterious glow. Then he said emotionally, "I'm sorry for what's going to happen now, young Sir, but it's for your own good." At the moment he finished his words, Nevales was unable to notice the rapid movement of Edward's hand, which had landed on his neck in a knockout blow, and immediately fainted. Nevalis fell unconscious, and his eyes were completely closed. Edward quietly stood up, raised his weak body in his arms, and gently carried him away from the wagon. His steps were heavy, as if the weight of what he was doing weighed him down. He took a sad look at Nevales, and in a subtle and painful tone said: "You must overcome this obstacle by yourself, son, this is only the beginning."