Changing The Course of Fate

Chapter 21 - The Invitation

"Was that good?" Pier asked Gage. The young child nodded his head in response. They were currently in the Leisure Room of the Duchy after having dinner. The couple was spending time with each other along with Pier and Raphael who were playing with the child, Gage.

"Yes, good brother! It's really yummy!" Gage said as he munched on a piece of muffin after eating dinner. Pier chuckled at Gage's messy actions. It was entertaining how Gage had a total makeover of his perception regarding Pier with just a few words.

He stood up and approached the couple that was sitting on the balcony of the second floor as they watched the overview of the entirety of the duchy's mansion. It was pretty much late at night but the Duchy still seemed like it was drowsed in light with how every corner was filled with light from the white magic orbs.

"I shall be on my way, Duke Callisto, Duchess Petunia" The Duke and the Duchess turned to look at him and they both stood up after seeing Pier. The dinner with the Sentinio household had gone well and the duchess clearly approved of Pier without Pier actually knowing. His actions surpassed her expectations of how well he could handle himself and how noble-like he would be.

"Then let us accompany you out, young master" Duke Callisto offered. It would be inappropriate to send an esteemed individual such as the young master from the Belmiunde Household outside without being accompanied by any members of the host household.

"Oh, it would be my greatest pleasure to be accompanied by the Duke and the Duchess themselves but I would also like to decline such a generous offer. I have leisurely stayed at the mansion and had dinner as well. I do not wish to burden you further." Pier certainly did not want any more of the special treatment the Sentinio Household was giving him. His slight worry about the household's reaction to him visiting had vanished.

'They even invited me to dinner.' Pier liked how generous and welcoming the couple was.

"If the young master does not want to be accompanied by the Duke and the Duchess then can I be the one to escort him out instead?" Pier looked at the voice and saw Raphael leaning on the doorframe of the leisure room.

Pier was about to refuse once more but he saw the expectant gaze of the couple and their eldest son directed at him. He smiled and nodded.

"Sure, Sir Raphael." Raphael's smile widened after hearing Pier's response.

As the two walked out of the mansion, Gage called out to Pier

"It was nice to meet you again, good brother!" He said with a grin that was so irresistible that if Pier did not hold himself back, he would surely not leave the duchy and will play with Raphael's younger brother all night.

"It was my pleasure to meet Sir Gage once more as well," Pier said as he crouched down and patted Gage's head. The young child's face reddening with how he was addressed by Pier.

As Pier bid his farewell, Pier and Raphael walked towards where the carriage had been waiting for Pier.

"I'd like to thank the young master once more for accepting my invitation," Raphael said out of nowhere. Pier who was enjoying the calm environment looked at him.

"You're welcome, Sir Raphael. I missed going to the Duchy, too." He said as he chuckled. His voice resonated in Raphael's ears.

"Pier-"Raphael tried to call out Pier's name after quite some time but the arrival of Pier's carriage interrupted him.

"Do you have something to say, Raph?" as Pier stood in front of the carriage, the shadow was cast upon his face yet the moonlight illuminated Pier's features. Raphael gasped silently at the sight. Pier's hair swayed along with the wind and he had a calm expression. His blue eyes shone brilliantly under the shade of darkness.