The guard made a disapproving gesture. "I curse what name these people are going to know me by, but I have no choice. If I give them mine and it is discovered that I am an adopted relative of the Pope, I am done for. What's more, if I lied by using my old family's surname next to my name they could execute me. How ironic..." I focused on the plan. "I will act as if I were Vincenzo and seek to obtain an affordable deal to get Siesta back." Finally, the man shot a glance at his partner. The latter shook his head and returned to a more relaxed posture. The first one looked me in the eyes.
–Very well. Since you are students of the academy, you can pass. However, your weapons or catalysts will be taken away as soon as you get off the horse.
–Understandable. Lead the way, guard.
I ordered the horse to follow the man. Saito brought his body close to mine as soon as we left the wall entrance behind.
–Hey, Alessandro...
–Keep quiet, Saito.
I ordered him. He obeyed, although he surely didn't expect such an answer.
We left the horse in the stable. Once we got off the horse, the guard demanded that we surrender our weapons immediately. I cooperated without a problem. Saito was unarmed, so they searched him thoroughly for security, as they were surprised that he was not carrying a single dagger. I explained that the audience with the count was pressing, so we galloped out of the academy. I added that, because of that, the boy is dressed strangely and not in his usual armor. They seemed to buy the lie, although it didn't sound too convincing.
We walked in silence accompanied by two other guards through the corridors of the mansion. "They will have informed the count of our names and position. The time has come to use my wonderful talk…" Saito gazed in awe at the richness of the place. Sculptures, carpets of great quality, marble stairs... "It is true that the academy has been adapted to the needs of the students, but this is another level." We stopped before a wooden door decorated with the emblem of a dragon exhaling fire.
–The count is waiting for you on the other side. Don't try anything funny or you'll regret it.
–Don't worry.
I assured him. The other guard knocked on the door.
–Come in!
A male voice was heard to say through the wood. The soldier opened the door and stood parallel to his companion, halberd raised, next to the entrance. I walked with decision. I took a deep breath. "Here we go." The first thing that entered my field of vision was a round table with a chair at each of the cardinal points.
Count Mott, situated on the opposite side of the entrance, was seated with his elbows resting on the armrests. Wavy brown hair, light eyes, a thin mustache between nose and mouth, hard features... His robes are of high quality, with a red cloak hiding the shoulders and part of the sleeves. A ruff at the neck denoted that this is indeed someone important. His catalyst, a half-size wooden cane, was leaning against the chair. His gesture, serious, turned to one of curiosity as soon as he gazed at both of us, especially Saito. "I have a bad feeling about this." The room, an office given its size and furnishings, is lit by a golden chandelier. Bookcases filled with all sorts of manuscripts occupied the wall next to the door. A desk with several papers stood in front of the windows, with a chair of such workmanship as few I have ever seen in my life.
–Welcome to my abode, young men.
–Good evening, sir.
I bowed slightly. Saito imitated me awkwardly.
–Take a seat, please.
He indicated politely. I nodded and took my place in front of him. I motioned the familiar with my hand to stand behind me. This surprised the count, who raised an eyebrow.
–The guards have informed me of your sudden visit. Apparently, you want to talk to me about an urgent matter. Go ahead then.
I settled into the seat.
–First, let me introduce us both: my name is Vincenzo Fontana de Cittadella. This is Agostino de Cittadella, my squire and close friend. The pleasure is ours, Count Mott.
I waved my hand at Saito as soon as I named him. He nodded hurriedly. The count half opened his mouth and his eyes filled with curiosity. I know that kind of look because Vittorio always said that I spend half my time with a similar one. I continued.
–You see, since it's late and we want to intrude as little as possible, I'll get straight to the point. Recently, you visited the Tristain Academy of Magic for reasons that are none of my business. However, today it came to my attention that one of the servants of the place, named Siesta, has started working in this house, is that true?
The nobleman leaned back in his chair and smiled.
–That's right, I noticed her the last time I was there. I asked the principal about the young lady and he told me she'd been working for you for a couple of years. I figured she could use a change of scenery. Besides, the average age of my servants is high. It pays to have young staff for certain tasks, don't you think?
