Carysse had heard of castles only from the travelers that passed by Thalisse. They were described as gigantic and towering buildings that could house hundreds and even thousands of people inside, depending on the royalty residing in the castle. The travelers did a good job of describing them vividly that Carysse immediately knew when she saw one.
As she and Liblei got out of the carriage, a stunning castle with a horizontal structure, ivory beams, bronze walls, and fluttering flags with different colors was placed on top. Carysse assumed the flags represented the eight provinces of Apharoth. On its walls were random giant holes filled with glass-like objects. The castle was literally sparkling.
”This is the Adreic Castle, home to one of the highest families in Apharothia. It is where we will be having the first meeting for the Zeikontour,” Liblei said. She was wearing a proper attire fit for a noble already. Dressed in an emerald-colored long gown that swept the ground and her hair tied high up with glittering pins, she didn’t look like the thrifty woman that she was back in her home.
As for Carysse, she had changed into a white blouse with layered sleeves and a grayish blue straight skirt that covered her sandals. She didn’t want to bother Liblei’s servants in dolling her but they insisted because the other noble ladies might laugh at Liblei if the servant that she brought along is dressed ordinarily.
When Carysse asked why they were entrusting her to accompany Liblei instead of them, they said, ”We observed how you effortlessly cut the huge meat of the wild boar at breakfast. We also saw your weapon among your clothes when we came to clean your room earlier. We believe that you can protect our lady.”
”Why? Is there someone after her life?” she asked.
”Every noble has an enemy, especially with the rumors of terrorists and spies infiltrating Apharoth because of the declaration of the war against the royal throne two years ago.” Carysse tried not to react with her body upon hearing that.
”The world is full of evil. Some are even saying that we are returning back to the old times with the revival of Gairoshi. Old practices and magic culture are the topic of everyone’s mouth today. Who knows she might be the next target of those magical Mahan people,” one maid said, to which Carysse could not help but feel goosebumps. Even here, they were becoming famous. Just what is that group?
”I will protect Liblei,” Carysse suddenly blurted while they were walking the pavement that led to the entrance.
”Yes, Carysse? You were saying something?” Liblei paused and looked back at her. Carysse shook her head and went red in embarrassment.
”No, nothing at all,” she said, feeling the heat in her cheeks. Good thing Liblei let it go and they resumed walking until they got to the wide porch. They walked the marble stairs and were greeted with two guards who saluted them. Liblei bowed her head a little and Carysse wasn’t sure if it was a good idea that she didn’t follow because the guards looked at her strangely. They opened the heavy gigantic wooden doors for them and they were still eyeing her even as they passed through.
The hallway before them made Carysse’s eyes go wide. The entrance was inferior to the inside. And what Carysse thought of Liblei’s dress being fit was a far cry from what the women inside were wearing.
Carysse could see that the crowd consisted of ladies that were the spitting image of wealth, elegance, and class. It seemed like only Liblei Okkoa had streaks of white hair visible against her black hair. Or maybe the others were just hiding it underneath their astonishing headdresses.
One wore a cape of a leopard, another had a wide belt of snakeskin, and another had a dress trimmed in the fur of a red fox. Back at Thalisse, wearing the skins of animals was proof of being a hunter but was not really used in important places like this because it was a sign of brutality. Yet it seems that here in Apharothia, it is a symbol of exotic luxury.
If Liblei’s dress was long, most had longer and they covered the floor. The place was filled with gold, silver, maroon, royal blue, dark violet, and jade colors. It was like there was a wedding. Were these people really here for just a meeting for the Zeikontour? Or has the Zeikontour already started?
The long tables were covered in purple silk. It went well with the gold-plated goblets filled with light red wine on top of them. Everyone was talking to someone and Carysse took note that Liblei had no one approaching her compared to the other women around who were gawking at each other’s appearance. Liblei gestured for Carysse to go to the other side where a bench filled with servants like her were sitting. Carysse reluctantly obeyed. She stayed at the back so she could observe everyone else. It was with crowds like these that were openings for crimes.
A few minutes passed until finally, a bearded man in armor appeared on the stage where there were six chairs.
”All hail the presence of Lord Quill Adreic, lord of Adreic castle, commander of the royal army of the king, and right hand of Chancellor Waharis.”
All chatter died down and the women stood from their seats to bow slightly to the lord. Behind him was a narrow-eyed lady who had a chiseled face and golden hair that was curled at the ends. It was obvious that she was his daughter. She had the most beautiful shade of yellow hair that Carysse had ever seen. It was not strikingly bright or ordinary brown. It was somewhere in between like the color of fresh honey.
The lord cleared his throat. ”Grand ladies from all around the world, we are humbled and delighted to see that you are enjoying the ambiance of our castle. I have been given the honor to deliver the rules of the Zeikontour, the tradition that is already three centuries alive. Please take your seats as most of you are aware, this will take long, long enough for you to be prepared on what awaits you on your journey to become royalty.”