Velvet Tea & Hidden Eyes
That part of Rosehwal Mansion was completely silent, where the afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows and fell upon the wooden floor of the corridor. In this peaceful stillness, only one thing was humming — the soft sound of Shopia's footsteps, echoing through the corridor in a royal rhythm.
Lucain was walking behind her, lost in thought:
> "Why did Lord Gregory suddenly summon me? Did something important happen?"
Just then, the faint creak of an old wooden door echoed. Shopia stopped outside the door and gestured for Lucain to go in.
Lucain took a deep breath... and gently stepped into the grandest room of Rosehwal Mansion — Lord Gregory's study chamber.
As he entered the room, he was greeted by a library hall made entirely of pure mahogany wood — walls lined with bookshelves, ancient relics enclosed in glass cabinets, a brass globe, and a large window from where golden light streamed into the room. The air was filled with the pleasant scent of polished wood and parchment.
Lord Gregory, dressed in a deep blue royal robe, stood near the fireplace. Upon seeing Lucain, he gave a slight smile and motioned toward the sofa.
> "Have a seat, Lucain," his voice was calm yet filled with authority.
Lucain sat on the velvet sofa in front of him. Gregory picked up a tray and placed it before him — a silver cup and a few light golden biscuits.
> "Would you like a cup of tea? These biscuits are from the most famous bakery in the capital — you'll like them."
Lucain picked up a biscuit and took a bite. Then, smiling slightly, he said,
> "Honestly… these are amazing. Very delicious."
Gregory nodded in agreement and said,
> "Indeed. Only three things are legendary in the capital — our festivals, our scandalous nobles... and these biscuits."
Lucain chuckled, but then, turning a bit serious, he said,
> "But I believe you called me here for a specific reason, Lord Gregory?"
Gregory joined his hands and spoke in a slightly solemn tone,
> "Yes, it is a special matter. In three days, there will be a grand party in the capital — a royal gathering. All the major nobles, alchemists, and scholars will attend... and most notably — the 4th Prince of the Royal Kingdom will also be present."
Lucain raised an eyebrow and asked,
> "So you want me to come along?"
Gregory smiled slightly,
> "Not just come, Lucain… I want you to be present as my representative. Your presence will leave an impact. People should know you, recognize your talent… and besides, I believe some people would be very interested in meeting you."
Lucain thought for a moment, then picked up the cup and took a sip of tea, saying,
> "How could I say no after being served biscuits…"
Then with a light laugh, he added,
> "Alright. I'll come."
Gregory nodded with a satisfied smile,
> "A very good decision."
---
Just as the conversation between Gregory and Lucain ended, there was a gentle knock at the door.
> "Come in," Gregory said in a calm tone.
The door opened, and Shopia entered. She had some papers in her hand and, as always — was composed and graceful.
> "Forgive me for interrupting, Master," she said.
"I've brought the documents you had requested."
Gregory took the papers with a faint smile, then looked toward Lucain and said:
> "By the way, now that you've agreed to attend the party, it's only right that you get a decent suit."
Lucain replied with light sarcasm:
> "So along with biscuits, I also get complimentary fashion advice?"
Gregory laughed lightly and said:
> "Shopia, take Clearia with you too. I'm more concerned about her taste."
Shopia nodded respectfully, then looked at Lucain and said:
> "Let's go, Doctor."
Lucain gently placed his cup back on the table, looked at Gregory, and said:
> "Then let's see what the capital's fashion streets have to offer."
With a faint smile, Shopia stepped ahead, and Lucain walked out with her.
Behind them, the door closed softly…
---
Lucain walked up to her and said,
> "What happened? Why are you sitting so quietly?"
Clearia replied,
> "I'm bored. I feel sleepy. I'm going to bed. Bye, Doctor. I'm off to sleep."
She began to walk away when Lucain said,
> "Alright then. I just came to say that there's a party in the capital… and I need to buy some clothes for it. Thought I'd go to the market with you… but I guess now I'll have to go alone."
Upon hearing that, Clearia's ears perked up. She instantly became excited, came right in front of Lucain and said,
> "Then let's go! Shopping?!"
