Merlin, who was walking alongside a little child dressed in a white and pink dress. Her peach hair, with a lateral fringe, was adorned with two tiny ribbons on either side of her small head.
He was dressed in light red robes, in which he woke up. Her shoulder length hair swayed with each step.
They were walking down a long hallway for the reason, as stated by the girl beside him, to meet the 'young master'.
He had nothing to do anyways so he decided to go with her.
"We are here, guest. Please go inside. The 'young master' is waiting for you."
Merlin snapped out of his thoughts. "Oh, sorry. I'll go in." He said with a light smile.
Putting his hand on the expensive looking wooden door, he pushed it gently.
The door opened with a light creak. It was a parlour.
He stepped into the room and the first thing his gaze fell on was a man who looked exactly like Adelheid.
He was sitting on a couch facing towards the door.
The room was decorated with many designs on the walls. Two couches were present in the middle of the spacious room, separated by a tea table. Two cups of hot, steaming tea were placed the table, probably for the both of them.
The man, dressed in a black buttoned shirt and a white uniform like pant with blue designs at the ends, got up from his seat and placed his hand on his chest as he bowed slightly, greeting Merlin.
"It's good to see that you are fine, Mr...?"
"It's Merlin."
Merlin looked behind him, "You will not enter?" He asked the little girl, who shook her head in response. "A maid is not allowed to remain in the parlour when meetings are taking place."
"Oh, I see then. Farewell for now." With one final smile he gently closed the door.
"So," Upon turning around, Merlin found the man still standing with an everpresent smile. "I gave my name, but I haven't gotten yours." He walked towards the couch and sat on the one opposite to the red headed man. The red head followed in suite and took his seat too. He was about to pick up his tea but Merlin's question made him halt.
"? You don't know who I am?" The red head asked in slight shock.
"Well I'm super new over here so I wouldn't know." Merlin casually shrugged in response.
"I see. My apologies for not considering that possibility."
"Chillax! It ain't nothing to apologize about."
"Hm. Then I shall introduce myself."
The red head straightened his slightly relaxed position and with a confident voice he spoke—"Reinhard Van Astrea from the family of the Master Swordsmen. The current Sword Saint of Lugunica. It is a pleasure to meet you, Merlin."
Woah, no honorifics, straight up name. The power of 'Closing the distance' is super high on this one! Wait. He doesn't reads minds too, does he?
Looking that Reinhard showed no change in expression, Merlin let out a sigh of relief.
"Wait. Sword Saint? What's that?"
Reinhard was again struck silent.
"You...don't know what's a Sword Saint?"
"Me? Nahhh. I said I'm new here didn't I?"
"But, the Sword Saint is known everywhere across the world."
"..."
Merlin opened and closed his mouth several times, he couldn't make up a cover-up excuse.
Ahhh, I blew it didn't I?
"I'd say you did." A voice reached their ears as the door to the parlour was flung open.
"So my esteemed brother finally had the time to return home. Truly makes me want to re-check my eyes." Adelheid entered the room with confident steps.
Closing the door behind her, she walked forward to the couch closest to the door, where Merlin was sitting and stood behind him. Her hands folded behind her back and her face as expressionless as always.
"Adelheid..." Reinhard called out her name with a bit of solemnity in his voice.
"Oh don't mind me. Please proceed with your work as you always do."
"..." Although Reinhard's face did not change much, Merlin could sense the melancholy coming off him.
Gulp. Family problems are everywhere aren't they? Merlin could only feel more and more ignored right now. Truthfully he would rather remain ignored than get involved in this mess.
Then again, this meeting is probably about him so he will not be able to leave until this meeting finishes and if this squabble became a full on argument, then he'd be the one getting roasted in the cross fire.
"Adelheid? Why are you here?" Merlin looked up at the girl behind him, hoping to change the topic.
"This is my house is it not? I can enter whenever I like." She said proudly.
"Adelheid! Be more respectful. And this is a matter of utmost secrecy, so it would be better if you would—"
"—Get out? No can do. I shall remain here." She declined the request without a second thought and stood in her place stubbornly. Her respecting someone's wishes was something that just wasn't suited with her, and especially if it were from someone of her family.
Seeing that the tension in the room was rising, Merlin decided to intervene.
"Now now Reinhard! I doubt it would be that big of a problem if she stays here right?" Merlin frantically waved his hands infront of Reinhard to keep his attention away from Adelheid but still trying to make him consider her wish.
Reinhard fell silent and contemplated the option of her remaining in the room for a while, before he let out a sigh with closed eyes.
"In that case, you can stay here. But! Remember. Anything that is discussed here should not be said anywhere outside."
Merlin's smile widened a little.
As soon as Reinhard began with the conditions that have been placed upon everyone in this room, both Merlin and Adelheid listened to him silently. None of them said anything but the silence only conveyed their acceptance to the demand.
"Let's start now shall we? Merlin. I had wished to know you better before beginning but it seems I won't be able to do that because of some unforseen circumstances."