I nodded.
–That's true. But I'm afraid my friend here hasn't been too pleased with the decision. Let me explain.
I paused to try to read the body language of the man in front of me. The first thing that struck me was that incipient curiosity as soon as he heard our names. "Romalians, of course." Secondly, he kept averting his gaze to Saito at all times. "Will he suspect something?" Mott nodded.
–Go ahead.
–Agostino is the son of one of my family's most important vassals. His father sent him to work for us a couple of years ago. Despite his… complicated, at times, character, he has served us well. He learned to handle the sword and my... Mo-Mother…
I said hesitantly, but pulled myself together.
–She commanded him to accompany me on my travels, serving as my squire. I cherish his friendship like few things in the world, and it pains me to see him suffer.
–Get to the point, young man.
–Yes, excuse me. He and Siesta met months ago. Over time, they became friends despite their class differences. Agostino abhors pomposity and likes simplicity, as you can see from his clothes... typical of southern Romalia. As soon as he learned of the servant's fate, he informed me of what had happened and asked for my help.
There was momentary silence. "I don't think I could have done better. I have put into practice everything Vittorio has taught me. However, this man will be a tough opponent. I wonder how many of the lies I have told he will take as true. Besides, mentioning my mother… Bad idea, Alessandro." Her image, with that sneer he always used with me, appeared in my mind. Pain flooded my heart. The count calmly assimilated all my explanation before making a decision. His smile appeared again.
–So far only you have spoken, young Vincenzo. Is your friend mute?
The change of subject disturbed me. I shook my head.
–N-No, but...
–Then let him explain the situation to me. Your tone shows that you are fond of this boy, but not too fond of the maid. I think that, if the matter really affects him so much, it is only fair to allow him to express himself, don't you think?
His questions were meant to test me. Vittorio always did something similar, even though he knew the answer beforehand most of the time. Saito looked at me in terror. I waved my hand at him.
–He's right. Go ahead, Agostino. Speak.
I leaned back in the seat. I had started sweating since the image of my mother appeared in my head. Fortunately, my uniform cloak covered my armpits and my shirt was white. The familiar stepped forward. The count watched him curiously.
–As my lord said, my friendship with Siesta is one of the few things I am grateful to the Academy for. I come from the lower nobility, so the rest of the students look down on me all the time. I've always had a hard time dealing with other nobles, but the townspeople and servants tend to appreciate me.
He paused his speech, which, for an impromptu one, hadn't been bad. "You've learned something since your arrival." I breathed slyly. The count, who tilted his head as soon as Saito hesitated to start speaking, placed his elbows back on the table.
–I see. And tell me, young Agostino, which part of southern Romalia do you come from?
The boy hesitated. Mott continued.
–Don't be shy. I've never met a noble who treated servants as equals. It's as if... As if you were one of them.
He mentioned looking him straight in the eyes as he smiled from ear to ear. I opened mine like saucers. "It can't be... When did you...?" Suddenly, the count shook his hand and laughed lightly.
–I'm joking, young men.
He recovered his usual tone.
–However, I hope you understand that I find it hard to believe you. First, you show up at my mansion at dinnertime without warning. Then, you claim to know one of my servants, mentioning only her name. Lastly, Agostino, both your accent and your clothes do not seem to belong to Romalia. Young Vincenzo, you speak very well and I do not doubt you, but your companion is incredibly suspicious, don't you think?
Every time he calls me by my brother's name, I feel as if he'is tighten the noose that I myself placed around my neck as soon as I hatched this plan. "Damn it! Things are going from bad to worse. The count has had it in for us since I started talking. What do we do now?" A light shone at that instant in my head. I cleared my throat.
–I can't disprove your suspicions about my friend, but I promise you he can be trusted. He has helped me more than anyone else since he has worked for us. As for the matter of the maid, Siesta has short, coal-black hair. She is of medium height and her eyes, blue as the sky on a summer day, shine brightly.
