NOVEL NEXT Chapter 63: Royal Constable
When Ranav came out of the library, it was almost lunchtime, and after all the work he'd done, he was ravenous. He'd discovered two side effects of using Regenesis- intense hunger and excessive sweating. Rushing to his room for a quick bath, he then headed to the dining room.
Upon arriving, he found the room empty. Calling over a maid, he learned that lunch was almost ready and could be served to him early in about ten minutes. Deciding not to inconvenience the staff, he headed upstairs and knocked on Paramita's door.
"Who is it?" Paramita's voice called from inside.
"It's Ranav," he replied.
A moment later, the door opened, and Paramita invited him in. As he stepped into the room, a faint lavender scent tickled his nose. He realized it was the same scent he always noticed around Paramita but hadn't paid much attention to before.
The room was a masterpiece of comfort and elegance.
The stone walls, painted a soft pink with lime-based pigments, were adorned with intricately woven tapestries that depicted serene gardens and mythical creatures, adding warmth and charm to the space while insulating against the chill of the stone house.
At the center stood a four-poster bed, its rich deodar wood frame carved with exquisite patterns. Pale pink silk curtains hung from the posts, shimmering softly in the light streaming through the window. The bed was layered with plush cushions, a thick quilt adorned with golden floral embroidery, and an assortment of hand-stitched plush dolls scattered across it, each likely a cherished gift or keepsake.
In one corner, a polished rosewood wardrobe with floral engravings stood tall, its iron hinges gleaming faintly. Nearby, an intricately carved reading table bore parchment, ink pots, a delicate quill, and illuminated manuscripts. A magic stone lamp cast a warm glow over the setup. Adjacent to the table, a bookshelf held scrolls, bound books, and miniature clay figurines.
The chill of the stone floor was softened by a thick, woven rug dyed in deep maroon and gold. By the window stood a cozy reading nook, its cushioned bench framed by heavy velvet drapes that could either let in a refreshing breeze or shield against the cold.
From the ornate iron candlesticks to the small jewelry box on the table, every detail in the room reflected Paramita's youthful spirit and her privileged upbringing. This was, without a doubt, the most luxurious and well-decorated room Ranav had seen since arriving in this world.
Caught admiring the room, Ranav stood in the doorway, his gaze wandering. Paramita smiled slightly and said, "What? Never seen a girl's room before? Come in and sit by the table. You'll get a better look."
Snapping out of his daze, Ranav stepped inside and sat down where she indicated. "This room is amazing," he remarked. "I wonder if there's an interior design profession in this world. I'd assumed decorations here were purely practical, but this room has completely changed my perspective. If a count's daughter can have such a luxurious space, I can't imagine how extravagant the rooms of wealthier nobles must be. And knowing you, Paramita, you're not even someone who indulges in luxury. This must be a standard noble lady's room," he thought.
After sitting, Paramita asked, "Did you find any books you liked in the library?"
"Yes," Ranav replied. "I browsed a few. Now that I've awakened darkness magic, I want to learn some dark spells."
"I don't know much about darkness magic," she admitted. "If you need help with that, you can ask my dad. Both my parents have awakened six elements, but Dad's better with dark magic. Healing was his secondary specialization, he studied it extensively at the academy."
Ranav shook his head. "No, I wanted to ask about the etiquette lessons Aunt Vedika mentioned. Are there any notes or books I can read beforehand? I know absolutely nothing about noble etiquette or dancing. Maybe you could give me a head start before the teacher arrives?"
Paramita nodded. "The teacher my mom hired is excellent. She taught me etiquette too. She'll provide books with pictures for you to study, but I have some of my own you can start with."
Getting up, she went to her bookshelf and returned with three books, which she handed to him before sitting on the edge of her bed.
She explained, "It's not too difficult. She'll teach you greetings, conversation skills, and table manners. The books she gives you will need to be returned after the course, so you'll have to study them seriously. As for dance, I had lessons with her too, but when it came to partner dances, I stopped. Dual dances require a partner of the opposite sex, and I didn't have one. I'm only nine, so I won't need to participate in partnered dances until I'm twelve. But now that you're here, Mom probably thinks I can practice with you. Plus, you need to learn how to dance too."
In Vishvam, children grow up faster than on Earth. Ranav is now five years old, but his body has developed at an accelerated rate, making him comparable to a fifteen-year-old by Earth standards. Paramita, though only nine, already shows signs of physical maturity, with a small bosom visible beneath her clothing that Ranav notices.
In this society, children typically start formally dating at the age of twelve, a norm shared by both nobles and commoners. Between the ages of twelve and sixteen, most parents decide on partners for their children. While boys can sometimes marry later, it becomes difficult for a girl to marry if she remains single beyond the age of twenty. By that time, finding an unmarried partner who matches her preferences becomes nearly impossible.
Ranav smiled. "That makes sense. It's a great opportunity for me. I don't know how to thank your family for supporting me like this."
Paramita gave him a lecturing look. "You don't need to be so formal. You're Aunt Naria's disciple, and my mom and Aunt Naria are as close as sisters—closer than blood relatives, even. I've seen her more often than my actual aunt, Aunt Vartika, who's a Royal Constable and an Archmage. Aunt Naria doesn't have any family, and you're her only disciple. That makes you family to us. Got it?"
Ranav nodded. "Understood. But what's a Royal Constable?"
"Royal Constables are responsible for preventing crimes against the crown. They can arrest and search suspects and work directly under the king. Nobles might not even get an audience with the king once a year, but Royal Constables report to him directly. Everyone fears them. If you want more details, you can ask my mom," Paramita said.
"That's enough for now," Ranav replied. "I was just heading to the dining room for lunch. Want to join me?"
"Sure, let's go," Paramita agreed.