That night, after absorbing all those revelations about the noble hierarchy, I couldn't find proper rest. The House Stein coat of arms remained vividly imprinted in my memory, as if the flaming sword was watching me intently, awaiting some response or commitment from me.
I rose from the bed with cautious movements, walked silently to the window, and contemplated the star-filled firmament. The outside world seemed plunged into absolute tranquility, but within me, a storm of emotions and thoughts began to form with increasing intensity.
"Von..." I reflected deeply. It wasn't just a name or noble particle. It represented an ancestral lineage. A symbol of power and prestige that did not belong to me by birth. However, I possessed something different — an inner strength that burned intensely in my chest, something that transcended any heraldic representation or hereditary title.
There, enveloped by the nocturnal silence, I made a fundamental decision.
— I will not bow before prejudice — I whispered to the night, as if sealing a pact with the stars. — If they refuse to accept us by merit... then they will be forced to recognize us by power.
Although my body was still that of a child, at that precise moment, the solemn oath that would guide my existence in the coming years was born.
★★★
A full week has passed since Mistress Margareth granted me this period of rest. During this interval, I dedicated myself intensely to studying the orthography of this world. Gradually, I am understanding the writing system more clearly — and, in fact, the letters bear a remarkable resemblance to the Ancient Greek I knew in my previous life.
Naturally, my activities were not limited to linguistic studies. I visited the fiefdom village again, deepened my knowledge of the complex structure of the Arcane Nobility and the Pure-Blood Nobles... and their discriminatory attitude towards us, practitioners of arcane arts without aristocratic lineage.
By the way, Omar, the respected village leader, personally came to express his gratitude for the medicinal treatment I recommended. According to his report, most of the sick are already showing significant improvement in their health.
Evidently, I cannot fail to mention that, during this week, I dedicated considerable time to spending time with my sister Vivian. "How to adequately express her angelic beauty?" — I reflected with tenderness. "I will certainly need to develop enough strength and skills to ward off any unworthy suitor who may eventually seek her hand in the future" — I considered, feeling a protective instinct I had never experienced in my previous existence.
As we rode, my father and I, towards Mistress Margareth's mansion, I spotted an elegant carriage parked at the main gate in the distance.
As we approached the location, my father murmured in a hushed voice:
— Count Stein.
"Count Stein? Isn't he the supreme ruler of this entire county?" — I questioned internally, feeling a sudden apprehension.
When we got closer, I could clearly distinguish the coat of arms of the illustrious Stein family: a sword enveloped by flames and lightning, surmounted by a majestic eagle, with wheat ears harmoniously framing the entire symbolic ensemble. The predominant colors were blue and gold — curiously the same as our own family crest, but in an inverted arrangement.
It is worth mentioning that my family's heraldic emblem consists of two arcane staffs crossed in an X configuration, with a sword positioned vertically behind them. Our chromatic palette features blue as the predominant shade, complemented by gold details. In contrast, the Stein coat of arms displays gold as the main color, with decorative elements in blue.
Upon reaching our destination, my father — a man of recognized honor and considerable physical vigor — began to meticulously adjust his clothes, assuming an expression of appropriate solemnity.
He wore a blue wool tunic, of slightly higher quality than those used by common peasants. His trousers, made of the same material, fit his legs adequately, covering them completely. A sturdy leather belt fastened the tunic to his waist. Over his shoulders, he wore a wool cloak, offering protection against the elements. His dark leather boots showed evident signs of prolonged use, although they remained in satisfactory condition. It was an appropriate attire for a lower-ranking noble: devoid of ostentation, yet clean and adequately composed.
My own attire bore a remarkable resemblance to my father's, differing mainly in the replacement of the cloak with an overcoat. The thicker fabric of this piece gave me a discreetly more formal appearance, although we still visibly contrasted with the characteristic sophistication of the high nobility.
We walked approximately two meters towards the main entrance of the mansion when, suddenly, the door opened. A man of remarkably aristocratic and imposing presence appeared on the threshold.
His countenance presented refined features, unequivocally noble and well-defined. He was of considerable stature, approximately 1.88m, maintaining an impeccably erect posture and a presence that commanded immediate respect. His hair, of a light reddish hue, was perfectly cut, while his light green eyes emanated a simultaneously serene and penetratingly analytical glow. His clothes were of unquestionable sophistication — incomparably superior to ours —, made of exceptionally high-quality fabrics and discreet, yet evidently expensive, ornaments. His entire figure radiated the characteristic imposingness of someone born and educated in environments of extreme refinement, among halls adorned with gold and tapestries of inestimable value.
— Your Lordship, Count Stein — my father pronounced, executing a deep and respectful bow. Instinctively, I replicated his gesture with precision.
— Sir Lucius — the Count replied, with a discreet affirmative nod.
— Margareth, is this the young apprentice you spoke to me about? — the Count inquired, addressing my mentor.
— Yes, Milord Stein — Mistress Margareth confirmed with characteristic serenity.
As I raised my head again, I noticed the presence, beside the Count, of a young girl who appeared to be approximately five years old. Her hair, of a deep and intense red, already surpassed her shoulders, appearing admirably well-groomed and gleaming under the soft morning light. However, the most impressive element in her physiognomy was undoubtedly her eyes — an intense and almost hypnotic amber, which accentuated her natural charm beyond what her naturally aristocratic posture already suggested. Her delicate face, with refined features, was perfectly consistent with her status as a descendant of the high nobility.
She wore a long dress made of pure silk, adequately covering her shoulders and legs, in shades of red and gold, emblematic colors of her house. The exquisite fabric moved with graceful fluidity with every slightest movement. Around her neck, a delicate necklace adorned with meticulously cut small diamonds gleamed, reflecting the sunlight as if carrying fragments of the very morning firmament.
— Elian Freimann, son of Arcane Baronet Lucius Freimann — the Count formally announced, turning his attention to me.
I momentarily averted my gaze from the intriguing young girl and replied with appropriate restraint:
— Yes, Milord.
The Count then pronounced, in a voice that combined firmness and gentleness:
— Belle, introduce yourself properly.
— Yes, father — she replied, executing a graceful nod.
— My name is Belle Von Stein, firstborn daughter of Albert Von Stein, Sovereign Count of Stein County.
After her formal introduction, I performed another bow and replied with appropriate courtesy:
— My name is Elian Freimann, son of Arcane Baronet Lucius Freimann. It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you, young lady.
— Your son shows remarkable instruction, Lucius. One would hardly believe he is only two years old — the Count commented, addressing my father with an expression of genuine interest.
— Your words bring me great satisfaction, Your Excellency. My son, indeed, shows extraordinary intellectual development for his age... I confess that I occasionally even feel a certain envy of his ability — my father replied, with a discreet smile and a look that did not hide his paternal pride.
— We will certainly have other opportunities to meet, Lucius and Elian. Let's go, Belle.
— Yes, father — she replied obediently. As she walked away, I discreetly followed her with my gaze. Unexpectedly, she also turned her eyes towards me and offered me an enigmatic smile, before turning and entering the elegant carriage.
"What could that gesture mean?" — I questioned internally, experiencing genuine surprise.
— Elian, Lucius, please come in — Margareth invited. — There are certain matters I need to discuss with both of you.
"I sincerely hope it's nothing serious..." — I reflected with growing apprehension.