Arcane Heir: History's Strongest Mage

With the addition of Rudy, the carriage was significantly more packed than it had been on the trip to Arcadia. It also didn't help that the guy was constantly moving from side to side, trying to look out of the window at the passing clouds.

It was to the point where Melody had even forgotten her anxiety—too busy scolding the young teen throughout the trip.

After a slightly cramped and draining trip, the finally began their descent towards the Winterborne manor.

"Holy shit, this place is huge!" Rudy exclaimed, his face pressed up against the window. "I knew you were a noble, but I didn't realize you guys were this rich Melody…"

"That's Whitevalley town you dung-head…" she replied, massaging the bridge of her nose.

"Ah, that makes more sense."

Michael was forced to contain his laugh, not wanting to attract Melody's displeasure. Thankfully, they soon touched down onto solid ground, coming to a complete stop after a while.

Richard opened the door to the carriage, revealing the courtyard of the manor and four figures who stood atop the long stairs, waiting patiently for their arrival.

Michael alighted first, swiftly standing aside and raising his hand to help down Melody from the carriage. However, upon feeling the coarse hand that gripped his own, he recoiled, only to see Rudy stumble down the step—barely saving himself from faceplanting on the ground.

The scene was comical, resulting in some muffled laughter from atop the stairs.

"I'm alright!" Rudy announced, getting to his feet quickly and dusting himself off.

Michael sent his friend a questioning glance, feeling a little embarrassed on his behalf. He quickly raised his hand again, this time feeling the soft touch of Melody before she descended the step, appearing beside him.

"Remember what I said, be on your best behavior." Michael reminded Rudy under his breath on the way past, receiving a few mumbles of agreement in response.

As he raised his head, Michael saw the people whom he'd grown to know over the three years he'd stayed at the manor. Vaughn the eccentric—yet taciturn butler, the lord and lady Winterborne, and the woman he had most looked forward to seeing again: Shirley.

The woman's eyes were moist as she looked down at him, yet he could tell she was happy to see him. Unfortunately, her standing didn't allow her to step forward, not with the lord and lady present.

Micahel flashed her a grin before turning to the others.

Brian Winterborne was as dashing as ever, his combed-over blue hair and symmetrical features gave him a distinguished look. A warm smile was painted on his lips, yet instead of making Michael feel welcomed, it made him wary.

His eyes moved to Mary, Melody's mother whom he had only found out a few months ago was the King's sister. Even as he gazed upon her now, she was still one of the most beautiful women he'd ever laid eyes on.

Her long wavy blond hair soft red lips shimmered in the midday sun, making her seem like a fairy. Kind blue eyes looked down at him and the girl beside him with warmth.

Now that he looked at her properly, Michael could see some similarities between her and Magnus. The golden hair and the soft brows were likely traits from the royal Pritchard family.

"Welcome home, Melody, Michael." Brian stepped forward, opening up his arms in welcome. "Ah, and our mystery guest…" he added a moment later, his eyes showing some question.

"This is Rudy Graves, one of my classmates." Melody replied, her tone rather flat. "I told Vaughn he was coming."

"I see…" Brian said, clearing his throat. "Well, welcome young man. I hope we can accommodate you during your stay."

"Thank you sir!" Rudy piped up with a grin, "Which one of you is Shirley? I heard she makes an amazing cheesecake." He asked, wiping the saliva from the corner of his mouth.

Both Melody and Michael froze, slowly turning their gaze towards Rudy who clearly didn't know how to act in front of a noble lord.

What the hell is he doing!? Does he want to get refused at the door?

Brian's face twitched, but before he could respond, a giggle sounded from beside him. Mary placed the back of her hand to her mouth, unable to hide her laughter.

The sound seemed to ease the atmosphere, causing the lord's expression to relax in response.

"This young lady is the fabled Shirley," he said, gesturing to the maid beside him. "The rumors are true, her cheesecake is somewhat of a delicacy around these parts."

Michael breathed out a sigh of relief, seeing that the man had not made things difficult for his friend. While Brian had been an agreeable and gracious host throughout his stay—Michael wasn't sure how much of this was a facade.

With the amount of schemes the man employed, he wouldn't be surprised if the nice-guy persona was just an act.

"Well, let's head inside, there is much to discuss." Brian announced, turning on his heel. "Shirley dear, would you mind organizing some snacks? Melody and her friend's must be hungry after their trip."

"Yes my lord." She said with a bow.

As everyone filtered into the manor, Michael slowed down towards the back of the pack. He walked right up to Shirley and pulled her into a hug, feeling her arms wrap tightly around his waist in the next moment.

"I missed you Shirley…" he said, resting his chin upon her shoulder.

"Not more than I missed you, ya little twerp." She replied, her voice choking up slightly.

"Have you been well?"

"Well enough," she said, pulling back and placing him at arms length. Her eyes looked him up and down, as if to make sure he was still in one piece before a look of satisfaction crept onto her features.

"Go on, we'll have plenty of time to catch up later."

Although he was a little reluctant, Michael nodded eventually and turned to follow the others inside. He saw Rudy waiting for him, wearing a small smile.

"Welcome home Michael." The voice called out from behind him, full of warmth.

He paused mid step, turning his head, "It's good to be home Shirley…"