The Shadow Fades Before The Light

7

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Fifteen seconds later, the prodigal explorer just realized what he blurted out before covering his mouth with his hand.

"No, wait-"

"You think you're being funny, huh? This place isn't a playground, kid. Leave before we report you to the Mistress." The guard gave him a threatening look.

"No wait, I'm not kidding. I'm here to apply for a job, my letter just got lost. I swear!" Ezreal exclaimed.

His eyes squinted as his mind clouded with frustration. He couldn't let go of this huge opportunity when the paycheck from this could provide him a living, maybe even more. The two guards vociferate at him consecutively to leave the place. Out of nowhere, a woman's voice pierced through Ezreal's ears that made him glance in between the rails. A tall woman with blonde haired with white-ish strands in a, what he supposed to, a royal formal uniform, a white cape with grayish silver linings that has two ends, dangling from her lower back. He straighten his posture and dust off his suit as he faced the woman with a mid-panicked expression.

"What's the matter here? I heard yelling coming from here." She stated as the two guards gave their bows in front of her.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance of our actions but, this man claims that he was applying for a job here at the manor. We were informed that today we weren't to expect visitors at the main gate."

"May I see him?"

"Of course, Madam."

The two guards that blocked Ezreal from the lady walked apart from each othe, letting her to step in front of the tall bars of the golden gate. She slowly unlocked the side gate open walked in front of the explorer, eye to an eye. Ezreal froze for a bit as he flashed his awkward smile at her. The lady eyed him for a second and pulled a fancy letter from the bouquet which Ezreal quickly realized that it was the application letter. He couldn't believe he was too dumb to not notice it from the bunch of flowers he was carrying all this time. The lady's expression changed from hostile to a warmhearted approach as Ezreal sighed in silence.

"He's an applicant." The lady informed as she raised the letter, making the two guards to share glances at each other before bowing at her.

"Our apologies, Madam."

"Don't be. It's my fault that we didn't informed you along with the other staffs about this matter." The lady reassured before turning back to Ezreal.

"Follow me."

The explorer didn't hesitate to walk pass by the guards who's staring at him intently, so sharp he can their gazes piercing. The mansion's front yard, though it doesn't sound right to Ezreal, was occupied with trimmed bushes and a fountain in the middle with a Demacian structure on top of it. Fine cobblestones caressed his steps as the lady led him into the mansion. As the massive doors opened, the explorer's eyes roamed the place in awe. Huge white walls enclosed the living room with tall pillars in a unique pattern. A wide spiral stairs in between of rooms, gorgeous paintings hanging at the walls and sapphire curtains with gold linings in each side of windows.

"Welcome," The lady suddenly spoke as Ezreal turned his attention at her. "I'm Tianna Crownguard, the High Marshall of Demacia, I am the one handling with matters that concerns the Manor's staffs, including newcomers. Before anything else, I'll ask you straightforward questions."

The young explorer straighten his posture and looked at Tianna intensely, considering he was a keen student back when he was a teenager. He expected himself to be used in this kind of interviews.

"Do you accept our offer with all your heart and honesty?"

"Yes," Ezreal answered. Deep down, he's close to screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Do you truly want to serve for the Crownguards?" Tianna's voice raised a bit, alarming Ezreal.

"Yes Maam!"

"Okay, then. If we offer you the job, how long do you think you'll stay here."

"I'm looking to settling down somewhere where I can see a future for myself, well unless circumstances change, but I'd like to think this job is the key to that future I was aiming for."

Ezreal sweats out as he stared at the lady in front of him. Tianna placed her hand on her chin as her lips curved into a smirk.

"So, why do you think this job will be better than your current job?"

The explorer looked taken back as his eyes slowly drifted away from Tianna. He scratched his patilla for a moment before turning back at the lady who's giving him a smug.

"I-I well, this job pays more than my current job, I guess."

"Oh, sorry. That was rude of me." Tianna gave him a genuine stare. "Your answer is, understandable."

"Do you have any questions for us?"

"Yes,"

"What training opportunities are available for staffs like me?" Ezreal asked.

In every job, the employee's development should always be the top priority of any company. Though in his case, it's a different job.

"Well, you're applying for the position of a personal guard, am I correct?"

"Yes,"

"A personal guard's job is to watch over the person you are assigned to. Before thinking it's a manner or disrespect, what do I mean by 'watch over' is to check on her daily and report it to us on a weekly basis."

Her, huh? So it's a girl. Ezreal muttered.

"Anymore questions?"

"No. Thank you for the information."

Ezreal didn't expect to have an amicable discussion with her, despite her ambience around him. His interview went smoothly. Suddenly a woman in a West-styled dress that has a Royal insignia on it appeared at the stairs. Ezreal was mesmerized at sight as the woman stand with grace. Her face shows pride and courage that resembles what Tianna had shown earlier. Though she exudes conceitedness, her movements was more gentle and agile, beauteous in all aspects.

"Oh, Lady Crownguard. I didn't see you there.  What's the matter?"

"Nothing, I was going to ask you regarding to my daughter's guard but before that, may I ask who that strange man is?"

"Ah yes, I found the perfect man suited for the job." Tianna gave a wink at Lady Crownguard before turning back at him.

Ezreal was all flushed in deep shade across his cheeks as he was just realizing what she meant by that. Lady Crownguard was in shocked as she walks towards him.

"Wh-" Before he could protest, Tianna interrupted.

"The Crownguard Manor welcomes you."

Stunned for a moment, he looked at Lady Crownguard who's genuinely smiling at his side. She grabbed the bouquet of white daisies from his arms and gave him a nod before turning around. Ezreal tried to keep his composure for a little longer as he bowed in front of them.

"Follow me."

~