Mott was surprised by my somewhat exaggerated description of the maid, but ended up nodding with a pleased smile on his face.
–I couldn't have described her any better. All right, let's see if Siesta recognizes you. Guard!
He called out to one of the men stationed at the door. He entered almost instantly, ready to carry out any order the count gave him.
–Sir?
–Bring Siesta, the new maid, here. Immediately.
–Yes, sir!
He answered, placing his left hand on his chest. He went out and closed the door behind him. The count recovered his smile and got up from his chair for the first time in the whole conversation. I was surprised by his reaction. He walked silently to one of the shelves to his right. Saito placed a hand on my shoulder, seizing the moment. I sighed in relief. He had a look of anguish on his face.
–Young Vincenzo, wine?
He offered me two glasses and a bottle of wine. It took me my time to answer.
–I'm afraid I must decline the offer. I have an empty stomach and it would not suit me well
–Too bad.
He replied, feigning sadness. He set my glass down next to others like it. "Why did he only offers me?" I recapped what had happened up to this point. "He definitely suspects Saito. From now on, I must treat the matter more carefully than ever and prevent this one from opening his mouth again." The count sat down again.
–Richebourg. It is grown on the border with Gallia and is the best in the country. Evidently, it will never have that romalian touch that your wines possess. No one can compete against something like that, am I wrong?
–You don't, sir. Tuscan wines are incomparable.
I replied, feigning a proud smile. Then something dawned on me as the Count poured himself a glass. My face must be a poem right now. "How did I not think of this before! Siesta knows our true identities! If she calls Saito by his real name it's over. Think, Alessandro!" I rested a hand on my forehead out of inertia. The count took a sip and noticed my change of mood.
–Everything all right? You're sweating a lot. Are you sure you don't feel like a drink?
–Don't worry, Count. I'm perfectly fine.
I assured him. As sure as I can be. He accepted my answer. Someone knocked on the door after a few minutes of silence.
–Let her in!
Ordered the count. The door opened and the maid entered the room. All of us looked at her. Saito smiled like an idiot. A feeling of relief ran through my body. The girl, dressed in a certainly revealing outfit, nothing to do with her usual maid's attire, left protocol aside and walked to us with alacrity. A smile formed on her face.
–Saito!
–Siesta!
They greeted each other. A growing urge to have my stomach pierced with a sword appeared as soon as the girl called the familiar by his real name. "Fortunately she didn't mention mine. Yes, it's true that the count is suspicious of Saito. But this gives me a chance to try to solve the problem." I gripped the arms of the chair tightly.
–Saito? Who is Saito?
The man asked. I turned around. His raised eyebrows told me he might be getting a little too suspicious.
–It's Agostino's nickname. 'Saito' is a word we use south of Romalia to refer to young men who don't learn despite stumbling over the same stone several times. In the case of my squire, and as absurd as it sounds, he likes to be called that by his friends.
I indicated, appearing unusually falsely confident. "At this point, I must not back out of what remains of the conversation." The count narrowed his eyes and turned to me. He made a gesture with his mouth of disapproval, but not half a word. After a pause in which Siesta realized her mistake, even though she didn't seem to understand what was happening, she stood next to her new master. Mott continued.
–Tell me, Siesta, do you know these young men?
The maid was surprised but clasped both hands together in a helpful posture.
–They're students at the academy.
–Both of them?
Siesta hesitated. I gave her a warning look to think carefully about what she was going to answer. However, it was Saito who interceded for her.
–No, only lord Vincenzo has that right. I help him when he orders me to and protect him in case something bad happens.
The count raised his eyebrows. I inwardly celebrated. "Good move, Saito."
–The devotion you profess to your lord does you honor, young man. However, I thought I asked my maid, not you.
Saito lowered his head.
–I'm sorry…
–Saito has not told any lies, my lord. He always accompanies his lord wherever he goes and supports him in everything.
The servant added. I began to think that we will get out of this. The count assimilated the girl's words.
–Very well. Now I really understand the situation. Forgive me for having doubted you, young Vincenzo.
