I am Just an Average Tamer

The guard led them past the towering gates, into the Vayhill city.

From the outside, it had already looked like something from a painting—sloped rooftops curved like waves beneath the morning sun, made of pale silverwood and smooth stone that shimmered faintly in the light.

But inside… it was something else entirely.

The air held a faint, refreshing chill, scented with florals and distant hearthfire.

Roads were paved with polished stone inlaid with patterns—elegant but not extravagant.

Carriages rolled quietly over smooth paths while citizens moved with relaxed grace, dressed in layered silks or worn leather, most marked by subtle crests of trade guilds or houses.

Laughter echoed lightly from a nearby plaza where street performers juggled glowing stones, and soft music from a wind flute drifted through the air.

Birds circled the higher terraces, and across a narrow canal, children were feeding koi that shimmered gold and pale blue.

The guard didn't slow.

With practiced precision, he led the trio through two intersections, up a shallow ramp, and into a quiet district lined with refined stone villas and wide courtyards shaded by arched trees.

Finally, they arrived at a building nestled behind a walled garden. It was elegant—crafted from polished wood and sandstone, its high doors carved with gentle wave patterns.

Curtains billowed from wide open windows, letting sunlight pour into the halls.

"This is the Azure Guest Hall," the guard said, stepping aside.

"You'll be safe and undisturbed here. I've already sent word ahead to inform… my Lady. She will be with you shortly."

With a bow—deeper this time, he turned and left.

Silence fell upon the group.

And after few moments.

Kai finally exhaled and looked at Lina, who had already made herself comfortable near a small tea table by the window, her hood off, caramel-blonde hair catching the light.

"…So," he started, arms crossed. "You gonna tell us what exactly is going on now?"

Lina didn't look at him right away. She poured a cup of tea with deliberate grace, then finally turned, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"It's a secret," she said, voice light and teasing.

Kai stared.

Elina blinked between them, then looked at Lina. "But… secrets are bad, right?"

Lina giggled and leaned front to boop her nose. "Only the boring ones."

Then Kai just sighed and shook his head.

After some time, a soft knock echoed through the guest hall.

"Come in." Lina said, voice laced with command.

Creak!

The same guard from earlier stepped in, helmet tucked under one arm as he offered a crisp salute.

"Your wagon is ready."

Lina rose without hurry. Elina followed with a skip in her step, while Kai adjusted his cloak and gave a small nod.

They stepped out into the courtyard where a sleek, black-and-silver wagon waited—a design far more refined than the clunky ones they'd seen at the gate.

Its body was smooth, crafted from polished elderwood trimmed with faintly glowing silver lines, and the crest of a soaring bird etched onto the doors.

Twin moon-horned elk, creatures native to the northern woods, were strapped at the front, their pale antlers branching like white coral.

Kai climbed in first and sat by the window. Lina followed, settling into the seat across from him with quiet elegance, her posture suddenly more refined.

Elina happily scrambled in after her, leaning against her side and watching the city pass with wide, curious eyes as the wagon began to move.

The cityscape blurred past in pockets of green, stone, and water until they reached a broad avenue lined with white-flowered trees.

At its end stood the Duchess' estate.

It wasn't a towering fortress, but a grand mansion that radiated quiet authority.

Built from moonstone and darkwood, the walls curved gently, interwoven with ivy and golden blooms.

A broad staircase led to intricately carved gates flanked by armored guards in black-and-gold livery.

Water channels flowed through the garden's edge, forming a moat-like path of clear blue that reflected the sky.

Marble statues of past leaders stood in alcoves along the front walk, their gazes solemn and regal.

The wagon slowed to a stop just before the gate.

Kai stepped down first, scanning the entrance cautiously.

His eyes landed on a woman standing just beyond the threshold.

She looked to be in her late-thirties, with long caramel-brown hair tied back into a neat braid, and sharp, intelligent green eyes that softened as they spotted Lina.

She wore a high-collared dark dress with gold trimming and a thin silk shawl around her shoulders—graceful but not gaudy.

Lina hopped down lightly from the wagon, and without a moment's pause, rushed toward the woman.

"Aunty!"

The woman opened her arms with a bright smile.

"Welcome home, child."

