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Silver Amazon of House Castellon - Chapter 3: Here's A Knife
🕑 Added 2024-11-22 14:00:10 +0000 UTCHey everyone. As you can see I am very late in updating this fic (Almost eleven months đł) But it was hard to find motivation to finish it, and figure out what to write, especially as I was focused on my other fics. And I will be making this chapter and chapter 2, free to read for anyone who comes to my page (like my Outer Masks fic). But I have been trying to allocate more time to my fics, and I wanted to let everyone know that despite the tags I am using here on Patreon, this fic will be available on not just Wattpad, but also royalroad, and scribblehub (I might do AO3 but I'm not sure yet).
Six Months Later
Alexandra stood on the balcony of her bedchamber, looking down at the courtyard below. At the moment, her children were currently in the middle of their lesson with Ivius.
Maximilian was standing a few yards away, practicing on his own as his age and experience meant he required less attention than his sister.
Kayana had shown some proficiency in spellcasting, more than most children her age, but it did not compare to the natural skill that Maximilian possessed.
I have known for a while that Max will become a Mage, perhaps Yana is destined for a different path. Alexandra thought to herself.
The Duchess then moved away from the balcony, leaving her room, and making her way to the castleâs attic.
It had been some time since she had last come up inside the large and filled space, years if she could last recall, and she slowly stopped as she noticed a portrait that was half covered in a white sheet from the corner of her eye.
The painting was of four individuals, each one elegantly dressed, but the only one whose face was visible was that of a small boy who stood in between the other three.
He dressed in green with the embalm of a black bear head stitched on the front of his doublet, he handsome young boy with tanned skin, long black hair, and the same rich brown eyes as the woman staring at the painting.
Alexandra wordlessly walked towards the painting and pulled the sheet down, fully covering the painting, no longer looking into the boyâs eyes.
She then turned and made her way towards a large window where a large black chest sat in front of. The chest had the Castellon family crest; a golden-yellow sun with two black swords crossing in the center of the sun, on a field of red.
Alexandra waved her hand in front of the lock, opening it with a simple bit of wordless magic. This chest was known as an infinity box, a magical object that is mostly used for storage. Due to its magical properties the chest was larger on the inside so that the outside appearance would lead a person to believe.
Alexandra reached into the chest with both hands, beginning to rummage through it in search of what she was looking for.
After a few moments, Alexandra pulled back with a sheathed dagger in her hands. She smirked as she looked at the familiar weapon, quickly closing the chest and leaving the attic, not looking back as she did so.
The Duchess made her way to the courtyard, stopping as she reached her children and former teacher.
âMy lady.â Ivius greeted, bowing to the Duchess.
Maximilian smiled, âMother. Waiting are you doing here? I thought you were busy today.â
âIâm here to give your sister something.â Alexandra said, holding the dagger behind her to hide it from her children for the moment.
Kayana ran towards her mother, stopping before she could run into her. âWhat did you get me, mother?â
Alexandra smiled, âThis is something that my own mother gave to me when I was around your age, when I first began my training.â
Kayana and Maximilianâs eyes grew larger, neither had heard Alexandra speak of her parents before now.
Alexandra was not the type of woman to reminisce about the past, whether it be her childhood, her early adulthood, or just life before becoming a parent.
It was hard to know what she was thinking or feeling, walking mystery and contradiction to most who knew if her, including her children.
Alexandra moved her arm from behind her back, holding the dagger in front of her. She unsheathed it, revealing its âThis is not a normal dagger; the blade had distinct ripple patterns across it, the light from the sun giving its grey metal the appearance of glowing.
âWowâŠâ Kayana whispered, awed by the blade.
Alexandra moved her finger against the flat side of the blade, âThis is Aeros Steel.â
Kayana continued to stare at the dagger, âAeros Steel?â
Maximillian leaned over his sister, âIâve heard of that during my lessons! Itâs special because the steel has magical properties. Itâs super rare, only the most powerful have even a piece of it.â
Alexandra pursed her lips, âItâs not about strength that determines who has Aeros Steel or not, I have seen plenty of weak individuals simply use their wealth to acquire pieces.â
She had seen and known many people who used their wealth or underhanded means to obtain Aeros Steel for the status the steel gives you.
