Free Web NovelChapter 80: Fireplace
The first snowflakes of this winter were falling, and the orange lights of the streetlamps that covered the streets of Klento gave a cozy atmosphere to the city, which was very quiet.
Victor Shieldman, standing in front of the massive iron door, was about to start shivering.
"Is she home?" Victor muttered to himself, his breath forming little clouds of steam in the icy air. He rubbed his hands together to warm them up and then struck the solid iron three times.
The sound of the knocks echoed through the silent street and Victor waited a few moments, but heard nothing. He knocked again, but more firmly.
This time, from inside, the muffled sound of footsteps indicated that someone was approaching to open the door.
The door creaked as it was opened by a stout man with a shaved head. This man had an unshaven beard, a sword on his back and beautiful leather armor. He was large and didn’t have a very inviting expression on his face.
"Who are you? And what do you want knocking on the Selvarum Family’s door so late?" The man asked and then looked at Victor’s worn-out clothes. "Sir, if you’re looking for shelter from the cold, the municipal shelter is five streets away in the direction of the port. Go there and ask for a bed." He said, deducing that Victor was a beggar.
"I believe there’s been a mistake, allow me to introduce myself." replied Victor, placing a hand on his chest and bowing his head slightly. "I’m Victor Shieldman, an old friend of Luísa Selvarum’s and I’d like to have a chat with her, if that’s possible."
The guard once again looked Victor over from head to toe, and so easily Victor noticed that he was being judged by his attire, which was perfectly understandable, after all he was standing in the doorway of a mansion in the middle of the night.
"Besides, I’m a hunter," added Victor.
The guard frowned, but seemed to understand before sighing.
"Wait here," he ordered and closed the door before disappearing into the house.
While he waited, Victor took the opportunity to observe his surroundings.
The Selvarum residence was imposing, with well-kept gardens, high iron fences and an aura of prestige that permeated every detail. It was certainly a building that stood out from the other stone buildings.
Soon, the bald guard reappeared at the door with a still serious expression and now a slight trace of impatience.
"The matriarch has agreed to see you. Follow me," he said, turning to lead Victor down the initial corridor.
Upon entering the Selvarum residence, Victor was struck by the wealth and good taste that permeated every corner of the main hallway. Luxurious carpets adorned the polished marble floors, lush landscape paintings decorated the walls and the soft scent of scented candles filled the air.
The guard led Victor through elegant halls that were perfectly tidy and cozy, but empty. Most of the staff had probably already left.
Despite this, the soft music of a piano echoed from one of the rooms on the second floor, adding a melody to the already enchanting atmosphere.
Finally, they reached the living room of the matriarch of the Selvarum family, a room illuminated by imposing chandeliers and large windows that let in the moonlight.
In the center of the room, a large crackling fireplace gave off a comforting warmth.
Sitting in an armchair was the matriarch Luísa Selvarum, a woman of timeless beauty and imposing presence. Her hair was black, her finely embroidered silk clothes highlighted her curves and, surprisingly, a black blindfold covered her eyes.
"Victor Shieldman... It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name," said Luísa with a closed smile.
Victor bowed respectfully before answering. "Matriarch Luísa, it’s an honor to be in your presence again. I don’t believe we’ve seen each other for just over twenty years, but I must say, you’ve changed very little." Victor said, complimenting the woman’s youthful appearance.
"And I see you’re still the gentleman I remember well. Anyway, what brought you out of your exile and into this cold night? Don’t tell me you finally decided to accept my invitation."
"Tempting as it may be, that’s not the case. Forgive me if I sound offensive, but I traveled all this way to talk to Mari actually. Some things have happened and I believe that only a person of her genius can help me."
Who Victor was referring to was Mari Dundragon, a girl of genius whom he had met many, many years ago, when this girl was only six years old and already regarded as one of the greatest minds in the whole of the Athina Kingdom.
At the time, the Selvarum family had welcomed Mari under their own roof and promised to sponsor all her research and studies in exchange for being the first choice to buy the patents for her creations, so it was imaginable that Luísa still kept Mari close. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
Luísa Selvarum seemed to be surprised for just a second by Victor’s response, but then smiled as if she understood.
"All right, anything for an old friend. However, I’m afraid Mari is already asleep now, so this matter will have to be left until tomorrow." Luísa said, raised an arm and snapped her fingers, as if calling the guard closer.
The matriarch whispered some inaudible things to Victor in the ear of the guard who seemed hesitant to leave the matriarch of the most important family in the city alone with someone like Victor, but in the end had to obey orders.
"I ordered him to ask the girls to prepare a room for you, all right? I see you have luggage, I can’t put you out on the street if you’ve only just arrived in town and come all this way."
"I’m honored and gladly accept, ma’am." Victor thanked Luísa Selvarum warmly for her hospitality.
"Don’t be so formal. It’s a pleasure to welcome you to my home, Victor. We’re old friends, aren’t we?" asked Luísa as she got up from the armchair and indicated a sofa in front of the fireplace. "Come on, sit with me while you wait for your room. There’s a lot of catching up to do."
Victor settled down on the sofa and noticed how Luísa maintained a posture of authority even in such an intimate setting. The black blindfold over her eyes aroused his curiosity, because she hadn’t been wearing it the last time they had seen each other, but he knew it wasn’t appropriate to ask about matters that seemed delicate after so long without seeing each other.
"A cup of tea would be comforting right now, don’t you think, Victor?" suggested Luísa, as if reading her visitor’s thoughts.
"Yes, tea would be great, thank you," replied Victor.
She snapped her fingers again and a maid quickly appeared, ready to carry out the matriarch’s orders.
After the tea had been served and the maid had left the room, closing the door, Luísa asked Victor:
"If you don’t mind me asking, what are the matters you intend to discuss with my Mari? She’s not my daughter, but she was brought up as if she were, so you should understand my interest in these matters, after all, you also have an adopted daughter, don’t you?"