They embraced warmly, and exchanged hushed words—too soft for Kai to catch.

Behind them, the guards and servants at the gate all bowed in unison, fists to their chests.

"Welcome, young miss," they intoned respectfully.

Kai stood frozen for a moment, blinking.

Elina leaned out of the wagon door beside him, her small hands gripping the frame.

"Big brother… does this mean she's a princess?"

Kai stared ahead, a slow exhale escaping him.

"…Maybe, I don't know."

Elina then jumped, stumbled a little but Kai quickly handled her.

She straightened and giggled.

As the warm embrace ended, Lina turned toward her companions with a gentle smile.

"Aunty, this is Kai and little Elina. They've… helped me a lot during my travels."

Then she turned to the duo.

"And guys this is my aunt, Selene Raelis."

The Duchess's gaze shifted. Her eyes briefly swept over Elina—who was now peeking shyly from behind Kai—and then settled on the young man himself.

Her smile didn't waver, but there was a flicker of curiosity, perhaps even calculation, in those intelligent green eyes.

Kai bowed with his hand to his chest, his posture crisp and respectful. "It's an honor, Lady Selene."

Elina, watching him closely, mirrored the movement with a delayed, clumsy bow—nearly falling forward in the process.

The Duchess let out a soft laugh, the kind that echoed like wind chimes.

"Such a darling," she said, amusement in her voice as she straightened.

"Come now, you both must be tired."

With a graceful wave of her hand, she turned toward the gates.

The massive double doors creaked open with a soft groan as the guards pulled them inward.

Polished moonstone and crystal inlays shimmered faintly beneath the morning light, revealing a vast entrance hall that exuded timeless nobility.

Inside, the mansion was a blend of elegance and serenity.

Sunlight filtered through high arched windows draped in sheer silks, casting golden patterns onto the marble floors.

Tall pillars of pale stone lined the corridor, carved with delicate motifs of phoenixes, vines, and blooming lotuses.

Hanging chandeliers of floating glass orbs glowed with a soft, ambient light, illuminating the curved staircases and wide corridors that branched deeper into the estate.

Servants lined near the walls, bowing gracefully as they saw Lina approach.

"Welcome home, young miss."

Lina offered a small nod, her demeanor now subtly noble, as if she'd stepped back into a familiar skin.

The Duchess turned slightly, her voice smooth. "Mira, take our guests to the guest room. Ensure they're comfortable."

A soft-spoken maid with ash-blonde hair nodded and gestured politely to Kai and Elina.

"This way, sir, young miss."

Kai offered a glance to Lina, who gave him a reassuring smile.

Elina gave her a quick wave, then clung to Kai's sleeve as they followed the servant down a branching corridor.

Then they reached a giant room, where a few guards stood by the entrance.

The guards gave a brief nod and pushed the double doors open, revealing a large chamber.

Sunlight filtered through a large arched window framed by soft ivory curtains, spilling golden light across a polished wooden floor.

The walls were paneled with pale silverwood, the grain shimmering faintly under the light—engraved subtly with swirling designs of clouds, stars, and mythical beasts.

A plush cream-colored rug lay beneath a low sitting table, where a ceramic tea set rested, untouched but freshly prepared—steam still rising from the pot.

Two beds were set side by side against the far wall, draped in silken sheets of pale lavender and trimmed with gold-thread embroidery.

Above each bed hung a small crystal charm, gently spinning in the breeze and casting rainbow prisms across the room.

A carved bookshelf rested in one corner, filled with a mix of novels, beast encyclopedias, and old journals.

On the other side, a small wardrobe of polished oak stood ready.

Near the window, a soft velvet armchair faced outward toward the view—an open garden courtyard where lotus ponds sparkled and colorful birds darted between white-blossomed trees.

On a stand near the door sat a shallow stone basin, glowing faintly with purifying runes—used for washing one's hands or face with enchanted water before resting.

Everything smelled faintly of old parchment, lavender, and the distant aroma of tea.

"Wow!"

Elina gasped, her eyes wide, then darted toward the bed, flopping into it like a happy kitten.

Kai just stood for a moment, silently taking in the room.

------

Meanwhile, the Duchess gently took Lina's arm and led her deeper into the mansion.

"Come, my dear. We have much to discuss… in private."