"My lord, we have arrived." Aengus' voice came as the carriage stopped.
The carriage door soon opened, and Aengus offered a firm, callused hand to Eitan. Eitan impassively received his assistance in descending from the carriage along with an ornate walking stick. As his feet hit the solid ground, Eitan took in a deep breath. The heavy air pressed against his skin, and the sun filtering through the dark clouds cast an odd yellow haze. His eyelids fell shut, and he released a long exhale.
"My lord?" Aengus called out with a slightly worried look.
Eitan shook his head lightly, opening his eyes. "It's nothing. Let's go." His cane clicked on the paved ground as they moved toward the gate.
Aengus presented the invitation to the guard, and after briefly inspecting it, the man looked down at Eitan over his nose. "Wait at the foyer. A servant shall guide you to the banquet hall," he informed them while passing the paper back to the knight.
Aengus received it, but his brow cinched at the man's disrespectful demeanor. Eitan calmly led him through the gate and to the grand door of the manor. As Aengus pushed open the door, Eitan paused, and his eyes briefly flickered back to the guard to catch him staring at them with a by no means positive expression. However, he quickly averted his gaze under the pink eyes, and Eitan's lips turned up. "Aengus."
"Yes," Aengus' displeasure melted away as he stepped up to Eitan's side.
"No matter what happens, don't step forward without my word, understood?" He instructed under his breath.
Aengus tilted his head with a puzzled expression but nodded dutifully. "I understand."
Eitan gave a small nod before redirecting his gaze forward and walking inside. He was greeted by a large hall, decorated with ornate vases and grand paintings in every corner. It resembled the Saorise Castle before Eitan's purge. Such useless vanity. Although he was a noble himself, his many years as a mercenary built disdain for such over-the-top displays. Not to mention, this was the first area of the manor. It was lamentably obvious what sort of impression the house's lord wished to imprint on the guests.
The two stood, surrounded by the ostentatious scenery, for long enough for Aengus' expression to contort. But he kept in mind Eitan's words and didn't attempt to kick up a fuss. Eventually, a servant boy ran up to them. "Lord Eitan, right this way." He only did a glance over to confirm their identity, then raised his arm respectfully.
"Hm," Eitan made a small noise of acknowledgement, with no comment about the wait time as he followed the servant down a hall with Aengus close behind.
Before long, they arrived at a set of grand doors. The servant boy gave Eitan a short bow before scampering off, and Eitan calmly nodded to Aengus. The knight stepped forward and pushed open the doors, unveiling the scene behind. Upon first survey, there were notably fewer people than at the banquets he had attended in the past, and the attendees appeared to consist of a greater portion of those like Aengus. Namely, accompanying knights and lesser nobles.
However, that didn't mean the scene was anything less than grand. The elegantly dressed nobles mingled and danced under crystal chandeliers. Delicate pastries were supplied as appetisers before the scheduled course began, along with choice drinks. The substance was lacking compared to events closer to the kingdom's center of power, but it glistened with all the same gold.
The sight caused Eitan to frown. A banquet for nobles on the outskirts. While the people outside faced a harsh environment and frequent attacks, these nobles indulged in opulence behind their golden walls. The contrast brought Eitan no sense of awe, but only a deep-seated disgust. Aengus noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor and leaned down slightly. "What is wrong, my lord?" He inquired with quiet worry.
Eitan's expression instantly became neutral. "It's nothing."
Aengus's gaze still held traces of concern, but he docilely withdrew. Eitan only managed to take a few steps into the hall before an unpleasantly familiar voice made its way into his ears.
"My, what a day for familiar faces."
Eitan's gaze shifted to the side to see Gehan, accompanied by a middle-aged man he didn't recognize. He pointedly looked around before turning to Gehan with a subtle smile. "I suppose we are having pig as the main dish tonight."
Gehan appeared confused and somewhat taken aback by the seemingly random comment, while Aengus' eyes glinted and his lips turned up as well. "Be careful, my lord. I fear the pig is too greasy and will cause indigestion."
Eitan held back a snort at the excellent quip. "That's right. I'm sure the palms in particular are far too greasy for my taste."
It was with this that Gehan finally understood their meaning, and his face contorted with anger. "You-!"
A hand was laid upon the bristling man's shoulder. "Lord Gehan. Why don't you introduce me to these acquaintances of yours?"
