The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the dining hall, casting long rays across the polished wooden table. Edwin sat silently at his usual place, eating methodically while his mind wandered to the sketches awaiting him in his room. His family, as always, was seated in their designated positions—Baron Caine at the head, Baroness Eleanor beside him, with Cedric, Lucas, and the younger siblings filling out the table.
Breaking the quiet, Baron Caine addressed Edwin. "Edwin," he said, his tone measured but with a slight edge of curiosity. "I've noticed you've been withdrawing significant amounts of gold recently. Care to explain what you've been working on?"
Edwin froze momentarily, then placed his fork down carefully. "Research, Father," he replied simply, his voice calm but deliberately vague.
Caine studied his son for a moment, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Research into what, exactly?"
"Just experiments and theories," Edwin said with a nonchalant shrug. "Nothing concrete yet, but I'm making progress."
His father grunted, clearly unsatisfied but unwilling to push further. "Hmm. See to it that it's worth the expense."
The tension broke as Baroness Eleanor spoke up. "Speaking of progress," she said with a small smile, "Caine, have you told the children about our upcoming trip?"
Baron Caine straightened in his chair. "Ah, yes. Cedric, Eleanor, and I will be attending Viscount Grantor's banquet. We'll be leaving shortly and will be gone for ten days."
"Ten days?" Lucas asked, his brow furrowing. "Isn't that a bit long for a banquet?"
"It's not just a banquet," Caine explained. "There will be political meetings and trade discussions. It's an opportunity to strengthen our ties with the other noble families." He took a sip of his drink and continued, "During our absence, you are all to behave. Edwin, Lucas, I expect you both to manage your studies and training without issue. Understood?"
"Yes, Father," the brothers replied in unison, though Edwin's voice was more distracted as his thoughts drifted back to his sketches.
The discussion continued briefly, with the younger siblings expressing curiosity about the banquet and lamenting that they weren't old enough to attend. Soon, Baron Caine rose to prepare for the trip, leaving the family to finish their meals.
Back in his room, Edwin sat at his desk, sketching furiously. His designs for the next iteration of his robotic project were beginning to take shape, and he didn't want to lose his momentum. The knock at his door pulled him from his focus.
"**Young Master Edwin,**" came the voice of a maid. "**My lord and my lady are ready to depart with Young Master Cedric.**"
"Oh. Alright, I'll be there in a moment," Edwin replied, setting down his pencil and stretching his stiff shoulders.
By the time Edwin made his way outside, the household had gathered in full. The courtyard was a scene of disciplined efficiency and imposing splendor. About a dozen **Bronze Rank knights** stood at attention alongside **100 Iron Rank knights**, their full-body armor gleaming in the sunlight. Each knight bore a blue cloak emblazoned with the crest of the Umbracrest family, their spears and swords sheathed but within easy reach. They sat astride powerful, **Iron Rank warhorses**, whose muscular forms exuded strength and readiness.
At the center of this formation was a **luxurious carriage**, its polished frame bearing the Umbracrest crest. Pulled by four Iron Rank horses, it radiated both wealth and status. Servants bustled around the edges of the scene, ensuring every detail was attended to.
Edwin took a moment to absorb the sight, murmuring to himself, "The fashion here is surprisingly advanced. Modern elegance wrapped in medieval aesthetics." His eyes trailed over the finely dressed nobles gathering near the carriage.
Among them were his two uncles, cousins, siblings, and three aunts etc all part of the extended Umbracrest family. The older generations, most of whom were Bronze Rank combatants, wore their station with pride, their noble attire rich with embroidery and jewels. As the Baron and Baroness emerged with Cedric, all eyes turned toward them.
Baron Caine was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit of deep navy trimmed with silver, exuding authority. Beside him, Baroness Eleanor's gown shimmered with intricate designs, and Cedric, in a matching ensemble, cut a regal figure befitting the heir of the Umbracrest lineage.
As the family approached, the knights saluted in unison, and the gathered servants bowed or knelt in reverence. Edwin stood to the side, observing the display with detached interest.
Once the Baron, Baroness, and Cedric boarded the carriage, the procession began to move. The Iron Rank knights formed a protective ring around the vehicle, their blue cloaks fluttering in the breeze. The Bronze Rank cavalry brought up the rear, their presence a testament to the barony's strength. The luxurious convoy set off, its polished armor and banners gleaming in the morning light as it disappeared into the horizon.
By the time the courtyard returned to its usual quiet, Edwin had already slipped away, his mind buzzing with ideas. Returning to his room, he resumed his sketches with renewed focus. The designs for his next project required careful attention to detail—he couldn't afford to let any flaws slip through. The departure of his family gave him an uninterrupted window to work, and Edwin intended to use every moment of it.