Time flowed, and spring arrived, vibrant and undeniable.
Elijah stood before the mirror, observing his body, dark black hairs were reaching his shoulders. Lean muscles, slender body of a child was reflected in mirror. A towel was wrapped around his waist, a few drops of water collected over his chin dripping on to his chest.
'I still can't get used to this small body, it's like observing some stranger.'
Elijah cleared his mind and started dressing into a formal attire with the help of Sebastian.
He wore a maroon shirt with ruffles around the neck, accompanied by a black waist coat, slim trousers and overcoat. Waist coat was decorated with intricate silver embroidery and gemstones. Wearing brown embroidered shoes made with smooth leather, he took out his artifacts.
He hung the phoenix necklace on neck and wore his earrings, then started putting on his barrier rings one by one.
Mary Combed and tied his hairs with a maroon silk ribbon.
Elijah got dressed and walked out of his room, Sebastian followed behind him.
Elijah sat on the dining table beside Alina. A luxurious breakfast was served on the table, Artoria sat opposite to Alina.
Arthur who was sitting at head of the table stopped eating and spoke while observing his son,
"Elijah your social life will begin today. My son, capital is a great place for broadening your knowledge and learning. You will represent Fenice house and myself as my future heir." After a slight pause Arthur continued, "I have great hope for your future." His eyes shifted towards Sebastian, who had a benign expression on his face.
'I really hate those grand words, social life and hope from my past are still alive in my nightmares' Elijah muttered in his head, he stopped eating and showed his poker face.
'Nevertheless, I do understood what he means. I should at least act as a good noble in the capital and not increase any more burden on him. I can't even use magic, yet , he never made me feel any kind discrimination, I thought I would face.' Elijah looked into his father's eyes.
"Thank you father, for giving me such a wonderful and peaceful life here." Elijah said with utmost seriousness and gratitude.
Arthur's face showed a little frown at the word 'peaceful', but he immediately returned it to a gentle smile.
"It's our duty as your parents to protect you and provide you with every possible means for your development, you don't need to thank us." Alina spoke while observing Arthur's expressions.
Silence filled the room momentarily,
"Your mother is right, however, if you really want to thank her for all she did for you. You should avoid any embarrassing actions while you are in Academy" Artoria spoke, with a hint of sarcasm, in teasing a voice, breaking the silence.
Elijah's face turned bright red while Alina let out a light chuckle.
"Yes, Elijah you should refrain from such behaviours. At least make it so that you don't get caught." Arthur spoke in a serious tone, emphasising on the later part of his statement.
Both ladies looked towards Arthur in an accusing and threatening manner.
"What?, I'm just joking here ladies." Arthur asked both the ladies with an awkward expression, then started to smile with a goofy face.
——————————
A carriage was parked at the front entrance of the palace, crafted with polished wood having intricate scrollwork. Lanterns made of frosted glass and brass like metal were hung from the carriage, ready to burst through the twilight.
The interior lined with crimson velvet and soft cushions was visible through the window's spotless glass. Carriage door was engraved with Fenice house's emblem, a rising phoenix with it's wings spread out, made with lustrous silvery metal and precious stones.
Standing before the carriage were four magnificent, Crimson horses. The elegant creatures were at least three metres tall, exuding fierce, but perfectly matched, and quiet power. Their muscles were rippling behind the smooth satin like skin.
The escort guards were standing in formation around the carriage, the knights were standing, dismounted from their horses. Their polished plate armor was etched with count's crest.
The sight was filled with grandeur and magestic aura was radiating.
Arthur along with Alina and Artoria, stood at the front entrance to send off Elijah for his first visit to capital and the Royal Academy.
Artoria took out the crimson cape from her 'magic space' and handed it to Elijah.
"It was your mother's gift to you, so I'm returning it. But, use it wisely and not for peeping." Artoria said with a serious expression.
"Yes ma'am" Elijah replied maintaining his poker face, showing no emotions.
Then he bade farewell to her and his parents.
He moved towards the carriage while observing the magestic scene in front of him, the knights and other escort guards greeted him along the way. Elijah, reached the carriage door, which was opened by Sebastian. Entering the carriage,he made himself comfortable inside.
Strangely, a sad feeling, a feeling he forgot long ago, emerged from deep within his heart, as the carriage started moving and the vision of his parents and Artoria, overlapping with his family on Earth, faded away from his eyes.
The tall palace walls filled his view, scenery changed as he entered the bustling city, people formed a crowd and were observing his departure, some were greeting him, wishing him to have a safe journey while some were gossiping among themselves.
It was evident that not all people present were humans, he could observe beastmen having furry ears, some were having a tail, some had scales on their body while many had feathers. But, majority of people appeared to be humans.
Elijah's eyes eyes met with a child around his age, who was standing on the edge of the road wearing simple tunics. Boy's dark abyss like eyes met with Elijah's.
"Have a safe journey, milord", the boy wished Elijah and smiled gently, his pale face and skinny body gave Elijah an unknown feeling.
Elijah gave him an awkward nod with a smile on his face.
' I almost forgot about being a Nobel. I guess I should be grateful for being reborn into such a beautiful family. I don't need anything grandiose, I'm more than happy with the current situation. But, why do I keep getting sudden chills, I am having these bad feelings since I saw Artoria's tattoo.' Elijah wiped his forehead with a handkerchief and started caressing his crimson robe.
A goofy expression appeared on his face as he thought about the night he first used the cloak and saw beautiful scenes, then the sight of that pentagram replaced the beautiful sight of Artoria in his thoughts.
"Maybe, I should research a bit about that tattoo." Elijah muttered to himself.