–Don't worry, sir. I understand your attitude. I, too, would find it suspicious that two young men whom you don't know at all come to your house at this hour to talk about a maid.
The count, calmer, leaned back in his seat and watched Siesta. He took a long drink from his glass, which was almost empty.
–Now that you mention it, what is the reason for your squire's disagreement? I have not yet been informed of this one and I assume that is why you requested an audience with me.
I nodded sympathetically. "Finally." I leaned my elbows on the table.
–You see, I'd like to know if we could do something to get Siesta back to the academy. To Agostino...
–I'm sorry, but she belongs to me now. The principal gave her to me as a gesture of friendship. Your friend will have to take the loss and move on with his life.
He replied in all seriousness. I felt his refusal as a thrust. The problem came next. While I was thinking how to redirect the situation, Saito stepped forward.
–Don't talk about her as if she were a commodity!
The familiar raised his voice and used a tone full of anger. I looked at him in surprise as I gritted my teeth. "Don't act like an idiot just now, Saito!" His body trembled with anger. The count was stunned. He quickly sat up, picking up his cane along the way.
–How dare you, a common squire, speak to me in such a manner!
I imitated the count. I stood between him and my companion. I raised my hands. Siesta was frightened.
–I apologized for my squire's lack of manners, sir. He really cares about the girl…
–That excuse doesn't give him the right to talk to me as if we were equals!
–My lord, Saito meant no disrespect!
Said the servant girl. The count looked at her and began to calm down. Saito made the mistake of holding her gaze. "I must intervene." I cleared my throat.
–I'll be sure to teach him a lesson once we return to the academy, sir. But please, let's return to the calm atmosphere that the conversation has had so far.
I begged. The man hesitated, but ended up nodding, relaxing his posture. In fact, he watched Saito for a moment and smiled. A smile that sent a shiver down my spine.
–You are right, young Vincenzo.
Then, he faced the familiar. I looked at both of them worried.
–Tell me, boy, how far would you be willing to go to get Siesta back?
We were all surprised by his question, especially the aforementioned. He didn't back down.
–I'll do anything to get her out of here.
–Anything? Well…
The count, pleased, smiled mischievously. He turned around and walked to one of the windows of the room, leaving Saito and me in place. Siesta gave us a look of incomprehension. I, though relieved that the plan seemed to be working at last, felt that things were going to get worse at a moment's notice. "His smile doesn't look good to me. What is he up to? Saito has gone too far, first raising his voice and then saying something stupid like that. What if the count asks him to assassinate someone for him? What if he publicly executes him after that? Louise's reputation and mine would be in tatters. What's more, if he discovers my true identity, I'd end up in prison too for usurping my brother's identity. Or worse..." The adult, after a long silence, began to speak again.
–Four years ago, I learned of the existence of a manuscript that is said to contain the secrets of love.
He used a much more formal tone than with Saito. I raised my eyebrows. "I've never heard of a book like that. Is it a legend and so he'll order Saito to look for it in exchange for Siesta so that he won't have to worry about this matter anymore? No. He seems to be talking about something real. How strange..." The count continued.
–It is also said that whoever reads it will acquire the ability to become irresistible.
That last one sounded like nonsense to me. "Irresistible?" I placed a hand on my waist. The man looked at us completely serious.
–My sources indicate that the book belongs to the Von Zerbst, a powerful, high-born family originally from Germania. They live on the border and have maintained bad relations with the tristanian nobles for centuries.
As soon as I heard the surname of the only germanian woman I have ever dealt with in my life, I felt a rush of emotions, positive and negative given the situation, inside me. I opened my eyes and mouth like an imbecile. "Why is it that almost every misfortune and awkward moment I've been through since I came to this place has to do with that woman! I curse you, Kirche Von Zerbst!" I calmed down and could see that Saito and Siesta also understood the situation, although they didn't take it the way I did. Something clicked in my head. "Come to think of it, a manuscript that talks about the secrets of love and how to be irresistible is the kind of reading she would enjoy. Maybe such a work exists and I'm just getting paranoid." The count looked Saito in the eye.