"Ho? So you're saying that me being here is a problem? I understand, esteemed brother."
"Wait! That's not what I meant Adelheid!" Hearing Adelheid's words sent Reinhard into a frenzy, fearing he might've angered his sister even more than he already has.
"Adelheid, can you not go one without picking a fight for 5 minutes?"
Hearing Merlin interrupt the conversation between the brother and sister, Adelheid looked down to meet the eyes of the black haired boy nearabout the same age as her.
"Poor guy just phrased it wrong. Cut him some slack." Merlin reasoned for Reinhard's words. The meeting that was supposed to be related to him had now become a spot for family problems.
Hearing his words, she first thought of coming up with yet another sharp comment, but looking into those sharp black eyes of his, she for the first time thought about not saying anything.
Letting out a "Tch!" she looked up with an 'angry' expression of dissatisfaction.
To say that Reinhard was surprised when he looked at their interaction would be a heavy understatement.
This was the first time he had seen his sister actually listen to someone who isn't Carol or Grimm.
He felt bitter inside, maybe a hint of jealousy towards Merlin. But he had to forcefully drown away those fleeting emotions. Because they were ungraceful for the Sword Saint.
Reinhard reached his hand towards the armrest of the couch. He grabbed the grip of what appeared to be an extremely beautiful looking sword.
He lifted the sheathed sword and rested it on his lap. An action which greatly confused Adelheid and Merlin, both for nearly the same reason.
On a closer look, the sword looked magnificent, even if it was sheathed. The golden designs on it's pure white scabbard resembled a dragon.
Reinhard looked at the sword with gloomy eyes before he closed them and took in a deep breath, bringing back the smile he always has on his face.
"This sword has been passed in the family of the Astrea for generations after generations. It is one of the ten swords of power and the strongest of them all. Reid, the Dragon Sword." He explained.
"Woah...that's cool and all but what's that gotta do with me?"
"Let me finish. It is said to have bathed in the blood of so many dragons that it has developed a consciousness of it's own."
Ho ho ho~ There's dragons in this world too? Wait. A conscious sword?
Adelheid looked at the boy with growing suspicion, due to his concerning level of lack in knowledge.
"Due to this" Reinhard continued, "It refuses to get out of its sheath and will only do so in face of a worthy opponent."
He, very slightly, pulled the sword.
Merlin looked at the sword with growing curiosity but as soon as he saw the slightest amount of the 'steel' of the sword, he forgot to breathe.
The air in the room seemed to become heavier and heavier. The teacups on the table rattled with fright.
The utensils in the cupboard in the room vibrated, as if they wanted to run away from its otherworldly presence.
The only ones who weren't affected by the sword were the siblings.
Seeing that he was able to convey what he wanted to, Reinhard quickly proceeded to sheath the sword again, who resisted and 'screamed' to be let out. But it was meaningless against Reinhard.
It was intense. Much more intense than what Merlin had ever experienced in the entirety of his life.
Adelheid quickly tapped Merlin's shoulder with a slight hint of worry on her face.
It pulled him out of his stupor. The lack of oxygen finally catching up to him as he hunched forward and fell into a coughing fit.
Adelheid gripped his shoulder with just enough strength to prevent him from falling on the floor. Her other hand gently rubbing his back, and even thumping it sometimes to provide him some relief.
After half a minute of violent coughing, Merlin's condition finally began to stabilize once again. His breathing came out as rough wheezes. He felt his throat burn with pain because of how powerful the coughs had been.
As soon Adelheid saw that Merlin was able to breathe again, she shot a sharp look at her brother. "And what was that about?" Her voice carried a faint bit of anger at her brother, who was silent on his seat.
"I...didn't think it would be that—"
"You didn't think it would be that bad to unsheathe the legendary Dragon Sword in front of a normal person who just recovered from a life or death scenario?"
Adelheid's stern rebuke shut Reinhard up for good. Reinhard really didn't think it would be that bad for Merlin because...he is...
"Agh...ah...ok...yeah ok...I'm, good now. Yeah." Merlin soothed his throat with his hand, speaking slowly to check on his own condition.
The pressure from the sword 'Reid' was overwhelming on all his senses to say the least.
He hadn't expected such an immense aura coming off from just a sword. It didn't even felt like it used any sort of magical trick.
It was just, that powerful that he was petrified by it.
"Are, you okay Merlin?"
Merlin slowly straightened his back trying not to overexert his already tired body.
He looked back to see the face of the girl who although had a stoic expression, her eyes were etched with worry for him.
It surprised Merlin alot. He couldn't believe that the same girl who spat insults like handing out to the poor, was worrying for him. Maybe he judged too quickly.
"Yeah...I'm okay now." Merlin assured by gently tapping her hand on his shoulder, to which she finally loosened her grip.
"..." Silently she took back her hand but not without shooting a sharp glance at her brother before assuming her initial stance.