âBut you were not entirely wrong; Aeros Steel does have magical properties. It is one of the only metals that can absorb, cut through, and redirect mana, there are even varieties that can temporarily increase the strength of spells and aura, though these are even rarer.â Alexandra explained.
The Duchess then turned to Kayana, âNow, I want you to have this.â
âReally?â Kayana asked hopefully, she then looked up at her brother, âBut what about Max?â
âI am giving you this because I believe that your skills will make you quite the Auramancer and this dagger will be the first step in learning to hone those skills.â
âJust like you.â Kayana whispered.
No, better than me. âYes, just like me.â Alexandra said before looking towards Jeremy, âI was watching you all earlier and saw Kayana struggling a bit, but you were doing quite well for yourself, that is why I wanted to give her the dagger. I have been speaking with Ivius as of late, and we both agree that it is time that you move on to more complex spells.â
A grin broke out across Maximilianâs face as he heard this, âTruly? What kind of spells? And how much will I be taught? Will they-â
Alexandra chuckled, âI understand your excitement, Maximilian. Trust me, you will be taught enough, and they will be of an intensity that you will find yourself busy for some time.â
Maximilian ran up to his mother, hugging her fiercely, âThank you, mother!â
Kayana joined the hug to, âThank you, mother.â
Alexandra smiled as she hugged her children, âOf course, my dears.â
Kayana soon pulled away, looking at her mother questioningly, âAre you going to teach me mother?â
Alexandraâs smile fell slightly, âNo, Yana, I wonât be. It would not be fair to you with my busy schedule, your training would suffer.â
âDo we have someone who could train Yana?â Maximilian asked.
Alexandra snorted, âOf course we do. Do you two think that all the guards and Auramancers who work for our house are only here for decoration?â
Ivius cleared his throat, âMy lady, if I may make a suggestion, I believe that the captain of your Auramancers would be the best choice.â
Alexandraâs nose scrunched, âAre you sure? CĂ©dric isnât the most sociable, and you know how he gets around children.â
âYou would not have made him captain if he did not possess the skill, and that is what matters the most. CĂ©dric may not have taught others from youth, but he has polished the skills of many sword wielders, and if you are still worried my lady than I or Samantha could stay with Mistress Kayana when the two meet.â
Alexandra thought over Iviusâ suggestion and it was a sound one; CĂ©dric was undoubtedly one of the best swordsmen she had ever seen, it was what made her recruit him in the first place, even though his aura was below average.
Despite being the captain of her elite group of auramancers, CĂ©dric was subpar at best, barely able to mold his aura into anything distinctive, and still holding the rank of Low-Tier. And while you would think that this would make CĂ©dric weak compared to the standard auramancer or mage, CĂ©dric had decided to focus his attention on his talent with the blade.
CĂ©dric was so skilled that Alexandra herself could freely admit that in a fight between them where no mana allowed, she would soundly lose.
âHow come we have never met Captain Rousseau?â Maximilian asked.
Maximilian knew of the infamous Bloody Butcher, a man who once hailed from the kingdom of Kedruesal, and whose reputation superseded him.
No one knew exactly how, but Alexandra Castellon had found and managed to convince CĂ©dric to become a member of her household, where he eventually rose to the position of captain.
Alexandra ignored her son's question and sighed, looking at her children before responding, âYouâre right; CĂ©dric would be a good choice.â
âNow all you will have to worry about is how Nathaniel will react to this news.â
Alexandra threw her head back groaning in annoyance, much to the confusion of her children and the amusement of Ivius.
~X~
CĂ©dric Rousseau knew that he owed his life to his liege lady, Duchess Alexandra Castellon. She had saved him from the inevitable path towards death that he ended up on, had given him purpose after his family and country had betrayed him, discarding him like he was nothing.
But at this moment, CĂ©dric wished that he had simply allowed Alexandra to kill him that day, at least then he would not be dealing with the headache standing near him.
When Alexandra had told him that he would be responsible for her daughterâs training from now on, CĂ©dric was confused and apprehensive, questioning if she had forgotten his poor mana control.
Alexandra simply rolled her eyes and told him that Ivius would still be responsible for teaching her how to use her mana, and that he would be the one who would teach Kayana how to use a sword.
