Ale's journey: The rise of an adventurer

Ale ascended the cobblestone road leading to the viscount's castle, perched atop a hill overlooking Eldoria. The biting cold of winter was in full force, and a thin layer of snow blanketed the cobblestones and rooftops of the city. The view unfolding before him was breathtaking.

From this strategic height, Ale could see the entire city stretching out beneath him, covered in a delicate veil of snow that shimmered in the winter sunlight. The bustling activity in the common districts continued despite the cold, while the towering structures of the wealthy stood like still silhouettes in the landscape, their rooftops white with snow. In the distance, Ale could make out the slums, where the snow, less pristine, mixed with mud and debris. But his attention was entirely captured by the imposing figure of the castle.

Built like a fortress, the viscount's castle was more than just a symbol of noble opulence; it projected strength and undeniable authority. The thick gray stone walls seemed impenetrable, and watchtowers stood proudly at each corner, surveying the city and its people with constant vigilance. It was both a military stronghold and a luxurious palace, adorned with delicate sculptures and stained-glass windows that allowed otherworldly light to filter through.

A sharp winter gust pulled Ale's attention back.

As he finished adjusting his coat to fend off the chill, Ale instinctively reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar object: the Solisphere, a small, slightly opaque glass sphere engraved with runes.

With a small injection of mana, the artifact glowed softly, projecting a beam of light that mirrored the sun's position onto the miniature dial inside. Ale glanced briefly at the artifact in his hand. It was 3:45 PM. He had fifteen minutes before he needed to be at the viscount's castle.

Approaching the expansive central courtyard, Ale took in the sight of the grand entrance. Massive and adorned with gold accents, the doors spoke to the grandeur of the Montclair family. A red carpet stretched out beneath the feet of the distinguished guests, leading directly to the monumental doors. Guards in gleaming armor flanked the entrance, rigid and imposing, keeping watch over the comings and goings with ceremonial vigilance.

But Ale, like all the other workers, would not be entering through the main gate. He observed the preparations at the grand entrance for a moment, where nobles and important figures would be welcomed with full honors. Then, quietly, he made his way to the back of the castle, where a small service door awaited the workers. Unlike the grand entrance for the guests, this door was modest, almost hidden between the kitchens and the storage areas. Two guards stood at their posts, though they seemed far less imposing than those stationed at the front.

Ale took a deep breath, preparing himself for what lay ahead.

After showing his contract, the guards allowed Ale to enter.

Ale pushed through the discreet door and stepped into a long, dimly lit corridor, faintly illuminated by wall-mounted torches. This small entrance, hidden from the eyes of the nobility, was the artery connecting the beating heart of the castle to those who kept it running smoothly. As he crossed the threshold, he was immediately engulfed in a whirlwind of activity. Servants and workers hurried back and forth, busily preparing for the grand reception. The air buzzed with palpable urgency.

In a large preparation room, Ale joined the other workers selected for the evening. They were quickly taken under the supervision of an under-butler, a stern and rigid man clad in the uniform of House Montclair. His deep red coat, embroidered with gold, bore the family's crest: an eagle and a mountain, symbols of their dominion over the region.

"Listen closely," the under-butler barked in a commanding voice. "You will all be divided into groups of five, each supervised by a member of the castle staff. Your tasks are simple: prepare the banquet hall, set the tables, serve drinks, and ensure everything is in perfect order before the guests arrive. And if anyone asks you for anything, you obey without question. Understood?"

Ale's group nodded in unison, the seriousness of the event weighing heavily on their shoulders. There was no room for error in such a setting. Ale scanned the other workers, noticing the same tension and nervous energy reflected in their expressions.

The groups were formed swiftly. Ale found himself with four others, led by a sharp-eyed woman who was clearly a member of the castle staff. She wore the red and gold tunic of House Montclair, a symbol of her authority over them. She led them directly to the banquet hall, an immense space that starkly contrasted with the dull servant corridors.

This was the heart of the castle. An enormous room adorned with luxurious tapestries in the colors of House Montclair, every detail screamed wealth and power. Iron chandeliers hung from the ceiling on chains, glittering in the light of countless candles. Long tables were lined up throughout the hall, ready to host the esteemed guests, and a central stage was reserved for the viscount and his family.

Ale and his group were tasked with setting the tables. Each servant had a designated section, and the job, while straightforward, required precision. The tables were to be adorned with silver cutlery, fine ceramic plates, and crystal glasses so clear they sparkled like diamonds. Nothing could be out of place; everything had to exude the perfection and opulence expected of the castle.

As Ale carefully placed the plates, other groups were busy hanging draperies and banners in the colors of the Montclair family. Freshly cut flowers were arranged on the tables, adding a touch of natural beauty to the grand ambiance. Silver candelabras were placed at the center of the tables, each candle lit, casting a soft, warm glow throughout the grand hall.