"Before I continue. I deeply apologize to you for my mistake." Still having his now sheathed sword on his lap, he bent forward, lowering his head.
Adelheid watched as her brother bowed. As he lowered his head in shame. For once, her lips twitched but she immediately looked away. He brought it upon himself.
"Oi Reinhard."
Reinhard closed his eyes shut in awaiting the well deserved rebuke.
"Lift your head man. It's embarrassing."
"What?" Reinhard looked up at Merlin, to say something but chose to remain quiet when he saw Merlin's eyes.
He slowly straightened his back while still having a guilty face, although it was so faint that the expression looked almost like a mirror image of his sister.
"It was a mistake okay? It happens, I'm glad that you apologized tho. Most people fail at doing that." He smiled looking at Reinhard with fondness.
Reinhard remained silent for a brief before he coughed in his fist feeling a bit awkward from the comment.
"Now shall I continue?" He asked.
"Oh yeah totally! Let's wrap it up quick! I'd rather be asleep in such a sweet weather."
"Shameless."
"And ignoring the one behind me, what were we talking about again? Im sorry i can't quite recall well." His strained smile encapsulated the playful tone of his slightly ashamed feeling.
"No need to worry, it was my fault after all, so I shall repeat what I've said. You do remember what i said about this sword, right?"
"Yeah. Something about worthy."
"Yes, it can only be drawn if it deems someone a worthy opponent."
Just then, it clicked for both Merlin and Adelheid.
Adelheid eyes widened in shock and disbelief. She looked at Merlin, who also felt shocked but not even near the amount that should've been shown on his face when hearing a news like this.
" Drawn when...worthy?"
"You heard me correct."
A sweat rolled down his neck. He didn't feel comfortable with the direction this conversation was heading.
"...and what exactly is the meaning behind this 'worthiness'. I mean, the criteria?"
"The exact touchstone is not completely understood yet, but from what I have heard about it from the description given by my ancestors and from my encounter with the Blue Lightning of Vollachia, it should gauge the worthiness of it's enemies by power."
His gentle demeanour faded into the eyes of a true knight, determining the probability of any sort of threat in front of him.
His grip on Reid's handle tightened, ready to draw it and slash down any foe and be the 'Hero' that he always is.
Even Adelheid showed hesitation this time, her lips pursed in contemplation. She also had her grip around the sword on her waist, but it was uncertain for whom the action was for.
"Wait wait wait! I'm sure you have heard of everything about that night yes?! I was the first one to pass out and I barely even did anything! Even more, I really don't have any sort of intention to bring harm to anyone I swear!!!!" Merlin tried to defend himself, as he scooted further away from Reinhard.
"I did hear everything in detail. Even the fact that you showed two unusual form of magic. One which is nowhere mentioned in the history of the world and the other that had not been seen after the age of the Witches."
"Kh! That—!" Merlin could not even find anything to back himself up and deny these allegations.
"Moreover, you don't even have any knowledge about the Sword Saint, and Adelheid. Do you have anything to add?"
Adelheid flinched slightly when Reinhard called out to her. "I don—"
"Adelheid."
"..." Her mouth felt dry. She wasn't a good liar ever since she was little and for someone like Reinhard who has been with her since birth, it was super easy to find out whether she was lying or not.
"I..." She did not want to rat out the very first person who called out to someone as stubborn and irritating as her just for something trival like a name. For that reason, this felt like stabbing her first...friend in the back before he even became one.
Damn her for getting attached to someone so easily.
"I..do have something to add." It felt disgusting to say it but she didn't have any choice. It could be dangerous if she let her feelings get in the way of something that involved the future of the country.
The dragon sword could only be drawn against individuals like Great Spirits, the strongest of a country or maybe an archbishop, but that has never been tried before. Most of them had the capability to be able to destroy cities, countries or even the world if the desired.
If Merlin was indeed someone comparable to those monsters, then it's not a situation where feelings should have a part in.
"He called himself a wandering magician but...he was unaware of what a...gate was." Adelheid had to bear the betrayed look of Merlin. She tried her best to not meet them.
"I see. That is indeed extremely useful information Adelheid. It is appreciated."
"Shut up." She said, but voice was faint like a whisper but it was heard loud and clear by Reinhard who simply accepted them with closed eyes.
He breathed in slightly before looking at the sweating Merlin once again.
"You said you aren't from here right? Then may I ask where actually is your homeplace?"
He's got me cornered. I'm so cooked if I don't confess.
"It, might seem crazy what I'm 'bout to say." He spoke in a stuttering voice.
"Do not worry, every word of yours will be taken with utmost seriousness."
Merlin fiddled with his fingers nervously.
His face wore a stupid looking smile.
"Well when I said I'm new here..."
"Yes?" Both Reinhard and Adelheid listened patiently.
"I, well, meant not new here as in the country, but...as in the world itself."
There was a prolonged silence in the room, disbelief hanging bare in the air, until it was broken by both Reinhard and Adelheid who spoke at the same time as each other.
"What?" "Eh?"