He wanted to refuse but then Alexandra purposely started to speak of how she wanted her children to be the best and have the resources necessary to succeed, and how because she was now a mother, the fear of failing them haunted her
So, despite seeing the smirk she was giving him, CĂ©dric agreed to become Kayana's teacher.
CĂ©dric had never felt comfortable around children, their innocence and naivety reminded him of times he would rather forget. Which is why despite having plenty of opportunities to, he avoided Jeremy and Kayana, usually watching them from a distance, much to the amusement of his peers and the annoyance of his Duchess.
Kayana Castellon stood directly across from CĂ©dric, dressed in a black and yellow doublet and trousers with a metal chest plate.
Maximilian and Samantha were standing a few feet away from the pair. Maximilian had wanted to cheer his sister on and see the famous captain while Samantha was the one chosen to make sure CĂ©dric did not take things too far.
Kayana shifted nervously as she stared at CĂ©dric, the man was tall, taller than even her mother, with long gray that was pulled into a low ponytail, dark brown eyes, was dressed in dark reds and blacks, and whose angular face was set in a permanent scowl.
âGood morrow, Lady Kayana. I am CĂ©dric Rousseau, captain of the Auramancers of House Castellon, and the one responsible for her material training.â CĂ©dric said as he bowed to Kayana.
Kayana smiled a bit, âGood morning, Captain CĂ©dric.â
CĂ©dric nodded his head, walking to a nearby weapons rack and grabbing two daggers, handing one to Kayana. âNow, I will first be teaching you to use a dagger and once I feel that you have mastered it, will we move onto the sword.â
A loud scoff was heard from behind CĂ©dric and the personâs voice was of strained anger and irritation. âWhat a great way to teaching method to take.â
CĂ©dric turned his head slightly to look at the source of his annoyance. âDid you have something to add, Nathaniel?â
Nathaniel Eastmore was a man of average height, but a muscular and stocky build, one that made someone like CĂ©dric look like a toothpick by comparison. He had short spiky brown hair, a cropped beard, and murky blue eyes.
CĂ©dric and Nathaniel were both in their early twenties and were in the service of the same family but could not be more widely different.
CĂ©dric was from a foreign kingdom, coming from an average Count family, being used as a child soldier since the age of five before being banished from his home once he was no longer considered useful, and taking the path of vengeance that soon made him a criminal in the eyes of all before Alexandra found him.
Nathaniel, in comparison, was the descendant of a long line of peasants who were known as landed knights and Low-Tier auramancers, heroes that the common person could aspire to be. It was only recently, about fifty years ago, that the previous Emperor had decided to reward Nathanielâs late grandfather, Henry Eastmore, with a title and a plot of land for the act of saving his life from an assassin.
So, the Eastmore family was elevated from peasantry to nobility, becoming a newly established Baron household.
But the main reason they did not get along was because CĂ©dric was chosen as Captain over Nathaniel.
âYes, I do; thereâs no difference between a dagger and a sword besides their reach.â
CĂ©dric rolled his eyes, âAnd how would you know? There is a reason that you use a battle axe instead of a sword.â
Nathanielâs face turned red with anger, knowing that CĂ©dricâs words were meant as an insult to his skills.
He was going to respond but Samantha brought her hands to her lips, using her fingers to blow a whistle, catching everyoneâs attention. âThat is enough you two. Nathaniel, let CĂ©dric carry on with his lesson and keeps your opinions until the end.â
Nathaniel glared at the woman, but took a step back and reminded silent, knowing that if he did not than Samantha would make him by force.
CĂ©dric turned back to the young girl in front of him, âWhat is your dominant hand, my lady?â
Kayana wordlessly lifted her right hand, which was already holding the dagger CĂ©dric had given her.
âGood.â CĂ©dric said before reaching forward and moving Kayanaâs arms, putting her in a proper stance.
He showed her a few basic movements, having Kayana copy him, correcting her each time she made a mistake.
As this was going on, Maximilian leaned close to his caretaker, whispering to her. âSamantha, why do Captain Rousseau and Vice-Captain Eastmore not like each other?â
Samantha huffed, knowing that the question was coming. âThey have both lived vastly different lives, young master. Those lives had given them certain beliefs and they both feel that the other is spitting all over them.â
âAnd thatâs really enough?â Maximilian asked, glancing at Nathaniel who was glaring at the back of CĂ©dricâs head.