After finishing his task, Ale and his group were led to the castle kitchens, another hub of activity in the midst of the preparations. The air was thick with the rich aromas of dishes being prepared, saturated with heat and the energy of the busy staff. The cooks, dressed in white, worked feverishly around bubbling pots and massive ovens, preparing the sumptuous dishes that would be served to the honored guests. The clatter of metal and shouted orders echoed through the room as servants carried trays loaded with dishes ready to be presented in the adjoining rooms.

Ale glanced at the cooks, who, despite the pressure, worked with remarkable precision. The food was just as crucial as the decorations; nothing could be left to chance for such a grand celebration.

In a room adjacent to the kitchen, several groups were led down to the wine cellars, where large barrels of wine were carefully stored. The wines had been selected with great care to match the banquet's high standards. Barrels of various sizes were labeled with the names of the finest vineyards from across the empire.

The servants were tasked with filling carafes of wine, which would later be placed on the guests' tables. Each carafe had to be filled with utmost precision, as not a single drop could be wasted. The ruby-red wine flowed slowly from the barrels in a nearly ceremonial manner, and the servants, focused, filled the carafes with an evident respect for the precious liquid.

Once everything was ready, Ale and the other servants returned to the banquet hall. The atmosphere was already shifting—there was a palpable sense of anticipation for the arrival of the guests, and the final touches were being made.

The under-butler returned shortly after for a final inspection. His stern gaze swept over every detail of the hall, from the gleaming silverware to the delicately arranged flowers.

"You've done good work," he announced. "Now, stay out of sight and wait for your orders when the guests arrive."

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The sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of gold and purple, as the first guests arrived at the imposing castle of Viscount Alaric de Montclair.

The large cobblestone courtyard echoed with the clatter of horses' hooves and the rolling of carriage wheels. Nobles and influential figures from the region made their grand entrance through the castle's main gate, an imposing wooden portal adorned with gilded ironwork. Valets and servants bustled about, tending to the horses and carriages, while guards in gleaming armor stood vigil with rigid professionalism.

The guests were announced with booming voices, each presented with their titles and honors. Viscounts from neighbor towns, barons, local dignitaries, and the duke of the region all made their entrance under the watchful eyes of the crowd. However, it was the arrival of one particular guest that captured everyone's attention: Princess Ismérie, the third daughter of Emperor Redès, visiting the region. Her golden carriage, decorated with royal motifs, made a striking entrance, and all bowed respectfully as she appeared.

Standing off to the side among the other servants, Ale silently observed this grand display of prestige. Though he was there to serve, he couldn't help but notice the power plays unfolding among the guests. Every smile, every nod, every word exchanged seemed carefully rehearsed, hiding underlying intentions and agendas.

Aside from the nobles and political figures, several high-ranking religious dignitaries also made their entrance. The priests, dressed in lavish robes in the colors of their order to signify their status, arrived in carriages bearing the church's insignia. Their presence underscored the importance of religion in the empire, but to Ale, it also served as a reminder of the warnings Chance had given him about the corruption festering within the religious institutions, particularly in the slums.

Accompanying the nobles were high-ranking adventurers, many of whom served as personal guards. These warriors and mages, often of elevated rank, were easily recognizable by their radiant armor and finely crafted weapons. They were there not only to protect the most important guests but also to display their power and status. Their presence commanded silent respect among both the servants and the guests.

The guests took their seats in the grand banquet hall, which was decorated with breathtaking opulence. Tapestries depicting the great victories of the Montclair family hung from the walls, while wrought-iron chandeliers cast a soft, warm light over the richly adorned tables. Gold-embroidered tablecloths draped over long tables set with silver cutlery, crystal glasses, and porcelain plates.

At one end of the room, the elevated head table awaited the Viscount, his son Aldric, and the most prestigious guests, including Princess Ismérie. The other attendees were seated according to their rank and importance, following a strict order that reflected the social hierarchies of the empire.

Ale and the other servants moved swiftly but discreetly, ensuring everything was in perfect order. They adjusted the cutlery, refilled glasses, and responded to every request, maintaining an air of professionalism.

Before the feast began, Viscount Alaric de Montclair stood to deliver a speech. His strong, commanding voice echoed through the hall as he thanked the guests for attending the celebration of his son Aldric's 18th birthday. He spoke with pride about this significant milestone, marking Aldric's transition into adulthood—an important moment for the Montclair lineage.

"Today, we celebrate not only my son's coming of age but also the future of our family and our region. I am honored to have the presence of Princess Ismérie and all the noble guests who have responded to our invitation," he said, his words carefully measured to reinforce his loyalty to Emperor Redès and his status within the empire.

Some guests nodded in agreement, whispering among themselves, and Ale caught a few furtive glances that revealed the underlying political tensions in the room.

The feast began shortly after the speech. Ale and his team of servants sprang into action, serving the guests with flawless precision. The meal was divided into several courses, each more refined than the last. It began with fragrant soups, pâtés, and wild salads as appetizers. Then came the roasted meats, wild boar, and chicken accompanied by a variety of vegetables and rich sauces for the main course. Finally, dessert was presented with an array of local cheeses, honey tarts, and candied fruits. Throughout the meal, each servant was tasked with ensuring the guests' glasses were never empty.