The corridors of the noble estate gave way to the open streets, where a carriage awaited them.
Master Yuan moved with quiet efficiency, opening the door and gesturing for Michael to step inside.
The ride was smooth, the interior of the carriage well-maintained but not overly luxurious.
Master Yuan sat opposite him, hands resting calmly in his lap.
For a time, there was silence.
Then, Master Yuan spoke, his tone measured. "The Grand Mage had expected a word from you days ago."
Michael met his gaze evenly. "I apologize. The opportunity to observe the capital was too good to pass up."
This wasn't exactly a lie. Compared to obediently staying in the inner city, Michael believed the outer city gave him much more.
Master Yuan nodded, accepting the answer without judgment. "The capital is a fascinating place. It is easy to lose track of time when taking it in."
Michael merely inclined his head. He wasn't sure whether Yuan was being understanding or subtly admonishing him. Either way, it didn't matter. He had his reasons.
Yuan studied him for a moment before shifting topics. "How have you found the city?"
Michael considered his words. "Lively. Structured."
Yuan, however, didn't press the matter. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "Mage Lian spoke highly of you. He said you were… unconventional."
Michael tilted his head slightly. "Is that so?"
Yuan's smile deepened, though it remained unreadable. "It is rare for someone to garner the attention of both the mage and the kingdom's guards so quickly."
Michael remained expressionless. He had expected the Grand Mage's attendant to be well-informed, but it was another thing to hear it spoken so plainly.
"I was simply in the right place at the right time," he said.
Yuan chuckled. "A convenient coincidence, then?"
Michael shrugged. "If you say so."
Yuan watched him for a moment, then leaned back. "Regardless, you have made an impression. That is not a small thing in this city."
Michael didn't respond, letting the silence settle.
The carriage continued its smooth journey through the city streets, and Michael took the moment to observe through the window.
The noble district gradually gave way to the towering structures of the inner city, where guards were stationed at regular intervals, and the presence of authority was undeniable.
It wasn't long before they arrived at the royal court. The carriage rolled to a gentle stop, and the door was opened from the outside.
Master Yuan stepped out first, and Michael followed, his gaze sweeping over the grand entrance before them.
The palace was an imposing structure, its intricate designs reflecting the wealth and power of the kingdom. The guards stationed at the gates barely spared them a glance—Master Yuan's presence was identification enough.
Master Yuan led the way through the grand entrance, his steps measured and precise.
Michael followed, his gaze flicking over the intricate architecture of the royal court.
The walls were adorned with elegant carvings depicting historical battles and legendary figures, the floor polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the glow of enchanted lanterns hanging from the high ceiling.
The air carried the faint scent of incense and old parchment, mingling with the distant hum of quiet conversation.
Court attendants moved with practiced grace, dressed in uniform robes of deep blue, each carrying scrolls or delicate trays as they hurried through the halls.
Maids in simpler attire bowed their heads respectfully as they passed, their presence unobtrusive yet ever-present.
Master Yuan continued without pause, his posture never breaking its quiet dignity.
The corridors of the palace exuded authority—tall, gilded doors lined the halls, each leading to chambers Michael assumed were reserved for the influential figures of the court.
The deeper they went, the quieter the surroundings became, until only the muffled sound of their footsteps remained.
After several turns, Master Yuan finally stopped before an intricately carved wooden door, its surface adorned with golden inlays that shimmered faintly under the lantern light.
Two royal guards stood at attention on either side, their expressions unreadable beneath the steel of their helmets.
Master Yuan inclined his head slightly to them. "The Grand Mage is expecting him."
The guards exchanged a brief glance before stepping aside in perfect synchronization. One of them reached for the door and pushed it open without a word.
Michael exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable as he stepped forward.
Master Yuan followed behind him, his voice calm. "Welcome to the Grand Mage's chambers."
The room was spacious yet not ostentatious.
Shelves lined with ancient tomes and neatly stacked scrolls covered the walls, their spines worn from use.
A massive desk sat at the center.
At the far end, near a wide-open balcony overlooking the palace gardens, stood Mage Lian.
But Michael's attention barely lingered on him.
Instead, his gaze shifted to the two other figures in the room.
One, a man with sharp features. He sat comfortably in a high-backed chair near the desk. His robes, though simple, carried an unmistakable air of authority. He observed Michael with a keen, assessing gaze, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.
The other stood behind him—a silent, looming figure in dark armor, posture rigid with the discipline of a trained guard.
His eyes were alert, scanning Michael with the watchfulness of a man used to anticipating threats before they even arose.
Master Yuan bowed slightly. "Seventh Prince, this is Sir Mic."
Michael kept his face neutral, but inwardly, he made note of the title.
'Prince?' He hadn't expected that.In front of other nobles, where he could afford to be dismissive, Michael felt he had to offer a bit of respect toward this man.
In a place where nobles dominated everything, this had to be a very important figure. Michael didn't think he could treat the other party casually.
"Good morning," he said.
However, what he didn't realize was that his greeting was far too casual. It didn't take long for him to sense that something was wrong from the silence that followed.
For one, why did the guard behind the prince look angry?
And what was with the strange expression on Master Yuan's face?