Samantha followed Maximilianâs gaze, âYou will come to learn as you grow older that men don't need much of a reason to dislike one another.â
âVery good, my lady.â CĂ©dric said as he watched Kayana perform a series of jabs and swings.
Kayana grinned, âWhatâs next!â
âThat will be enough for now; you donât want to push your body too far.â
Kayana pouted, âBut I donât feel pushed.â
CĂ©dric smiled softly, âFor now, but this is the easy stuff. My lessons will get progressively harder, so be ready for that.â
âI will thank you Captain CĂ©dric.â
CĂ©dric paused for a moment, looking away from the young girl, âCall me CĂ©dric, my lady, it will be easier.â
Kayana grinned, âThank you CĂ©dric!â
Kayana then turned on her heel and ran towards her brother and maid, running into her brotherâs arms as she quickly asked if he saw her.
As the trio left, CĂ©dric put the dagger in her hands back on the weapons rank, annoyed when he turned around and saw that Nathaniel was still there, glaring at him.
CĂ©dric rolled his eyes, âYes, Nathaniel?â
Nathaniel looked CĂ©dric up and down slowly, his eyes burning with disgust and anger, âI still donât understand why Duchess Alexandra chose you.â
âTo be Lady Kayanaâs teacher?â CĂ©dric asked.
Nathaniel did not agree with CĂ©dricâs question, instead turning around and leaving the training yard, leaving CĂ©dric behind.
CĂ©dric sighed tiredly, knowing that a quiet Nathaniel was a bad Nathaniel, and it would only be a matter of time before the man exploded, letting his bottled-up feelings rush out of him.
I just hope Iâm not anywhere near him when that shitshow happens. CĂ©dric thought, even though he knew that he had terrible luck when it came to these kinds of things.
~X~
Later That Night
Jeremy walked into his wifeâs solar, watching as she was signing different documents that laid on her desk. He smiled as she saw how seriously she took her duties as Duchess, even though she often complained about it all, he knew how important it was to her.
âAlex, you know that Nathaniel is waiting for you in the hallway, yes? When I walked past me, he asked me to let you know.â Jeremy said, sitting on the corner edge of the desk.
Alexandra rolled her eyes as she continued to write, âI know, I felt him the moment he arrived around two hours ago. Heâs a persistent little bastard.â
âAnd is there a reason youâre avoiding him?â
Alexandra scoffed, âYou know that I made CĂ©dric Kayanaâs sword instructor, Jer, and of course, Nathaniel being CĂ©dricâs biggest critic, took issue with it. No doubt he wants to accost me, thinking he can somehow change my mind on the matter.â
Jeremy raised an eyebrow, âNathaniel is just average when he comes to swordsmanship, why does he want to be Kayanaâs instructor?â
âI doubt he does; he just doesnât want it to be CĂ©dric. If I had chosen anyone else, he would not be bothered, it would not have even crossed his radar.â
Jeremy was not surprised, CĂ©dric and Nathaniel had never gotten along, and this only became worse when Alexandra chose CĂ©dric as captain, something that Nathaniel viewed as an insult to everything he believed in.
No matter what Nathaniel said, Alexandra remained resolute in her decision, and while Jeremy did not know the exact reason for Alexandra choosing CĂ©dric over Nathaniel, he knew that she saw something in CĂ©dric that she did not in Nathaniel.
The married couple said nothing for the next few minutes, the sound of Alexandraâs pen scratching the paper was the only thing that could be heard, the two simply enjoying the otherâs presence.
âYou know, my brother called me earlier on my communication orb.â Jeremy said flippantly.
Alexandra glanced at him, smirking a bit, âYou two gossiping again?â
âHush you.â Jeremy said, swatting his hand in his wifeâs direction, ignoring her snickering. âFredrick was telling me about his recent trip to the capital, apparently, the atmosphere there is quite tense.â
Alexandra looked at her husband wearily, having an inkling to what he was leading up to, âAnd did he say why?â
Jeremy gave his wife a smile of condolence, âIt seems the Emperor has angered the Empress by getting caught with a mistress in public.â
âHow public?â
âThey were seen fucking in the throne room of the Imperial Palace by some courtiers.â Jeremy said crudely, knowing that the woman in front of him would prefer it instead of trying to talk around the scandal.