–You have two weeks to try to get that book, 'Saito'. I don't care what tricks you use, if you take even one more day, Siesta will stay with me until I get tired of her. Do you understand?
The boy swallowed, but nodded. I took a step forward, since I was surprised that he didn't include me in such a crazy plan. "He'll fall into your web, sir, but I'm not that brainless."
–Why do you send him alone, sir? I remind you that it's my squire we're talking about. Besides, wouldn't it be better for both of us to go and try to get that manuscript in the most… Ethical way possible?
I pointed out, looking for more information. The count smiled. He rested a hand on the table.
–He is your squire, true. However, from what he has given me to understand so far, he is the one who does not agree that Siesta is my servant. You care little for the girl. It is easy to deduce from the tone of voice you use when you speak of her, why risk your integrity and honor for a commoner? I ordered your squire to carry out the mission if he really is capable of. Or is it that you do not trust his abilities?
His arguments destroyed the house of cards on which I had built my lie. I was paralyzed. I took a deep breath, but I did not admit defeat. "You have put me in check, Count Mott. However, you will not achieve mate so easily." I regained my composure.
–Agostino.
I turned to Saito. He was surprised but stiffened, feigning unreal respect.
–Are you sure you want to do this? If you get caught, provoke those people or make a fatal mistake, I won't be able to help you.
The certainty with which I speak right now is due more to fatigue, hunger and the desire to end all this than to anything else. The familiar nodded resolutely.
–Yes, my lord.
–Good.
I turned my gaze to the count. I made a slight bow, placing my right hand on my chest as a symbol of utmost respect, something typical of Romalia.
–I am very grateful to you for granting us the audience, Count Mott. Now, if you will excuse us, my squire and I will return to the academy. It is late and I assume you will be as hungry as I am.
I tried to empathize with him as much as possible. "Everything that happened here seems like something out of a theater. I can't believe the plan worked. Rather, that it was the count himself who proposed the deal to us, however far-fetched it sounds. Fortunately, Kirche seems interested in Saito. If he convinces her to inform her father about the book, we may have a chance. It's all down to a single cartridge, but that's the way it is." I celebrated inwardly. The count walked silently to the table and ordered Siesta to refill her glass. His eyes rested on me.
–Young Vincenzo, I would like to speak with you in private. Would you care to join me for dinner? As you mentioned, it's late and we're all hungry.
His proposal froze me in my tracks. I was totally paralyzed, not knowing what to respond, cutting myself off from the outside world. "What does this man intend to do now?" I gulped. The count was awaiting an answer, so I said the first thing that came to my mind.
–Sir, my squire and I have traveled the road on the same horse.
The count shook his head. He drained his glass in one gulp.
–Don't worry about that. Your friend can ride back on it. You'll borrow one when we finish dinner and my guards will escort you. Or doesn't young Agostino know how to ride?
He asked with a defiant smile. Before the matter turned into another argument, I interceded for Saito, to whom I looked apologetically.
–Of course he does, sir.
–Then there's no problem.
Time seemed to freeze at this very moment as I processed everything that might happen next. "The count is suspicious of us, but only now has he decided to charge straight in. He's tired of playing games, that's for sure. If I refuse, he'll take it as disrespect and perhaps that's what he's looking forward to so he can brand us as liars and imprison us... Or worse. This is where my status as a noble and student of the academy comes into play. A tristanian count would never harm someone like me without cause." The count raised an eyebrow. "I have only one possible option and I must pray that things do not get as bad as I sense they are going to get." I smiled with false conviction.
–I accept your proposal, sir. I will dine with you tonight.
The man nodded complacently. Saito and Siesta were greatly surprised.
–I am glad to hear it. Now, dismiss your squire.
"If you think I will leave Saito alone in this place, you are greatly mistaken." I placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
–May I at least accompany him to the stables? I wish to say goodbye properly and discuss a certain matter with him in private.
–Of course. But don't be too long. Dinner will be served soon.
–No, sir. I'll see you in a few minutes.
The Count picked up his cane, ordered Siesta to put away the wine and take the glass away, and went to the door.
