"You sound more like a rogue than a lord", scoffs Ellowen.
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With some light preparations, Ysolde and Ellowen set out for The House of Otheus.
Their town, Merville belonged to The House of Otheus, ruled by Duke Theodor Otheus and Duchess Cynthia Otheus. They were known to be one of the few nobles of Miranor who genuinely nurtured the commoners. They pay frequent visits to each of the lands under their dukedom and took the necessary measures to ensure the wellbeing of their people.
Although Ysolde and Ellowen were aware of the generosity of Duke Theodre, they could not help but feel anxious.
Soon they reached the manor.
"Woah..", gasped both the ladies as they saw how magnificent the building looked.
"It's the Duke's birthday after all", says Ysolde as the two walk inside, their eyes still fixated on the decorations.
The guards stop them before the main gate, "Halt! What reason do you have for entering the manor!"
Ysolde kindly talks to the guards, "I am here to showcase my voice. To prove my worth, gain the Duke's acknowledgement and possibly have a chance to be a part of the banquet as a singer"
A group approaches them after hearing. They look at Ysolde and one of them speaks sarcastically, "Commoners coming up to be a part in a noble banquet! Tsk tsk Duke Otheus should really stop pampering these people".
"Who are you?", Ellowen asks.
The group replies haughtily that they were the music group who are going to perform at the banquet. With one look at them the two ladies realised getting pass them would not be easy.
Ysolde calmly explains that they just want to meet the Duke once and that she was not there to covet their position.
"Take our place! Look at the tongue of this bird!", yelled one of the members.
"Well then why are you hesitant about letting us in? If you are so sure of yourselves why are you stopping us?", remarks Ysolde, "Or you all are actually insecure of having this commoner defeat you?".
One of the members get furious at Ysolde's words, "Let me show you your place commoner!".
Before the member can hit Ysolde someone grabs his hand from behind,
"Relax man. A gentleman should never raise a hand on a lady let alone ladies who are this beautiful"
The musical group gets pale as the tall man stands between them.
"Now if you would excuse me, I would attend these fair maidens myself"
Ellowen gets chills as the man keeps complimenting them. She thinks he is just one of the higher servants of the manor who likes making ladies uncomfortable.
In short, a pervert.
Ysolde closely notices the man, black luscious hair, bright ruby eyes, and a figure most men would be envious of. She feels she had seen him somewhere. Then suddenly she notices a brooch on his clothes. A black rose with golden petals, the symbol of The House of Otheus!
This man was the heir of Duke Otheus! The first son, Reignhart Otheus.
Ysolde quickly bows to him, "Greetings to Lord Otheus!"
Ellowen was baffled and quickly repeated the gesture, "Greetings to Lord Otheus!"
Reignhart laughs as he says, "Ladies please. Two maidens with such fair faces bowing to me! Oh my, I might have a heart attack! Common lift yourself up now"
The two ladies then explain their reason for visit. Reignhart crosses his arms and replies, "You might want to have audience with my father regarding this matter. I am willing to accompany you to him but before that..."
He leans towards Ellowen and smirks, "You should remove that disgusted expression from your pretty face. I am afraid you are hurting your lord by glaring at him so much!"
"You sound more like a rogue than a lord", scoffs Ellowen.
Reignhart smirks again and walks towards the gate, "I like you better. Now follow me ladies"
They follow him inside and cannot help but gasp. It was their first-time stepping foot inside a noble's residence. Warm light glowed over the smooth marble floors. Every corner felt calm and elegant, as if the manor quietly held the memories of all who had lived there. The air carried a soft scent of wood and blooming lilies. Sunlight peeked through tall windows, turning dust into glitter.
Reignhart takes them into the guest room and asks them to wait for some time.
As he leaves, the two finally breathe out as if they have been holding their breath for a long time. The grandeur of the manor had stunned them and on top of that they were in the presence of Lord Reignhart.
They take a seat and patiently wait as instructed soon a servant comes and tells them The Duke and The Duchess have approved our request to meet.
Soon, the two find themselves standing before Duke Theodor and Duchess Cynthia. The Duke sat with a composed, commanding air, his posture straight and his gaze steady. Beside him, the Duchess sat in quiet grace, her calm eyes and gentle posture softening the air around her.
Ysolde and Ellowen greet them and then explain their reason for visit. When they were done the Duchess speaks up pointing at Ysolde, "I think I have heard about you, you must be the girl who sings at the square"
Ysolde agrees, "Yes Duchess, I am the girl who used to sing at the square. My name is Ysolde Thorne.
The Duchess then smiles as she says, "I have heard about you from the people at our manor. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to hear you myself. If you don't mind would you like to sing for us?"
Ysolde sings a song. Both the Duke and the Duchess were pleased. Her song drifted through the hall, soft and clear, carrying a warmth that seemed to wrap around every listener. Each note lingered in the air echoing through every corner. All the people around the place stood by as they heard the voice. So clear and deep. The music group who were standing nearby were also mesmerised by the voice.
As Ysolde stops, both the Duke and Duchess praised her.
The Duke commented while clapping hands, "You voice far exceeds the praises we heard of you. You indeed have the voice of an angel"
Ysolde and Ellowen look at each other and share a smile.
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