The road to Denil was long and tiring. During the trip, they encountered the indigenous people of the land, and twice they had to reroute because of bandits. But after a week of traveling, they could see the city from a distance. It was beautiful even from afar. As they got nearer to the city, they met many other travelers; some were departing, and some were arriving.
Near the gate, there was commotion; many curse words were being thrown around, and many people had gathered to observe.
A man dressed in fine clothing stared at the gatekeepers angrily, his cane pointed towards one of the gatekeepers.
"How dare you? How dare you accuse me of theft? Do you know who I am? Do you? I demand to see your superior, now!" the man angrily yelled. Most of the observers sided with the well-dressed man. After all, how could such a well-dressed aristocrat be a thief? The crowd stood with him, and the gatekeepers could not do a thing. In the end, they decided to let him go in fear of him being an actual aristocrat and the punishment they would receive from their superior. Josh observed the commotion from the coach's window with a smile. Derrick and his mother were among the supporters of the man, voicing their concerns.
"Do they not have eyes? They can clearly see he's an aristocrat; what use would he have for stealing?" Derrick asked, his eyes still on the scene. Josh shook his head at the boy's simple understanding.
"You see, Derrick, Denil is a big city compared to our beloved Moonridge, and here scum of all kinds can be found. Denil is called the city of dreams for a reason, and many people are willing to do anything to achieve their dreams," Josh explained, but both Sarah and Derrick appeared confused. Simon seemed to have gained interest in the topic at hand. Everyone waited for Josh to continue. Josh sighed, not really willing to explain but feeling he had to soothe their curious minds.
"Look at the man now. Tell me, what do you see?" He asked. They looked at the scene outside and saw the man leaving with a smile on his face and heading in the same direction as them.
"Happiness?" Sarah answered. "His elegance," Derrick answered, still firmly believing that the man was innocent. Josh nodded.
"I see, but did you also notice that the man is on foot? Aristocrats have personal coaches and carriages, and they would not be seen dead walking on foot. So ask yourself, why?" Sarah wanted to answer but paused. Derrick, being a child, hurriedly answered, "Maybe he left it and wanted to take a stroll. After all, even aristocrats need to relax their bones." Sarah also nodded. Being simple-minded folks, they looked up to aristocrats.
Simon kept quiet, observing the conversation between the three with a smile. Josh, for a moment, thought he should let go of the topic, but then Simon decided to save him. "Look at the man now." They all turned towards the man, who had bumped into an old lady. He politely apologized, but since the old lady was a common folk, she apologized plenty of times, seeing the man's nice clothes and refined demeanor. The old lady thought she had offended an aristocrat. The man politely accepted the apology and left. This scene further proved to Derrick that he was right. But then the man did something unexpected: he took out pieces of jewelry from his pocket. Derrick's eyes widened, realizing these were the old lady's jewels. He now understood what Josh had been trying to tell him.
"Do not judge a book by its cover," Sarah spoke very slowly. Simon chuckled and shook his head, leaving the young boy Derrick to ponder this new revelation.
They entered the city right after showing the law officials their identification documents. The coach dropped all of them off at the nearest inn. Having nowhere else to go, Sarah invited the two young men to come to her father's house, which was located in the residential district, ElderMoore. The cities in the kingdom followed the same structure: central districts, residential districts, industrial districts, and the outskirts. The central district is composed of courthouses, city hall, administrative offices, the cathedral, religious schools, and seminaries. There are also museums, antique shops, shops, stalls, and merchant transactions. But all of these are found in different sections.
The residential district is where people stay, mostly aristocrats and rich people, but it also has its sections, each with a different level, starting from the affluent living to the working-class neighborhood. These levels show a difference in status and wealth, with only the wealthiest being at the top.
The industrial areas are comprised of two areas: the Iron Works, including factories, foundries, and warehouses; and Dockside, featuring docks, shipping yards, and fish markets.
Last but not least, the outskirts, home of the common folk, the laborers, and backbenders. The buildings there are all worn out, and the air is stale. Most citizens here are either farmers, mine workers, or factory workers. The outskirts also had levels: at the top being the meadows where they farmed; secondly, the residential development where suburbs were being built for the business owners in the outskirts; thirdly, the small fish trade businesses; and lastly, the homesteads where the poorest folks lived. Every city in the kingdom was built in this structure, but the economy of the cities also played an important role in determining the welfare of the city's housing. That is why the kingdom introduced identification documents so that the cities could keep track of everyone inside and for national security.