–The guards will show you where the evening will take place. Agostino.
He called Saito without turning around. The latter became tense.
–Good luck in the task that I have entrusted to you. You will need it.
He mentioned on the verge of laughter.
Back at the stables, Saito and I waited for a groom to return with the equine we rode here. The boy was a nervous wreck, just like me. Although in my case, more than nervous, I was frightened. "I wonder how many of the lies I've improvised the count has believed. I guess I'll check now." The familiar looked me in the eyes.
–Alessandro, I've never ridden alone. I have no idea how to handle a horse.
He confessed to me. I took a quick look at the animal, which was returning to the groom.
–This horse is young and impetuous. Don't push him, don't make any sudden movements on him and, above all, don't stop short. He could raise his front legs, causing you to fall off him. And trust me, you don't want something like that to happen.
I warned him. He swallowed hard. I picked up the reins from the commoner's hands and the horse approached me.
–You'll have to go back alone, little friend.
The animal whinnied slightly. I placed my left hand on its muzzle.
–I'll be back as soon as we finish dinner.
–Will you be all right?
Saito asked me, worried. I smiled at him as best I could.
–Yes, don't worry. I'm a student at the academy. As long as I don't disrespect the count, which I don't plan to do, everything will be fine.
I replied feigning false assurance. "I have not told any lies. Despite everything, I do not know the reason for the invitation." I helped my companion onto the horse for safety. He was well up, placing his feet in the stirrups. I held out the reins.
–I don't quite know how to thank you for all this, Alessandro, but I owe you one.
I sighed and bowed my head. "As long as you stop causing trouble is enough, Saito." Finally, I smiled at him.
–Tomorrow we'll talk to Kirche about the manuscript the count covets. Have a pleasant ride.
Before he could settle in, I slapped the horse and it trotted out of the place.
Back at the mansion, the guards escorted me to the room where the dinner was to take place. To my surprise, it was not in the dining room, but on one of the higher floors of the residence. As we walked down a corridor, both soldiers stopped in front of a wooden door, decorated similarly to the one in the office where we had our audience with the count.
–You may pass, sir.
One of the guards indicated to me. I assumed that I would be the only person with the right to enter the room without prior notice. I nodded and carefully opened the door. I was surprised as soon as my eyes fell upon the... Room: lit mainly by a crystal chandelier smaller than the office one, the room is certainly cozy, thanks mainly to a fireplace located in its center. It was lit. Several armchairs were spread around a lower table next to it. The count, seated to the right of another table, round in this case, was waiting for me leaning back in a chair decorated with dragons in his arms. He smiled as soon as he saw me. What caught my attention, however, was the presence of Siesta, who was standing next to the noble. "What is she doing here?" I tried to act normal.
–Young Vincenzo, please take a seat.
–Yes, sir.
I obeyed.
The count ordered Siesta to alert the cooks so that the food could be served immediately. "How I am glad to retain my status. This man is fearsome with the lower class people." During the time we waited for a couple of butlers to serve the food, we held no conversation. This shocked me, especially since Count Mott kept smiling at me. "We look like two old acquaintances who haven't seen each other for several months and therefore want to celebrate in private. How strange..." They withdrew after a bow.
–Siesta, the wine.
The count indicated. The young woman obeyed without hesitation. As she poured my glass, she gave me a look full of uncertainty. I, in a flash, raised my eyebrows, returning the gesture to give her to understand that, apparently, I am fine. For the first few minutes of dinner, the silence remained. I popped a piece of roasted wild boar into my mouth and savored it carefully after he tasted it first. Nervousness prevented me from enjoying the meal, so I made the decision to finish as soon as possible.
–Do you like wild boar, Vincenzo?
The count asked me to break the ice.
–I had never tasted it, sir. But yes. It's delicious.
–I'm glad. I caught it myself a couple of days ago.
I smiled at him in praise. Then he wiped the corners of his lips with a handkerchief and gave me a curious look.
–To tell you the truth, I didn't expect to meet Lucrezia Fontana de Cittadella's son under such circumstances.