Alexandra let her head drop, a thud ringing through the room as her head hit the desk, followed by the groan that left her lips.
I knew that Regulus was a horny idiot, but I didnât think he was this much of a horny idiot. Alexandra thought, knowing it was only a matter of time before she received calls from both Regulus and Flora on her communication orb.
Alexandra looked at her husband, âWho was the woman?â
âHer name is Bela Smith.â
âIs she noble?â
âNope.â
âAnd did that fool at least do the right thing and send her away?â
âI believe so.â
âGood.â Alexandra said as she leaned back in her chair, âThat solves one problem at least; there wonât be any families demanding or seeking retribution for their relativeâs ruined honor.â
There were plenty of people who sought to gain favor, power, and wealth by tying themselves to the Imperial family by any means necessary. It did not matter how, if it worked or had the possibility of working, these schemers would take it.
âYou know, you could just leave Regulus to solve his own problems.â Jeremy said, which was something that he often told his wife whenever Regulus found himself in one scandal or another.
âYou know that I canât; Regulus will come to me, begging, and pleading for my help. Itâs better that I answer him now then having to deal with him later.â
And heâs my best friend. Went unsaid, but Jeremy could hear this hidden within Alexandraâs words.
Alexandra and Regulus have known each other since they were children. Jeremy knew that despite saying otherwise, Alexandra loved Regulus like a brother and would do anything for him, no matter what.
But I cannot be mad that my wife has a big heart, regardless of how hard she tries to hide it. Jeremy thought.
âI suppose this means; you will be contacting the Empress than?â Jeremy asked.
Alexandra sighed, smiling ruefully at her husband. âIâm sure Flora is already anticipating my call, ready to tell me that I will be unable to shove this issue of theirs this time.â
âAnd yet you always manage to prove her wrong.â
âIâm a good mediator, you know this.â
Jeremy playfully scoffed, âPlease, most of the time your version of mediation is to simply beat and threaten people until you get what you want.â
âAnd it works, which proves how good I am.â
Jeremy shook his head, âIâm surprised why people call you the Demon Duchess.â
âBecause of my sparkling personality, no doubt.â Alexandra replied, her tone full of faux innocence.
Jeremy could not stop himself from laughing at the typical response from his wife.
Jeremy sighed quietly when Alexandra pulled her communication orb out of her desk, kissing her cheek before leaving the room, knowing that the conversation between his wife and the Empress would be a long one.
When Nathaniel saw the doors opened, he stood straighter assuming it was the Duchess and could not hide his visible disappointment when he saw it was instead her husband who was leaving the room, him being alone made that disappointment worse.
Jeremy chuckled at this, âSorry to disappoint you, Nathaniel.â
A small blush appeared on Nathanielâs cheeks. âApologies, my lord. I did not mean to offend-"
Jeremy shook his head, âNo, itâs fine, I understand. But Iâm afraid you are going to be waiting even longer; my wife is taking an important call.â
âThen I will wait.â Nathaniel said strongly.
Jeremy looked at the other man amused as he walked past Nathaniel. âThen I wish you luck in your endeavor.â
âGoodnight, my lord.â
Jeremy waved his hand as he left, already thinking about how the next day's drama would play out.
~X~
Kayana laid in her bed, holding the Aeros Steel dagger that her mother had given her above her head, watching as the moonlight from her windows bounced off the blade.
Will I really be a great Auramancer? As great as mother? Kayana thought, tracing the runes on the blade with her eyes.
The young girl, while excited to be given more training, was also afraid of not being good enough.
Max is really good at using mana and I canât cast any spells like he and father can. What if Iâm bad at this too?
Kayana sighed, not knowing why she was suddenly feeling this way and wishing she could stop.
She wanted to make her family proud, to not fail in this new endeavor that has been given to her.
It was why she was upset when CĂ©dric had ended their practice as she did not feel as if she had made a good enough showing.
Kayana wanted to be the best with a sword, the way she thought Maximilian was the best with mana.
I will be strong. I will be strong. Kayana thought, putting the dagger down on her dresser and forcing herself to fall asleep.