Sarah got a carriage for them to get to ElderMoore, which was a forty-minute distance from the central district. The journey was beautiful and refreshing. Denil's Gothic architectural design was beautiful and eerie at the same time. It gave the city a somber mood, a contrast to its title: The City of Dreams. On the way, besides the architecture, they also saw many street performers, including bards and violinists who played beautiful pieces of music. Josh couldn't help but close his eyes as he listened to the sound. The people here, mostly the men, all wore hats, and their sense of fashion was different from Moonridge. Here the dressing was not too formal, just like Moonridge, and many young artists adopted a strange sense of style, which Josh found interesting.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Sarah asked, staring outside. Josh nodded and turned to her. "The architectural design is perfect; it creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. The more I look at the city from this carriage window, the more I feel the need to explore. But sadly, I am here for different reasons," Josh explained with an unreadable expression. Was it regret or longing? Sarah didn't know, but she could only agree with him. Denil was really beautiful, just like when she had left it. The city never lost its charm; in fact, it seemed as if its charm was ever-growing. But sadly, the purpose of her return was a sad one. Her only remaining family member, her father Arnold Manchester, had died of heart disease a few days ago. And her being the only family her father had left, he left all of his wealth with her. But first, she had to bury her father. "It really is beautiful... this is where I grew up, Derrick," she whispered the last part since Derrick was already fast asleep on her lap. The journey had exhausted him, and he could only find solace in his mother's lap.
Before they knew it, they had arrived. In the heart of Eldermoore, a carriage stopped in front of a huge house—no, a manor—atop a small windy hill. The manor stood tall, overlooking the valley of Eldermoore like a guardian. The walls were made of grey stone and dark brick, giving the house an old and sturdy look.
Tall towers and spires pointed towards the sky. The windows were long , decorated with fancy designs and pointed arches, similar to those found in old churches. Ivy plants climbed up the walls, adding a touch of nature to the already beautiful Manor.
The front door was large and arched, with stone gargoyles on both sides. The oak doors were old and heavy, also covered in iron decorations. Above the entrance, a colorful stained-glass window showed scenes of knights and legends, casting eerie shadows on the steps.
A gravel path led to the house, passing through the carefully tended gardens. The gardens were full of neatly trimmed bushes and roses, opposing with the imposing house. Marble statues stood among the plants, their cold faces covered by the vines and flowers.
A high stone wall enclosed the property, with an old but beautiful iron gate that creaked open reluctantly. Beyond the wall, the estate stretched for acres.
Next to the manor, a stable and carriage house were there, built with the same care and style. Even these practical buildings had Gothic features, with similar roofs and decorated windows. Simon whistled, and Josh's eyes squinted. They all had the same question on their minds: "Why was she still in Moonridge?" Sarah seemed to come from a wealthy—no, an aristocratic family. Sarah, who had been coveting aristocrats earlier, seemed to be one herself, and a top one at that.
"Are we there yet?" Derrick asked, rubbing his eyes as he had just woken up from his nap. Opening his eyes slowly, the boy's mouth went agape. Words couldn't come out as he read the bold words on the gate, "Manchester." His mom's surname was Manchester. "Ouch!" The boy pinched himself to check if he was not dreaming, and he was not. Rubbing his cheek, he stared at his mother grudgingly, his eyes relaying a deep message, "You have some explaining to do, birth-giver."
Inside the mansion, in a big spacious study, Josh and Simon were before Sarah. The study had tall windows that let in streams of sunlight, casting a warm glow over the dark wooden shelves on the walls. These shelves were filled with books of every kind, from thick, leather-bound volumes of history to slim, paper-covered novels. The air in the room smelled of aged paper and the faint aroma of pipe tobacco; it seemed as if the previous owner of this study was a smoker.
In the center of the room stood a large oak desk, its top crowded with different items. There were quills and inkwells, scattered papers covered in neat handwriting, and a brass lamp with a green glass shade. An open journal lay on the desk, filled with the owner's thoughts and notes. Next to the desk was an armchair, worn from years of use. Young Derrick was sleeping on it.
"So, what do you think? Not too shabby, isn't it?" Sarah asked with a soft smile gracing her lips. The manor was extravagant and beautifully designed. To Josh, it felt like he was in the royal palace, albeit a bit inferior.
"It's beautiful. Why didn't you tell us you are also an aristocrat, Sarah?" Simon asked. Sarah had her reasons. Even her son did not know that his mother came from a noble house, House Manchester. According to Josh's knowledge, House Manchester was a family close to the crown, with each head of the family being a member of the Royal Council. Unlike other houses, which always had internal strife where some were on the side of the crown while others were on their own, House Manchester was the only family Her Majesty trusted with the kingdom's secrets. That is why they were also deemed the title: The House of Secrets. Arnold Manchester was an archaeologist, a fleet general, and also His Majesty's right-hand man. This was a man who served the kingdom until his last days, placing the crown even above his own family. The man was basically a living legend, especially for guys like him. But now he was gone and would soon be replaced by a younger and more efficient young man, meaning that the Manchester family's power would diminish rapidly unless Sarah could fill her father's shoes. But from the looks of it, she had no idea who her family truly was.