Lucain raised his eyebrows slightly and said in a teasing tone,
> "Weren't you just feeling sleepy? Fine, Shopia and I will go. We'll bring something for you."
Clearia paused and made an almost teary face,
> "No no! That's not fair! I want to come too. I'm coming as well."
She said it in such a dramatic way that even Shopia couldn't help but smile.
> "Let's go, the carriage is ready at the gate," Shopia said calmly.
All three picked up their pace and walked toward the mansion's main gate.
There, an elegant black carriage was already waiting — its golden crest softly gleaming.
Lucain glanced sideways at Clearia, who was peeking excitedly out the window.
> "The drama's already begun… and the party hasn't even started yet," he said softly.
With a gentle sound, the carriage wheels began to move… and the three of them set off toward the fashion street of the capital.
---
Outside the Capital, a vast open field.
The sun was shining in its full glory, and under that golden light, a royal carriage was steadily moving along its path.
Inside the carriage, there was silence. Each seat was occupied by a person. One of them held a golden-sealed scroll, which he slowly opened.
Inside was a document — neat, handwritten, and precise:
---
Name: Lucain Arkwell
Origin: Rosehwal Mansion, Central Capital
Role: Court Physician (Unofficial)
Specialization: Rare Herbs, Pulse Reading, Forbidden Medical Texts
Status: Under Lord Gregory's patronage
Associates: Clearia Rosehwal (Confirmed), Evelina Gregory (Patient)
Last Location: Rosehwal Estate, preparing for Royal Ball
---
His gaze lingered on the last line of the document for a moment...
then a faint, cryptic smile appeared on his lips.
A soft, calm voice murmured inside the carriage:
> "Lucain... let's see just how capable you are."
He closed the scroll again, flipped the golden seal back in place...
and looking out the window into the sunlight, his smile deepened.
The carriage continued moving forward, bathed in sunlight...
---
Inside the Capital, on Market Street
The carriage came to a gentle stop outside the bustling market square.
The street was lively — the sounds of people, the mixed aroma of spices and perfumes rising from the stalls, and the flow of shopping under colorful canopies brought the whole place to life.
As the velvet curtain was pulled aside, Shopia stepped out first, followed by Lucain, and then Clearia.
There was a sparkle in Clearia's eyes — a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a touch of elegance.
> "Wow… this place is so vibrant!" she said, squinting slightly.
Shopia turned to her with a gentle smile and said,
> "Please follow me... I've shortlisted a trusted boutique. Only royals and scholars shop there."
---
They turned into a narrow but clean stone-paved alley, where a classy boutique stood —
its name written above:
"Maison de Velin: Tailored Elegance for the Distinguished"
A bronze bell hung outside the boutique, and the facade was adorned with antique white wood and sapphire curtains.
Shopia opened the door. A soft wind chime rang out, and the scent inside changed instantly — sandalwood, lavender, and fresh linen.
---
Inside, there was a wooden floor, high ceilings, and along the left wall, elegant coats and long flowing dresses hung neatly.
On the right, there were finely stitched vests, jackets, and robe sets.
A central table displayed embroidered gloves and accessories.
Just then, a young man around 22 years old, neatly dressed in pastel blue linen and a waistcoat, stepped out from behind the front desk.
> "Welcome! My name is Theo Varnell. You're most welcome to Maison de Velin," he said with a light bow.
> "You're Lord Gregory's guests, aren't you? We've been informed about your visit."
He gestured for them to sit — soft velvet armchairs arranged around a small tea table.
> "Please relax for a while. I'll bring some biscuits and rose tea — the weather today is just perfect."
---
After a brief chat over tea, the fitting session began.
Theo personally introduced each fabric and outfit.
Clearia chose a sky blue off-shoulder flowing gown — adorned with delicate silver embroidery and small floral beadings.
Lucain selected a midnight black long coat with a high collar and a silver chain pin — giving off an understated royal doctor vibe.
Shopia went with a burgundy formal robe — structured yet soft, perfectly complementing her personality.
Everyone stood for tailoring measurements, and meanwhile, Theo continued offering styling suggestions in front of the mirrors.
---
TO BE CONTINUE...