"The doors are open—Kaelan should be inside… never mind, he's probably at the training grounds," Anna said, approaching the grand, open entrance. The ornate door loomed high above, intricate carvings of mythical beasts and elegant patterns decorating its surface.

  "There's a training ground here? How big is this place?!" Leonardo exclaimed, his eyes wide as he took in the sheer size of the mansion.

  "There are already several buildings out there for the maids or whatever." He gestured vaguely toward the sprawling estate outside, where smaller yet still imposing structures dotted the lush landscape, surrounded by meticulously kept gardens that stretched into the horizon.

  "Yeah, it's further up, past the large door on the top floor," Elara interjected, her voice light but firm.

  She demonstrated with her hand, mimicking a small figure walking up an imaginary staircase before turning a corner. "And the maids are probably at the training grounds too," Anna added, nodding in agreement.

  "See? Real simple," Elara continued, her fingers still moving in the air as if tracing invisible paths.

  She sighed, letting her hand drop. "I wanted to nap, but we are gonna talk, but its good too, I guess."

  "Clothes first," Anna reminded, her attention not straying toward Leonardo even once, as if he were an afterthought.

  "Oh, right." Elara nodded, catching the hint and pulling at her own rumpled attire.

  Heavy, motorized curtains hung at the tall windows, their deep charcoal fabric engineered to perfectly block out daylight, operated seamlessly with a remote control or automated to adjust with the time of day.

  These curtains, crafted from sound-absorbing materials, not only enhanced the room's imposing aura but also added a touch of privacy and insulation, creating an atmosphere that was simultaneously imposing and intimate.

  The walls, a sophisticated blend of textured panels and smooth surfaces, subtly incorporated hidden lighting fixtures that highlighted the architectural intricacies of the space, reminiscent of high nobility but executed with the precision and sleekness of modern design.

  Multiple large, low-profile sofas lined the spacious entrance, their upholstery a rich, deep blue made from plush, stain-resistant fabrics, blending comfort with durability and contrasting elegantly with the pale walls.

  Each sofa was flanked by minimalist side tables crafted from tempered glass and brushed steel, adding a sleek, futuristic touch.

  The expansive room was anchored by a grand, sliding glass door to the side, with a matte black frame suggesting access to another wing of the mansion, its frosted panels offering a glimpse of privacy while maintaining the open flow of the space. Another section was obscured by a towering, load-bearing foundation column, cleverly integrated into the design as a sleek, marble-clad feature that supported the upper floor without interrupting the visual continuity.

  At the far end of the room, a sweeping, cantilevered staircase split into two branches, its steps crafted from reinforced glass and edged with stainless steel railings, leading up to a balcony that housed yet another massive door, this one an impressive pivot design made of rich, dark wood with metallic inlays, a nod to tradition amidst the modern aesthetics.

  The upper balcony overlooked the entrance with a clear, tempered glass balustrade, allowing an unobstructed view of the entire space below.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Miniature, suspended chandeliers hung beneath the upper floor, their minimalist, spherical designs made of frosted glass and steel, each an orb that diffused light in soft, ambient halos.

  The light danced off numerous polished vases displayed on recessed shelves, each vase a unique, contemporary art piece, while small, exquisitely carved couches—modern interpretations of classical designs with sleek lines and sumptuous fabric—dotted the periphery, likely intended for guests during grand occasions.

  The attention to detail extended to the smallest elements: the subtle patterns in the marble, the seamless integration of advanced lighting controls, and the harmonious blend of luxury and modernity that defined the room.

  "This place is enormous, it genuinely is huge!?!—it's like Richard's house but four times over. It's like a palace!" Leonardo shouted, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space. He spun around, marveling at the sheer scale of the room that seemed to stretch endlessly.

  "If you think this is big, wait until you see the Marquis' estate," Elara said, her eyes gleaming as she gestured with her hands, stretching them as wide as she could. "I've only been there once, but it's… well, this huge."

  Anna rolled her eyes and turned to Leonardo. "Sit on the couch, Leon. We'll be back soon." She waved dismissively, heading towards the stairs with Elara close behind.

  "Bye!" Elara called, following Anna with a playful skip in her step.

  Leonardo watched them ascend the stairs, disappearing behind one of the three large doors at the top floor.

  He walked over to a lounge area on the side of the room, defined by a series of low walls and open arches. It was clear this was meant as a sitting lounge, with no doors to separate it from the rest of the hall, only a few steps away from the entrance.

  He chose the couch furthest back, near an open door that led into another segment of the mansion, two chairs flanking it on the west and east sides.

  The lounge was tastefully furnished but devoid of any particular grandeur beyond what he'd already seen.

  Leonardo settled into the couch, its fabric creasing slightly under his weight, and glanced around idly.

  "Training grounds… there must be a sword around here. Something that fits my sheath, anything." He muttered to himself, his thoughts drifting back to the recent battle where he felt powerless, reduced to a mere spectator.

  Even Elara, who hadn't joined the fight until the very end, proved more useful than he had. He sighed deeply, frustration bubbling up within him.

  "Did they use their Unwritten Skills during the fight?" he wondered aloud, his mind racing through the events.

  "Elara seemed to know stuff, and Anna… well, Anna was just Anna. I guess we'll talk about it when they get back."

  He adjusted his position, sinking deeper into the couch as his suit creased further against the fabric.

  Leonardo's thoughts shifted abruptly. "Why didn't they pick Altan Karzaar, or whatever his name was again? He was strong, really strong." He leaned back, his head resting against the back of the couch as he pulled out his empty sheath, still attached securely at his side.

  "It's empty," he repeated, almost mockingly. His voice carried a note of disbelief as he echoed the words Altan had said. "Why even carry this thing then?" he mused"he was going to say 'then'", recalling the moment Astraea intervened with that blinding light—similar, but not the same as Elara's greenish hue. He pondered over the significance of the green color

  He continues says looking at the text, giving him the word, [green].

  He laid his head back and slipped the sheath back in place. "I really don't know how this Rasvian stuff works… I saw someone literally move the air, another casually create a freaking barrier." He let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm supposed to be the smart one. If Ronald were here, he'd be just as lost as I am right now." His voice trailed off into a resigned silence as he stared blankly at the high ceiling.

  Restless, he started fidgeting, lifting his legs slightly before letting them drop again. He repeated the motion, his mind swirling with questions and uncertainties.

  "How well does my skill even work? Don't answer that, text," he said with a wry smile, glancing upwards to the ceiling meeting the ornate foundation above.

  He stood abruptly, hopping off the couch in a swift, almost impulsive movement. He walked toward the other end of the lounge, away from the open door, eyes scanning for anything sharp or useful.

  The walls, though richly decorated, offered nothing practical. Turning his gaze back, he took in the room in its entirety—three couches, luxurious and far more comfortable than any bed he'd known.

  "Why'd I expect to find a sharp blade here?" he muttered under his breath, kneeling to check beneath the couches and among the lavish cushions. "Why do I even want to pierce my skin?" He paused, a pang of melancholy hitting him. "Ronald would have stopped me. I miss him."

  He lingered in the center of the lounge, his frustration and sadness blending into a seething anger. "That guy… that smug look on his face," Leonardo whispered fiercely, his fists clenching.

  "He brought me here." His steps grew heavy, each footfall resonating with the weight of his simmering rage as he marched back toward his original seat. "I should've gotten his name, that man… it's been two days in this blasted kingdom or district ,He has to be here."