Eitan's gaze turned to the other man. He showed a cordial smile, but as he made eye contact, Eitan felt an instinctive repulsion. In his previous life, one of the largest contributors to his being able to go so far was his eyes. He had a naturally keen sight. This extended as a gift for seeing through illusions, magical or otherwise. That was why he instantly realized that the eyes behind that smile were no good. Not to mention, one is defined by their company. Anyone consorting with a man like Gehan would hardly be a saint.
Gehan composed himself and wore a crooked smile. "How rude of me. Lord Eitan of Saorise, Sir Aengus of Reidar, I introduce to you the esteemed Viscount Deycon of Burge."
Eitan placed his hand on his chest and bowed, leaning on his cane. "Eidan Reidar. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Viscount."
Aengus greeted with a knight's standard courtesy. "Aengus Tyrnol. An honor."
Deycon accepted the greetings with a composed smile and a downturned gaze. "Yes, a pleasure." He directed his focus to Aengus. "Sir Aengus. Gehan has told me much of your prowess. It is rather my honor to become acquainted with an aura knight as reputable as yourself." A honed gaze swept over the night. "Allow me to express my sympathies. Such a demotion is truly a pity for someone of your stature."
Aengus blinked once before his expression twisted, and he opened his mouth. However, Eitan put up a hand, and he promptly swallowed whatever words were about to come out. Eitan smiled placidly at Deycon. "For the viscount to show such concern for my knight is truly an unworthy honor." He placed his hand over his heart, showing a sincere expression. "But you needn't worry. My father entrusted Sir Aengus to me due to the deep trust in his abilities. Reidars never mistreat our own."
Deycon's face stiffened nearly imperceptibly at the mention of the count, but he quickly resumed a natural expression. "I have long heard of Reidar County's reputation for exemplary treatment of skilled warriors. That is why I was surprised an aura knight was sent to such a place. Naturally, no offense was meant."
"No offense was taken," Eitan easily replied with a wider smile. "And I assure you, such a reputation is not amiss." After all, in the past, Everade had even accepted and supported a renegade knight like Farrel, purely out of acknowledgement for his skills. Everade Reidar may be harsh on the weak, but he was correspondingly appreciative of the strong. Although that is not to say the weak were treated poorly in the county. Rather, Everade properly followed the ideology of noblesse oblige and was by all means a fair, albeit strict, lord. It was just that—unfortunately for past Eitan—said strictness applied all the more to his own sons.
Eitan shook off the surfacing ruminations and redirected his focus to the opposing men. He caught the slightest twitch of Deycon's brow, and his smile brightened further. Deycon and Gehan exchanged a meaningful glance, and the latter opened his mouth to speak up.
But before any more unpleasantness could enter Eitan's ears, another man approached the group with an attendant in tow. He briefly glanced over Deycan and Gehan before centering his gaze on Eitan. Then, to the startlement of all parties present, he held out his right hand. "So you're the new lord of Saorise. You look even younger than I anticipated." There was a smile laced into his words. Stunningly, without a hint of mocking.
Eitan only took a pause for a brief moment before inclining his head. "Eitan Reidar. A pleasure…" He drawled a bit as he grasped the extended hand. This met him with yet another surprise. The man's hand was firm; well callused. A slight shift in grip informed Eitan that the man's main weapon was a spear. The utilization of which he doubted was just half-baked.
The man's gray-blue eyes sparkled with something unknown, and he held Eitan's grip for a tad longer than socially acceptable before releasing. "Indra Mirthow. Baron." The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly. "You are much healthier than rumors suggest."
Eitan's gaze turned somewhat solemn as he properly took in the man before him. The observation wasn't something particularly difficult. His pallor had shifted to a subtle tan after days of training under the sun, and anyone with a decent eye could notice the toned—although still rather small—build under his well-tailored suit. However… as he stared into those eyes like stormclouds, he intuitively realized something. Just like how he had taken the handshake as an opportunity to size up the other party, Indra had likely also gained an inkling of Eitan's prowess with the sword.
"Lord Mirthow," Deycon lightly cleared his throat. "I was not aware of your attendance this evening."
The slight stiffness to his tone pricked Eitan's curiosity. Just who was this baron? His name hadn't rung any bells for significant figures in his past life. But despite not exactly being of outstanding status, he didn't strike Eitan as someone ordinary, either.
The smile in Indra's expression dropped, his nose even scrunched slightly. Eitan was both taken aback and a touch amused by such an obvious display of emotion. In noble society, emotions and expressions were wielded as precisely as a mercenary would their blade. He turned to the duo and made a curt nod. "Viscount Burge." Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he laughed heartily enough for his short blond hair to waver. "Surprised to see me? I'm surprised myself." His eyes flashed to Eitan nearly imperceptibly, but he caught it.
