We sat there, kneeling before the dais that elevated the country's rulers. The court members stood silently around us, creating a semi-circle of expectant faces on the periphery of the room. The King, seated on his ornate golden throne, rose gracefully and began his descent from the dais. His regal presence commanded attention as he approached us.
"Romano, Ragna! Stand, please!" The King's voice, rich with authority, echoed through the hall. My father and mother both rose to their feet, their faces brightened by genuine smiles. The King's gaze softened as he continued, "It's wonderful to see some of my southern cousins!"
The Duke chuckled warmly and replied, "It's been far too long since we've had the pleasure of each other's company. Regrettably, we must return tomorrow." As the Duke spoke, his expression was a blend of joy and reluctant farewell.
The Queen, rising from her throne with graceful elegance, made her way towards us. She enfolded my mother in a heartfelt embrace. "Ragna! It's been ages since we last met! We heard about that dreadful attempt two days ago. Is everything alright? Did you receive our message from Herlaug?" Indicating the blind Minister of Finance that visited us to offer his and the royal court's condolences. My father had hinted that he was the one who tried to have me killed via Mona.
From my vantage point in Mona's arms, I could see Viscount Herlaug standing discreetly among the minor court member. My father had hinted that Herlaug was involved in the attempt on my life via Mona.
My mother, ever the schemer, feigned ignorance and responded, "He didn't mention your wishes, only his own." Her voice was smooth and practiced, betraying no hint of the underlying tension.
I could see Viscount Herlaug. He was standing in the periphery of the room with the other minor court members. I could see his blind face overcome with a mixture of guilt and anger.
"I'll have to have a talk with him!" The Queen declared, and a murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Anything to inconvenience that scheming blind fool was fine by me.
After a brief and awkward pause, the King turned his attention back to us and asked, "Are these your children?" Anna, standing gracefully, offered a polite nod. Mona, still holding me, remained kneeling. I offered a tentative smile at the King, who returned it with an approving nod.
The Duke replied, "Anna is my child, but little Dam here was gifted to us by the gods." His tone carried both pride and affection.
The Queen's smile tightened into a look of curiosity. "Oh? He's not your blood?"
The King, turning to my father with a jesting tone, asked, "Is that why you came to court? Here I thought you just wanted to visit your cousins."
The Duke nodded, "Indeed, I do. I foresee great potential in him. Thankfully, the High Priestess of Shani happened to be visiting when he was quite ill upon arrival."
The King raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Why was he not taken to the orphanage if he was left at your door?"
The Duchess, with smooth charm, explained, "Calo City's orphanage is mostly run by older, parentless children and closes for the night. We intended to take him in temporarily, but he wormed his way into our hearts."
The Queen's smile softened, her earlier tension giving way to genuine warmth. "I see! He is rather adorable!" I beamed at her, and her smile became more sincere, shedding the formality of court obligations.
The Duke then addressed the King with a note of formality, "Cousin…Your Majesty, I am here to request the Right of Adoption."
The King, momentarily sidetracked, asked, "The High Priestess, you said?" A murmur spread through the court.
My father, visibly tense, responded, "As I explained, he was ill when he arrived. Thankfully, the High Priestess was there and healed him."
The King's gaze grew sharp, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't try to deceive me, cousin. I know he is a summon." He paused for effect before continuing, "Does he have the blessing?"
The Duke's reply was calm, yet firm. "I don't know what you're referring to. Even if he was summoned and possessed the blessing, he's merely a baby. We will raise him as a loyal servant of the kingdom, regardless."
The King's stern, slightly-scary demeanor softened, and he nodded at his wife. "Then my fears are unfounded."
The Queen, spreading her arms with theatrical flourish, announced, "The Right of Adoption is granted!" The King approached Mona, gesturing for her to rise.
The King then proclaimed to the court, "I declare this child to be Damiano Calo, of House Calo." The court responded with polite applause. The range of emotions from the assembled nobility was fascinating—enemies and allies alike reacting to a mere baby. I couldn't change their opinions now, but I could certainly grow and prove myself.
The Duke leaned closer to the King and whispered, "One more thing. I would owe you a favor if you refused to see the next person in line. He slighted me in the waiting room."
The King responded softly, "Who is it?"
"Loresian's Ambassador," the Duke said quietly.
King Koll rolled his eyes, "He's a pain in the ass anyway."
We concluded our conversation there. Rather than departing immediately, they chose to remain a while longer. Observing the court proved to be a fascinating experience.
The scene was especially lively when the announcer sent the ambassador packing. His indignant shouts echoed through the anteroom, we could very well hear it from all over here. Eventually, he exited, and the court resumed its proceedings.
We witnessed nobles petitioning for various forms of assistance—be it financial support, manpower, or military aid. Foreign dignitaries sought help with battles, while others requested aid by avoiding conflict altogether, adding a layer of complex political maneuvering to the atmosphere.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows through the grand windows, bathing the court in a warm, golden light. The court's activities continued in a rhythmic flow—discussions, negotiations, and the occasional burst of laughter as members exchanged stories and gossip.
When the fourth bell rang, we joined the throng of people leaving the court. Mona carried me through the maze of hallways and rooms, eventually arriving at the grand foyer where we had entered. With time no longer pressing, we took a closer look at the displayed articles. Most items seemed to emanate mana, though my basic mana sense could only detect their presence, not their nature.
Finally, we reached our carriage, surrounded by our guards. The ride back to the villa was peaceful, a welcome reprieve from the day's events.
Before bed, I took my wooden toy dagger and playfully sparred with Fazio. It was a joy to spend time with him, and his laughter filled the room with warmth.
After we grew tired of our playful combat, Fazio said with a grin, "You're going to grow up to be a demon."
"Eemon!" (Demon) I replied, my attempt at the word making Fazio laugh even harder. I checked my status one last time before bed.
Name: Damiano Calo (Callaghan O'Shea)
I'm mostly writing this to enjoy my own imagination. So enjoy the ride with me! Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe!