chapter 9
After Will had absorbed the intricate tale of his family's history, he composed himself and expressed gratitude towards his newfound aunt, Charlotte, despite her unconventional gothic attire. The young boy's stomach growled in anticipation as he inquired about the dining hall. Charlotte let out a hearty laugh before guiding him to the family's dining area.
As they walked down the aisle, their footsteps echoed loudly, with Charlotte leading the way through the maze-like corridors. Finally, they arrived at a beautifully set dining table where Will's family members were already seated. His father sat at the head of the table, while Omar, who was expected to be a formidable swordsman, appeared as a slender man with striking features - white long hair, light brown skin, and captivating blue eyes. Next to him sat Utaibah Jr., renowned for his strategic prowess, with long blonde hair and piercing golden eyes.
Seated at the table, Will eagerly indulged in the array of dishes before him, though his dining companions maintained a more refined etiquette. In the midst of their meal, he posed a provocative question about the existence of demons in their fantastical realm, causing a momentary pause in the conversation. However, it was Charlotte who candidly responded, sharing that demons and a leading god had once coexisted but had long vanished after a mythical clash that predated even Will's grandfather's reign.
Intrigued by the lore of demons, Will pressed further, questioning where he could uncover more about their history. While his father appeared displeased by his inquiries, Charlotte pointed him towards the library. She explained the necessity of an identity card to access the library, but the family had already arranged one for Will. His clever uncle then handed him a card, revealing his identifying information in a futuristic hologram display.
Amused by the card's advanced technology, Will marveled at the holographic blue diamond, which bore his initials. Charlotte humorously remarked on the magic interwoven into their world, highlighting the card's navigation capabilities. With the card safely stowed away, Will excused himself, feigning fatigue, and bid his family goodnight. Navigating the labyrinthine corridors, he stumbled upon a lavishly decorated guest room, marveling at the opulent medieval-inspired decor.
Feeling overwhelmed by the grandeur of his surroundings, Muscab resolved to explore the library the following day in search of knowledge concerning demons. As he sank into the plush bed, thoughts of the mysterious beings and the rich tapestry of his family's past swirled in his mind, setting the stage for an intriguing adventure into the depths of their magical realm.When Will woke up the next day, he felt a surge of refreshed energy coursing through him. As he made his way to the dining hall, he noticed that the familiar faces he had shared the previous evening with were nowhere to be seen. It was then that he encountered Maria, the head maid who greeted him with a warm smile and served him a delectable French breakfast that left his stomach satisfied and content.
After finishing his meal, Will approached the card that his aunt had given him and asked for directions to the library. True to his aunt's words, the card displayed the shortest route from the palace to the library. Stepping out of the grand palace, Will was struck by its sheer size and grandeur. The grey exterior adorned with touches of gold exuded an air of majesty and splendor that took his breath away.
As he ventured out of the palace gates, Will, still adjusting to his newfound royal status, decided to explore the surroundings on foot. The landscape was a blend of architectural styles, with medieval influences interspersed with modern elements. The sprawling green fields and unfamiliar topography fascinated Will, offering him a glimpse into the unique world he now found himself in.
Upon reaching the bustling city, Will observed the vibrant hustle and bustle of everyday life. While the city seemed familiar in many ways, he couldn't help but notice the distinct dressing styles and exotic animals pulling carts through the streets. The sight of massive lizard-like creatures drew his attention, and he marveled at the fantastical spectacle of a wyvern parade, with armored soldiers leading the majestic beasts through the town.
Lost in fascination, Will was reminded of his purpose by a directional sound prompting him to turn left. He realized he had a destination to reach and hurried towards the library, feeling a mix of excitement and embarrassment from the curious gazes of passersby. Pushing open the heavy black door, Will entered the library, eager to discover the treasures that awaited him within its walls.
Inside, the scent of ancient books and knowledge enveloped him, igniting a sense of wonder and anticipation. Surrounded by towering bookshelves and ornate furnishings, Will felt a spark of curiosity and eagerness to explore the vast repository of wisdom and history that lay before him.