Eitan's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. This eccentric man, Indra, obviously had a heightened interest in him. He didn't pick up on any ill intent, but that didn't mean much as he found himself unable to garner a firm grasp on the blond period.
Indra stopped laughing to smooth out an invisible wrinkle in his shirt. "These banquets and the like are certainly not my style, but…" he flashed bright teeth. "I figured it might be worthwhile, considering the new company."
Now, multiple gazes shifted to Eitan. He smiled neatly, as though the exchange was of no concern to him. Deycon looked to recompose himself and smiled again at Eitan. This, again, caused an automatic discomfort to bubble in his gut. "Since it seems difficult to continue with the interruption, I shall excuse myself here, Lord Eitan. Our business will be finished another time." He then turned heel and gracefully stepped away. After a pointed stare at Eitan and Aengus, Gehan gave Indra an obligatory dip of the head before trailing after him.
The corners of Eitan's lips subtly pressed together at the potentially ominous parting words. But he didn't have much time to deliberate as a strong voice came from his side. "You should heed my advice. Stay away from that man. He's nothing good."
Eitan turned his head back, meeting Indra's serious gaze with an undisturbed smile. "I know," he responded simply.
Indra's eyes widened briefly before he let out another robust laugh. "I knew it was worth coming."
So he really did show up just to meet me. Eitan's brow rose, and his lips nearly parted to speak, but he was halted with a casual wave of Indra's hand.
"Alright. I only came over because it looked like our little lord was getting mixed up in the wrong crowd." He turned away with a light step. "Go enjoy the banquet. Eat good food, hang out with girls. Let's meet again sometime." With that, he was gone.
Eitan's mouth twitched, contorting some before settling on a wry smile. … Our little lord, huh? Putting aside the form of address, the man certainly left quite the impression. His thoughts were echoed by Aengus beside him, who had remained respectfully silent during the interaction of superiors.
"That Baron Mirthow is… quite unique." The aged knight commented with some marvel.
Eitan chuckled quietly. "That's for certain." His demeanor then became more solemn. "Viscount Deycon Burge." The two moved over to the back as he continued. "Have you heard of him?"
Aengus' gaze alertly scanned their surroundings as he answered. "I have heard of the Burge Viscounty. The fief, like Reidar, borders the wildlands. However, apologies, my lord, I know little of the situation there." He lowered his head.
Eitan shook his head to indicate he hadn't expected otherwise. "It's fine." He stared out at the crowd. Another song had begun to play, one of a faster pace. Dresses swished about, and jewels flashed under the lights. He crossed his hands on top of his cane and looked down with an unreadable expression. Just what exactly are you people planning?
Unfortunately, his question went unanswered that night. In between courses of the meal, he was approached by quite a few different nobles, some out of simple curiosity, others out of pure obligation. The most unpleasant were those who obviously came to test the waters, to see what could be wrung out of this fresh, young lord. It was certainly a place where tongues cut deeper than blades. But in the end, the banquet ended uneventfully, and he was soon back in his carriage on the way back to his own territory.
Though largely uneventful, the trip was not entirely unfruitful. Eitan had managed to gain some understanding of the political landscape near the wildlands. Apparently, Deycon Burge served as a regional head of sorts. Quite a few of the local lords congregated around him to form a small but solid faction. This formed as a united front against the barbarians; there was safety in numbers. On the surface, at least. In reality, the said 'united front' was mostly an entanglement of benefits and circumstances, ensuring the rich got richer.
Eitan let out a quiet sigh and leaned his head back against the carriage lining. Faction struggles were something he was far from unfamiliar with, but not quite like this. He was much more at ease trading blades than cutting words. At this thought, his mind floated to the peculiar baron. One notably distanced from the entanglements of nobility. Indra Mirthow. He repeated the name in his mind. It didn't initially ring any bells, but the more he thought about it, the more he felt it wasn't entirely unfamiliar either.
Eitan squinted at the ceiling of the carriage, but even after some time, nothing definitive came to mind. He sighed again and allowed his eyes to fall shut. Oh well. Nothing can be done by just sitting and thinking. He could have Farrel look into things after he returned. Thoughts settled, his breathing slowed, and hardly realizing, the shaking off the carriage lulled him into a light sleep.