Sarah seemed to think that her father was just a measly mine owner who loved money more than his family, and that he ended up dying alone with no one to see him breathe his last. Behind Sarah was a huge portrait of the Manchester family, her father Arnold in a simple suit and hat next to a young boy of about ten years, and a woman who resembled Sarah a lot, with a cute baby girl in her arms. This was Sarah's family portrait.
"Oh, I'm not. My father was a businessman, a good one, and he also owned the biggest mine in the whole kingdom. So trust me when I say I am not an aristocrat." Nodding at her answer, Josh decided to stop Simon from asking any more questions and hear what she had to say since she called them out here.
"Okay, now that we have got that out of the way, let me fill you in on the purpose of this meeting. Judging from your personalities, I see that you are two good young men, and in all honesty, I can't run this whole thing alone. I need helpers I can trust." She pointed out. Her intentions were pure. She truly wanted to help them, and she also needed to stay vigilant after all. Her father had many enemies.
"Trust is something earned, and I do not think we have done anything to earn your trust. Plus, we are basically strangers. Are you not afraid we might do horrible things to you, him, and all the other personnel here?" Josh asked in a bold tone, but Sarah waved her hand at Josh's negative words.
"As long as he trusts you enough, then I'm happy. So, what do you say? Which jobs would you two want?" Simon, being curious about the big city, chose to be the coachman, and Josh, after a moment, chose to be the butler.
Having settled that issue, Sarah rang a bell, and a servant came in running. She instructed him to take measurements for their uniforms. After a long day of being shown around the manor, Sarah brought them to their rooms. Josh and Simon's rooms were next to each other. Sarah left them to rest, and the two men retreated to their respective rooms. Once inside, Josh did not even have the time to take in the room's appearance. Going straight for the bed, he closed his eyes in thought but within moments of laying down, he fell asleep.
Waking up to the sound of a light knock on the door, Josh felt hungry, wondering if it was dinner time. But the sounds of birds and the little streams of light coming from the closed window stopped him in his tracks. [Damn, it's morning already. I did not even have a chance to eat.] Still in his thoughts, another knock on the door followed. Slowly getting out of bed, Josh went for the door.
"Good morning, Mr. Belling. I have brought your uniform. After you are done, the madam requests your presence in the dining hall." A beautiful maid stood at the door with neatly folded clothes in her hands. Receiving the clothes from her, she turned around and left. Josh retreated back into the bedroom and went into the small bathroom to freshen up. After he was done, he put on his new uniform comprised of a black tailcoat with shiny brass buttons, a crisp white shirt with a high collar, and a neatly tied cravat. His black trousers were pressed, and his shoes were polished to shine.
His ebony black hair was combed back, showing a handsome face with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. His abyssal black eyes were lazy and strained, and a small, doubting smile touched his lips as he stared at himself in the huge mirror in the bedroom.
"Looking good, I guess," he spoke, stealing one last glance at himself before leaving for the dining hall.
Making his way down the staircase, he met many other servants of the manor. Some were friendly, and some shot him unfriendly looks, but he wasn't one to complain, so he greeted those who greeted him and left those who didn't.
In the dining hall, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, lighting up the large wooden table. The heavy red curtains were pulled back, and the room was bright. The dark wooden panels on the walls were filled with paintings of the Manchester family's ancestors.
The table was set for breakfast, with silver candlesticks, even though their candles were unlit. There were plates of fresh bread, bowls of porridge, and platters of fruit, filling the room with a warm, inviting smell.
Sarah, Derrick, and Josh were seated around the table. Sarah sat quietly, her hands resting on the table. Derrick, beside her, fidgeted slightly, glancing at the food eagerly. Josh sat at the far end, looking towards the door, waiting.
The room was calm, with only the soft chirping of birds outside and the clinking of silverware as they waited for him to arrive. Upon noticing Josh, they all smiled, and young Derrick heaved a sigh of relief, possibly thanking the lord he could finally eat. Sarah signaled for him to sit in a chair not too far away from her.
"You are finally awake. Yesterday I came to invite you to dinner, but you were already fast asleep, it seems. Did you sleep comfortably?is the uniform size perfect?" Sarah spoke and asked with a light smile gracing her lips. Josh nodded.
"Yes, I did and yes it is. Thank you for your hospitality, Ms. Manchester," he answered respectfully. Sarah's smile wavered a bit as he answered.
"To the both of you, just because I have employed you does not mean you should treat me differently. I am still Sarah." Sarah pointed out, and Josh and Simon nodded in understanding.
After the breakfast, Sarah requested for them to accompany her as she had some meetings to attend to and also to show them around the city. A coach with the Manchester crest was by the door. It was made of dark wood and intricately crafted. Simon moved to pet the horses, and Josh moved to open the coach for Sarah and Derrick before going inside, followed by Simon, who was supposed to learn the routes first before he could start his job as a coachman.
"Take us to the mine," Sarah instructed the coachman, who was a middle-aged man with a stern-looking face. The coach took off heading for the mines. The carriage was silent; everyone was lost deep in their thoughts.
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