The Dreamer's Fall

Chapter 60 - Contrast

An opulent ruik-drawn carriage unhurriedly traveled the streets of Ollerin's capital city, Bowen. It was late into the night, and the streets were illuminated by lanterns methodically placed every twenty-five feet, but as it was the noble district, there wasn't much to look at even if it was illuminated.

At least Edward Revan didn't think so. He had been raised in the sort of luxury that few experienced, even kings. So, it took much more than a few mansions designed by the nouveau riche to draw his interest.

In fact, very little could draw his interest in the first place. For as long as Edward could remember, his world was painted in a dull gray shade, lacking the vibrancy he so often heard about from others.

Where most viewed the world and everything in it with awe and wonder, he just felt tired and apathetic to it all. Edward wasn't sure why he was the way he was, and at some point, he stopped bothering to ask, accepting that he was just different from most.

With a sigh, Edward turned away from the carriage's window and glanced around the empty carriage.

"We should be there momentarily, lord." A masculine voice called out, seemingly originating from the empty seat opposite him.

"I'm well aware of the location of my estate, Braer." Edward chided the empty seat.

"Of course, lord." Braer humbly replied, yet his voice bore a hint of laughter behind it.

Edward ignored the disembodied voice and returned to the open book on his lap. However, it wasn't long before the carriage arrived.

The Revan estate's location on the easternmost hill overlooked the capital's massive harbor; as such, the warm night air was filled with the scents of the sea as he departed the carriage.

Glancing toward the harbor, Edward was surprised by the countless torches scurrying below. It looked as if a swarm of fireflies had made its home amongst the ships as torches bobbed about with the tide.

It took him a moment for his eyes to adjust, but once they did, it became clear. The bay was filled to the brim with soldiers hustling atop numerous ships, preparing them for war even at such a late hour.

It was quite the sight, but Edward lost interest as the momentary curiosity faded. Finally, he hummed, turning away from the scene and entering the manor.

Once inside, a servant girl greeted him with a soft smile. "Lord Marquis, welcome home. A guest is awaiting your arrival. If you'll come with me, I'll take you to him."

Edward's eyebrow rose in response as a frown formed upon his lips. He had just arrived and was tired from the long trip to the capital. So, he had no intention of entertaining guests at the moment. On top of that, the servant girl's tone almost appeared as if she was ordering him to follow her, irritating him further.

"It's late." Edward replied, walking past her as if she were air. "Tell whoever it is to return at an appropriate hour."

"He said you'd say that, lord." The servant girl giggled. "He even did an impression of your voice and everything. It was quite accurate, too."

Edward slowly spun around as rage rose within him. He had already let her disrespect go once due to his exhaustion, yet she persisted in not knowing her place. He opened his mouth to berate her but suddenly stopped himself as the identity of his mysterious guest clicked within his mind.

Only one person in the empire would dare make an impression of him so openly. He spun back around and casually made his way to the manor's guest hall, finding two men waiting for him inside.

"Eddy-boy!" One of the men called out with a jubilant grin as Edward opened the hall's door. "You've finally arrived! Come and sit! Come and sit!"

Edward's face contorted as he stared at his guest. The man looked deceptively young, easily passable as a young man who had just entered his twenties despite Edward knowing better. His delicate features and thin frame certainly helped create such an illusion, as did his long blonde hair and innocent smile.